Although no formal brownfields inventory has been conducted to date, there are two confirmed and at least 14 suspected brownfield sites in Pine Bluff. Furthermore, there are 11 light and 6 heavy industrial zones as well as 26 commercial zones of varying sizes and lengths within the central sector.
Consequently, the central sector’s potential brownfields are of diverse origins and nature and pose differing obstacles to redevelopment, including the possibility of environmental contamination. These potential brownfields include old dry cleaning operations, former manufacturing facilities, a municipal landfill, and old commercial buildings.
The central sector bears the brunt of older industrial developments, some of which are located just steps away from churches, a school, and residential and environmentally sensitive areas.
Some of these properties have been vacant for several years. Their massive, weather-beaten structures contribute to blight, and their threats to human health and the environment are unknown.
Properties such as these have been known to contain asbestos, lead paint as well as other hazardous chemicals that were used as part of normal business operations that must now be cleaned up as these properties are redeveloped.
