Date of Award

5-2026

Degree Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Committee Chair

Dr. David Cochran

Committee Chair School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Committee Member 2

Dr. Andy Reese

Committee Member 2 School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Committee Member 3

Dr. Joby Bass

Committee Member 3 School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Abstract

Brownfields, or properties that are or possibly are contaminated with dangerous materials, represent a common obstacle for communities in Mississippi. The real or potential presence of contaminants at these sites often deters investors due to costly cleanup requirements (EPA, n.d. -b). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Brownfield Revitalization Program, implemented guidelines for covering the costs and labor associated with the remediation of these properties. The EPA is not, however, responsible for redevelopment that supports long-term environmental and economic sustainability. Although the EPA maintains inventories of all Brownfields, there is also no comprehensive database of Brownfields and their current redevelopment standings.

I designed my thesis to illustrate the geographic and economic impacts of Brownfields on communities in Forrest, Hinds, and Jones Counties. Using EPA, MDEQ, and MARIS databases, I identified and visited 41 Brownfields. I discovered that Brownfields aren’t only confined to abandoned, industrial sites, they are our communities’ former gas stations, auto repair shops, railroad facilities, and vacant lots.  In cases of successful redevelopment, however, these sites reemerge as local government offices, small businesses such as boutiques and restaurants, or empty lots transformed into greenspaces. I also examined economic growth potential associated with Brownfield redevelopment. I found that though new construction can increase property values, commercial investment in existing structures also supports local revenue generation and environmental remediation increases the likelihood that sites will be purchased and returned to productive use. Collectively, my findings demonstrate the importance of successful Brownfield redevelopment in maintaining environmentally and economically sustainable communities.

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