An abandoned or otherwise unused commercial or industrial site that contains suspected contaminants is commonly referred to as what?

The term that describes an abandoned or otherwise unused commercial or industrial site that contains suspected contaminants is known as a brownfield. Brownfields are often properties that may be complicated by the presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and various state agencies designate these sites as brownfields to encourage redevelopment and revitalization.

Brownfields differ from superfund sites, which are specifically designated for cleanup due to significant contamination and pose a threat to public health or the environment. While both types of sites may involve contaminants, brownfields typically indicate the potential for reuse and redevelopment, provided that appropriate assessments and actions are taken to manage the risks related to those contaminants.

The term "industrial wasteland" is less technical and does not encompass the regulatory context or potential for redevelopment that brownfields do. A contaminated site is broader, as it can refer to any site with pollutants, not necessarily linked to its abandonment or potential for redevelopment. The specificity of the term brownfield highlights both the challenges and opportunities associated with these sites in the context of urban renewal and land use planning.