More than 100 people attended the New York symposium to explore the challenges and emerging opportunities shaping brownfield redevelopment across the state. Through three panel discussions, industry experts shared practical perspectives on soil vapor intrusion guidance, a challenging real-world redevelopment project, and new approaches to reusing clean soil.

The first panel, “Getting Up to Speed: A Call to Modernize NYSDOH’s Soil Vapor Intrusion Guidance,” examined New York’s current approach to evaluating and responding to vapor intrusion. Panelists discussed how the guidance has fallen behind more modern programs in other states and how that can contribute to inconsistent decisions and other challenges for remedial projects. They also outlined potential solutions to help New York strengthen its programs and regain a leadership role in this area.

The second session, “Breaking Brownfields,” gave attendees an opportunity to consider a challenging real-world redevelopment project. After learning about the project’s circumstances, participants heard feedback from a panel of experts and joined the conversation with their own experience and ideas. The interactive discussion offered a chance to learn from the project’s challenges and explore possible approaches to brownfield problem-solving.

The final panel, “From Waste to Resource: Building a Circular Soil Economy in Upstate New York,” focused on the potential for clean excavated soil to become a valuable local resource. Panelists shared lessons from soil reuse efforts in New York City and Rochester, where innovative approaches can help reduce the need to haul soil away from one project while other projects pay to import clean fill. The discussion connected soil reuse with broader opportunities for sustainable redevelopment and brownfield revitalization.

Together, the three sessions gave attendees practical insights and fresh perspectives they can apply to redevelopment efforts across New York. The strong turnout and lively exchange of ideas reflected the importance of bringing professionals together to share experience and work through the complex issues facing brownfield projects and communities.