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Herr's Island, Pittsburgh, PA

SITE HISTORY: This 42-acre island in the Allegheny River is the former home to meat-packing plants, scrap yards, and a rendering plant. The city saw an opportunity as part of a plan to recapture the riverfront when a major property owner wanted to sell. The city bought, cleaned, and developed infrastructure and a plan for the island, which affords beautiful views of downtown.

CONTAMINATION: Soil and groundwater contamination with PCBs and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons.

REMEDIATION: Groundwater will not be used for drinking water; some soil will be removed, with the remainder capped and made the site of a park.

PARTIES: The City of Pittsburgh/State of Pennsylvania/Urban Redevelopment Authority/The Buncher Co. (private developer)

PLAN/DRIVER: Site came available and fit in the city's vision for a revitalization effort.

FUNDING: Remediation and development: Economic Development Authority grant, Community Development Block Grants, Appalachian Regional Commission grant, Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs grant, and funds from Pittsburgh's Industrial Land Reserve Fund. Developers are funding park maintenance.

END USE/MANAGER: Commercial development, light industrial, a marina, restaurant and retail, housing, a rowing center, eight acres of parks, and a walking trail. The city will manage the public areas.