Book excerpt: The redevelopment of former industrial sites, so-called'brownfield' sites, is becoming increasingly important as space isrequired for inner city commercial developments and ashousebuilders are forced by government policy to recycle landrather than using 'greenfield' sites. This guide, originally issuedin 1999 by the Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneersunder the title reference Desk Reference Guide to PotentiallyContaminative Land Uses identifies those industrial land usesmost likely to be encountered by valuers and developers, givesguidance on the type of contamination likely to be present andgives general advice on what actions need to be taken. It is aimed at non-specialist professionals advising landownerson the possible sale of their land and buildings, their potentialredevelopment or possible environmental liabilities, and coverssome 40 types of industrial land likely to lead tocontamination.