Absolutely. If the building or the surrounding land have been contaminated by hazardous substances, you could face a very expensive clean-up mandated by state and federal laws.

You need at least a Phase One Environmental Report to help you evaluate the environmental risks. It is also a good idea to require the owner to give you a disclosure statement listing any known hazards or possible hazards.

Brownfields are abandoned, idled or underused industrial or commercial properties in built-up urban areas where expansion is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination, building deterioration/obsolescence, and/or inadequate infrastructure.

For information on brownfield development and programs in the City of Hamilton, please visit, http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca.