What defines the success of the EPA's brownfields program?

The success of the EPA's brownfields program is primarily defined by the extent of successful site assessments and cleanups. This focus highlights the program's core objective: to identify and remediate contaminated properties, thereby facilitating their return to productive use. Successful assessments ensure that potential hazards are identified, while effective cleanups mitigate environmental and health risks associated with these brownfields.

When sites are assessed and cleaned up properly, they not only regain viability for development but also offer social, environmental, and economic benefits to the surrounding community. Cleaned-up properties can lead to increased property values, job creation, and enhanced public spaces, further illustrating the direct impact of effective remediation efforts.

The other options, while potentially relevant to certain aspects of brownfield redevelopment, do not capture the primary measure of success as effectively. For instance, the number of new properties purchased does not directly indicate the program’s effectiveness in addressing contamination issues. Government budget allocations may support the program but do not reflect outcomes, and while corporate partnerships can enhance resources or expertise, they are not a definitive measure of the program's success in achieving its primary goals. Overall, successful assessments and cleanups remain the cornerstone of evaluating the effectiveness of the brownfields program.