Economic Development – City of OKC (.gov)

Oklahoma City Brownfields Redevelopment Report: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Since the inception of its Brownfields Program in 2003, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has demonstrated exemplary commitment to sustainable urban development by transforming underutilized commercial and industrial properties into vibrant community assets. This initiative aligns closely with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Overview of Achievements

• Recipient of 15 EPA Brownfields Grants since 2003
• Assessment and remediation of 68 properties with EPA funding
• Revitalization of key landmarks such as the Devon Energy Tower and the historic Skirvin Hotel
• Transformation of the Bricktown district into a premier entertainment and dining area

The Devon Energy Plaza: A Model of Environmental Remediation and Urban Renewal

The Devon Energy Plaza serves as the national headquarters for Devon Energy and represents a significant milestone in Oklahoma City’s brownfields redevelopment efforts. The project involved:

1. Environmental assessment identifying underground tanks and contaminated soils
2. Removal of 6,280 cubic yards of contaminated soil and 61,814 gallons of contaminated water
3. Collaboration among the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC), Devon Energy, and Oklahoma City

This 850-foot tall tower, the tallest structure in Oklahoma, symbolizes the city’s commitment to SDG 9 by fostering sustainable industrial innovation and infrastructure. Additionally, the site hosted the first cross-regional EPA Brownfields Partners’ Forum, enhancing cooperation between EPA Regions 6 and 7 to further advance brownfields programs.

Bricktown: Revitalizing Urban Spaces for Economic and Social Impact

Once plagued by dilapidation and crime, Bricktown has been transformed into Oklahoma City’s premier entertainment and dining district. This redevelopment supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 by:

• Generating millions of dollars in revenue and increasing property values
• Receiving the Phoenix Award and Renewal Award for Economic Impact from EPA in 2009
• Serving as a model for successful brownfields redevelopment

Visual Transformation

Core to Shore Project: Expanding Green Urban Spaces

The Core to Shore Project, awarded a $350,000 Site Specific Assessment Grant with an additional $150,000 granted due to Oklahoma City’s strong track record, exemplifies progress toward SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 11 by creating a large urban park. Key details include:

• 70-acre park development bounded by Hudson Avenue, Robinson Avenue, future Boulevard (SW Third Street), and the Oklahoma River
• Completion of over $350,000 in environmental assessments
• Commitment of $132,168,000 in additional funding
• Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments to ensure safe redevelopment

The project was publicly announced with participation from Mayor Mick Cornett and EPA Region 6 Acting Regional Administrator Samuel Coleman, highlighting strong community and governmental collaboration.

Downtown Public Park: Enhancing Urban Green Infrastructure

The Downtown Public Park project encompasses a 70-acre area divided into upper (40 acres) and lower (30 acres) sections connected by the Skydance pedestrian bridge. This initiative supports SDG 3 and SDG 11 by promoting healthy lifestyles and sustainable urban environments through:

• Conversion of historically industrial and auto salvage sites into green space
• Proposed amenities including lawns for concerts and festivals, a lake, walking trails, and a large plaza
• Ongoing Phase II Environmental Site Assessments to address contamination from previous industrial activities

Skydance Pedestrian Bridge: Connecting Communities Safely

Completed in the current year, the $6 million Skydance Pedestrian Bridge connects the North and South Urban Parks across the relocated Interstate 40 Corridor. Environmental remediation efforts included:

• Removal and disposal of contaminated soil from bridge footing parcels
• Contaminants addressed: petroleum hydrocarbons, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, SVOCs, metals, TCE, DCE, and MtBE in groundwater

This project exemplifies SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 by ensuring environmental safety and enhancing pedestrian connectivity.

Collaborative Partnerships and Future Outlook

Oklahoma City’s success in brownfields redevelopment is attributed to strong partnerships among:

• Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority
• Oklahoma Department of Transportation
• Alliance for Economic Development
• Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ)
• Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC)
• EPA Region 6

These collaborations have fostered community engagement, environmental protection, and economic revitalization, positioning Oklahoma City as a rising center for art, culture, and quality of life. The city’s brownfields program serves as a model for sustainable urban redevelopment that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3, SDG 6, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 11, and SDG 15.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses revitalization of urban areas, redevelopment of brownfields, and creation of parks and public spaces, which directly relate to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Environmental remediation and removal of contaminants improve public health by reducing exposure to hazardous substances.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Removal of contaminated water and soil contributes to improving water quality and sanitation.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Redevelopment of industrial and commercial properties and infrastructure improvements are highlighted.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Rehabilitation of contaminated land and creation of green spaces support sustainable land use and ecosystem restoration.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article emphasizes collaboration among government agencies, private sector, and communities.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Number of Properties Assessed and Remediated
   • The article states 68 properties have been assessed and/or remediated, which can be an indicator of progress under SDG 11 and SDG 15 targets.
2. Volume of Contaminated Soil and Water Removed
   • Specific quantities such as 6,280 cubic yards of contaminated soils and 61,814 gallons of contaminated water removed from the Devon Energy Plaza site indicate progress towards SDG 3 and SDG 6 targets.
3. Funding Amounts for Environmental Assessments and Remediation
   • Amounts such as $350,000 grant for Core to Shore Project and $132,168,000 committed funding show investment levels supporting SDG 9 and SDG 11 targets.
4. Recognition and Awards
   • Phoenix Award and Renewal Award for Economic Impact from EPA indicate successful outcomes and can be considered qualitative indicators of sustainable urban redevelopment.
5. Presence and Removal of Specific Contaminants
   • Detection and remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, SVOCs, metals, TCE, DCE, and MtBE serve as environmental quality indicators.
6. Creation of Public Green Spaces and Parks
   • Development of 70-acre Core to Shore Park and 70-acre Downtown Public Park are indicators of improved urban sustainability and land restoration.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: epa.gov