Doesn't the EPA require that brownfields sit for a number of years without development to allow some chemicals to leech down through the soil? Doesn't it vary depending on the prior industrial use? Different industries generate different pollutants. I know there is some type of 10-year requirement for apple orchards due to chemicals used in the orchards. I would guess the Uniroyal site would have needed to sit undisturbed for some period of time, probably not 25 years though.

In addition to EPA requirements wouldn't the Uniroyal site be classified as a wetlands maybe which could slow the process down more? the EPA can slow redevelopment down and even stop it depending on the type of industry involved.