Self-Directed Environmental Cleanups and Risk Management for Banks and Lenders

Insights from the Environmental Bankers Association Risk Management Meeting on Environmental Lending Risk

​January 14, 2026 | Industry Update

On January 14, we had the pleasure of supporting Robert Doty of Cox, Castle & Nicholson, LLP in presenting to more than 160 attendees at the Environmental Bankers Association Risk Management Meeting.

The session, Self-Directed Cleanups: A Brave New World, explored whether banks should provide debt for contaminated properties where owners are self-directing assessment and remediation efforts without direct agency oversight. The discussion also examined when self-directed cleanup programs may be appropriate within the life cycle of a loan and why this approach continues to gain traction in commercial and industrial real estate transactions.

The complete presentation is available below.

Click here for the presentation

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About Matt Winefield
Matt Winefield is an environmental engineer–turned–brownfield investor and the founder of Winefield & Associates. For 30‑plus years he has transformed contaminated, blighted sites into profitable infill assets through cost‑conscious remediation, creative agency negotiations, and third‑party cost‑recovery strategies. Matt partners with investors who see hidden value where others see risk. 

Learn more about Matt

Email:  [email protected]
Website:  winefieldinc.com
Phone:  (562) 618‑0037 

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