Portland Brownfield Program Services 

New Grants Awarded in 2008!  

The Portland Brownfield Program has been selected to receive three grants from the Environmental Protection Agency:

   * two $200,000 grants to assess contamination on properties around the city

   * one $180,000 grant to clean up the former Rollin’ Tire site next to Johnson Creek

These grants will allow us to provide free technical and financial assistance to property owners who are concerned about possible contamination on their land.

Applications are now being accepted for these funds.  To apply, or to have your questions answered, contact us.  The assessment application is available here.

Clark Henry, clarkh@bes.ci.portland.or.us (503) 823-5863

Jenn Bildersee, jbildersee@bes.ci.portland.or.us (503) 823-7764

Brownfield FAQ

How do I know if the property I own or am interested in buying/developing is a brownfield?

In simple terms, a property is considered a brownfield if contamination – or even the possibility of contamination – is interfering with its reuse.  If your property may be contaminated, you will have difficulty financing, developing, or selling it for its full value.  It may also be posing a health risk to you or your neighbors. 

An Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) will give you information about the history and current condition of your property so that you can make informed decisions and move forward with your plans.  Most lenders, developers, and purchasers will ask for an ESA on any commercial or industrial site.

What is involved in Environmental Site Assessment?

The first step for your property is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.  For a Phase I ESA, a contractor will research the past and present uses of the site, review existing environmental studies, and conduct a preliminary site inspection to establish the likelihood of contamination.  This investigation will determine whether or not further assessment is necessary.

If the Phase I ESA identifies Recognized Environmental Concerns, the report will recommend a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment.  This step involves soil and/or water sampling to identify the types and concentrations of contaminants and the appropriate cleanup.

A Phase II ESA is tailored to the specific conditions and intended future uses of the property.  It will determine whether or not cleanup activities are necessary. 

Isn’t this process very expensive?

Brownfield assessment and cleanup can be expensive - but without it, you may find it difficult or impossible to secure development financing, or to sell your property for its full value.

Right now, funding sources are available to help you move forward with site assessment and any cleanup that may be necessary, so that you can realize your vision for your property.  Many of these funds are provided by grants, and will only be available for a limited time.

How can the Portland Brownfield Program assist me?

The Portland Brownfield Program provides technical and financial assistance to private businesses and landowners, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities.  Financial assistance can include full funding of Phase I ESA, substantial funding of Phase II ESA, and low-interest loans for cleanup.

To learn more about the services we can provide for your property, contact the Portland Brownfield Program office at 503-823-5863, or download an Assessment Application at the bottom of this page.

Why are brownfields a priority for Portland?

Brownfield revitalization protects human and environmental health, increases the tax base, improves the economy, accommodates regional economic growth, protects watersheds, provides jobs, improves community health and identity, and helps keep business in Portland.  Take a look at some former Portland Brownfield Program Sites to see how the transformation takes place.