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Brownfields Recycling Program

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Metro is working to promote efficient use of land through redevelopment of contaminated properties that provides economic benefits to communities.

Many communities within this region have vacant properties that once served as gas stations, auto repair shops or other businesses that used petroleum-based chemicals that can have long-term environmental impacts. These sites can provide tremendous opportunities for redevelopment as restaurants, retail shops, housing or even parks and natural areas. However, real or perceived contamination of these properties can hinder their future development, reduce local property tax revenues and pose significant clean-up and liability costs for property owners.

With funding provided by grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Metro's Brownfields Recycling Program seeks to promote the efficient use of land through redevelopment of brownfield sites. It works with local property owners and public officials to assess the nature and extent of possible petroleum-based contamination on these unused sites. The program also identifies other resources that can help property owners clean up their sites to enhance their property values and enable their redevelopment.

Restoration - Reinvestment - Revitalization

Clean-up and reuse of brownfields reinforce the region's goal to enhance the efficient use of land and protect surrounding farmland and natural areas. Restoring and reinvesting in these properties takes development pressures off of undeveloped open land and improves and protects the environment. Moreover, brownfield recycling in the region's urban centers generates additional tax revenues for local governments, takes advantage of existing utility and transportation infrastructure, and increases the quality of life for area residents by providing opportunities for job growth, the creation of affordable housing, parks and open spaces, and elimination of health risks.

Success stories

With a relatively small amount of money, along with the commitment and motivation of local property owners to restore their contaminated sites to productive use, Metro's Brownfields Recycling Program has enabled the clean-up of several sites around the region. Here are brief descriptions of some of the more recent success stories:

• An owner of a property that had once been a gas station in downtown Sherwood wanted to sell the property but did not know the extent of contamination on the site. Metro provided grant funding to assess the types and amount of contamination at the site which allowed for the eventual removal of underground storage tanks. The property is now on the market and, given its location in downtown and in an urban renewal district, has a high redevelopment potential for jobs, commercial uses, and housing.
• Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District wants to acquire a former gas station to expand park facilities but needs to know if the site has any petroleum contamination before it purchases the site to insure it will be safe for public use. The site is adjacent to a creek and potential contamination of the storm sewer system is possible. Metro provided grant funds to assess whether the site is contaminated.
• A property owner in Milwaukie wants to sell a former gas station. Because of past uses, the owner knows that contamination exists on the property. The owner was not able to sell the property until the contamination and potential liability was defined. Metro provided grant funds to identify the contamination and connected the property owner to other resources for ongoing monitoring and management of the contamination.
• In Wood Village, Metro has worked with the city to assess the level of contaminants at its current city hall that once served as a public works facility and a retail site for treated lumber products. The city government wishes to relocate its offices and allow the site to redevelop with a mix of housing and businesses. Metro provided grant funds to identify petroleum contamination on the site and assisted with the removal of an old heating tank.

Resources for brownfields recycling

In collaboration with local governments and regional experts, the Brownfields Recycling Program maintains an inventory of brownfields, conducts environmental site assessments, provides technical assistance and helps to identify sources of funding for the cleanup and redevelopment.

Property owners and interested parties are encouraged to apply for technical or financial assistance through Metro's Brownfields Recycling Program. The program will provide assistance to determine if a site is contaminated. The current grant cycle may pay for assessment of properties with real or perceived petroleum-based contamination such as that found at old gas stations, fueling facilities, auto-related businesses and some industrial sites.

To apply for assistance, download and complete one of the forms below (either the property owner application or the interested party referral) and return to Metro:

Attn: Brownfields Recycling Program
600 NE Grand Ave. Portland, OR 97232

If you know of a potential brownfield site or would like more information about the Brownfields Recycling Program, contact Miranda Bateschell at 503-797-1817 or send e-mail to brownfields@oregonmetro.gov.

Additionally, Metro conducts informational meetings and technical workshops to address questions of property owners, developers, local government officials and community members regarding environmental site assessments, planning and financing site restoration and redevelopment. More information about these meetings and workshops are made available through this Web site as they are scheduled.

Need assistance?

Miranda Bateschell
503-797-1817 | 503-797-1930 fax
brownfields@oregonmetro.gov

Related documents

Files that are downloadable from this page

• 2006 EPA Brownfields Grant Report 592K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published July 24, 2009
• Brownfields recycling program fact sheet 143K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published July 29, 2009
• Property owner application 44K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published June 11, 2007
• Interested party referral form 42K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published June 11, 2007