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Brownfields recycling program

Planning and conservation  ›  Urban development and revitalization  ›  Brownfields recycling

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 promotes 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 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 support 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.

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 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 website as they are scheduled.

Need assistance?

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

Related Documents

• 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
• Brownfields recycling program EPA grant summary, 2006-2011 603K Adobe Acrobat PDF