What is a Brownfield?

Clark Henry is the Program Manager for the Bureau of Environmental Service's Brownfields Program.

What in the world is a Brownfield? This and how can Brownfields create economic vitality for Portland were some of the questions that I helped answer on a tour with Commissioner Adams and his staff this afternoon.

Here we are at a PDC/City owned site in downtown St. Johns where BES will address 13 underground storage tanks and soil contamination and then work with PDC to redevelop the site and enhance the St. Johns commercial district.

Translated: Brownfields are properties with environmental contamination or those that just look contaminated. Left as they are, Brownfields endanger human and environmental health while draining the economy by not providing employment, tax revenue or amenities.

Despite Portland’s reputation as an environmentally minded city, we are home to more than 500 of Brownfields in need of attention. They exist in every community, though in higher concentrations within lower income communities and communities of color.

We toured several properties in various stages of cleanup and redevelopment such as old gas stations and a battery recycling facility to discuss the work of the Portland Brownfield Program. We talked about what the program does and innovative ways we can better clean up and facilitate new development, a cleaner environment and stronger community identity.

Having recently been awarded $400,000 to provide environmental assessments and technical assistance, I am looking for property owners interested in redeveloping or selling their properties. Sam’s office and the Portland Brownfield Program want to help you find ways to overcome difficult issues on your property. We have a proven track record of providing financial and technical assistance that can help owners realize their vision for their sites.

Let me know if I can provide assistance to your business or group. I can be reached at:
(503) 823-5863, or clarkh@bes.ci.portland.or.us

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