Brownfield revitalization is an opportunity to spur economic growth, enhance community livability, and protect public health and the environment.
A “brownfield” is property where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by actual or perceived environmental issues. By completing environmental site studies that would aid in overcoming redevelopment challenges, it is possible to transform brownfields from liabilities into assets that will benefit both property owners and the community.
Brownfield revitalization can bring the following benefits:
– Economic growth
– Improved public health
– Parks, housing, amenities
– Increased property values
– Additional leveraged funding
In 2023, the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation, Wasco County, Sherman County, and Klickitat County formed a coalition that received a $1,000,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The consulting firm Stantec is advising the coalition with implementing a program to initiate property revitalization by using these funds to provide environmental site assessment and other services that will aid owners of brownfield public and private properties located in Wasco, Sherman, Hood River, Klickitat, and Skamania counties. This project runs from now through September 30, 2027.
Brownfield Revitalization Assistance
Find out it your public or private property qualifies for assistance by filling out MCEDD’s nomination form.
What type of assistance is available?
Environmental studies such as Phase I and II Environmental Assessments.
Building Materials surveys to evaluate asbestos and lead paint.
Cleanup planning to nail down the scope and cost of required cleanup.
Re-use planning to evaluate redevelopment potential and address constraints.
Nominate a site for assistance! For best results, download the form and save to your computer before entering information.
Learn More
- A factsheet about this program can be found here.
- Follow MCEDD’s Facebook page for notices about community meetings.
Maupin brownfields site
- The Coalition’s Public Involvement Plan is linked here.
- Learn more about EPA’s brownfields program here.
Do you have questions about redeveloping a potential brownfield property? Contact the Brownfield Revitalization Coordinator or call MCEDD at (541) 296-2266.
2025 Highlights
In its second year, MCEDD’s brownfields assessment coalition accomplished the following:
-
- Work was approved at ten sites, in addition to the nine sites that were approved in 2024. One site was in Sherman County, one site was in Klickitat County, and eight sites were in Hood River County.
- The approved work includes the following:
-
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessments at eight sites
- Reuse planning at one site
- Phase II Environmental Site Assessments at ten sites
- Regulated Building Materials Surveys at two sites
- One public meeting was held
- Presentations were shared with one local government
- MCEDD’s Brownfield Advisory Committee met four times
-
2024 Highlights
In its first year, MCEDD’s brownfields assessment coalition accomplished the following:
-
- Work was approved at nine sites total. Four sites are in Wasco County, three sites are in Hood River County, and one site is in Sherman County.
- The approved work includes the following:
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessments at five sites
- Reuse planning at four sites
- Phase II Environmental Site Assessments at three sites
Cascade Locks City Hall
- Regulated Building Materials Surveys at two sites
- Underground storage tank removal at one site
- A facility conditions assessment at one site
- One public meeting was held
- Presentations were shared with three local governments
- The Regional Brownfields Committee met twice
- MCEDD’s Brownfield Advisory Committee met seven times
Success Stories from Similar Programs
To learn more, read the success stories below from a similar EPA brownfield assessment program led by the City of The Dalles in Wasco County.
Former Tony’s Building in Downtown The Dalles
Former Tony’s Building in downtown The Dalles
The Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal Agency (CGURA) worked with The Dalles’ coalition to conduct environmental assessment and cleanup activities to create a shovel-ready development opportunity through demolition of a vacant building purchased by the CGURA several years ago. The vision for redevelopment is a mixed-use property with retail on the ground floor and multifamily residential units above.
In preparation for demolition and redevelopment, the CGURA used the brownfields program to complete a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, which identified an abandoned heating oil tank. They then completed a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment, which included removal of the heating oil tank. The brownfields program also provided support for preparation of an asbestos abatement cost estimate, a Section 106 consultation for building demolition, and a post-demolition archaeological assessment that was required by the City of the Dalles’ Historic Landmark Commission. With this information, the City was able to access additional funds from Business Oregon’s Brownfield program to support abatement during the demolition process.
Last Stop Saloon in Downtown The Dalles
Private property owners of the Last Stop Saloon in downtown The Dalles used the Wasco County brownfields program to make progress toward the vision of developing the upper floors of the building into attainable multifamily housing. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment and Regulated Building Materials survey helped business owners better understand redevelopment barriers. Through the program, they also developed a conceptual floor plan for the project that will support them as they seek any additional financing needed to move redevelopment forward.