Brownfields Program

The US EPA defines a brownfield as “real property, where the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” Examples of brownfields include former gas stations, mills or industrial buildings, dry cleaners, leaking underground storage tanks, or buildings with lead or asbestos. Even orchard and farm uses can qualify if certain fuels or fertilizers were used.

One of the legacies of the Northwest region’s rich economic past is the challenge of reusing commercial and industrial properties. When these properties are abandoned, idled, or underused because business expansion or site redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination, they are known as brownfields.

The US EPA defines a brownfield as “real property, where the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” Examples of brownfields include former gas stations, mills or industrial buildings, dry cleaners, leaking underground storage tanks, or buildings with lead or asbestos. Even orchard and farm uses can qualify if certain fuels or fertilizers were used. 

Funded by an EPA Grant, the ColPac Brownfield Revolving Loan is a low-to-no interest loan financing option for cleanup projects on properties impacted by the existence of hazardous substances and for which cleanup is necessary in order for development or redevelopment to occur. 

The goal of the ColPac Brownfields Program is to help properties that are vacant or underutilized due to potential petroleum or hazardous substance contamination return to productive use again. 

To accomplish this goal, our program:

• Educates municipalities, businesses, property owners and the public about brownfields
• Assists property owners and potential developers by helping identify sources of potential funding to clean up and redevelop the property
• Partner with Clatsop and Tillamook Counties to connect property owners with site assessment funding if Phase I and Phase II assessments have not been completed

ColPac’s RLF is open through September 30, 2026 and we accept applications on a rolling basis. Please contact us for more information.

Participation in the program is strictly voluntary. Inquiries into the program are held confidential to protect property owners who are undecided about program benefits.