Brownfields Approach to Redevelopment of Forest Products Facilities, Two Great Case Studies, 1997 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Properties occupied by outdated or abandoned industrial facilities are called “brownfields”. Many forest products facilities are classic brownfields sites. Modernizing existing facilities or converting abandoned properties to alternative uses has proved to be financially beneficial for industry and the community and is becoming accepted by regulatory agencies and local communities.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and some state agencies have developed regulations promoting brownfields redevelopment. This paper discusses recent regulatory trends and changes in public perception which relate to brownfield sites, with specific focus on forest product brownfield sites in Oregon. The paper presents two case studies where the brownfields approach has revitalized mill properties in Oregon.

Case study one is a voluntary, independent action completed by the Weyerhaeuser Company at a former sawmill. The sawmill and ancillary buildings were demolished, the site characterized, and remediation completed within approximately 16 months.

Case study two is an innovative undertaking involving a small “timber town”, and state and federal agencies to convert a former 220 acre mill site into an economically viable business park.

The goal of site characterization was to identify portions of the property that could be redeveloped first to generate revenue which would fund further assessment, remediation, and redevelopment efforts.