Brownfields Approach to Redevelopment of Forest Products Facilities in Oregon: Update, 1999 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Mark B. Winters, R.G.

Supervising Geologist

EMCON

Eugene, Oregon

U.S.A.

Focuses on redevelopment of three “brownfield” forest products facilities in western Oregon, involving both private and public funding: (1) a 220-acre mill site being redeveloped into a business/industrial park in Oakridge, (2) an 80-acre mill site being redeveloped into a business park in Eugene (part of the property was formerly a municipal landfill), and (3) a 50-acre mill site in Springfield. The decline of the forest products industry, increased pressures on land development, regulatory trends, and public opinion all favor redevelopment.

The Oakridge mill site, purchased by the city in 1995, is being developed in stages. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requires site characterization and remediation on some portions of the property, and has issued determinations of no further action for 8 of 18 parcels. At the Eugene site, formerly a plywood mill, the owner has subdivided the property, installed supporting infrastructure (streets and utilities), and is working with the DEQ under the voluntary cleanup program to address environmental issues. The Springfield property includes a 35- acre log pond, and whether redevelopment proceeds depends on potential wetland issues as well as economics. A site development feasibility study and wetlands determination and delineation have been conducted.