Brownfields Program 

Site-Specific Assessments

DEQ performs Site-Specific Assessments (SSAs) that are funded by EPA and designed to promote redevelopment or property transfer. An SSA generates detailed information on environmental conditions at a site, and provides recommendations and cost estimates for cleanup, as needed. An SSA helps remove environmental stigma from a property by providing information on whether it is contaminated - and to what extent. DEQ addresses concerns about the site in an advisory capacity; neither DEQ nor EPA will require additional action unless an SSA documents an imminent threat to human health or the environment.

Eligible Applicants

Public entities; non-profit/community development organizations; and "quasi-public" organizations such as port authorities. Private-sector site owners cannot apply directly for an SSA, but must find an appropriate local government to do so on their behalf.

Eligible Sites

With a few exceptions, almost any property is eligible for an SSA. DEQ gives preference to sites with little or no environmental information, and where community-supported redevelopment plans are in place. SSAs are free to public-sector and non-profit owners who are not responsible for site contamination. Privately held sites must have a local-government sponsor; furthermore, a private owner must agree to help offset the SSA's cost, either through direct repayment, an agreement to discount the property's sale price or fund site cleanup, or other means that can be negotiated with DEQ.

To apply, contact any of the following DEQ staff:

• Gil Wistar, Headquarters, Portland, 503-229-5512
• Chuck Harman, Northwest Region, Portland, 503-229-5585
• Katie Robertson, Eastern Region, Pendleton, 541-278-4620
• Mary Camarata, Western Region, Eugene, 541-687-7435

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