The initiative related to this project supports sustainable redevelopment, economic growth, and environmental restoration. The grant project as awarded by the EPA will also allow the community to identify and assess potentially contaminated properties with the greatest potential for job creation and revitalization.
This project is supported by Washington Department of Ecology and City of Port Orchard, among other partners and stakeholders. This project has been funded by the USEPA.
What to Know About a Brownfield: A brownfield is “real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” ("Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act", PL 107-118, 11 January 2002.) In layman’s terms, a brownfield is a property that is difficult to develop because it is contaminated or believed to be contaminated. Brownfields sites are typically abandoned or underutilized commercial/industrial sites such as (but not limited to) former industrial sites, former gas stations and dry cleaners, main street properties, hospitals, schools, mills, and grain elevators.
In the Port of Bremerton's case, the properties currently at the focus of this EPA Brownfield grant, located at 521 and 525 Bay Street, were part of a former gas station. When the Port purchased the properties that were affected by such contaminants, the Port also undertook the responsibility of cleaning the soil.
Community engagement and outreach is a large focal point to this project. In conjunction with the EPA, it is our goal to help educate the public on what brownfields are and the process that they undergo. Project updates will be provided at Port of Bremerton Commission Meetings, on our website, and through community outreach mediums. Please also be aware that we will be holding a community meeting regarding this project and how the remaining funds from the grant may be utilized for additional properties in the area. More information will be released when available.
More Information: For additional information, please contact Arne Bakker, Chief Operations Officer at the Port and lead coordinator for the Port's Brownfield Assessment Grant.
📍 8850 SW State Hwy 3, Bremerton, WA 98312
📧 arneb@portofbremerton.org
📞 (360) 674-2381
Posted August 26, 2025
