The past summer, volunteers with the Oregon Food Bank (OFB) had the opportunity to assist our environmental specialists with soil sampling during a Phase II assessment. An OFB property was tested due to concerns that leaded paint from an old horse barn, historic pesticide use, and location in an industrial area may have negatively impacted the soil.

The Portland Brownfield Program provided funding for both the Phase I and Phase II assessments to help OFB move forward with plans to turn this space into a new learning garden. AMEC Environmental Inc., the contractor for the Phase II, lead the volunteers through a soil sampling training, allowing each participant to try their hand at the auger, the PID reader, and packing soil for transport to the lab.

The results of the Phase II revealed clean soil on the property and now Oregon Food Bank is on its way to having a new garden. OFB continues to grow its gardening programs to help support self-sufficiency and to offer fresh, healthy food options for clients.

If you or your organization are interested in participating in a soil sampling event, please contact Abigail at 503-823-5863 or abigail.cermak@portlandoregon.gov.