The Environmental Protection Agency has selected the City of The Dalles for a $600,000 Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant.  The funds will be used to conduct environmental site assessments, develop five cleanup plans and one area-wide plan, and support community engagement activities.  Assessment activities will focus on the 318-acre Columbia Gateway/Downtown urban renewal area of The Dalles.  A brownfield site is property whose expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.  Priority sites include a former auto wrecking yard, a bulk oil plant, a heating oil distributor, a dry cleaner, and several former automotive service stations.  The city is partnering with the Port of The Dalles and Wasco County in the effort.