Superfund Sites in Reuse in Washington
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Alcoa (Vancouver Smelter)
The 300-acre Alcoa (Vancouver Smelter) Superfund site is located next to the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington. The former Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) constructed an aluminum smelter on a portion of the site in 1940. Alcoa operated the facility until 1985. From 1973 until 1981, operators dumped tons of potliner containing cyanide and fluoride outside the smelter on the ground. Potliner is a special lining material that protects steel pots that are used to process molten aluminum. The dumping contaminated the soil and groundwater. In 1990, EPA added the site to the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL). The state worked with Alcoa to remove and dispose of hazardous soil, making the valuable riverfront property available for use. EPA deleted the site from the NPL in 1996. In 2002, Evergreen Aluminum (Glencore) purchased the facility, although Alcoa retained ownership of some of the land. In 2009, the Port of Vancouver completed the purchase of about 218 acres formerly owned by Evergreen Aluminum and Alcoa Aluminum. The land purchase allowed the Port to develop its newest marine terminal, Terminal 5. Less than a month after closing on the property, the Port had graded and surfaced a 30-acre area and began handling wind energy cargo on the new terminal. In 2010, BHP Billiton, the world’s largest mining company, selected Terminal 5 as its preferred site for a new potash export facility. The proposed facility plans to handle eight million tons of potash annually at its peak as well as create between 1,500 to 2,000 construction jobs and 40 permanent employee positions.
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American Crossarm & Conduit Co.
The redevelopment of the American Crossarm & Conduit Co. Superfund site in Chehalis, Washington, marked the end of a legacy of contamination and the beginning of a new chapter for the property. During its operation, American Crossarm & Conduit Co. dumped wastewater contaminated with wood treating chemicals, fuels, and solvents into an unlined pit on the 16-acre site. This activity combined with periodic flooding from nearby rivers, spread hazardous wastes to nearby properties and contaminated the ground water. In 1989, EPA listed the site on the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL). Cleanup actions included removing contaminated soil, demolishing contaminated site structures, removing oil from groundwater and covering excavated areas with clean soil. Despite the site’s favorable location, a $15.5 million EPA cleanup lien against the site presented a barrier to developers. In the late 1990s, EPA agreed to remove its lien on the condition that any new owners add fill so the property would be above the flood plain. Owners must also agree not to dig into the site’s cap, use the groundwater or sell the property without passing on the land use restrictions. This agreement made redevelopment a reality at the site with a new on-site structure constructed in 1998. After construction, the owner sold the building, which is currently being used as a machine and repair shop. A second two-story building constructed on site currently houses a fitness center.
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Asarco Inc.
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Bonneville Power Administration Ross Complex (USDOE)
The 250-acre Bonneville Power Administration Ross Complex (USDOE) Superfund site is located north of Vancouver, Washington. The site is an active facility. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has owned and operated the facility since 1939. BPA coordinates the distribution of hydroelectric power generated by the Federal Columbia Power System to regions throughout the Pacific Northwest. Since its construction, the site has provided research and testing facilities, maintenance and construction operations, and waste storage and handling operations for BPA. Improper storage and handling of materials on site resulted in the contamination of soil and ground water. EPA listed the site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1989. PBA undertook early cleanup actions beginning in 1991 and completed long-term cleanup actions by 1995. Cleanup actions included excavation and off-site disposal of contaminated soil, bioremediation and capping of contaminated soils, and ground water monitoring. EPA deleted the site from the NPL in 1996. BPA later enacted institutional controls to restrict digging in areas of the site with residual contamination in soils and limit future uses of these areas.
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Boomsnub/Airco
The Boomsnub/Airco Superfund site is located in a light industrial and residential area of Vancouver, Washington. The site includes two facilities, the former Boomsnub Corporation (Boomsnub) chrome plating facility and the Linde facility. Linde owns and operates an industrial gas production facility next to the Boomsnub property, which closed in 1994. Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) found chromium in Boomsnub soils and groundwater in 1986. In 1991, Ecology found volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at the Linde facility during cleanup of chromium at the Boomsnub facility. In 1995, EPA listed the site on the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL) because of contaminated groundwater and soil. The area of contaminated groundwater extends from the two properties about 0.5 miles, underlying industrial, commercial and municipal facilities. Efforts to clean up groundwater and soil began in the early 1990s and included the removal of tons of contaminated soil. In 1990, EPA installed a groundwater treatment system that continues to treat and monitor groundwater. In 2011 and 2012, the City of Vancouver established the 20-acre Luke Jensen Sports Park over a portion of the site. The park includes Little League sports fields, batting cages and a walking trail. Commercial businesses, residential development and other industrial operations are also located within the site.
For more information:
- Redevelopment of the Boomsnub/Airco Superfund Site (PDF)(1 pg, 200 K, About PDF)
- Superfund Site Profile Page
Commencement Bay, Near Shore/Tide Flats
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Commencement Bay, South Tacoma Channel
The Commencement Bay, South Tacoma Channel Superfund site is located in Tacoma, Washington and consists of three separate areas: the South Tacoma Field, the Tacoma Landfill and Well 12A. EPA added the site to the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983. South Tacoma Field is a 260-acre area historically used by Burlington Northern Railroad for rail car manufacturing, repair and maintenance activities from 1892 to 1974. Two foundries also operated at this site in support of the railroad. Tacoma City Light has continuously operated on the north end of South Tacoma Field since 1953. All of these activities caused soil contamination throughout the site, as well as localized groundwater contamination. Cleanup activities included soil removal and soil capping, land use restrictions and monitoring of natural processes to clean up groundwater. Residents use the western side of the South Tacoma Field for casual recreation such as biking, dog walking and flying model airplanes. Businesses operating on the southern half of the South Tacoma Field include Pioneer Builders Supply, General Plastics and Industrial Properties, which leases warehouse, office and yard space to businesses. The City of Tacoma operates the Tacoma Landfill, which covers approximately 210 acres. Since 1960, operators accepted municipal, industrial, construction, demolition and bulk wastes on site. Operations contaminated soil and groundwater with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals. Landfill gas also contains VOCs. Cleanup activities included construction of a landfill cap, management of landfill gas and treatment of groundwater. After discovery of contamination in Well 12A (a City of Tacoma drinking water well) in 1981, EPA began pumping and treating the water in 1983. Cleanup activities also included removing contaminated soil and sludge, using heat and microbes to treat contaminated soil and groundwater, and installing a system to extract vapor from soil. Further cleanup activities to treat remaining soil contamination are currently underway. Western Moving and Storage and Sine Communications currently use the Well 12A area for storage and office space.
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FMC Corp. (Yakima Pit)
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Harbor Island (Lead)
The Harbor Island (Lead) Superfund site is an industrial island located in Seattle’s Elliott Bay. Built in the early 1900s, the 420-acre island supports businesses that conduct commercial and industrial activities, including ocean and rail transport operations. Site operations contaminated groundwater, sediment and soil with lead and other contaminants. In 1983, EPA listed the site on the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL). In 1991, the Port of Seattle expressed interest in expanding Terminal 18, which lies on the east side of the island. Before the expansion could take place, EPA required the Port and other responsible parties to clean up the contaminated media. Under an agreement with EPA, the Port demolished contaminated industrial buildings, removed and treated most contaminated soils, instituted groundwater monitoring and paved much of the site to minimize the spread of contamination and to reduce the infiltration of rain that could mobilize groundwater contamination. The redevelopment project created a 1.1-acre public park with 380 feet of shoreline access, walking paths and benches. Other upgrades on Harbor Island included road improvements, new sidewalks and bike paths. The cleanup allowed the Port to move ahead with a $300-million, 90-acre expansion of Terminal 18. The expansion included a new dockside intermodal rail yard, two new truck gates, a larger container storage yard and other amenities to improve cargo-handling capabilities. In 2004, the site received a prestigious Phoenix Award for achievement of excellence in Superfund site reuse. A ship repair, construction and conversion facility that began operating on the island in 1916, as well as separate tank-farm facilities, continue to operate on the island. The ship construction facility employs over 400 workers. The responsible parties conduct, under EPA oversight, long-term groundwater monitoring, cap inspections and maintenance at the site. Also under EPA oversight, responsible parties have dredged contaminated marine sediments and subtidal debris, and have created extensive beach habitat. EPA is conducting additional studies of the remaining uncharacterized marine sediments and expects plans that cleanup will start before 2020.
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Lockheed West Seattle
The Lockheed West Seattle Superfund site is located on the southwestern shoreline of the Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington. The site is located next to the Port of Seattle’s Terminal 5, and includes the former shipyard support operations area. The 40-acre site includes about 7 acres of aquatic tidelands owned by the Port of Seattle and 33 acres of state-owned aquatic lands. Historic industrial practices at the former shipyard released contaminants into the bay. Before its transfer to the Superfund program, the State of Washington listed the site as a “sediment cleanup priority project” under State of Washington cleanup authority. EPA placed the site on the Superfund program’s National Priorities List (NPL) in 2007. In 2012, EPA issued a cleanup plan for contaminated sediments at the site. Cleanup includes removing contamination above State enforced sediment quality standards and contaminant screening levels, and adding a thin layer of sediment to enhance natural recovery. The West Waterway portion of the site includes a federal navigation channel that remains in use. The Port of Seattle envisions expanding Terminal 5 including pier structures, as a container terminal along the West Waterway sometime in the future. Natural areas of the site support birds, crabs and multiple fish species including salmon.
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Lower Duwamish Waterway
The Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund site is a five-mile stretch of the Duwamish River that flows into East and West Waterways (part of the Harbor Island Superfund site) then into Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington. The South Park and Georgetown neighborhoods and industrial corridors flank the waterway. A century of heavy industrial use left the waterway contaminated with toxic chemicals from many sources. These include nearby industries; storm water pipes; and runoff from upland activities, streets and roads from a 32-square-mile drainage basin. Native American tribes use the Lower Duwamish as a fishing resource and for cultural purposes, as do diverse groups of regional fishers, many from low income and minority communities. The Lower Duwamish Waterway also supports considerable commercial navigation. Recreational enthusiasts use the waterway for various activities, such as boating, kayaking, fishing and beach play. In response to contamination in sediments, fish and shellfish, EPA added the site to the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL) in 2001. The Washington Department of Ecology uses its state authorities to control ongoing contaminant sources in coordination with the in-waterway investigation and cleanup led by EPA. The City of Seattle, King County, the Port of Seattle and the Boeing Company, collectively known as the Lower Duwamish Waterway Group, led site investigations and several early cleanup activities under oversight by EPA and the state. In 2013, EPA issued a proposed cleanup plan to address long-term cleanup at the site. Following the public comment period, where EPA received over 2,300 public comments, EPA selected a cleanup plan in 2014. The plan includes active sediment cleanup through dredging, capping, and enhanced natural recovery over an estimated 177 acres. For the remaining 235 acres, the plan includes monitored natural recovery, as these less contaminated areas are expected to become cleaner with the natural deposition of incoming sediment. EPA plans to work with the liable parties on the next steps in implementing its cleanup plan. The plan estimates that sediment cleanup will cost about $342 million.
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Midway Landfill
The 60-acre Midway Landfill Superfund site is located in King County, Washington, between U.S. Interstate 5 (I-5) and U.S. Highway 99. The former gravel quarry operated as a municipal solid waste landfill from 1966 to 1983. Local officials created Midway Landfill primarily to accept demolition materials, wood waste and other slowly decomposing materials. However, operators also put other industrial wastes in the landfill. In 1983, the operators covered the landfill with silt and fine sands. In 1985, investigations identified combustible gas in structures around the landfill and contaminated groundwater beyond the landfill boundary. EPA added the site to the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL) in 1986. In 1992, the City of Seattle constructed a final cap over the site, refined landfill gas control, and installed a stormwater and drainage control system. These measures continue to function as planned. The Washington Department of Transportation is using a portion of the site located in a right of way for an I-5 road-widening project. The other portion of the site remains a closed landfill and is unused open space.
For more information:
- Kent and Midway Landfills, Kent, WA - Reuse Plan (PDF) (30 pp, 4.1 MB, About PDF)
- Superfund Site Profile Page
Moses Lake Wellfield Contamination
The Moses Lake Wellfield Contamination Superfund site is located in the City of Moses Lake, Washington. The site includes parts of the former Larson Air Force Base, Grant County Airport and some areas south of the airport. The U.S. government established the Larson Air Force Base in 1942 and closed the base in 1965. During this period, the Air Force, Boeing Company and the Strategic Air Command and Titan Missile program used the base at various points. Potential sources of site contamination are scattered throughout the area and about 1,000 acres of groundwater are contaminated. In 1966, the Port of Moses Lake acquired most of the former base and has since operated the property as the Grant County Airport. Housing associated with the base also remains in use, now under ownership of the Grant County housing authority. The U.S. Air Force transferred other facilities to Big Bend Community College. In 1968, Boeing returned to the airport by purchasing 130 acres that included the Three-Place Hangar. In 1992, EPA listed the site on the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL) because of soil and groundwater contamination. In 2003, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) completed construction of a replacement water supply well for the nearby Skyline residential water system. This well continues to provide reliable, clean drinking water to the Skyline community. A 2008 EPA interim cleanup plan requires installation of groundwater pump and treat systems for two of five known areas of groundwater contamination. At EPA’s request, USACE is sampling private residential wells and installing whole house filters to ensure residents are being protected. The cleanup design for the South Base Dump area is complete. The cleanup design for the South Groundwater Plume area is nearly complete. One of the five known areas of groundwater contamination has met industrial cleanup standards and can be reused. Industrial activities continue around the airport today.
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North Market Street
The 50-acre North Market Street Superfund site is located in Spokane, Washington. The Phillips Petroleum Company, the Tosco Refining Company and Chevron operated a petroleum refining and distribution complex at the site since the 1980s. Industrial activities and mishandling led to major oil spill incidents in 1985, 1989 and 1990 that contaminated on-site soil and groundwater with petroleum and chemicals. EPA added the site to the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL) in 1990. Cleanup included soil excavation, on-site soil treatment, soil vapor venting and passive groundwater cleanup techniques. Cleanup finished in 2002. Spokane County set land use limitations on the site. Holly Energy Partners now operates an industrial fuel distribution facility on the property, and commercial companies use parts of the site.
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Northside Landfill
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Northwest Transformer (South Harkness Street)
The Northwest Transformer (South Harkness Street) Superfund site is located in Everson, Washington. The Northwest Transformer Service Company operated a transformer reclamation, storage and manufacturing facility on the site until its bankruptcy in 1987. The company left behind a property contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In 1990, EPA added the site to the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL). In 1992, EPA began working closely with local government officials, the parties potentially responsible for the contamination and nearby residents to develop a cleanup and reuse plan for the 1-acre property. By 1995, the potentially responsible parties had removed the PCB-contaminated soil and covered the site with a new asphalt parking lot. EPA deleted the site from the NPL in 1997. Today, the site is providing much-needed parking space for the nearby town hall and an adjacent senior center.
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Oeser Co.
For more information:
- Redevelopment of the Oeser Company Superfund Site (PDF)(1 pg, 193 K, About PDF)
- Superfund Site Profile Page
Pacific Sound Resources
For more information:
- Reuse and the Benefit to Community: Pacific Sound Resources Case Study (2013) (PDF) (12 pp, 1.3 MB, About PDF)
- Superfund Site Profile Page
Palermo Well Field Ground Water Contamination
The Palermo Well Field Groundwater Contamination Superfund site is located in Tumwater, Washington. The Palermo Well Field consists of six water supply wells that serve the City of Tumwater. In 1993, routine sampling detected contamination in three of the City’s drinking water wells. Identified sources include former and current Washington Department of Transportation facilities. Sampling also detected contamination from a dry cleaning facility in the groundwater. EPA added the site to the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL) in 1997. Cleanup activities included installing a system to extract vapor from soil beneath the dry cleaning facility, treating groundwater, constructing an underground drainage system and monitoring air in houses above the contaminated groundwater. EPA is working with the Washington State Department of Transportation on further investigations to determine if additional cleanup is necessary. Current land use at the site includes mixed commercial and residential development within the city limits of Tumwater.
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Pesticide Lab (Yakima)
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Port Hadlock Detachment (USNAVY)
The Port Hadlock Detachment (USNavy) Superfund site is located on Indian Island, a 2,700-acre island southeast of Port Townsend, Washington. The U.S. Navy purchased Indian Island in 1939 to store explosives, seaplanes and antisubmarine cable nets. The site operated as the primary landfill for Indian Island from about 1945 until the mid-1970s. Historical operations on the island resulted in soil, ground water, sediment and shellfish contamination. In 1994, EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL). As part of the cleanup, the U.S. Navy contained and capped the portion of the landfill that had leaked into the surrounding beaches. This action prevents contamination from migrating and helps protect the surrounding ecosystem. As a result, several beaches on the east side of the island and Crane Point on the west side of the island have been reopened. Cleanup has also enabled a local Native American tribe to regain access to its tribal fishing grounds on the island. EPA deleted the site from the NPL in 2005. Today, Port Hadlock Detachment receives, stores, maintains and issues naval ordnance, and the U.S. Navy’s current operations span the entire island. Formerly named Port Hadlock Detachment, the U.S. Navy now refers to this active munitions storage and logistics center as Naval Magazine Indian Island. The U.S. Navy continues to conduct monitoring and maintenance related to the cleanup.
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Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Complex
The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Complex Superfund site is located in Bremerton, Washington. The site lies along the Sinclair Inlet on Puget Sound, about 15 miles west of Seattle. The complex covers about 350 acres of land and an additional 340 acres of tidelands along 11,000 feet of shoreline. The U.S. Navy has owned and operated facilities at this location since 1891. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) located on site, also known as the Bremerton Naval Complex, is responsible for overhaul, maintenance, docking and decommissioning of ships. The complex employs over 12,000 people and contains over 300 buildings and structures, six deep water piers, six dry docks and numerous moorings. These activities generate large amounts of hazardous waste. EPA listed the site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1994 to address contaminated ground water, soil, sludge and sediments. The U.S. Navy signed an Interagency Agreement in 1998 with the state and EPA to address site contamination. The U.S. Navy has since completed the major cleanup actions. However, ground water and sediment monitoring continue. In 2006 and 2007, the U.S. Navy transferred a portion of the site to the City of Bremerton for use as a city park. The U.S. Navy completed necessary cleanup actions on the transferred property and the City of Bremerton completed and opened the Bremerton Harborside Fountain Park in May 2007. Sinclair Inlet provides a habitat for a variety of marine life and supports commercial fishing and recreational activities.
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Queen City Farms
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Silver Mountain Mine
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Spokane Junkyard/Associated Properties
The 16-acre Spokane Junkyard/Associated Properties Superfund site is located in Spokane, Washington. The Spokane Junkyard accepted military surplus items, automobiles, heavy equipment, appliances and electrical transformers from the 1940s until the 1980s. In 1987, an explosive fire destroyed the junkyard. During an investigation, EPA found heavy metals in the soil. EPA listed the site on the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL) in 1994. EPA and the site’s responsible parties removed asbestos, contaminated soil and waste, and covered the area. Parties completed these activities in 1997, and EPA deleted the site from the NPL. After deletion, the Bemiss Neighborhood Council worked to identify reuse of the site property could best serve the needs of the Spokane community. The Spokane Youth Sports Association headed a team to plan, fund and build a multi-use sports complex for area youth. The association coordinated redevelopment with EPA to ensure that the site’s remedy remained and was in line with the site’s land use restrictions. Completed in 2002, the Andrew Rypien Field sports complex includes a baseball field and soccer fields. Recipient of the national Phoenix Community Impact Award in 2004 for achievement of excellence in Superfund site reuse, the complex serves over 4,500 neighborhood children.
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Toftdahl Drums
The 15-acre Toftdahl Drums Superfund site is located in Brush Prairie, Washington. In the early 1970s, the property owner cleaned drums for resale, and reportedly had drums of industrial waste delivered to the property. Unsalvageable drums buried at the site contaminated soil, surface water and groundwater. In 1986, EPA listed the site on the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL). EPA and the state investigated the site, removed and disposed of all contaminated soils. After cleanup, EPA deleted the site from the NPL in 1988. Developers have since built eight single-family homes at the former waste site.
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Vancouver Water Station #1 Contamination
The Vancouver Water Station #1 Contamination Superfund site is located in Vancouver, Washington, just north of Portland. Several well fields on site supply drinking water to approximately 150,000 people throughout the Vancouver area. In 1988, the City of Portland discovered traces of chemical dry-cleaning liquids in wells at the station. An initial inspection to identify the contamination source occurred in 1990, but the source remains undetermined. EPA added the site to the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL) in 1994. The City of Vancouver built a groundwater treatment system that uses air-stripping techniques to separate contaminants from the water. Construction reached completion in 1998. The City of Vancouver continues to own and operate a water station at the site with new groundwater wells and storage reservoirs.
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Wyckoff Co./Eagle Harbor
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Yakima Plating Co.
The 2-acre Yakima Plating Company Superfund site is located in Yakima, Washington. Since 1962, Yakima Plating has electroplated bumpers for cars and other objects on the property and disposed of wastewaters in an on-site drain field. Operations contaminated groundwater and soil on site. In 1989, EPA listed the site on the Superfund program’s National Priorities List (NPL). In 1991, EPA funded and conducted an early action removal and disposed of contaminated soil. As a result, EPA selected a “no further action” remedy for the site and deleted the site from the NPL in 1994.
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