Around the Sound: Wrapping up Wyckoff

By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Toxics Cleanup Program

Bainbridge Island residents had plenty of questions following Wednesday night’s presentation on possible cleanup alternatives for the Wyckoff site.

Here’s a sampling of the give-and-take with community members, Ecology staff and consultants:

One man asked when an alternative will be selected, and how soon work would begin after that.

Ecology’s Tim Nord reiterated that we have a lot of work to do before we would reach that point. That includes submitting Ecology’s report to EPA for review and discussion. We’re not sure how long that might take.

Work also would include more in-depth study of each alternative and more detailed cost estimates. Right now, rough estimates for the alternatives range between $120 million and $170 million.

Nord note that even if an alternative is chosen and agreed upon, the question is where would the money come from?

“That’s the unsatisfactory answer I have to give you all right now. But that’s the way it is,” Nord said.

A waterfront homeowner asked about how rising sea levels could affect the Wyckoff site and the selection of an alternative.

Nord said climate change issues would have to be factored into any decision-making and alternative selection process.

Residents also asked several other questions, including about the type and amount of power used for cleanup alternatives, and the use of cement in stabilizing similar sites around the country. They also had the chance to talk one-on-one with Ecology staff and consultants following the presentation.

Ecology will continue working on the pending report on possible alternatives before returning to Bainbridge in a few months. You can track further developments by visiting Ecology’s Wyckoff website and by watching this blog.

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