Around the Sound: More Anacortes work gearing up

By Seth Preston, communications manager, Toxics Cleanup Program

The public can comment on Anacortes Port Log Yard cleanup.


Digging starts later this fall at the Former Shell Tank Farm.

We're getting ready to start a new round of Puget Sound Initiative cleanup work in Fidalgo Bay.

Progress is going to be made in the next few months on two cleanup projects, in cooperation with the Port of Anacortes.

Work coming up

Starting Monday, Sept. 8, the public can comment on proposed work at the Anacortes Port Log Yard site around 718 4th St.

The port used the waterfront site at 718 4^th St. for log handling from the mid-1960s to about 2004. Operations included log rafting and transferring logs from water to upland sorting and handling areas on the port’s Pier 2. From 1978 to 1979, a company leased the area for similar uses.

After the facility closed in 2004, the port looked at potential environmental impacts from decades of log-handling activities. The investigation found wood debris in sediments above levels considered healthy for marine animals. Investigations from 2008 to 2010 showed the site may contain dioxins and furans above human health risk standards.

So Ecology and the port are working together to address those issues.

Can you dig it?

Next up — what we call the Former Shell Tank Farm site. The property is located between 13th and 14th streets east of Commercial Avenue.

Shell Oil Co. leased the port-owned site and used it is as a bulk fuel storage and distribution facility from 1930 until 1987.

In November, the port plans to dig up and haul away about 4,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil. New, clean soil will fill in the excavated areas.

More to come

We have more cleanups planned in the future as we continue working with the port, area tribes, other site owners, and stakeholders around Fidalgo Bay.

Stay tuned!

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