Tacoma Smelter Plume: Model Remedies Guidance gets an update

To encourage cleanup of soil contaminated by the former Asarco smelter in Tacoma, we've updated our Tacoma Smelter Plume Model Remedies Guidance. For almost 100 years, the Asarco Company operated a copper smelter in Tacoma. Air pollution from the smelter settled on the surface soil of more than 1,000 square miles of the Puget Sound basin. Arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals are still in the soil as a result of this pollution.

This guidance was created to encourage cleanup of Asarco contaminated soil during property development. It provides straightforward directions on soil sampling and cleanup of soil contaminated with arsenic and lead within the Tacoma Smelter Plume. In July, we launched a revised version of the guidance, replacing the older, 2012 version.

The guidance was written primarily for developers who build residential housing or commercial buildings. However, anyone who wants to sample and clean up their Asarco contaminated soil within the Tacoma Smelter Plume can use this guidance. The guidance streamlines the sampling and cleanup process and eliminates the need to develop separate sampling and cleanup plans. When developers use the remedies covered in this guidance to clean up their properties before building structures, Ecology is able to issue timely opinion letters stating that the cleanup meets state requirements.

Former Asarco smelter stack.

In updating the guidance, we kept the same format, updated some information and links to resources, and added a new chapter. Some of the revisions answered and clarified frequently asked questions, such as calculating the minimum number of soil and duff samples needed. The new chapter describes sampling and remediation in natural areas, such as steep slopes, wetlands and their buffers.

Please, note that the publication number has changed from 12-09-086-A to 19-09-101.

If you have questions about the revised Tacoma Smelter Plume Model Remedies Guidance, contact our Technical Assistant, Eva Barber at 360-407-7094 or Eva.Barber@ecy.wa.gov.

Some internet web browsers store the address to the older version of the guidance in a cookie. If searching for the new guidance using Google or Google Chrome, you may need to clear the existing cookies and search again.

To download the new version of the guidance, go to:

https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/1909101.html or visit our Tacoma Smelter Plume Technical Assistance page.

To find out if you are within the Tacoma Smelter Plume, visit Ecology’s Dirt Alert Map.

By Crescent Calimpong, Toxics Cleanup Program

Cleaning up: In the footprint of an old corner gas station

One of the largest categories of cleanup sites, statewide, is former gas stations. Old-school underground storage tanks were prone to leaking into the surrounding soil. Tank owners today must follow laws and regulations to prevent leaks and spills. Many of the places once occupied by a corner gas station have since become desirable redevelopment locations. We're taking public comment and inviting you to a community meeting about one example that’s unfolding now in Seattle.

A row of convenience shops at the station, toward the end
of its heyday.

First, some history

There was a gas station operating under the Texaco brand at Queen Anne Avenue North and Roy Street from 1927 to 1993. After the pumps closed, a deli operated on the property to 2018.

In 1986 Ecology responded to complaints of gasoline odors at the adjacent Monterey Apartments. An investigation we conducted from 1986 to 1990 revealed the gas station as the source. We installed two wells to remove petroleum from groundwater.

When the pumps closed and the underground tanks were removed in 1993, we found soil and groundwater contamination. We installed and operated a system from 1993 to 1997 to extract vapor and recover groundwater.

Texaco’s successor, Chevron Environmental Management Company (CEMC), upgraded and operated the system from 2003 to 2008 under Ecology’s Voluntary Cleanup Program. CEMC also mapped areas where low levels of contaminated groundwater extend into part of the surrounding neighborhood. Buildings over this plume and adjacent to the former gas station -- the Del Roy and Monterey apartments -- received vapor tests in 2009 that found indoor air quality within health thresholds. 

Roystone on Queen Anne, LLC plans to clean up contamination at the former Texaco station. Chevron Environmental Management Co. will take steps needed for final cleanup of the entire site.

This corner’s about to change

Fast forward to 2019, and a developer named Roystone on Queen Anne, LLC has acquired the old gas station lot. The company plans to re-develop the vacant property into a multistory mixed-use building.

We’ve negotiated an agreement with both companies. Roystone will clean up contaminated soil and groundwater on its property to meet state cleanup standards in conjunction with excavation for its project. That cleanup is called an interim action.

Meanwhile, CEMC will proceed with the steps needed for final cleanup of the entire site. These include a site assessment, called a remedial investigation, a feasibility study of cleanup options, and a draft cleanup action plan.

What’s your take?

These empty shops will give way to cleanup work as part of re-developing
the site into a multi-story mixed-use building.

We’re inviting you to learn about these plans and tell us your thoughts about them. We’re taking comments through July 23, 2019 on the interim action plan, a legal agreement called an agreed order with the two companies, environmental reviews we’ve conducted, and a proposed public participation plan, which describes how we’ll work to inform people about the cleanup.

Our website has links to all of these documents, to our online public comment app for this site, and contacts for answers to questions. We’ve also placed copies of the documents at Seattle Public Library’s Queen Anne Branch, 400 W. Garfield St.

Pleased to see you

We’re hosting a public meeting to provide information, answer questions about the site and the cleanup process, and to take comments. The meeting will take place from 6 to 8 p.m., Thu., June 27, 2019 at the Maxwell Hotel, 300 Roy St. in Seattle.

Cleanup site information

• Fact sheet (pdf)
• Website
• Cleanup process
• Underground storage tanks

By: Larry Altose, communications manager, Northwest Region

Tacoma Smelter Plume Yard Program

Work on Vashon-Maury Island moves ahead

If you live in the North end of Tacoma or the southern tip of Vashon-Maury Island, you have likely heard about the Tacoma Smelter Plume. However, if you just moved here, the following information may be new.


The former ASARCO smelter stack.



For nearly 100 years a smelter operated in the small town of Ruston. Air emissions from the smelter were carried by the wind to areas in King, Pierce and Thurston County. These air emissions contained heavy metals including arsenic and lead, which settled on surface soils. The highest levels of soil contamination are seen closest to the former smelter and decrease with distance.

 

Soil replacement work

Through our Residential Yard Sampling and Cleanup Program, we are working on 14 yards and a community-park in the southern end of Vashon-Maury Island. Work started on the first yard in early March 2019.

If you live in this neighborhood, you will likely see construction-related traffic. You may notice orange fencing, closed sidewalks, and Ecology’s Yard Program banner. The contractor usually works on a few yards at a time, which means workers may travel between yards with equipment. Construction can be noisy, and it is important to pay attention to trucks and large machinery that are coming and going. This construction will likely go through July 2019.    

Please call us if you see:

• Dust in the air from construction.
• Soil on the sidewalk or street.
• Mud or water running off the property.
• Dump trucks without covers.

 

Soil sampling

If you live on the southern end of Vashon-Maury Island it is likely that your property has already been sampled. To find out if your property has soil sampling results, go to our public database and enter your address. Soil sampling is for existing, residential properties. If you are a new homeowner, and your soil hasn’t been sampled, you can fill out an access agreement and get your yard sampled, too. Soil sampling is free and completely voluntary.

Future soil replacement

Currently, 53 properties qualify for soil replacement on Vashon-Maury Island. By the end of 2019, we will have removed and replaced soil on 35 of these properties. Unfortunately, we are not able to remove and replace soil on all the properties that qualify. Some properties have steep slopes or are located in areas we don’t work, like forests or vacant lots. And, sometimes, we are unable to coordinate with the property owner. At the end of the program, we will offer one last opportunity for residents with qualifying properties to participate in our Yard Program.
 


By the end of 2019, we will have removed and

replaced soil on 35 properties on Vashon-Maury

Island.

Soil left behind

The main objective of the Tacoma Smelter Plume project is to reduce human health risks from arsenic and lead in soils. Soil replacement is focused on the high-use areas around homes and in areas where children play. Soil contamination may remain in undeveloped and forested areas. It is important to practice healthy actions like taking shoes off at the door and washing hands after working or playing in the dirt no matter where you live within the Tacoma Smelter Plume.

 

Questions

If you have any questions about the Yard Program or construction in your neighborhood, please call our project line 360-407-7688 x 2. We are always available for questions and are happy to help you find the information you need. 

Follow our yard cleanup work:

• Follow our blog!
• Visit our webpage on the Tacoma Smelter Plume.
• Sign up for email updates on our listserv.
• Look up soil sampling or soil replacement records on our public database.

By Crescent Calimpong, Toxics Cleanup Program

 

Historical photo of the ASARCO smelter, courtesy of the Tacoma Public Library Northwest Digital Collections for historical photos.

 

New Online Map: Dirt Alert

The new map is mobile friendly, making it easy to access.

from your home computer or your phone.  

This month we launched a new online Dirt Alert map. The map focuses on the Tacoma Smelter Plume, but also covers areas in the state where soil contamination may exist from arsenic-related contamination: 

·        Everett Smelter cleanup

·        Upper Columbia River Lake Roosevelt cleanup site 

·        Five Washington counties where soil contamination may exist in former orchard lands

By putting both information and data in one place, we hope to make it easier for residents to find out about arsenic-related soil contamination and resources. The new web application replaces two older, online maps, the Arsenic in Soil Database and the Everett and Tacoma Smelter Search. 

New look- Same data

The upgrade means faster downloading times and the ability to access the map by phone. The map also visually displays soil sampling data. Within the Tacoma Smelter Plume and Everett Smelter cleanup area, the map provides access to:

·        Soil sampling maps

·        Soil replacement paperwork

For yards outside of the Everett Smelter cleanup area or Tacoma Smelter Plume Yard Program service area, the map links to our Healthy Actions webpage that teaches you how to protect yourself from arsenic and lead in dirt, and provides contacts for more information.

Questions?

If you have questions or comments about the map, please call the project line at 360-407-7688 and press 2 for Tacoma Smelter Plume. You can also email the Yard Program Outreach Coordinator at Crescent.Calimpong@ecy.wa.gov.

Get the latest updates:

·       Follow our blog!

·       Visit our webpage on the Tacoma Smelter Plume.

·       Sign up for email updates on our listserv.



The home page of Ecology's new, online map, Dirt Alert.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Crescent Calimpong, Toxics Cleanup Program

Tacoma Smelter Plume: Reduced Services for Residents

We are reducing some services to residents

Because a state capital budget was not approved, Ecology did not receive any new funding. We are using the money we didn’t spend fully from last biennium to fund our program. We must cut back on the services we offer to the residents of the Tacoma Smelter Plume area for this next year to fit this remaining budget.

 

Throughout the plume area, soil sampling will be limited or temporarily stopped. We will not replace soil on 42 yards and one park play area this next year as planned. This will have a domino effect - residents further down the list will have to wait longer to have their soil replaced. Also, the health departments must reduce their education and outreach work. If a capital budget is not approved in the next 6-12 months, we will need staff restructuring, potential layoffs, and a complete stop of all services in July 2018.

Specifically, we will no longer be able to:

• Replace soil on 42 yards and one park play area which were planned for this year
• Complete planning for soil replacement on over 100 properties
• Sample soil for new residents in the Yard Program service area
• Sample soil on Vashon-Maury Island
• Fully fund Pierce and King County Health Departments to do healthy action outreach with residents and handwashing demonstrations in childcares and schools
• Provide commercials to inform residents about the plume and healthy actions they can take
• Fund Thurston County for outreach and education work

We will update you when we have more information

Ecology staff are working with the Pierce and King County Health Departments to provide the most cost efficient services and are still working out what we can provide. We will continue to update residents during this limited funding period on any further changes. To stay informed, you can:

• Follow our blog
• Visit our webpage on the Tacoma Smelter Plume
• Sign up for email updates
• Visit our partner website www.DirtAlert.info

The Tacoma Smelter Plume Project has dedicated funding but we depend on the capital budget

The funding for this project is from a bankruptcy settlement with the ASARCO company. However, the money sits in the Cleanup Settlement Account which is a capital budget item. Every biennium the legislature must approve Ecology’s request to spend the funds. For 2017-2019, we requested nearly $24 million to provide full services in the plume area. This year, the capital budget was not passed, and we did not receive funding. We are currently using the money leftover from last biennium, about $4 million to fund our reduced services for one year. In 2018, we will request funding for our work through the last year of the 2017-2019 biennium cycle. If we do not receive additional funds, we will stop all services in the plume area in the fall of 2018.

Questions about the Yard Program?

Please call the project line at (360) 407-7688 and press 2 for Tacoma Smelter Plume, or email the Yard Program Outreach Coordinator at Crescent.Calimpong@ecy.wa.gov.

The Yard Program cleans up arsenic and lead from the former Asarco smelter in Tacoma. It is a voluntary program that’s offered at no cost to the homeowner. This work is part of Ecology’s efforts to sample and replace contaminated soil in the Tacoma Smelter Plume. The plume is a 1,000 square-mile-area of arsenic and lead contamination from the former Asarco smelter in north Tacoma.

East Bay redevelopment cleanup open house April 25th

You are invited to an Open House and Public Meeting to discuss the cleanup at East Bay Redevelopment Cleanup Site.

When:   April 25, 2017

Time:    6:30 - 8:30 pm

Where: Olympia Center, Room A
              222 Columbia St NW, Olympia

Meeting Agenda:

6:30 - 7:00 PM Open House

7:00 - 8:00 PM Presentation and Q/A Session

8:00 - 8:30 PM Open House

Ecology staff members will be available for one-on-one discussion and to answer your questions. Light refreshments will be provided.

In addition to the meeting we invite you to submit written comments on several cleanup documents. 

• Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study report   This report outlines the nature and extent of contamination and examines cleanup options.
• Draft Cleanup Action Plan  This describes the proposed final cleanup actions.
• Agreed Order  A legal agreement with the owners of the land to do the cleanup.
• SEPA Determination  This describes the potential impacts of the project on the surrounding environment. Ecology reviewed the checklist and determined that the action was not likely to have significant negative impacts (a Determination of Non-Significance).

For more information visit the East Bay Redevelopment Cleanup website

 

You can review the cleanup documents at these locations:

• Olympia Timberland Library, 313 8th Avenue SE, Olympia, WA 98501 Phone: (360) 352-0595
• Ecology’s Southwest Regional Office Toxics Cleanup Program- 300 Desmond Drive SE, Lacey, WA. Please call (360)407-6365 for an appointment or email PublicDisclosureSWRO@ecy.wa.gov

Submit written comments to:
Steve Teel, Site Manager

Phone: (360) 407-6247

Email Steve.Teel@ecy.wa.gov

 

Questions about the meeting contact:

Stacy Galleher, Public Involvement Coordinator

Phone: (360) 407-6255

Email: Stacy.Galleher@ecy.wa.gov

Tacoma Smelter Plume: 2016 Yard Program Construction Update

September marks the fast approaching arrival of fall, and a halfway point for this season’s Yard Program work in the Tacoma Smelter Plume.  This year we will be working through the winter, but the sunny, fall days in September have given us lots to be cheerful about. The good weather has helped keep our contractors on pace replacing soil in residential yards.

As we near the end of September, we are wrapping up soil replacement on Group 3 (21 yards) and beginning construction on Group 5 (10 yards) (see map). We removed soil on half of the residential yards in Group 4 (50 yards) and are on track to finish construction on these properties by February 2017.  

Heavy equipment in front of a yard receiving soil replacement.

 

Prioritizing work on yards with the highest risk

This year, we are mostly working on yards within the Study Area (see map). However, ten (Group 5 on map) of the 81 yards scheduled for this year are located outside of the Study Area.  These properties have the highest levels of soil contamination that we have found within the plume (arsenic over 230 parts per million).

The yards that qualify for soil replacement may appear to be randomly scattered throughout the Yard Program service area. However, we are prioritizing these yards because the levels of arsenic or lead pose a higher risk than other yards. The soil replacement work on these ten yards is partially funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

A map of properties receiving soil replacement in 2016.

 

Working with hundreds of property owners each year…

We are working with nearly 300 property owners at any one time.  Each year, we continue to communicate with the previous year’s participants, work with residents currently receiving soil replacement, and plan with residents for next year’s construction. All this planning allows us to remove and replace soil on 80-100 properties annually. For more information on our soil replacement sequence you can go to our Yard Program Updates page.

The Yard Program cleans up arsenic and lead from the former Asarco smelter in Tacoma.  It is a voluntary program that’s offered at no cost to the homeowner.  This work is part of Ecology’s efforts to sample and replace contaminated soil in the Tacoma Smelter Plume.  The plume is a 1,000 square-mile-area of arsenic and lead contamination from the former Asarco smelter in north Tacoma.

 

Follow our yard cleanup work:

·        Follow our blog!

·        Visit our webpage on the Tacoma Smelter Plume.

·        Sign up for email updates on our listserv.



Stacked sod awaiting placement.

The contractor crew laying down sod.

 

 

 

 

 

Questions about the Yard Program?

Please call the project line at (360) 407-7688 and press 2 for Tacoma Smelter Plume, or email the Yard Program Outreach Coordinator at Crescent.Calimpong@ecy.wa.gov.

 

Questions about the soil in your yard?

If you live in north Tacoma, we may have sampling results for your yard.  To check, visit our online database.  If you do not find results for your yard, you can sign up for free soil sampling by contacting the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department at (253) 798-3503 or DirtAlert@tpchd.org.

By Crescent Calimpong, Yard Program Outreach Coordinator, Toxics Cleanup Program

Cleaning Up: Work along Centennial Trail and Spokane River

The Holcim Inc cleanup site is owned by Neighborhood Inc., the City
of Spokane Valley, and Holcim (US) Inc.

Through November 2016, cleanup work is happening in the Spokane Valley at 12207 E. Empire Avenue, known as the Holcim Inc site.

The cleanup site is near the well-used Centennial Trail and a public boat launch on the Spokane River, so we wanted to let people know what's going on and answer potential questions.

Why is the site being cleaned up?

Cement was manufactured at the site from 1910 to 1967. During that time, cement kiln dust (CKD) was deposited on the ground. Soil sample results confirmed one CKD deposit about 109,100 cubic yards in volume and another about 12,300 cubic yards in volume. 

The bare ground is a CKD deposit.

The CKD contains various contaminants that exceed state standards, including arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Some of the CKD at the site is very corrosive with a pH greater than 12.5. Other contaminants near the cement-manufacturing area in surface soil include benzene, carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and gasoline-range petroleum hydrocarbons.

Is it safe to use the trail and river near the site?

Yes, the trail and river are safe to use. The public should not enter the fenced cleanup area.

How will the site be cleaned up?

CKD deposits will be stockpiled and covered with an engineered cap on the Holcim Inc property. Native grasses will be planted on the 2 feet of topsoil covering the cap.

All contamination will be removed from the City of Spokane Valley property, and this land will be restored and available for public use.

What happens when cleanup is finished?

Long-term monitoring will occur, and Ecology will visit the site at least every 5 years to verify the cleanup still protects people and the environment.

How can I get more information?

• Visit Ecology's Holcim Inc website.
• Contact Jeremy Schmidt, site manager, at jeremy.schmidt@ecy.wa.gov or (509) 329-3484; or Erika Bronson, public involvement, at erika.bronson@ecy.wa.gov or (509) 329-3546.

By Erika Bronson, public involvement, Eastern Region, Toxics Cleanup Program

Tacoma Smelter Plume: 2016 Yard Program Construction Underway

The Tacoma Smelter Plume Residential Yard Sampling and Cleanup Program work is well underway for 2016.

We started construction on the first yards in early June. Currently our contractors are actively working on 16 yards. The contractors generally work on several properties at a time, removing and replacing the soil in groups to pool resources and localize the construction activity.

Properties receiving soil replacement in 2016.

In 2016, Ecology will remove contaminated soil on a total of 80 residential yards in Tacoma (see map at right). Work hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and some Saturdays with permission from Ecology. With so many properties, you will likely see construction related activity in those neighborhoods through February 2017.

The Yard Program cleans up arsenic and lead from the former Asarco smelter in Tacoma. It is a voluntary program that’s offered at no cost to the homeowner. This work is part of Ecology’s efforts to sample and replace contaminated soil in the Tacoma Smelter Plume. The plume is a 1,000 square-mile-area of arsenic and lead contamination from the former Asarco smelter in north Tacoma.

Follow our yard cleanup work

• Follow our blog!

• Visit our webpage on the Tacoma Smelter Plume.

• Sign up for email updates on our listserv.

Questions about the Yard Program?

Please call the project line at (360) 407-7688 and press 2 for Tacoma Smelter Plume, or email the Yard Program Outreach Coordinator at Crescent.Calimpong@ecy.wa.gov.

Questions about the soil in your yard?

If you live in north Tacoma, we may have sampling results for your yard.  To check, visit our online database.  If you do not find results for your yard, you can sign up for free soil sampling by contacting the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department at (253) 798-3503 or DirtAlert@tpchd.org.


By Crescent Calimpong, Yard Program Outreach Coordinator, Toxics Cleanup Program

Tacoma Smelter Plume: Recap of Tacoma Public Meetings

By Jill Reitz, Environmental Planner, Toxics Cleanup Program



This map shows the estimated highest arsenic levels

in the plume. A property is likely to have higher or

lower levels than what is shown on the map. The only way to know for sure is to sample the soil.

Last week, Ecology held two public meetings on the progress of the Tacoma Smelter Plume project.  We had a turnout of over 50 people who came out to learn about yard sampling and cleanup in Tacoma neighborhoods. Please see our slideshow presentation to learn more about the topics we covered. Here are a few of the common questions and answers that were discussed:

How do I sign up for soil sampling?

If you live in the most impacted areas of the plume (see map right), you likely qualify for one of our free soil sampling programs.  Please visit our sampling webpage to learn more and sign up.

Why do I have to wait for soil replacement?

There are around 1,100 properties slated for soil replacement.  We are planning to replace soil on an estimated 100 properties a year.  We are first working in areas with the highest percentage of properties that qualify for soil replacement.


At the meetings, we presented maps showing our schedule for soil replacement in the service area.  Please see the Study Area sequence map and the Tacoma sequence map for more information.



What are the health impacts of arsenic and lead?

Long-term exposure to small amounts of arsenic or lead on a regular basis can increase your risk for certain health problems.  Arsenic can cause cancer, heart disease and diabetes.  Lead can lead to developmental delays or behavioral problems.  Please visit our webpage on the health effects for more information.
 

What do I do if I have elevated arsenic but do not qualify for soil removal?

We recommend healthy actions to reduce your exposure to contaminated soil. This includes things like: 

Health Actions are simple things you can do to protect

yourself and your family.

• Wash your hands before eating
• Take your shoes off at the door
• Vacuum at least once a week
• Peel produce grown in your garden

Please visit the Healthy Actions webpage for more information. 

Follow our yard cleanup work:

• Follow our blog!
• Visit our webpage on the Tacoma Smelter Plume.
• Sign up for email updates on our listserv.
• Attend the next public meeting:

June 14th-7:00-8:30 pm
McMurray Middle School
9329 SW Cemetery Rd, Vashon, WA, 998070

Questions about the Tacoma Smelter Plume project?
Please call the project line at (360) 407-7688 and press 2 for Tacoma Smelter Plume; email me at Jill.Reitz@ecy.wa.gov; or contact your local health department DirtAlert program.