by Tait Russell
Industrial activities can cause contamination to huge swaths of land and water. Contaminants from industrial sites can travel through the soil, surface water, groundwater, and air, migrating far from their source. RGI is aware of several commercial sites in Washington that are responsible for area-wide contamination. However, this blog will focus on the Tacoma Smelter Plume.
The Asarco Company operated a former copper smelter in Tacoma for nearly 100 years. Contaminants traveled from the site through the air, settling atop more than 1,000 square miles in the Puget Sound area. The affected area spans as far south as Olympia and as far north as Seattle.
As a result of the smelter, soils within this area have the potential for lead and arsenic contamination. Lead and arsenic are toxic metals that pose health risks when accidentally ingested and are especially harmful to children. Washington State received a settlement from Asarco in 2009, which included nearly $100 million to help pay for the cleanup of the Tacoma Smelter Plume.
The Washington State Department of Ecology published a guide for assisting in the cleanup of properties affected by the Tacoma Smelter Plume. It provides directions for sampling and cleaning up lead and arsenic contamination within this area. By following Ecology’s guidebook, consultants can ensure adequate contaminant cleanup and Ecology can more quickly issue opinion letters regarding sites affected by the Tacoma Smelter Plume.
Being based in the Puget Sound, RGI is very familiar with the Tacoma Smelter Plume and Ecology’s guidance. We have sampled countless properties in regard to the smelter and have followed Ecology’s recommendations during the cleanup processes, helping provide the most sufficient cleanup and timely closure with Ecology on these properties.
