Residential Yards Investigation and Cleanup

MFA assisted the Port of Ridgefield as they took a proactive role in negotiations allowing the Department of Ecology to manage cleanup of a former wood treating site and keeping it off the federal Superfund list. With MFA’s assistance, the port was able to obtain state and federal cleanup funds and contributions for potentially liable parties to minimize the local costs of the project.

As the cleanup process evolved, it was discovered that smokestack emissions and vehicle tracking had impacted adjacent residential properties. MFA coordinated with homeowners to conduct sampling at properties, developed cleanup plans for each property if contamination was present, and has completed nearly 30 property cleanups. The cleanup work is ongoing and additional cleanup of fifteen residential properties and right-of-way areas will be conducted.

Residential yard and right-of-way area cleanups have included soil removal and replacement in-kind of landscaping with MFA managing the bid process to enable the port to select local contractors to conduct work in individual private yards. MFA, the Port, and Ecology have worked collaboratively with property owners to design cleanups meeting environmental requirements and unique needs for each property. In addition, MFA has facilitated public involvement and community outreach to ensure homeowners are apprised of project status and schedule.

This project is being completed under an Agreed Order with Ecology, using Ecology grant funding. MFA assisted the port with Agreed Order negotiations, preparing work plans and budgets to support grant applications, and financial and progress reporting.