The public is invited to an open house March 8th to learn more about a recently completed draft study for the Occidental Chemical cleanup site in Tacoma’s Hylebos Waterway. The study lays out details for cleanup goals, a variety of cleanup options, and costs associated with the work.

The site was contaminated from decades of chemical manufacturing, ship building and military operations. Contamination has been found in soil and groundwater at the former home of Occidental Chemical Corporation.

The Washington Department of Ecology is hosting an open house and public hearing on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at the Center at Norpoint, 4818 Nassau Ave. NE, in Tacoma. The open house begins at 5 p.m. and the public hearing starts at 6 p.m.

Ecology is accepting comments and feedback on the study through March 13, 2017. Public input will also help Ecology decide whether or not to approve four documents related to the draft study, including:

· Draft agreed order – requires the company to perform tests, develop a monitoring plan, and submit a draft cleanup action plan.
· Vapor intrusion memo and reports – details the vapor footprints below the former Occidental plant production area and solvent production settling ponds.
· Corrective action permit – allows cleanup work to begin at facilities that have treated, disposed of, or stored dangerous waste.
· Porewater sampling results – shows where contamination may enter the Hylebos.

Questions and comments should be directed to Ecology’s Kerry Graber by phone 360-407-0241; email kerry.graber@ecy.wa.gov; or mail Southwest Regional Office, PO Box 47775 Olympia, WA 98504-7600.

– Washington Department of Ecology