Ecology applauds port and NuStar on joint cleanup efforts

During a recent board of commissioners meeting, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) voiced its support for a collaborative approach the port and its longtime tenant NuStar are taking to clean up historic pollution that occurred several decades ago. Neither party is responsible for the environmental damage, but both are committed to the cleanup.

The source of the pollution includes the release of chlorinated solvents by a company that once occupied the property now under lease by NuStar and contamination released at the former Swan Manufacturing Company site and the Cadet property. For years now, the port and NuStar, one of the largest independent liquid terminal and pipeline operators in the county and a port tenant since 2007, have been addressing the cleanup effort individually under Ecology requirements. However, the remediation agreement approved by port commissioners on January 14 officially launched a new joint effort.

“When parties work together, it really expedites the process and helps us all save some money,” said Rebecca Lawson, Ecology’s regional section manager with the toxic’s cleanup program. “We applaud [the port’s and NuStar’s] efforts to step up and clean up this contamination and protect an important aquifer that supplies drinking water for this community, and finally Ecology really values the strong working relationship with the port and NuStar. We look forward to finishing this cleanup together.”

Under the agreement, both parties agree to work collaboratively to produce a joint feasibility study, identifying options and a preferred alternative for cleanup of contaminated groundwater, soil, air and sediments. Ecology will use the study to create a Cleanup Action Plan. Each party is responsible to fund their respective costs.

“This settlement agreement supports the port’s strategic goal to generate and sustain diversified revenues while promoting environmental stewardship, leadership and partnership,” said Patty Boyden, the port’s director of environmental services. “We look forward to continuing our work with NuStar and Ecology to create and maintain a healthy waterfront.”