Comment on the Everett Smelter cleanup

EVERETT — The state Department of Ecology is crafting plans to continue its cleanup of areas polluted by the Everett Smelter, and is soliciting public comment until Nov. 3. A public meeting will also be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Hawthorne Elementary School.

The smelter contaminated much of north Everett with heavy metals, including arsenic and lead. The residential neighborhoods affected are either clean, in the process of being cleaned or in the planning stages.

Ecology has released two studies of the 230-acre “lowlands” area, which is a mostly industrial tract between East Marine View Drive and the Snohomish River. The Supplemental Remedial Investigation provides details about polluted areas, and the Feasibility Study outlines potential cleanup options.

Both reports are available online at http://1.usa.gov/1FLDMJY or at the Everett Public Library, 2702 Hoyt Ave.

Comments can be emailed to Site Manager Sandra Matthews at sandra.matthews@ecy.wa.gov or mailed to the Department of Ecology, 3190 160th Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA 98008.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Pedestrians cross the intersection of Evergreen Way and Airport Road on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In Snohomish County, pedestrian fatalities continue a troublesome trend

As Everett and other cities eye new traffic safety measures, crashes involving pedestrians show little signs of decreasing.

The Mountlake Terrace City Council discusses the Flock Safety license plate camera system on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mountlake Terrace public express ongoing ire with future Flock system

The city council explored installing a new advisory committee for stronger safety camera oversight.

Crane Aerospace & Electronics volunteer Dylan Goss helps move branches into place between poles while assembling an analog beaver dam in North Creek on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Adopt A Stream volunteers build analog beaver dams in North Creek

The human-engineered structures will mimic natural dams in an effort to restore creek health in an increasingly urbanized area.

Ferries pass on a crossing between Mukilteo and Whidbey Island. (Andy Bronson / Herald file)
State commission approves rate hike for ferry trips

Ticket prices are set to rise about 6% over the next two years.

Marysville recruit Brian Donaldson, holds onto his helmet as he drags a 5-inch line 200 feet in Snohomish County’s first fire training academy run through an obstacle course at the South Snohomish Fire & Rescue training ground on Monday, March 26, 2018 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Voters approve fire and EMS levy lifts in Snohomish County

All measures in Marysville, North County Fire and Snohomish County Fire District No. 4 passed with at least 60% of votes.

Stock photo 
Homicides dropped by 43.7% in across Snohomish County while violent crime decreased 5.4%. In 2024, the county recorded 12 murders, just under half the previous year’s total.
Crime down overall in Snohomish County in 2024, new report says

Murder and sex crimes went down in Snohomish County. Drug-related offenses, however, were up.

Outside of the Lynnwood Police Department on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The costly, controversial journey of Lynnwood’s newest jail

After one year of operation, city officials say the jail has reduced recidivism and expanded medical services available to inmates.

Scarlett Underland, 9, puts her chicken Spotty back into its cage during load-in day at the Evergreen State Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Evergreen State Fair ready for 116th year of “magic” in Monroe

The fair will honor Snohomish County’s farming history and promises to provide 11 days of entertainment and fun.

Downtown Edmonds is a dining destination, boasting fresh seafood, Caribbean-inspired sandwiches, artisan bread and more. (Taylor Goebel / The Herald)
Edmonds approves public safety sales tax

The council unanimously approved the 0.1% increase, which will go into effect next year.

Everett
Everett school board OKs 2025-26 budget

The $441 million general fund budget brings about 18 additional full-time equivalent educator positions to the district.

Ferguson said the state would, “not be bullied or intimidated by threats and legally baseless accusations.” (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)
WA ‘will not be bullied or intimidated,’ Ferguson tells Bondi

The governor on Tuesday responded to a letter from the U.S. attorney general warning the state over its “sanctuary” immigration policies.

Everett comedian Taylor Clark performs stand-up in 2023 at The Triple Door in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mike Bryk)
Snohomish County comedian to host Maltby Food Bank comedy show benefit

Maltby’s Deborah Tahara is hosting a show, headlined by Taylor Clark from Everett, to help end food insecurity.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.