3 sitesin Everett to be taken off state’s toxics list

Published 11:31 pm Sunday, November 15, 2009

EVERETT — The state is ready to give a clean bill of health to three Everett properties that were once deemed hazardous.

The Washington Department of Ecology said these properties no longer pose a threat to human health or the environment: Paine Field Sheriff Pistol Range, 3220 100th St. SW; Ray’s Auto Wrecking, 2707 100th St. SE; and Cordz Auto Electric, 2411 Hewitt Ave.

The owners of all three properties opted to clean up under a voluntary state program.

The pistol range was first established by the Air Force and later used by the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. Its soil contained the contaminants lead, antimony and arsenic. Workers removed 15,000 cubic feet of contaminated soil from a wetland. They brought in clean soil and planted trees and shrubs. The contaminated dirt was trucked to a landfill.

Soil at the former Ray’s Auto Wrecking yard was contaminated with oil products and cadmium, a toxic metal. Nearly 3,000 tons of contaminated soil were dug up and hauled away.

The third property, Cordz Auto Electric, was used as a lumber yard and for equipment rental. Tests showed levels of contaminants were so low in the soil, there was no need for any additional cleanup.

The Department of Ecology maintains a list of properties statewide that are considered hazardous. A total of 46 properties are listed as hazardous in Everett. The only way to get off the list is to clean up.

Anyone who wants to comment on the removal of the pistol range or Ray’s Auto Wrecking from the list can contact the Department of Ecology by Dec. 14. The period to comment on Cordz Auto Electric is closed.

Debra Smith: 425-339-3197, dsmith@heraldnet.com.