Herald staff
EVERETT – The state will clean up 23 more residential properties in northeast Everett that have high levels of arsenic in August and September.
The Legislature authorized the state Department of Ecology to spend $1.5 million to continue cleanup of the Everett Smelter site in 2000 and the first half of 2001.
Ecology’s goal is "to provide as much certainty as possible to the greatest number of residents and homeowners in this area," according to the department’s spokesman. "Their yards will be cleaned up and be safe."
A "Property Cleanup Manual," based on the November 1999 Cleanup Action Plan for the Everett Smelter site, has been prepared by the Department of Ecology. The manual and the Public Participation Plan are available for citizen review and comment through July 26.
Ecology is currently taking bids from contractors for the cleanup of the 22 yards along Bridgeway, Medora Way, Skyline Drive and Legion Drive, as well as the one on Hawthorne Street, west of the fenced area of the site.
Each year Ecology is to develop cleanup priorities consistent with the amount of funding authorized by the Legislature. This year’s clean up priorities are:
Sample all of the selected yards;
Clean up as many of the yards as possible in the construction season;
Conduct additional sampling to prepare for cleanup in the next construction season;
Begin some of the institutional controls to protect people from arsenic contamination.
The Department of Ecology’s goals for working with the homeowners and residents include: two-way communication; development of an awareness and understanding of the cleanup process and Ecology’s approach; keeping homeowners and residents informed of the cleanup progress; working with homeowners for clear cleanup plans; and establishment of a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to work with homeowners and residents in the prioritization and implementation of institutional controls.
The documents may be reviewed at the Everett Public Library and the Snohomish Health District offices in Everett or at the Department of Ecology at 3190 160th Ave. SE, Bellevue, or on the Internet at www. wa.gov/ecology/tcp/cleanup.html. Written comments may be directed to David L. South, site manager, at the above address.
Residents can contact David South at 425-649-7200 or e-mail
dsou461@ecy.wa.gov daca461@ecy.wa.gov
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