Cleanup on more arsenic sites set

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 or Dan Cargill at 425-649-7023 or e-mail

daca461@ecy.wa.gov. Those with special accommodation needs may call 425-649-7023 (voice) or 425-649-4259 (TTD).

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

The second floor of the Lynnwood Crisis Center on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Funding gap leaves Lynnwood without a crisis center provider

The idea for the Lynnwood crisis center began in 2021 after a 47-year-old died by suicide while in custody at Lynnwood Municipal Jail.

Three injured after high-speed, head-on collision on Highway 522

Washington State Patrol is investigating the crash that happened before 4:30 p.m. on Monday.

Fernando Espinoza salts the sidewalk along Fifth Avenue South on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Think this is cold, Snohomish County? Wait until Tuesday

Tuesday could bring dangerous wind chill during the day and an overnight low of 19 degrees

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

The Washington State Department of Licensing office is seen in 2018 in Seattle. (Sue Misao / The Herald)
Drivers licensing offices to close Feb. 14-17

Online services are also not available Feb. 10-17. The Washington State Department of Licensing said the move is necessary to upgrade software.

Pharmacist Nisha Mathew prepares a Pfizer COVID booster shot for a patient at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett lawmakers back universal health care bill, introduced in Olympia

Proponents say providing health care for all is a “fundamental human right.” Opponents worry about the cost of implementing it.

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.