Prospective site for homeless camp is contaminated

SEATTLE — The prospective site for new Seattle homeless camp is on a state list for contamination.

The Seattle Times reported the south Seattle site has petroleum byproducts and a toxic cleaning solvent in the groundwater.

Mayor Mike McGinn chose the site of the old Sunny Jim peanut butter factory without knowing it was contaminated, even though a city consultant reported those findings more than a year ago. It’s not clear where the chemicals came from, but such contamination is not unusual on old industrial sites.

Public health officials are trying to determine whether the site is safe for people.

After learning about pollution at the site, the mayor hired an environmental consultant to look into health risks. A preliminary review has found no “major issues with the proposed use.”