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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 1996
96-152
CONTACT:
Charles San Juan (360) 407-7191
Denise Clifford (360) 407-6160, pager (360) 534-8589
Environmental Cleanup Activities Moving Forward At Gas Works Park In Seattle
Olympia, WA -- The Department of Ecology, the City of Seattle, and Washington Natural Gas reached agreement this week on how to proceed with selecting a method for cleaning up remaining contamination at Gas Works Park in Seattle.
Petroleum compounds and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons remain in soil and groundwater at Gas Works Park, largely byproducts of the former manufactured gas plant that converted coal and oil into gas.
A number of studies done at the park evaluated the type of contamination present in the soil and groundwater and the exposure risks. Another study determined that the park was safe provided that visitors followed posted guidelines not to come in contact with dirt in the park, or wade, swim or fish in Lake Union.
"Although the remaining contamination at Gas Works poses little risk to human health, cleanup is necessary to minimize the remaining risk of exposure and reduce groundwater contamination that contributes to Lake Union pollution," said Charles San Juan, the state Department of Ecology's project manager for Gas Works park. "We are eager to move ahead with the City of Seattle and Washington Natural Gas to determine the best cleanup option."
Environmental Cleanup Activities 2/2/2
The three parties negotiated a legal agreement called an agreed order that formally describes their working relationship, outlines a scope of work, and sets a schedule for selecting a cleanup remedy. Under the agreed order, the City of Seattle and Washington Natural Gas will:
The City of Seattle and Washington Natural Gas will prepare a final report, called a feasibility study, to show the results of their activities and indicate a preference for one of the cleanup alternatives. The two parties will use the information from the feasibility study to propose a final plan for cleanup.
"Our goal is to design a cleanup that is both protective of human health and the environment and is also cost effective," said Robin Kordik of the Seattle Parks Department.
The agreed order, as well as a public participation plan, will be available for public review and comment from December 16, 1996 through January 31, 1997. A public meeting is scheduled for January 21 for neighboring park residents and others interested in the cleanup to meet with project staff. The meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. at Saint Benedicts School, 4811 Wallingford Ave. N., Wallingford. Those wanting more information about the meeting, or how to review the documents may call Chris Hempleman, Department of Ecology (360) 407-7229.
Note to Media:
The following are additional contacts representing Washington Natural Gas and the City of Seattle.
Bob Adams, Washington Natural Gas, (206) 521-5100
David Takami, Seattle Parks and Recreation, (206) 233-7929
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
