Budd Inlet Sediments

A PUGET SOUND INITIATIVE site – Reaching the goal of a healthy, sustainable Puget Sound now and forever.

Site Background

The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) began investigations to determine the extent and possible sources of dioxin contamination of sediments in the Budd Inlet. Ecology initiated this investigation after elevated levels of dioxins were discovered by the Port of Olympia in an area scheduled for routine maintenance dredging. Although dioxins were found in areas throughout the inlet, the highest levels of dioxins were found in sediments near stormwater discharge pipes and the Port’s shipping berths. The specific source of dioxins in Budd Inlet is unknown. Most likely, dioxin contamination resulted from stormwater runoff or historical industrial use of shore areas.

Current Status

Ecology funded sediment sampling near the shores of Priest Point Park in Budd Inlet in the fall of 2010. Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (County Health) led the investigation.

This work followed up on State Department of Health (DOH) recommendations based on Ecology’s 2007 sediment investigation. DOH reported that there was no apparent health hazard for people exposed to Budd Inlet sediments. However, DOH recommended collecting additional samples at Priest Point Park beach areas. This study found dioxin levels of 0.091 to 4.8 parts per trillion (ppt), lower than the baywide average of 19.1 ppt for Budd Inlet.

The Field Sampling Report is available below. but Ecology is not accepting comments on the document. This is not a public comment period. Please see the links below for more information about this project.

Ecology will follow up on other recommendations from the 2007 study if funding becomes available.

Site Documents

March 14, 2011

September 30, 2010

Port of Olympia Dredge Documents

Port of Olympia Interim Action Documents (For Berth Dredging)

Budd Inlet Sediment Investigation Documents

Related Information

Additional Resources