Interim Action Plan 

Also view a zoomed-in map of the high zone

Ecology is using a $94 million settlement from Asarco to manage risk from Tacoma Smelter Plume contamination. The plume is too large to clean up every property, so we are doing partial cleanup, known as an “interim action”. The Interim Action Plan describes how Ecology will address contamination.

Your comments helped finalize this plan.

We held a public comment period on the plan from October 20 to December 20, 2011.  We received 55 written comments, and many more comments and questions at our four open house events.  The responsiveness summary has a complete record of comments, Ecology’s responses, and a list of changes to the plan.

•  Final Interim Action Plan  
  
• Responsiveness Summary
  
• Fact sheet about our response to comments
  
• “Model Remedies” cleanup guidance information

What is in the Interim Action Plan?

The Interim Action Plan has four main actions:

1. Create a residential yard sampling and cleanup program.
2. Continue the existing Soil Safety Program  for schools, childcares, parks, camps, and multi-family housing.
3. Continue education and outreach through the Dirt Alert program.
4. Continue technical assistance for cleaning up properties during development.

Past information about the draft Interim Action Plan

• Fact sheet for Pierce County residents
• Fact Sheet for King County residents
• Reading guide
• FAQ about cleanup levels and action levels
• Interim Action Plan

2011 Public Open House Presentations

For more about what happened at these events, check Ecology's blog for posts from fall of 2011.

• Wed. November 2, 2011 @ Point Defiance Elementary School, Tacoma – view the presentation
• Wed. November 9, 2011 @ McMurray Middle School, Vashon Island -- view the presentation
• Wed. November 16, 2011 @ Curtis High School, University Place -- view the presentation
• Tues. December 6, 2011 @ Des Moines Activity Center, Des Moines -- view the presentation