Contact: Ann Grimm
Port of Bellingham
(360) 676-2500
Jane Chavey
Washington State DNR
360-902-1721
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2007 Port Approves Agreement for Environmental Cleanup Sites
with State Department of Natural Resources
[Bellingham, Wash.] The Port of Bellingham's Board of Commissioners this week approved an agreement with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the port to take the lead role in the environmental cleanup of three historic sites. The areas in the agreement are the Whatcom Waterway site, the Cornwall Avenue Landfill site, and the Harris Avenue Shipyard site.
The state has two agencies with different responsibilities under the multi-agency effort to clean up and restore historic contamination problems in Bellingham Bay. The Department of Ecology is the regulatory agency with the authority to require cleanup action under the Model Toxic Control Act (MTCA). Representing the state as landowner, the Department of Natural Resources is steward of state-owned aquatic lands across Washington, including those in Bellingham Bay. DNR issues leases for these aquatic lands for uses such as shipyards, piers, public parks and other waterfront activities. DNR also addresses cleanups under MTCA.
Both DNR and the port have been identified as responsible parties for conducting cleanup at the three sites named in the agreement, which defines specific roles and responsibilities for each party. Under the agreement, the Port will conduct cleanup actions under MTCA at each site, as directed by the Department of Ecology. In exchange, DNR will provide a combination of cash, in-kind contributions and agency support for the Port's proposed cleanup plans at the three sites.
"The Department of Natural Resources has been a great partner with the port in our cleanup efforts," said Mike Stoner, Port Environmental Director. "The signing of the agreement allows us to move forward and continue to be on the leading edge of significant environmental cleanup projects."
"At a time when we all are working on the health of Puget Sound, this is a key step in the cleanup and restoration of Bellingham Bay and rejuvenation of the city waterfront," said Doug Sutherland, Commissioner of Public Lands. "These complex cleanup projects are not easy to solve, but the port and DNR both want the best long-term solution for the health of the bay and people of Washington, so we've rolled up our sleeves and found ways to get the job done. I really appreciate their efforts."
Since 1996, the Port has been working with DNR to clean up toxic contamination problems and restoring Bellingham Bay under the Bellingham Bay Project and in 2005, both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to accomplish environmental cleanup of these sites. Most recently, the DNR continued their support of the Bellingham Bay Project by removing derelict and abandoned waterfront structures in the Squalicum Creek Waterway and in Fairhaven. Over 800 treated pilings were removed in the operation, representing almost one million pounds of creosote removed from the Bellingham Bay environment.
These projects are part of Governor Gregoire's Puget Sound Initiative, a Sound-wide effort to reduce toxic pollution and protect the health of marine habitat. Major partners in the Bellingham Bay Project include the city of Bellingham, state Departments of Ecology and Fish and Wildlife, local tribes, federal agencies, Georgia Pacific and volunteer organizations.
The Port of Bellingham operates Whatcom County's major transportation terminals including the Bellingham Airport, Fairhaven Transportation Station and the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The Port also serves about 2,000 moorage customers in its Blaine and Squalicum Harbors.
In addition, about 300 businesses operate on Port properties. The Port of Bellingham is a countywide independent special purpose government.
The 2.4 million acres of state-owned aquatic (mostly submerged) lands are a public trust, managed and protected by DNR for all the people of Washington. Revenue is generated from the sale of renewable resources such as Geoduck and other shellfish, and leases of marinas and other buildings on the aquatic lands. This revenue is used to protect the health and productivity of aquatic resources, and help fund local projects that create public access to aquatic lands.
