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As you know, last year we developed a triple threat campaign. We took this action as soon as we realized EPA had proposed changes to the Record of Decision (ROD) which would lower cleanup standards in the River. We were very concerned with the effects on health this would have on residents. In collaboration with community, we have already achieved some success in this advocacy as more than 2,200 people have signed the petition AND we have secured LDGW’ s commitment to clean up cPAHs to the 2014 ROD levels (despite EPA's previous willingness to accept a lesser cleanup), to develop a new feasibility study (EE/CA) for Jorgensen Forge, and to delay action to weaken standards for the East Waterway. Sampling and Testing For the remaining cleanup needed on the rest of the Lower Duwamish Superfund Site, EPA has divided the River into three sections – Upper, Middle, and Lower – to make the cleanup process more manageable. Sediment (bottom mud) in the Upper Reach is being tested now to provide the data needed for final design and engineering of the dredging and capping that will be done to remove or contain toxic chemicals. Planning for the Middle Reach has also begun. The community and other stakeholders have been asked to learn about and give feedback on EPA’s plans for the final round of testing through its “Lower Duwamish Roundtable” which includes representatives from the community, Tribes, Responsible Parties, and other agencies. The Roundtable meets 4 times a year – to participate, sign up here: Jorgensen Forge EPA is developing a second cleanup plan for the Jorgensen Forge facility, across the river from South Park. Jorgensen Forge was an early action area that was cleaned up several years ago, but EPA discovered that the company did not conduct the cleanup properly. As a result, a new, second cleanup is now required. DRCC led a campaign that resulted in EPA expanding the range of cleanup options it will consider and strengthening its pending proposal for public review. The new plan will be released for public comment within the next few months and we will provide a fact sheet to help the community understand and comment on the plan. Follow here for more information. East Waterway (Harbor Island) The East Waterway is part of the Harbor Island Superfund Site, which is part of the Duwamish River, but listed as a separate Superfund cleanup (it has been listed for cleanup since 1984 and includes six “units” or cleanup areas – all have been completed except for the East Waterway). Although DRCC is not funded or recognized by EPA as the technical or community advisory group for the Harbor Island site and East Waterway (as we are for the Lower Duwamish Waterway site), we have been monitoring progress at the site as it progressed to ensure that it is consistent and protective of the rest of this River and our communities. Last year, we learned that changes were being proposed that would allow weaker final cleanup levels than permitted on the Lower Duwamish Waterway. Higher levels of chemical pollution in the East Waterway would also mean increased allowable risks to the environment and people’s health. DRCC mobilized our coalition and community members and launched a campaign to alert the public and demand accountability from EPA and our local governments, who are the responsible parties for the site (Seattle, King County, and Port of Seattle). Not only would more pollution be allowed under the new standards being proposed, but none of the agencies had consulted or engaged the directly affected community that would have to live with the results. DRCC has worked from the bottom up and the top down to call all agencies and elected officials to task for this closed-door process – from EPA officials in Washington, DC to heads of our City, County, and Port agencies to elected officials at every level: local, state, and federal. We have secured a delay in releasing the proposed cleanup plan based on this flawed process and are now demanding that our local elected officials support the following: Consistency: with the health protective standards already in place on the Lower Duwamish Waterway. Concurrence: with Washington State’s environmental and health protective standards. A plan that does not meet state standards is unacceptable.
ONE RIVER. ONE COMMUNITY. ONE HIGH STANDARD. Please visit our website for more information and to sign our petition below. After 20 years with DRCC, I am announcing my retirement, I will be leaving you in very capable hands with Jamie Hearn. She has a wealth of knowledge and background and will be a great asset to the community. I have been working on the Duwamish River for the last 40 years and it will always have a very special place for me. The people who mentored me and those I have mentored will also stay in my heart. The team at DRCC is stronger than ever and focused on the community's needs on many levels. I am moving to Las Vegas at the end of June to live with my daughter there. I will always keep in touch with what's going on with the River I love and also help whenever needed. Please KEEP UP THE FIGHT for a better future for our communities and our River. With much love… James Rasmussen / Superfund Manager for DRCC
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