By Pepper Fisher
CLALLAM COUNTY – Cleanup is under way at the Midway Metals scrapyard on the highway between Sequim and Port Angeles. An excavator has been removing debris to comply with an agreement with Sheriff Bill Benedict’s Office to clear the property and get fully permitted before re-opening.
“If they’re going to be in the business of scrap metaling, they’re going to have to get the permits and they’re going to have to follow the regulations. Scrap metal is generally regulated by the State Patrol, with many on-site visits. They’re going to have to have the soils tested. They’re going to have to get in compliance with stormwater. I mean, that’s my goal. I don’t want to put anyone in jail.”
In 2008, the state Dept. of Ecology designated Midway Metals a Priority 1 contamination site, describing the business as an unlicensed metal scrapping facility with no stormwater permit or runoff management plan, despite having ditches that flow directly into McDonald’s Creek.
Soil tests have found high levels of contaminants including mercury, lead and cadmium.
The state Department of Ecology issued owner Katrina Haymaker at least $7,000 in fines in the past year.
Sheriff Benedict says the work isn’t happening as quickly as he’d like but is happy to see some progress being made.