PORT ANGELES – The long-running cleanup of the former Rayonier Mill site in Port Angeles is entering what state officials say is a critical phase, and they are inviting public input.
The Washington Department of Ecology has released a draft cleanup plan for what’s known as the “study area” — the portion of the site with the highest levels of contamination. The area includes both the former mill property and polluted marine sediments in the harbor.
Until the 1970s, the mill discharged untreated wastewater into Port Angeles Harbor and burned seawater-soaked wood, releasing toxic pollutants like dioxins. Although wastewater treatment began in the 1970s, contamination remains.
Ecology’s draft Interim Action Plan outlines the final cleanup steps, following earlier efforts by Rayonier to remove over 30,000 tons of contaminated soil. The plan is designed to meet state environmental standards and protect both human health and the ecosystem. If approved, the current plan will represent the final cleanup phase for the study area.
A legal agreement, or consent decree, would require Rayonier to carry out the cleanup and cover the estimated $30 million cost. The effort is expected to take up to 10 years, including soil, groundwater, and sediment remediation.
Ecology is accepting public comments from June 12 to August 12. A public open house and meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Field Arts & Events Hall in Port Angeles, with a formal presentation at 6 p.m.
Cleanup documents are available for review online, at the Port Angeles Main Library, or by appointment at Ecology’s Lacey office.