Port Angeles Council Approves Cleanup Comments for Rainier Site Contaminated by Dioxins

The City of Port Angeles held a special council meeting on July 22, 2025, focusing on environmental concerns and community accountability regarding the cleanup of the Rainier site. The meeting began with expressions of gratitude from council members for community involvement in holding corporations accountable for environmental issues.

A significant discussion arose concerning the presence of dioxins in local soil, as highlighted by a council member whose family receives annual notifications from the Department of Ecology about contamination. This prompted concerns about the thoroughness of the department's studies on upland contamination in Ennis Creek. The council member emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of the situation, criticizing the department for potentially taking a superficial approach to the cleanup process.

The council unanimously supported a motion directing city staff to submit comments to the Department of Ecology. The comments will request a complete and timely cleanup of the Rainier site, specifically advocating for the selection of a disproportionate cost analysis alternative. The motion passed without opposition, reflecting a strong consensus among council members.

As the meeting concluded, there was an acknowledgment of the importance of public input in the cleanup process, with hopes that additional community voices would be heard by the Department of Ecology. The council also indicated plans to revisit related discussions in future meetings, ensuring ongoing engagement with environmental issues affecting the community.