Residents told the Clallam County Board of Commissioners on July 29 that the Rainier Mill property must be fully remediated rather than capped in place.

Sherry Kidd, a Port Angeles resident, told commissioners the community has “suffered economically for 28 years because of the lack of cleanup on the Rainier property,” and urged the board to ask Ecology to adopt the most extensive cleanup option she described as “SL 5.” She said the city of Port Angeles recommends total cleanup and asked the board to “speak with one voice” in favor of that option.

John Worthington, who also spoke during public comment, echoed frustration with long delays and characterized the site as limiting economic reuse. Both speakers urged county officials to press for a comprehensive remedy rather than an abbreviated approach that would leave contaminated material fenced on site.

County staff had included a letter to the Washington State Department of Ecology regarding the Rainier Mill cleanup on the meeting’s consent agenda, and the consent agenda passed unanimously. Commissioners did not adopt a separate, more detailed motion on next steps during the meeting; staff and commissioners said follow-up work and communications with Ecology would continue.

Why it matters

Speakers said Rainier is a prime property with long-standing contamination that affects shoreline tributaries and local economies. Community members argued an incomplete remedy could leave future generations with ongoing liabilities and lost economic opportunity.

What the board did

The board approved its consent agenda, which included the staff-prepared letter to Ecology on Rainier Mill. Commissioners said they will continue to coordinate with local governments and state agencies; no additional board vote or formal resolution specific to the Rainier Mill cleanup was recorded in the transcript.

Ending

Speakers and commissioners signaled further engagement will be required with Ecology and local jurisdictions. Residents urged the county to make a formal request for full cleanup and to coordinate with the city of Port Angeles and other local stakeholders on next steps.