Commissioners to support Port Angeles and city effort urging Department of Ecology toward permanent cleanup at contaminated site

Clallam County commissioners reviewed a draft letter urging the Washington Department of Ecology to prioritize a permanent cleanup and to reconsider Ecology’s interim‑action approach for a contaminated property in Port Angeles.

Commissioner Scott introduced concerns about Ecology’s interim action alternatives and the potential for repeated disturbance of contamination. Scott said the Habitat Conservation Plan (the 50‑year forest and fish agreement) and earlier negotiated solutions should not be undermined by a new interim approach: "…this potential regulation calls into question the reason for a 50 year HCP forest and fish agreement," he said, summarizing board concerns that new site‑designation rules could reintroduce regulatory uncertainty for private forest landowners and fish habitat protections.

Representatives from the City of Port Angeles and the county cited Ecology’s interim action alternative (which would consolidate contaminated material into a capped 10‑acre area) as the least desirable approach for the community. The city’s manager noted the city had commissioned independent analysis and argued Ecology’s preferred interim approach could create a need for future re‑excavation when the community seeks to use the property: "We think that only begs for an additional cleanup that will have to take place in the future, for use of that property," the city manager said.

Both county and city speakers told the board they favor an alternative that emphasizes permanent removal or full remediation—particularly in riparian and fish‑sensitive areas—and more timely work by Ecology. Commissioners agreed the letter aligned with the city’s position and planned to include the county’s support on the agenda for the regular meeting the next day.

County and city officials also asked Ecology for clearer timelines, stronger financial assurances, and closer public engagement while the agency finalizes its cleanup plan. The board approved moving the letter forward for signature at the next regular meeting.