Council approves $34,690 contract modification for A Avenue Landfill investigation
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Summary
Anacortes approved a $34,690 increase to an Anchor QEA master services contract to finalize a remedial investigation work plan and quality assurance plan for the A Avenue Landfill under a Washington State agreed order; the city estimates the full field study may cost $300,000+ in 2026.
The Anacortes City Council authorized the mayor to sign a $34,690 modification to a master services agreement with Anchor QEA to complete technical plans required by the Washington State Department of Ecology for the A Avenue Landfill.
Staff explained the modification covers finalization of a remedial investigation work plan and a quality assurance project plan required under an agreed order with the state. The A Avenue Landfill was operated by the city from the 1940s until about 1970; the site was capped in 2003 and previously had received a “no further action” determination in 2006. In 2019 residents requested additional review when a pump track was proposed; the Department of Ecology removed the former no-further-action status and placed the site back on the contaminated site list. City staff said Ecology has expanded the scope of testing required, creating a broader investigation and higher cost than previously estimated.
Public works staff said the larger field study is likely to take place in 2026 and estimated total investigative costs at about $300,000 or more. The $34,690 contract modification will increase the Anchor QEA contract total to $2,325,623. The council approved the modification on a motion by Councilmember Moulton, seconded by Councilmember McDougall; the roll-call-style voice votes recorded all members present as voting yes.
Staff cited the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) framework and an agreed order with the Washington State Department of Ecology as the legal drivers for the investigation. The city also maintains a public project page and the Department of Ecology site for status updates. Council did not request postponement; staff said the city had received an extension on initial deadlines to complete the investigative plans and that deadlines and testing schedules are driven by the state process.
