Port Orchard approves $63,410 contract for continued environmental monitoring at waterfront site

The Port Orchard City Council voted to authorize the mayor to sign a professional services agreement with Geocint Consultants, not to exceed $63,410, to continue environmental monitoring tied to a historic contamination site near the marina.

Council discussed the contract after Director Ryan outlined the city's multi‑year cleanup effort. "It is our responsibility to continue to monitor it and actively get this to what's called a 'No Further Action' letter from the Department of Ecology," Director Ryan said, explaining that monitoring wells and enzyme injections have been used to reduce petroleum contamination.

Why it matters: City staff said earlier excavation removed several confirmed sources but residual contamination remains, likely influenced by adjacent parcels and tidal movement across the street. The new contract will provide on‑call environmental services, additional testing when hot spots are identified, and longer‑term monitoring through 2029 as the city works toward regulatory closure.

Council members asked about budget implications and whether the work is already funded. Staff characterized the contract as time‑and‑materials and said the monitoring has been budgeted as part of multi‑year remediation efforts; the level of annual expense can vary depending on findings. The mayor and staff said the timeline depends on when contamination levels fall below Ecology thresholds.

The council approved the resolution by voice vote. The resolution delegates authority to the mayor to execute the professional services agreement through Dec. 31, 2029, for a not‑to‑exceed amount of $63,410.

Next steps: Staff will manage the contractor's workplan and testing and report back to council on monitoring results and any budgetary impacts.