Exploring a Remedy for the Generations

The Wyckoff Superfund site is located in Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island. Preventing historic creosote compounds in “The Point” from moving into the environment is a high priority, and the Environmental Protection Agency has selected a containment remedy using a perimeter wall, site cap and groundwater extraction system. The state Department of Ecology agrees that the containment remedy is needed, but has two concerns about long-term protectiveness and stewardship:

• Leaving large amounts of mobile contamination at this site, especially given the sensitive location on the shores of Puget Sound.
• Accepting the long-term financial burden that this action places on the state to maintain and periodically rebuild the containment remedy.

Ecology began a 9-month evaluation process with the assistance of a panel of regional and national experts, and a Steering Committee of local community and tribal members. This process is being called a “Generational Remedy Evaluation” and is intended to look at additional protective solutions that would reduce the remaining volume and mobility of the contamination.