Comments sought on cleanup

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The state Department of Ecology is soliciting comments on proposed documents that will help shape the cleanup of a large section of Anacortes waterfront. The cleanup could spur economic development and recreation along Fidalgo Bay. 

The state Department of Ecology, the Port of Anacortes, Kimberly-Clark Corp. and MJB Properties have drafted documents related to possible cleanup work at the former Scott Paper mill site, located near Cap Sante Marina. The documents include a report that outlines results of a site investigation and proposes cleanup alternatives.

The former Scott Paper mill site is located south of Cap Sante Marina and east of Q Avenue. Metals, petroleum products and other chemicals contaminate the site and nearby aquatic sediments. A lumber mill operated there starting in the late 1800s. A pulp mill also operated there from roughly 1925 until 1978. The site now is divided into north and south portions. 

In 1979, the Port of Anacortes bought the north portion and used part of it as a log yard from 1990 to 1993. In 1998, this portion was divided into three parcels. Sun Healthcare Systems Inc. bought one of these parcels. In 1999, the port and Sun Healthcare Systems removed petroleum-contaminated soil and wood debris from the company’s parcel. They installed a 2-foot-thick soil cover and a soil containment wall along the shoreline.

In 1979, Scott Paper sold the south portion. The property was used in the early 1980s as a staging area for oil field equipment, boat manufacturing and storage. In 1990, MJB Properties bought the property and used it for assembling modular homes.

MJB is working on a plan for a marina in the south portion. The marina could include docks with slips for pleasure boats and float planes, along with a promenade and room for parking.

Ecology will accept comments through Sept. 30. Ecology and the port will host two open-house events for people to ask questions and learn more about the proposed plans:

  • Sept. 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Anacortes City Council chambers
  • Sept. 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Anacortes City Council chambers 

Find the documents at Ecology's Web site.