Ecology releases dioxin test plan for old mill site
July 2nd, 2008 - 5:28am
(Olympia) -- The state Department of Ecology has released their draft plan for testing soils for dioxins on properties near and around the former Rayonier Mill in Port Angeles.
The public has until July 30th to submit written comments on the draft.
You'll be able to learn more directly from Ecology staff during a meeting Wednesday, July 9th in Port Angeles.
The session will be held at Olympic Medical Center's Linkletter Hall.
The meeting begins with an open house at 6:30 p.m., followed by a presentation at 7.
Ecology is concerned that air emissions from the Rayonier facility may have deposited dioxins in soil downwind -- east and slightly south -- from the mill.
Previous studies confirm some dioxin in residential soil near the mill property, but the extent of contamination is unknown.
Ecology is launching this off-property study to determine general levels of dioxin and possible sources.
The area Ecology has outlined for sampling is based on previous dioxin study results, air modeling done by Rayonier, and odor complaints.
Ecology will seek permission from private property owners within the study boundary to test for dioxins.
Five samples will be taken from each property and blended into one composite sample.
The results will help Ecology know whether Rayonier's needs to extend its investigations further than the mill property boundary.
Starting this week, copies of the draft soil sampling plan and public participation plan will be available at the Port Angeles Public Library and Peninsula College.
Prior to the public meeting, the technical expert hired by Ecology to design the sampling plan will hold a technical workshop.
This portion of the meeting is from 3 to 5 p.m. at the same location -- Olympic Medical Center's Linkletter Hall.
Citizens can also submit comments directly to Ecology by July 30 to the following address:
Connie Groven, project manager
Dept. of Ecology, SWRO Toxics Cleanup Program
P.O. Box 47775
Olympia, Washington 98504-7775
The plan is available online: Click Here
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/tcp/sites/rayonierOffProp/rayonierOffPr_hp.htm
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