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Department of Ecology News Release - July 1, 2008
08-182
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) will test soils for dioxins on properties near and around the former Rayonier Mill in Port Angeles, and today released the draft plan for public review.
Interested citizens have until July 30, 2008, to submit written comments on the draft. They can also learn more directly from Ecology staff during a meeting Wednesday, July 9, at Olympic Medical Center’s Linkletter Hall, 939 Caroline Street in Port Angeles. The meeting begins with an open house at 6:30 p.m., followed by a presentation at 7 p.m.
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. They will be posted online, too: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/tcp/sites/rayonierOffProp/rayonierOffPr_hp.htm .
Citizens can also submit comments directly to Ecology by July 30:
Connie Groven, project manager
Dept. of Ecology
SWRO Toxics Cleanup Program
P.O. Box 47775
Olympia, Washington 98504-7775
cgro461@ecy.wa.gov
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.
Dioxins are a family of chemicals that have been linked to increased risk of certain cancers in humans. The chemicals can be formed during industrial processes and certain types of chemical manufacturing. Burning waste or wood in fireplaces or wood stoves can also create dioxins.
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Media Contact: Kim Schmanke, 360-407-6239 (desk) or 360-791-9830 (cell)
For more information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/tcp/sites/rayonierOffProp/rayonierOffPr_hp.htm
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0809132.pdf
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
