Press Releases

NEW ROUND OF FUNDING, PORT OF RIDGEFIELD FULL STEAM AHEAD

9/14/2009 12:00:00 AM

The Washington State Department of Ecology notified the Port of Ridgefield last month that funding had been approved to continue the cleanup of the Port’s Lake River Industrial site. Grant funds providing up to $7.3 million and matching loan funds of $3.9 million will keep the Port’s steam enhanced remediation operation going through June of 2011. “We’re making good progress with our clean-up”, stated Brent Grening, executive director for the port. “We’re seeing big improvements to ground water quality beneath the site, but we’re not done, these funds are critical to continuing our clean-up project – that’s good for the environment and keeps people working in our community.

Using steam injected into the ground, the Port has been able to remove nearly 23,000 gallons of toxic sludge left behind by Pacific Wood Treatment since the process started back in 2004. Pacific Wood Treatment had occupied the site for 30 years prior to declaring bankruptcy in 1993. When PWT vacated the site it left behind tons surface contaminates and an under-ground plume of chemical sludge covering nearly 4 acres and estimated to contain 30,000 gallons of toxic wood treatment chemicals. Recently the Port began steam injection in the last quadrant of the area occupied by the plume and it is expected to be 2 or 3 more years before completion of the task.

You can obtain more detailed information about the cleanup of the Lake River Industrial site by visiting the Port’s web page at www.portridgefield.org. Schools, civic organizations and other groups can arrange tours of the operation by contacting the Port offices at 360-887-3873.

About the Port of Ridgefield

The Port of Ridgefield was formed in 1940 and is charged with bringing economic development to the greater Ridgefield area. The Port district covers approximately 57 square miles, represents over 15,000 constituents and is led by three elected commissioners: Joe Melroy, Bruce Wiseman, and Scott Hughes. The Port is currently evolved with the environmental cleanup and redevelopment of the Ridgefield waterfront, the Ridgefield I-5 interchange Ridgefield rail overpass and other projects.

Public meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at Port offices located at 111 W Division St. Ridgefield WA. Meetings start at 10:00 AM. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information about the Port, visit www.portridgefield.org or:

Contact: Michael Williams

Marketing & Communications Manager

360.887.3873

mwilliams@portridgefield.org