The South State Street area in Bellingham, Washington, marks a significant location with a rich, albeit complex, history. Situated at the northern edge of Boulevard Park, on the Bellingham waterfront, this 6-acre site carries the legacy of the South State Street Manufactured Gas Plant. For decades, from the 1890s to the 1950s, this plant played a crucial role in producing gas for heating and cooking, utilizing coal as its primary resource. However, alongside its industrial contributions, the site has also become associated with environmental concerns due to contamination stemming from its operations and other historical land uses, including railroad activities and lumber milling.
A Look Back at the South State Street Gas Plant Operations
The Bellingham Bay Gas Co., the forerunner to today’s Puget Sound Energy, initiated operations at the plant, marking the beginning of a significant industrial era for South State Street. Cascade Natural Gas later acquired and continued to run the plant in the 1950s, sustaining the gas production for the growing community. However, by the 1960s, with changing energy landscapes, residential developers purchased the property, signaling a shift in land use. In 1975, a significant portion of the gas plant land was acquired by the city of Bellingham, with the vision of transforming it into a public park. Today, ownership of the contaminated areas is shared between the city, the state, and BNSF Railway Co.
Addressing Contamination at South State Street: A Remedial Journey
Recognizing the environmental impact of past industrial activities, a formal agreement, known as an Agreed Order, was established in 2010. This legal framework between the Department of Ecology, the City of Bellingham, and Puget Sound Energy, set the stage for a comprehensive investigation and cleanup process. The agreement mandated a remedial investigation to thoroughly assess the extent of contamination and a feasibility study to explore and evaluate potential cleanup strategies for the South State Street site. An amendment to this order in 2019 further emphasized the commitment to environmental restoration, requiring the development of a detailed cleanup action plan and design documents specifically for the Manufactured Gas Plant site.
Unveiling the Contaminants at the Site
Since 2010, under the vigilant oversight of the Ecology Department, investigations have been underway to pinpoint the types and levels of contaminants present at South State Street. The findings revealed the presence of several harmful substances in the soil, groundwater, and sediment, exceeding state environmental quality standards designed to safeguard both human health and the delicate ecosystem. Key contaminants identified include carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (cPAHs), benzene, naphthalene, cyanide, selenium, and lead. These substances pose significant environmental risks and necessitate careful and effective cleanup strategies.
Early Cleanup Actions to Protect the Shoreline
Recognizing the urgency to protect the vulnerable shoreline, an early cleanup action, termed an interim action, was undertaken and completed in October 2017. This was prompted by historical shoreline erosion and storm damage that threatened a public pier and raised concerns about the potential exposure and spread of contaminated soil. This interim action involved the removal of creosote-treated piles and a deteriorated wood deck, stabilization of a concrete bulkhead, and reinforcement of approximately 450 linear feet of shoreline using rock. These measures were critical in preventing further erosion and minimizing the risk of contaminant dispersal into Bellingham Bay.
South State Street within the Bellingham Bay Demonstration Pilot
The South State Street Manufactured Gas Plant site is not an isolated cleanup effort but is integrated into a larger regional initiative. It stands as one of the 12 key sites within the Bellingham Bay Demonstration Pilot. This pilot project represents a collaborative, multi-agency endeavor focused on the comprehensive cleanup of contaminated sediment across Bellingham Bay. It aims to control sources of contamination, restore vital habitats, and carefully consider the diverse land and water uses within the bay area. This broad strategy was formalized in 2000 with the Bellingham Bay Comprehensive Strategy, guiding the long-term environmental restoration efforts in the region.
Conclusion: Progress and Future Outlook for South State Street
The journey to address the environmental legacy at South State Street is ongoing and demonstrates a strong commitment from various stakeholders to restore this valuable waterfront area. Through diligent investigation, strategic cleanup actions, and participation in the broader Bellingham Bay initiative, significant strides are being made towards mitigating contamination and ensuring a healthier environment for the community and future generations. The South State Street site serves as a testament to the complexities of industrial history and the importance of proactive environmental stewardship in urban waterfront areas.
