Is the Duwamish still a Superfund site?
The last five miles of the Duwamish River towards Elliott Bay is one of the most polluted rivers in the country! In 2001, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared it the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site. The EPA and Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) are overseeing the cleanup of this site.
Why is the Duwamish River a Superfund site?
As a result of nearly a century of industrial activity, the Duwamish River was designated a Superfund Site by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2001, identifying it as one of the nation’s most toxic hazardous waste sites. With this designation comes the mandate that it will be cleaned.
Who are the most at risk from the pollution from the Duwamish River?
Three populations were identified as most likely to be affected by LDW cleanup activities: Georgetown and South Park neighborhood residents; recreational and subsistence fishermen; and the Duwamish, Muckleshoot, and Suquamish tribes.
Is it safe to swim in the Duwamish River?
Powell checked in with county health officials. They assured him the Duwamish was safe to swim as long it wasn’t after a heavy rain. Sewage regularly spills into the river when combined sewage and stormdrain systems are overloaded.
Can you build on a Superfund site?
Yes and no. In other words, “it depends.” Many Superfund sites are in great locations. The majority of sites the Superfund has cleaned are deemed safe for many types of reuse, such as manufacturing, shopping malls, and office complexes, but aren’t safe for residential use.
Where can I fish the Duwamish?
Duwamish River Access
- Spokane Street Bridge. This is a popular spot for bank fishing.
- Herrings House Park. This is a park operated by the City of Seattle.
- 1st Street Boat Launch.
- Duwamish Waterfront Park.
- Codiga Park.
- Fort Dent Park.
How deep is the Duwamish River?
50 feet
By 1920, 4½ miles of the Duwamish Waterway had been dredged to a depth of 50 feet, with 20 million cubic feet of mud and sand going into the expansion of Harbor Island. The shallow, meandering, nine-mile-long river became a five-mile engineered waterway capable of handling ocean-going vessels.
How far should you live away from a Superfund site?
This vapor intrusion then poses further risk to nearby residents, inside of their homes where they would otherwise be inclined to feel safe. Obviously, proximity to a Superfund site is critical; four miles’ distance poses a decreased health risk as compared to a mere forty feet.
What fish are in the Duwamish?
salmon
The Green-Duwamish is one of the most modified rivers in the state. Despite this, salmon return every year. Chinook, Chum, Coho, Steelhead, Pink, Cutthroat and Bull Trout all use the habitat in this area. Both wild and hatchery populations of fish use these waters.
When was the Duwamish River declared a Superfund site?
In 2001, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared it the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site. Superfund is the name of a federal law that requires the nation’s most toxic sites to be identified and cleaned up. The EPA and Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) are overseeing the cleanup of this site.
Who is responsible for cleaning up the lower Duwamish Waterway?
Ecology’s Toxic Cleanup Program manages 16 formal cleanup sites in the LDW source control area. Our Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction program manages five other sites, and our Voluntary Cleanup Program manages many more. EPA manages five upland sites as well as the in-waterway cleanup under the federal Superfund program.
Where is the Duwamish River in Seattle WA?
The Duwamish River is Seattle’s only river and may be called by other names, such as “Spokane Street Bridge fishing site”, “Southwest Bridge fishing site”, “the river near South Park”, or “the river that is near or goes under West Seattle Bridge”. Chemical pollution gets into our environment from many sources.
Why is the Duwamish River important to the environment?
The goal of long-term cleanup of the Duwamish River is to protect the river environment, its fish and wildlife, and human health by reducing the levels of these toxins. The greatest health risks are to people who eat seafood from the river, with some risk related to people who have frequent contact with its mud.