PUBLISHED IN THE CASCADIA WEEKLY

August 9, 2006

Bellingham Bay Cleanup: The Whatcom Waterway, the Upland, and the ASB

The upcoming cleanups in Bellingham Bay have gotten a lot of press recently, but not a lot of context. To better understand and advocate for the best cleanup in Bellingham Bay and the GP upland area, we should be clear on the procedures and timing of the cleanups, the mercury levels at different sites, and the differences between upland and water cleanup standards.

Mercury contamination from GP can be found in the Whatcom Waterway and adjacent waters, the treatment lagoon (also known as the ASB), and the uplands. All of these areas need to be cleaned up. To direct these clean-ups, the Department of Ecology (Ecology) engages in a lengthy decision-making process that includes the publication of a remedial investigation/ feasibility study (RI/FS) for the target area. The RI/FS details the level and extent of contamination, compares different possible alternatives for cleanup, and presents a preferred cleanup remedy.  As part of this process, Ecology must accept and address comments and concerns from the public. Currently, Ecology is working on the RI/FS for the Whatcom Waterway and ASB. The RI/FS for the uplands is years away. That means that the cleanup before us, right now, pertains to the Whatcom Waterway and the ASB.

How contaminated are the Whatcom Waterway and ASB? According to the Gristle column in last week’s issue of the Cascadia Weekly, the lagoon is not very contaminated when compared to the Whatcom Waterway. Rather than argue about how contaminated the ASB is, it seems useful to look at the numbers. Sampled surface sediments in the Whatcom Waterway contain mercury ranging from 0.20 to 2.55 parts per million, whereas sampled sludges in the lagoon range from 0.13 to 20.5 parts per million.  (Deeper sediments in the Whatcom Waterway sediments are more contaminated than waterway surface sediments, but not as contaminated as the ASB sludges) As a toxicologist, I am familiar with the contamination in the bay, as well as its implications for wildlife and human health. The lagoon is, in fact, more contaminated than the Whatcom Waterway in many areas where sampling has occurred. In addition to mercury, the ASB also contains toxic levels of other contaminants, notably wood breakdown products, such as phenolic compounds.

The next question is how much does contamination in the ASB matter? Contamination with mercury matters a great deal. Mercury is a bioaccumulative toxin; it affects our nervous and reproductive systems, with developing fetuses and young children especially sensitive to it effects.  Mercury is considered more toxic in water than in soil, and thus, there are somewhat more stringent cleanup levels for sediment (in water) than for soil.

The problem is that the ASB is now in a nether land - neither land nor water. There has been no definitive answer to whether the lagoon is or will be considered an upland or water site.  If it’s considered an upland site, the mercury will need to be cleaned up to the level of 2.0 parts per million.  If it’s determined to be a water site, the cleanup standards will range from 0.59-1.2 parts per million (which is 2-4 times more stringent).  

The upcoming cleanup will determine whether we convert the ASB to an upland or water site, and therefore whether we clean it to lesser or greater standards.  Removal of contaminated material in the lagoon, and use of the more strict standards is required to turn the ASB into a marina. Leaving contamination in the lagoon, made easier by adherence to upland standards, will preclude that option. It will also mean, however, a lesser cleanup for the lagoon, and the likely conversion of the lagoon into a landfill.

I, as the North Sound Baykeeper, and my organization, RE Sources do not endorse the idea of a marina, nor do we endorse making another landfill on our waterfront.  We are working for the most healthful cleanup of the bay for fish and for people. The most healthful cleanup attainable may, in the end, include a marina or a landfill, but we do not believe that the desired end land use of the ASB (whether it be a marina, a park, or housing) should define the cleanup.

Let’s work together for the best clean up possible for all of Bellingham Bay. I believe we can do that through acknowledging our agendas, moving forward, and engaging in open, clear, and honest community dialogue.

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