EPA begins next phase of cleanup at Bainbridge Island Wyckoff Superfund site

EPA begins next phase of cleanup at Bainbridge Island Wyckoff Superfund site

$80 million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds next 3 years of work

September 5, 2024

The next three years of cleanup at the site is funded by $80 million from the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. New activities include realigning the existing wellfield, demolishing the defunct thermal pilot test infrastructure, and replacing the existing sheet pile wall with a reinforced concrete wall.

"Today we're kicking off the next phase of our comprehensive cleanup effort at this site," said EPA Regional Administrator Casey Sixkiller. "And thanks to $80 million in funding from the Biden-Harris Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is accelerating this cleanup work. Once completed this project will expand public access and critical habitat for salmon and other marine species."

The site was once home to one of the largest wood treatment facilities in the United States. Creosote continues to seep from the ground and impact area tidelands. Areas impacted by pollution currently remainoff limits to thepublic.

"This project will return life and community and recreation to this corner of Bainbridge, and I'm proud of the partnership making it happen," said Governor Jay Inslee. "Once upon a time, Washington's industries made great things at great cost to the land. We've turned the page since then. Our economy is cleaner, and no less prosperous for it."

"New federal funding to clean-up the Wyckoff/Eagle Harbor Superfund site is a big deal for our region," said Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06). "Cleaning-up this site is important for the health and safety of folks who live in this region now, and for future generations who will make their lives and livelihoods on Puget Sound. Investments like these are part of the reason I supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - and they are strong signs that the Biden-Harris Administration is delivering for the people."

The site is owned by the City of Bainbridge and the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District. The ongoing work will support more of the Superfund site being open to the public as part of Pritchard Park, an existing 50-acre recreational area.

"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding represents a significant advancement in the restoration of the Wyckoff/Eagle Harbor Superfund Site, marking the first major phase of construction on city property and advancing the cleanup efforts," said City of Bainbridge Island Mayor Joe Deets. "We look forward to the day when this site becomes a public park where everyone can enjoy its beauty and wildlife, and we can once again live in harmony with our natural environment. The City of Bainbridge Island appreciates the Environmental Protection Agency, all partner agencies, and the federal government for their support in this important endeavor."

The tidelands near the site are home to 22 acres of eelgrass beds, a critical habitat for young salmon and other marine species. Eelgrass impacted by construction activities has been transplanted to other areas nearby.

EPA is cooperating with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington State Department of Ecology, Suquamish Tribe and other federal, state, and local agencies. Cleanup work began on the site in 1987.

Learn more about the cleanup and the history of the site by visiting EPA's Wyckoff-Eagle Harbor Superfund site webpage.