Marine Fluid Systems Inc periodic review

Marine Fluid Systems is an approximately 2.5-acre property on the north shore of the Lake Washington Ship Canal with multiple industrial and commercial tenants at the property. Its primary industrial use is for boat repair and maintenance. The site received a No Further Action (NFA) determination through the Voluntary Cleanup Program in 2000. The remedy relied on institutional controls (a covenant restricting site uses and activities) and engineered controls (capping by pavement and buildings to prevent movement of or exposure to hazardous substances).  

We conduct a periodic review about every five years when some contamination remains at a site. The purpose of the review is to evaluate current site conditions and to ensure continued protection of human health and the environment. Our 2022 review concluded that the 2000 NFA opinion should be rescinded.

• The neighboring Trident Seafoods property seems to be contaminated from the same source(s) that contaminated the Marine Fluid Systems property, which would make Trident Seafoods part of the Marine Fluid Systems cleanup site. Our 2000 NFA opinion indicates that the remedy is protective of human health and the environment at the site and that no further action is needed, but the remedy is not protective of the Trident Seafoods portion of the site. Since more remedial action under MTCA is still necessary elsewhere at the site, the 2000 NFA opinion does not accurately represent site conditions.
• The 2000 NFA opinion indicates that it does not pertain to contaminated sediments, and that contaminated sediments may be addressed by Ecology in the future. Sediments in the submerged portion of the property and next to the property appear to have been impacted by sandblasting grit previously observed in the partially submerged dock area or by other site operations. The selected remedy is not protective of sediments, and the extent of contaminated sediments has not been determined.
• The shop on the Marine Fluid Systems property has an unpaved dirt floor. Also, a small area of pavement southeast of the marine railway has deteriorated. Workers could be exposed to contaminated soil in these areas. The shop floor should be capped/paved, and deteriorated or cracked pavement should be repaired.

We will review comments received during the comment period and will consider suggested changes. The periodic review will become final if no significant changes are made. An additional public comment period will be held if significant changes are made.

We will hold a public meeting if 10 people request one.