Voluntary Cleanup Program

Helping people with their independent cleanup projects

There are two main options for cleaning up sites under Washington’s Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA): Ecology-supervised cleanups and independent cleanups. The majority of cleanups in Washington are conducted independently. Independent cleanups are also called Independent Remedial Actions.

Some independent cleanup projects work with the VCP to receive a No Further Action opinion.

You may conduct an independent remedial action without joining the VCP.

All cleanups must meet state standards

Whether a site is cleaned up with our supervision or independently, the cleanup must meet MTCA standards. The VCP helps property owners meet these standards. Cleanup projects must also comply with other state and local rules, such as cultural resource regulations.

Two VCP processes

VCP applicants have the option of applying to either the Standard VCP process or Expedited VCP process.

Standard VCP process

Applying to the Standard VCP process is free. VCP customers pay only a portion of our costs for review and assistance. Customers can apply at any point during cleanup. However, we encourage applying early in the cleanup process.

There may be a wait list for new sites to apply to the Standard VCP process. There is also a list for sites already in the process which are waiting for a new site manager to be assigned.

Expedited VCP process

The Expedited VCP process offers a more predictable turnaround time for opinions. Unlike the Standard VCP process, Expedited VCP customers must pay all of Ecology’s costs, including a nonrefundable application fee. When applying, customers must provide a cleanup schedule and a thorough remedial investigation report to our satisfaction and in accordance with MTCA requirements.

Grants for local governments

Local governments may qualify to receive an Independent Remedial Action Grant to recover costs for independent cleanups. To qualify for this funding, local governments are required to undergo a cultural resource review conducted by Ecology. To initiate the review, local governments must complete Ecology’s Cultural Resources Review Form before applying to the VCP. Additionally, they must follow the instructions for applying and be accepted into the VCP before starting any ground-disturbing activities.

For more details, visit our Cultural Resource Review webpage. We will conduct a cultural resource consultation unless the consultation requirements have already been met through a review by another agency. Ecology conducts these reviews in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and potentially impacted Tribes.