1966 - 1990s: TCE in use
Boeing uses trichloroethylene (TCE), a chemical, to clean metal parts.
1990s: Early investigation and TCE releases reported
- Boeing begins looking for contamination in soil and groundwater.
- They tell us about the releases of TCE at the facility.
2002: Agreed order and bioremediation testing
- We and Boeing sign an agreed order to investigate releases at the facility.
- Boeing tests bioremediation to clean up an area under a building with high levels of TCE.
2003: Remedial investigation begins
Boeing begins to study the contamination further.
2005: Interim action using bioremediation
- High TCE contamination levels lead us to require Boeing to conduct an interim cleanup.
- Boeing conducts interim cleanup using a bioremediation pilot project to treat an area with highly contaminated levels of TCE and related chemicals.
- Interim action brings area to within federal drinking water standards.
2006: Agreed order amendment
We and Boeing amend the agreed order to include property ownership transitions.
2009: Investigation off site
We require Boeing to check for contaminated groundwater outside of their property.
2011: Contamination found off site
- Boeing finds groundwater contamination outside of their property.
- We inform water districts and the cities of Algona, Auburn, and Pacific.
2012: Tests show drinking water is safe
Department of Health confirms that the public drinking water is safe.
2013: Public meetings
We hold public meetings in Algona to discuss the investigation and air quality testing.
2015: Cleanup method trial (bioremediation)
- Boeing tests enhanced bioremediation on low level TCE contamination in commercial Algona.
- All bioremediation applications are successful.
2017: Draft remedial investigation report & comment period
We approve the revised remedial investigation in September 2017.
2019 - 2021: Boeing submits feasibility studies
- We received Boeing's feasibility and supplemental feasibility studies (studies that compares possible cleanup methods) in October 2019 and December 2020.
- Public comment on these documents ended June 18, 2021.
- These documents are now final.
2021: Cleanup action plan
We will propose a cleanup action plan.
2022 - beyond: Cleanup implemented and monitored
- We will approve a cleanup action plan after public comment.
- Boeing will follow this cleanup action plan to continue cleaning up the site.
- We will continue to monitor contamination levels to make sure the cleanup is working.