1966 - mid 1980s: TCE in use
Boeing used trichloroethene (TCE) as a degreasing solvent to clean metal parts.
1990s: Early investigation
Boeing began investigating the soil and groundwater at the facility
Mid 1990s: TCE release documented
Boeing documented and notified Ecology of a prior release of TCE at the facility.
2002: Agreed order
Ecology and Boeing signed an agreed order to investigate potential and actual releases at the facility, in compliance with state law.
2003: Investigation begins
Under our direction, Boeing began the study of the contamination (remedial investigation).
2005: Interim action
High levels of contamination on the Boeing property prompted us to require an interim cleanup of the degreaser at the location of Building 17-05 (the building has been torn down) to bring TCE concentrations below state cleanup levels. This interim action will not be the final cleanup.
2006: Agreed order amendment
Ecology and Boeing amended the agreed order, in compliance with state law, to include property ownership transitions.
2009: Investigation off property
We directed Boeing to investigate for contaminated groundwater beyond the Boeing property boundary.
2011: Contamination found off property
Boeing found contamination beyond their property boundaries; we notified water districts and cities of Algona, Auburn, and Pacific.
2012: Drinking water is safe
The Department of Health published a report confirming that the public drinking water systems are safe.
2013: Public meetings
We held public meetings in Algona to discuss the investigation progress and air quality testing.
2015: Feasibility study
Boeing started a pilot project in commercial Algona to test potential cleanup methods. As they gather information on methods that may be effective, they will propose solutions for cleanup of the impacted areas.
2017: Draft remedial investigation report & comment period
Boeing prepared a draft report based on their findings from the remedial investigation. We held a public comment period on that report in April 2017. Boeing revised the report and resubmitted it. We approved the revised Remedial Investigation in September 2017.
2019: Cleanup action plan
We will propose a cleanup action plan for the site.
2020: Cleanup implemented
Boeing will implement a cleanup plan approved by Ecology, after public comment.
Ongoing: Monitoring
We will review Boeing's monitoring of the cleanup to ensure it is effective and protects human health and the environment.