Initial site survey work on Port Angeles dock, shoreline to begin late August

Residents, later this month, will see some field survey work taking place at the dock and shoreline area leased by Rayonier Advanced Materials in Port Angeles. The work is a collaboration among the state Department of Ecology, Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM), and the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
 
“Moving forward with this project is a necessary first step and will set the stage for clean-up,” said Rebecca Lawson, Ecology’s Southwest Region Toxics Cleanup Program Manager. “We all share a common goal to improve the health of Port Angeles Harbor.”
 
“The site work will support the engineering design of the plan to remove the marine structures and restore the shoreline,” said Carla Yetter, Vice President of Sustainability for RYAM. “This is a necessary and exciting step forward.”
 
The initial survey work is the result of ongoing dialogue between the company and state agencies.
 
“It’s an exciting milestone that will lead us in a positive direction that works for the environment and the community,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Ecology and Rayonier Advanced Materials, as well as local tribes and the community, as a restoration plan is crafted.”
 
While the work plan for the project is not yet complete, the field survey work this month will serve to inform the group as to the next steps to build out the timeline and scope of work for the project, which will include: removal of the dock and jetty, and clean-up of contaminated sediment and the shoreline to achieve marine habitat restoration.