Progress Elementary cleanup site, Spokane

We visited the site Oct. 23, 2023, and found the cleanup remains effective. The ground coverings on the playground were in good condition. Some new planter boxes had been installed, but we confirmed clean soil was brought in to fill them.

Learn more

• Review the draft Second Periodic Review.
• Visit our Progress Elementary cleanup site page.

Next steps

We will review all comments received during the comment period and update the periodic review, if needed. If no significant changes are made, the periodic review will become final. If significant changes are made, we will hold an additional public comment period. We will hold an online public meeting if 10 or more people request one.​​

Site history and cleanup

Progress Elementary cleanup was part of Ecology’s Area-wide Soil Contamination Project. The focus of the project was to identify and clean up lead and arsenic on orchard lands that had been developed into properties heavily used by children. Children are more susceptible to the health risks from exposure to lead and arsenic, which was in pesticides historically used on orchards. Progress Elementary has been removed from the Hazardous Sites List following restoration of its playground in 2008.​​

About periodic reviews

Periodic reviews are required when institutional controls are required at a site. Institutional controls can be fences, signs, or restrictions on how the property is used. Ecology conducts reviews to make sure the controls remain effective and the cleanup still protects human health and the environment. We conduct periodic reviews about every five years.