Georgia-Pacific West cleanup site, Bellingham
Comment on cleanup documents
June 1, 2026, 12 a.m. - July 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m. PT
The Georgia-Pacific West cleanup site is in downtown Bellingham along the waterfront. Operations from a pulp and tissue mill caused soil and groundwater contamination. Much of the site has been cleaned up, and the remaining parts of the chlor-alkali area will be cleaned up next.
We invite you to review and comment on the following documents related to the cleanup:
- Consent Decree: A legal agreement between Ecology and the Port of Bellingham. It requires the port to carry out the cleanup action plan, Ecology’s plan to address contamination at the chlor-alkali area of the site. It also settles the port’s liability.
- Public Participation Plan: Describes how Ecology will inform the community about the site activities and ways to become involved.
June 10: Walking Tour & Open House
Join us for a walking tour of the site, hosted by RE Sources, a local nonprofit organization, and an open house hosted by Ecology. Staff from Ecology and the port will be available to answer questions.
Background
The 74-acre Georgia-Pacific West cleanup site was a pulp and tissue mill from 1926 through 2007. In 2005, the port acquired the property from the Georgia-Pacific Corporation and took on the responsibility of cleaning it up.
Contamination of the site is divided into two separate areas — the pulp and tissue mill area and chlor-alkali area. The pulp and tissue mill area was cleaned up in 2016, the lignin operable unit within the Chlor-Alkali Area was cleaned up in 2022, and the rest of the chlor-Alkali Area will be cleaned up next. The cleanup action plan includes treating, removing, and capping contaminated soil; treating and monitoring groundwater; and restricting future activities in certain areas.
Comment online
- Use our online comment form
- Submit your comment by email: john.rapp@ecy.wa.gov
Comment by mail
WA Department of Ecology
913 Squalicum Way, Unit 101
Bellingham, WA 98225
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Questions
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