Shell Oil Tank Farm Cleanup Site, Anacortes

We are providing an opportunity for public review and comment on the draft periodic review conducted at the Shell Oil Tank Farm site.

Ecology visited the on site Dec. 17, 2024. The cleanup action is effectively protecting human health and the environment from exposure to hazardous substances. An environmental covenant for the property is in place to protect the cleanup action and ensure it keeps working.

Groundwater at the site has been monitored regularly. Contamination levels remain below state standards. Based on the 2023 groundwater monitoring results, it is suggested that groundwater monitoring be discontinued at this location.

We will review comments we receive during the comment period and make recommendations for suggested changes. We will finalize the periodic review if we don't make significant changes. We will hold an additional public comment period if we make significant changes.

Site history 

The tank farm area was originally part the Fidalgo Bay tide flats. It was filled in between 1925 and 1929. The Port acquired the property in 1929, and leased it to Shell Oil Company in 1930. Shell used it as a bulk fuel storage and distribution facility that primarily handled gasoline and diesel-range fuels. The site operated as a bulk fuel storage facility under Shell and various other bulk product distributors until 1987 when all tanks, piping, and structures on-site were removed.

In 2014, workers excavated 4,300 cubic yards of contaminated soil and took it off-site to a permitted facility.