Chelan PUD Worthen Substation, Wenatchee

We are providing you an opportunity to review the draft Agreed Order for the Chelan PUD Worthen Substation.

Site history

The site began operating in the early 1900s and has primarily been used for energy production and distribution. Past operations at the site included a coal-powered steam plant for electricity production and a manufactured gas plant that produced gas for heating, cooking, and lighting.

After World War II, the manufactured gas plant was decommissioned and that portion of the site was used for propane gas distribution and, later, natural gas distribution. In addition to the steam plant and gas facilities, a City of Wenatchee dump operated in a portion of the northern area of the site until sometime in the 1940s.

By the 1960s, the steam plant was removed, the former manufactured pas plant was demolished, and the land had been transferred to Chelan PUD.

The site is currently used by Chelan PUD as an electrical substation and switchyard.

Prior investigations have confirmed the presence of contaminants in the soil and groundwater of the site. These contaminants include gasoline-range, diesel, and heavy oil-range petroleum hydrocarbons, as well as other toxic contaminants related to previous industries at the site.