Tiki Car Wash cleanup site, Bellevue

The Tiki Car Wash cleanup site is in a commercial area of Bellevue. Petroleum leaked from underground storage tanks there, contaminating soil and groundwater.

We seek your input on these documents, available on the Tiki Car Wash cleanup webpage:

• Remedial investigation and feasibility study describes the contamination at the site and compares cleanup options.
• Cleanup action plan describes what will be done to clean up contamination at the site.
• State Environmental Policy Act Determination of Non-Significance states our determination that the cleanup work is not likely to harm the environment.
• Updated Public Participation Plan describes how we will inform the community about the site activities and ways to become involved.

You may request a meeting about these documents. We will consider requests and schedule a meeting when appropriate. To request a meeting, contact Kristen Forkeutis at kristen.forkeutis@ecy.wa.gov or 425-240-4353 by Nov. 5.

Background

A gas station, car wash, and convenience store have operated on the property since 1971. A release of gasoline was reported to Ecology in 1990. Initial investigations by the owner, Tiki Enterprises Inc., confirmed that there was petroleum contamination in soil and groundwater at concentrations above state standards. Further investigations confirmed the presence of petroleum contamination in soil, soil vapor, and groundwater. Drinking water is not affected since no wells are nearby.

In 1993, Ecology and Tiki Enterprises entered into a legal agreement to begin the cleanup process. Ecology became responsible for cleaning up the site, and Tiki Enterprises had to reimburse Ecology for the cleanup costs.