Whidbey Marine & Auto Supply cleanup site, Freeland

The following documents are available on the cleanup site webpage:

• Remedial Investigation: Details the types and locations of contamination at the site.
• Feasibility Study: Explains the different cleanup options, called alternatives, including Ecology’s preferred cleanup alternative. This study is combined into one document with the Remedial Investigation.
• Public Participation Plan: Describes how Ecology will inform the community about the site activities and ways to become involved.

To learn more about this cleanup, join our in-person and online open house on Tuesday, June 3.

Background

Whidbey Marine & Auto Supply operated as a retail gasoline service station, auto and boat supply store, and auto repair facility between 1971 and 2014. In 2005 a release of unleaded gasoline from an underground storage tank was reported to Ecology.  Investigations found contaminants in both soil and groundwater, including total petroleum hydrocarbons and associated chemicals present at levels that exceed state standards. Contamination has traveled through the subsurface reaching two groundwater zones, including the sea-level aquifer in the area below the property.

The sea-level aquifer is Whidbey Island’s main source of drinking water. Groundwater monitoring indicates there is no immediate threat to the drinking water supply. However, the contamination remains a concern and must be addressed.