Information for developers

If you are a developer planning a project within the Tacoma smelter plume

• Search our interactive map to find out if your property is in the plume.

• Read the Tacoma Smelter Plume Model Remedies Guidance to learn more about how to test soil for arsenic and lead contamination and complete cleanup, if needed.

• If the sampling results show contamination on your property, consider joining the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP). The VCP provides technical assistance and a written opinion on the cleanup. Getting written approvals via the VCP is free for projects with Tacoma smelter plume contamination.

• Protect your workers and the environment. State law requires employers to protect workers who could be harmed by contaminated soils. Construction sites must also prevent dust or stormwater runoff from leaving the site.

  • For worker safety, read Working in Contaminated Soils

  • For other info, read Construction Work in Contaminated Soils

What to do with contaminated soil

Ecology strongly recommends using permanent remedies during residential development. Permanent remedies include digging up contaminated soil and sending it to a landfill, or mixing it with cleaner soils to dilute the contamination. Non-permanent remedies include capping over contaminated soil with pavement or clean soil to prevent exposure to the contaminated soils. If contamination remains on the property, you will need to file an environmental covenant with the county. The covenant will warn future property owners that contamination remains, and require monitoring and maintaining the cleanup.

See Ecology’s Tacoma Smelter Plume Model Remedies Guidance for more details on how to do cleanups.

I need Ecology approval of my cleanup

If a local government permit office or lender requires Ecology’s written approval of your cleanup, you must enter the Voluntary Cleanup Program. Future buyers might also want to see Ecology’s written approval of your cleanup. The Voluntary Cleanup Program provides technical assistance and a written opinion. Getting written approvals via the VCP is free for projects that only deal with Tacoma smelter plume contamination.