55 North Everett Properties to Undergo Clean-Up From Asarco Smelter Settlement Fund This Summer

Each year for the past several years, dozens of north Everett properties have undergone cleanup by the Washington State Department of Ecology to make sure there are no dangerous pollutants left in the soil. Last year 24 yards were cleaned up and more than twice that number are on the schedule for this summer and fall. The clean up is part of the settlement between the State and Asarco. Cleanup work is free to property owners, and participation is voluntary. Money comes from a $34 million share of the state’s $188 million bankruptcy settlement with Asarco Inc., the last owner of the Everett Smelter and legally responsible for the cleanup under Washington law.

The former smelter, located at what is now Marine View Drive and Broadway, closed 100 years ago this year. It emitted lead, arsenic and other metals into the air, and some of these pollutants settled on parts of northeastern Everett. On Thursday, the Department of Ecology will outline plans for summer and fall cleanup work in residential yards contaminated by the former Everett Smelter at a community informational meeting. Ecology staff will also review work completed last fall and winter. The meeting will be held at the Snohomish Public Utility District Auditorium, 2320 California Street in Everett. It starts at 6:30pm.
You can find out more about the clean up project by clicking here.