2024 SUMMARY
Crews were at the Northport Waterfront last spring and summer to clean up historic smelter contamination along the Columbia River hillside and seasonal beach area downstream of the jetty and upstream of the SR25 bridge. Much of the material excavated was found to contain high levels of lead and other metals. Some hotspots tested well above levels designated as “hazardous” under federal standards.
Only 21 facilities nation-wide accept this level of hazardous waste, and none are in Washington. Around 2,000 tons with this designation were trucked to Arlington, Oregon to be stabilized and disposed of. Another 13,000 tons of non-designated waste were sent to Steven’s County Landfill. Lastly, about 4,000 tons of excavated river rock above 6 inches in diameter were retained and mixed with imported materials for reuse on site. Photos of the 2024 efforts can be accessed from Ecology’s Northport Waterfront cleanup page and Flickr album.
2025 NEXT STEPS
Capping of the jetty, bay, and bay shore as well as any remaining excavation will start in March 2025. Due to unpredictable river levels, it is not possible to choose the window the boat launch will be closed for construction. However, it is estimated it will be closed for approximately 2 weeks sometime between March and May. Ecology will give the public as much notice as possible. The newly constructed access road east of Park Road will continue to be open for all traffic accessing the Town Park and waterfront.
