Ecology issues update on 2023 Walla Walla gasoline leak and cleanup

WALLA WALLA – The Washington State Department of Ecology has issued an update on the September 2023 gasoline leak and cleanup in downtown Walla Walla.

On March 7, NWFF Environmental began installing new equipment at the Stillwater Holdings Chevron property, 7 E. Rose St.

“The new equipment has a smaller footprint and more efficiently maintains vapor intrusion mitigation and sump water treatment,” Ecology Eastern Regional Office Communications Manager Stephanie May said. “It is very similar to the previous system and provides the same protections.”

Clean Harbors is also finishing transferring mitigation work to NWFF Environmental, with the transition at the 106 N. Second Ave. building yet to be completed.

Next, Ecology will focus on removing the underground storage tank at Stillwater Holdings Chevron and begin the remedial investigation and feasibility study. The study will inform Ecology how to approve long-term cleanup at the Stillwater Holdings Chevron site.

Groundwater sampling is also tentatively set for this month. While a November 2024 sump water sample taken from the Marcus Whitman Hotel was below cleanup/discharge levels, samples from the sump at the 106 building showed that concentrations of petroleum contaminants continue to exceed cleanup levels. Groundwater samples from wells on and adjacent to the Chevron property were also above cleanup levels, although Ecology reports overall there appears to be a decline in concentration.

Ecology reports Stillwater Holdings Chevron has begun fuel sales without approval. Ecology is waiting on the Department of Revenue and the Office of Insurance Commissioner to provide clarification on an issue associated with the insurance provider. If the insurance policy is inadequate, Ecology states it will shut the fuel sales down.

From left to right: 106 building and Stillwater Holdings Chevron with new equipment installed. MyCB photo by Dan Thesman.

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