Ecology issues update on WW gasoline leak and cleanup
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Washington State Department of Ecology has signed a contract with NWFF Environmental of Richland, Washington, to ensure mitigation efforts will not be interrupted from the aftermath of the Stillwater Holdings Chevron gas leak in Walla Walla.
Ecology Director Laura Watson authorized emergency contracting for procurement of design and installation of permanent sump treatment systems and vapor mitigation at the site, as well as underground storage tank removal. The final stages of negotiations for this contract are underway and should be ready for approval once costs and snow are refined this month (October).
The agency has requested an additional $3.5 million for this cleanup effort. The request will be considered during the 2025 legislative session.
Ecology said that on Sept. 5, soil samples were collected at the site of the Stillwater Holdings Chevron. Results provided Sept. 24 identified contaminated soil 10 times above cleanup levels. Groundwater analysis from August showed results above cleanup levels.
Ecology’s next round of groundwater sampling will likely occur between November or December.
