Report on the Cleanup of Weldcraft Steel and Marine Site at Squalicum Harbor

Introduction

Since the 1940s, industrial and marine activities have caused contamination in a section of Squalicum Harbor, affecting both land and water. The Washington Department of Ecology, in collaboration with the Port of Bellingham, is implementing a cleanup action plan to remediate the Weldcraft Steel and Marine site located at 2652 N Harbor Loop Drive. This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Site Background and Contamination

Weldcraft Steel and Marine operated on the site from 1946 to 2000, engaging in activities such as boat construction, repair, maintenance, wood and metal fabrication, and painting. These operations contributed to contamination of soil, groundwater, and marine sediments with petroleum hydrocarbons, metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Previous Cleanup Efforts

• In 2004, the Port of Bellingham removed approximately 6,800 cubic yards of contaminated in-water sediment and a marine railway, addressing sediment contamination containing metals and PAHs.

Planned Cleanup Actions

Following comprehensive site studies and evaluation of cleanup options, the Port of Bellingham has selected the following measures to remediate remaining land contamination, supporting SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action):

1. Removal of petroleum contaminants from soil and groundwater.
2. Capture and control of soil vapors to prevent air pollution.
3. Capping of contaminated soil to prevent exposure and further spread.
4. Ongoing monitoring of groundwater and soil vapor to ensure effectiveness.
5. Implementation of long-term protective measures to prevent human and ecological exposure to pollutants.

The cleanup is scheduled to commence between 2026 and 2028, following further investigative verification.

Public Involvement and Documentation

In accordance with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), public participation is encouraged during the comment period. Documents available for review include:

• The Cleanup Action Plan
• An Agreed Order – a legal agreement mandating cleanup implementation by the Port of Bellingham
• State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Determination of Non-significance
• Public Participation Plan

These documents can be accessed online at the Weldcraft Steel and Marine webpage or physically at the Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225.

Public Comment Submission

Comments are accepted until July 30, 2025, and can be submitted via:

• Online submission portal
• Email
• Mail to:

Community Engagement: On-site Walking Tour

To promote community awareness and engagement, RE Sources, a local nonprofit organization, will host an on-site walking tour funded by a Public Participation Grant from Ecology. Representatives from Ecology and the Port of Bellingham will be present to provide information and answer questions.

• Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025
• Time: Noon – 1:30 p.m.
• Location: Meet at the parking lot behind LFS Marine & Outdoor; look for the blue canopy.

Additional information is available on the RE Sources website.

Bellingham Bay Cleanup Initiative

The Weldcraft Steel and Marine site cleanup is part of a larger effort involving 12 sites within Bellingham Bay, coordinated by the Bellingham Bay Action Team (BBAT). This multi-agency collaboration focuses on:

• Cleaning up contaminated sediments
• Controlling sources of sediment contamination
• Restoring natural habitats
• Balancing land and water use considerations

This initiative supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering cooperation among agencies and stakeholders to protect and restore the bay’s ecosystem.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Focus on improving water quality by reducing pollution and contamination in Squalicum Harbor.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Efforts to ensure safe and sustainable urban environments through cleanup and long-term protection from pollutants.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Addressing industrial contamination and promoting sustainable industrial practices.
4. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Cleaning up marine sediment contamination to protect aquatic ecosystems.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater to restore terrestrial ecosystems.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Collaboration between government agencies, local nonprofits, and the public in cleanup efforts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6 – Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
2. SDG 11 – Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management.
3. SDG 12 – Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
4. SDG 14 – Target 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities.
5. SDG 15 – Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
6. SDG 17 – Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 6.3: Proportion of wastewater safely treated; concentration of pollutants in water bodies.
   • Implied by monitoring groundwater and soil vapor contamination levels.
2. Indicator for SDG 11.6: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other pollutants.
   • Implied through soil vapor capture and monitoring to reduce exposure to pollutants.
3. Indicator for SDG 12.4: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste.
   • Implied by the legal agreement (agreed order) between Ecology and the Port of Bellingham to implement cleanup.
4. Indicator for SDG 14.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.
   • Implied by removal of contaminated marine sediment and monitoring of marine pollution.
5. Indicator for SDG 15.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area; proportion of important sites protected.
   • Implied by capping contaminated soil and ensuring long-term protection from exposure.
6. Indicator for SDG 17.17: Amount of funding and number of partnerships supporting sustainable development.
   • Implied by the Public Participation Grant funding and multi-agency collaboration through BBAT.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ecology.wa.gov