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  • Governor's Office, 360-902-4111

Governor Gregoire Directs Department of Ecology to Quicken Pace of Toxic Cleanup in Vancouver

For Immediate Release: November 8, 2007

�Today, I asked Jay Manning, state Ecology Director, to immediately develop and implement a strategy for accelerating cleanup of Alcoa�s former aluminum smelter site in Vancouver.

�We must remove the high levels of PCB contamination from the Columbia River sediments at this site as soon as possible. They pose a threat to people and fish and the sooner we get the cleanup started the sooner we can get it done. I am confident that Alcoa will work with Ecology to get this important work completed.

�The work in the river must take place as soon as it is legally possible. I have asked Ecology to develop immediately a schedule for significant cleanup milestones that can be published and which can track progress.

�In the meantime, every effort will be made to protect public health and to remove remaining sources of PCB contamination on the Alcoa property. I've also asked Jay to ensure that the department keeps the local community and other interested stakeholders fully informed about the progress of the cleanup.�

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