News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 26, 1999
Contact:  Barbara Dunn, Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact:  Sandy Howard, Washington Dept. of Ecology, 360-407-6239

Governor recommends an Ecology-led cleanup of Rayonier mill

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke has recommended that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) not designate the Rayonier pulp mill as a federal Superfund site but instead allow the state of Washington to oversee the company's cleanup of the decommissioned mill in Port Angeles.

The governor's recommendation is based on key agreements the state Department of Ecology achieved with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and Rayonier Inc.

In the agreements, the tribe is assured it will have a role in overseeing the cleanup so its interests are protected. Tribal interests include cultural and historical resources, fishing rights, health and welfare, economic security and containment of any toxic contamination during the cleanup.

Rayonier agrees to provide full funding for all necessary staff resources and public-involvement opportunities for the cleanup.

"A state-driven cleanup is in the best interests of Washington citizens and natural resources," Locke said. "Our agreements with the tribe and with Rayonier pave the way for getting the job done with a great deal of participation and oversight."

If EPA accepts the governor's recommendation, Ecology would lead the cleanup under the state Model Toxics Control Act, a process that is as stringent as federal Superfund cleanup law.

EPA would review the status of the cleanup annually. In case of dispute, the tribe would be able to request that EPA assume authority for the cleanup under the Superfund process.

"Washington has a strong and effective law for addressing contaminated sites," said Ecology Director Tom Fitzsimmons. "We are confident we have the resources to do the job in a timely manner and be accessible to all interested parties."

Local governments, economic-development and business officials, and many citizens around Port Angeles support a state-led cleanup.

Two unfinished steps still need to be taken before a state cleanup deal is sealed: the tribe must reach agreement with Rayonier for funding its involvement in the process, and EPA must issue a deferral agreement that gives Ecology responsibilities for cleanup oversight.

"The environmental and economic consequences of doing the job properly will be of great importance for generations to come," Locke added.

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