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EPA Proposes Quendall Terminals Site (Renton, WA) for National Priorities ("Superfund") List

Release Date: 9/14/2005
Contact Information: Mark MacIntyre
macintyre.mark@epa.gov
(206) 553-7302

September 14, 2005


The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is proposing to add Quendall Terminals, a former creosote formulating plant on Lake Washington shoreline in Renton, to the National Priorities List (NPL). Creosote is used as a wood preservative. Past releases of coal tars and creosote at the site have contaminated soil, ground water, surface water, and lake sediments. The NPL or "Superfund" list contains the nation's most seriously contaminated hazardous waste sites.

"We believe Superfund is an effective legal tool in getting seriously contaminated property cleaned up," said Dan Opalski, Director of EPA's Region 10 Superfund clean up office in Seattle. "Experience has shown that by simply proposing or listing a site on the NPL, amazing progress can be made to move site clean up forward. We're committed to making progress at Quendall Terminals as quickly as possible."

After careful study and review of investigative data from the site, EPA found that Quendall Terminals (4503 Lake Washington Boulevard in Renton, Washington) met the required criteria for proposal to the Superfund list. Preliminary investigations at the site revealed extensive contamination of the soil, ground-water, and nearby lake sediments.

Primary contaminants include polyaromatic hydrocarbons and benzene, which can cause cancer. Sampling results have shown contaminant concentrations well above cleanup levels for both industrial and residential sites. Releases of these contaminants to Lake Washington -- a popular recreation spot for both residents and tourists – are of particular concern.

Sixty-day public comment periods ends November 14, 2005

In accordance with EPA's Superfund listing process, the public is invited to comment on the proposed listing for the next 60 days. All comments on the proposal must be submitted to EPA Headquarters at the address listed below. Mail the original and three copies of your comments (no facsimiles or tapes) to:

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Related Links:

Comments Page (www.regulations.gov)
National Superfund Site (www.epa.gov/superfund/index.htm)

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