Project Description

The Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Cleanup Project consists of removing existing PCB contaminated asphalt, concrete curb and gutter, catch basins, underdrain pipe, and soil. The project also includes the construction of asphalt roadways, concrete curbs and gutters, catch basins, ADA curb ramps and driveways.

Overview and Background

The PCB Cleanup Project is being undertaken in response to intermittent elevated levels of PCBs detected during routine annual sediment trap sampling completed by the City over the past several years in the stormwater system serving the Thea Foss Watershed.

During the routine monitoring, elevated PCB concentrations were detected in the upgradient sediment trap associated with the FD35 sub-area of the Outfall 237B drainage basin.

A subsequent PCB source tracing investigation was completed by the City in 2013. In this residential area, it was determined that a PCB-containing tar sealant was used to seal between the roadway and the curb line during Local Improvement District (LID) project, a roadway construction project that was completed in 1975. The City provided formal notification of these findings to the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) on May 22, 2013. Informal notification was subsequently provided to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

The City decided to conduct the PCB Cleanup Project under Ecology’s Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP). Therefore, the Construction and removal activities will be conducted as an Independent Remedial Action (WAC 173-340-515) and are expected to meet the cleanup levels (CULs) specified in WAC 173-340-700. This project will also be completed in accordance with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), where appropriate.

Outreach and Public Involvement

On August 13, 2015 a public open house for PCB Cleanup was held at Boze Elementary School Library.

Phases

The project will be conducted in two phases:

Phase 1 - 2015 (Completed)

• East 62nd Street from East I to East K Streets
• East I Street between East 64th and East 65th Streets
• Southeast and northeast corners of East K Street and East 61st Street

Phase 2 - Summer 2016

• East 61st Street from East I to East K Streets
• East K Street between East 60th and East 61st Streets

View the updated project location map for East Tacoma PCB Investigation Construction Phasing. 
 

Budget Phase 2

Preliminary Schedule Phase 2

Additional Information