Ecology invites public input on plan to clean up Ferndale industrial site Cascadia Daily News

The Washington State Department of Ecology is soliciting public input on a cleanup strategy for the Treoil Industries site in Whatcom County, where decades of hazardous waste contamination have raised serious environmental concerns. This site, utilized for biodiesel refining and tall oil processing, has seen extensive illegal dumping and improper waste storage, leading to significant soil and groundwater contamination. As part of the engagement process, the department released a Remedial Investigation, Feasibility Study, and Public Participation Plan, inviting comments from the public from March 24 to April 22, 2025. Previous interventions by the EPA have involved multimillion-dollar cleanups, most recently in 2022, when dangerous waste storage structures were demolished. The proposed remediation plan outlines three cleanup alternatives, with a capping strategy favored for its long-term efficacy.

Approximately 6,268 tons of contaminated soil would be capped to prevent exposure to humans and wildlife. Additionally, the site remains vulnerable to illegal dumping, highlighting the ongoing need for community involvement in environmental protection. The urgency of this matter underscores the importance of public engagement in shaping the future of the Treoil site.