Ecology adds Northwest Youth Services property in Skagit County to contaminated sites list

The Washington State Department of Ecology has designated the Northwest Youth Services property in Mount Vernon as a contaminated site due to environmental hazards. The site, which served at-risk youth, closed its two buildings in March 2025 following assessments that identified gas and oil contamination in soil and groundwater. The contamination is believed to stem from an underground storage tank dating back to when the property functioned as a gas station in the early 1960s. The organization acquired the property in 2023 for use as a drop-in center and residential units. Local officials have not yet set a timeline for the cleanup process or for reopening the facilities.

This situation raises significant concerns regarding the health and safety of the community and the availability of services for vulnerable youth. The ongoing contamination issue highlights the need for effective environmental oversight in the region. Stakeholders are awaiting further information regarding the decontamination efforts and future plans for the site.