PORT ANGELES — The former Rayonier pulp mill site could be designated as a future commercial area under a comprehensive plan amendment being considered by city officials.
But Rayonier officials warn that such a move could complicate cleanup efforts and delay any future sale of the waterfront property.
“Let’s leave it alone until we know it’s fate,” said Rayonier Director of Environmental Affairs Dana Dolloff in an interview last week.
“Then if more cleanup is needed, then fine.”
If the site’s land use is designated as anything but “industrial,” the property must be cleaned up to an “unrestricted” standard under state environmental laws, Dolloff said.
“If it’s an ‘unrestricted’ standard, then we have a real interesting problem on our hands,” he said.
The Rayonier pulp mill at 700 Ennis St. closed on March 1, 1997. Environmental cleanup of the 95-acre waterfront site has hindered the company’s to sell the property, valued on local tax rolls at $4.9 million.
The city is amending its comprehensive plan and land use map, a process done once every seven years.
The comprehensive plan and land use map sets the overall plan for development of the city, including zoning. It sets the policy guidelines for later regulations, rules and requirements.