Port of Port Angeles gets green light from state to move ahead with $2 million washdown facility

State Environmental Policy Act review comes to determination of non-significance.

PORT ANGELES — The Port of Port Angeles got the go-ahead from the state to move forward with a Marine Trades Industrial Park washdown facility.

The port’s commissioners acknowledged a determination of non-significance Monday after going through a state Environmental Policy Act review for the project.

The port is proposing to construct an approximately 14,000-square-foot wash pad, install pressure washing units and a water treatment system at the northwest corner of the former KPly site at 439 Marine Drive as part of the Marine Trades Industrial Park development.

The project is estimated to cost the port about $2 million. That amount is set aside in the port’s draft 2017 capital budget.

That amount includes contingency funds for unexpected costs, said Chris Hartman, the port’s director of engineering.

The facility would be used by adjacent marine trades companies and would be supported by the port’s existing 500-ton travel lift pier.

The determination of non-significance was issued Sept. 6.

The state departments of Ecology and Archaeology and Historic Preservation requested that a professional archaeologist monitor the project during excavation.

Jesse Waknitz, the port’s environmental manager, said the port plans to comply with that request.

The $2 million budgeted should cover the costs of the archaeologist, Hartman said.

He said because little excavation is needed for the project, an archaeologist would only need to be present for a few days.

“There will be some excavation, but very little,” he said.

Waknitz said that while the project might not start until next year, it’s important to do a state Environmental Policy Act review early to open the port up to potential grants and outside funding.

The project is planned at the 19-acre former KPly site, where the port recently finished a cleanup.

In October 2012, the port signed an order with Ecology to conduct a remedial investigation. From 2012-2015, the port’s environmental consultant prepared work plans, conducted field investigations and prepared a draft cleanup action plan.

The project was finished in May and the port will continue to monitor the site for contaminants as it develops the site.

The industrial park would be an expansion of what is already on Marine Drive and would be similar to the work Westport and Platypus Marine are doing, Hartman has said.

The port is working with a consultant on master planning for the site and is meeting with local shipbuilders and repair companies to gather information about what kind of infrastructure is needed.

________

Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsula dailynews.com.

More in News

The ferry MV Coho backs into its landing after returning to Port Angeles on Tuesday following annual dry dock and maintenance in Anacortes. During the maintenance period, extensive work was performed on the dock, including replacement of a wing wall used to steer and secure the vessel during loading and unloading of cars and passengers. The ferry is scheduled to resume daily service between Port Angeles and Victoria on Thursday. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Coho returns

The ferry MV Coho backs into its landing after returning to Port… Continue reading

Building association calls for city to cease utility charges

Association says charges unconstitutional

Jefferson Land Trust considering conservation burial ground

Funds from plot sales could fund habitat improvements

Port Angeles artist Bob Stokes sits in his studio and music venue on Wednesday. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Art community mourns Bob Stokes’ passing

Legacy includes statues, concerts, gatherings

Clallam PUD
Cindy Kimble, Clallam PUD’s customer and community outreach programs coordinator, can help residents navigate the utility district’s revamped low-income energy assistance program.
Clallam PUD hires staff to help low-income customers

Clallam County Public Utility District has overhauled its low-income energy… Continue reading

Jen Colmore, left, and June Nichols of the Sequim Food Bank serve a sample of chili to Monica Dixon of Sequim during Saturday’s Community Chili Cookoff at the Sequim Boys & Girls Club. The event, organized by the club and Boy Scout Troop 90, showcased the culinary skills of six community organizations with each group receiving a share of the proceeds and the winner taking a $500 prize. The food bank’s chili recipe took top honors in the competition. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Chili cookoff

Jen Colmore, left, and June Nichols of the Sequim Food Bank serve… Continue reading

Port Townsend to test sewer system with smoke, dye

The city of Port Townsend will test its sewer… Continue reading

JUMP! Playground to close for renovations

Jefferson County Parks and Recreation will close the JUMP! Playground… Continue reading

Barcy Fisher, left, and Patti Buckland have been selected as the 2024 Marrowstone Island Citizens of the Year.
Fisher, Buckland honored as Marrowstone Island citizens of year

Barcy Fisher and Patty Buckland were named Marrowstone Island’s 2024… Continue reading

About 800 people from Jefferson and Clallam counties spill out from the steps of the Jefferson County Courthouse onto Jefferson Street in Port Townsend on Monday to take part in a National Day of Protest organized by the 50501 Movement, which stands for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement.” (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Hundreds protest actions of Trump administration

Activists cite USAID, worry about Treasury, impacts of immigration

Peninsula to welcome Canadian visitors

Celebration of Coho passengers planned

Fish barrier removal to impact highway traffic

Portions of roadway to have long-term closures