Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site HIA

Location

Seattle, Washington

Organization(s)

University of Washington School of Public Health; Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition/Technical Advisory Group; Just Health Action

This HIA will inform the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) selection of a cleanup plan for the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund site in Seattle. EPA will announce its Proposed Cleanup Plan in 2012, and a Final Plan in 2013. The HIA will be conducted by University of Washington with two nonprofit organizations, Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition/Technical Advisory Group (DRCC/TAG) and Just Health Action. DRCC/TAG is EPA's designated Community Advisory Group for the site.

Key health issues that the HIA will address include consuming contaminated seafood, air and soil pollution, as well as concerns such as construction noise, traffic safety, and access to goods and services in the neighborhoods surrounding the site during and after the multiyear cleanup period. The affected populations include two predominantly low income and minority neighborhoods and two federally recognized tribes that fish on the river.

Responsibility for implementing the cleanup plan will lie largely with the Port of Seattle, City of Seattle, King County, and The Boeing Company. The three public parties have expressed strong support for the HIA and intend to participate in its conduct. HIA findings and recommendations could influence EPA’s selection of a cleanup alternative, as well as the implementation of additional measures by Seattle, King County, the Port of Seattle, and The Boeing Company.

Photo Credit: Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition/TAG