From start to finish, the following process is employed to achieve the clean up of the Commencement Bay / Nearshore Tideflats (CB/NT) Superfund problem area:

• Define Problem Areas.
• Identify all current and historic sources of contamination.
• Identify all parties whose actions caused the contamination.
• Control on-going sources of contamination.
• Investigate methods to clean up each problem site.
• Determine disposal site/methods for contaminated sediments/soils.
• Select final clean-up method.
• Negotiate final action with all responsible parties.
• Perform site clean-up action.
• Monitor to verify that remedy has worked and site is not being re-contaminated.
• Remove site from National Priorities List (NPL) – No longer a Superfund site.

The process started in September 1983 when Commencement Bay was added to the list of national Superfund sites. Extensive studies to define the extent of the CB/NT problem area and what methods were appropriate to clean up Commencement Bay were conducted from 1983 through 1988. The results of these investigations were incorporated into the site’s Record of Decision in September 1989 that defined the extent of the problem as well as what methods would be used to clean-up and dispose of Commencement Bay’s contaminated mud. To date, most actions have been completed. Work to complete actions in the mouth of the Hylebos Waterway and ASARCO/Ruston sites is currently on going.

CHB’s Role in the Commencement Bay / Nearshore Tideflats Superfund cleanup process is to:

• Provide citizen oversight in the cleanup process.
• Advocate for permanent and protective cleanup and disposal solutions.
• Analyze and comment on all remedial and design plans.
• Educate the community regarding cleanup activities and issues.
• Expand citizen participation in public meetings and comment periods.
• Work cooperatively with all stakeholders, which include: – Communities, neighborhoods and other public stakeholders. – Potentially responsible parties. – Economic development and other business interests. – Local, regional, state and federal agencies.