Posted Monday, August 18, 2025
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The Washington State Department of Ecology is inviting public comment on a proposed legal agreement and community involvement plan for cleaning up chemical contamination at the Paine Field Fire Training Pit, located along the western edge of Paine Field near South Everett.
For decades, firefighting foam containing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was used at the pit during training exercises. PFAS compounds, often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down slowly in the environment, have since been found in soil and groundwater at the site. Ecology officials noted that there have been no reported impacts to local drinking water sources linked to the contamination.
The proposed “Agreed Order” is a binding legal agreement between Ecology and Snohomish County, which owns the property. Under the order, the County must investigate environmental conditions at the site and complete a remedial investigation, feasibility study, and a cleanup action plan.
In addition, Ecology has released a “Public Participation Plan” that outlines how the agency will keep the community informed about site activities and provide opportunities for residents to be involved in the cleanup process.
Members of the public are encouraged to review the documents and provide comments. Ecology also allows residents to request a public meeting about the proposed order and participation plan. A meeting will be held if the agency determines sufficient community interest.
Requests for a meeting must be made by Sept. 10 by contacting Kristen Forkeutis at 425-240-4353 or by email at: Kristen.Forkeutis@ecy.wa.gov.
Ecology officials say the public’s involvement is critical to ensuring transparency as Snohomish County moves forward with investigating and addressing contamination at the Paine Field Fire Training Pit.
Beacon staff w/AI assist