Olympia, WA – The Port of Olympia is set to continue sediment sampling this winter for legacy pollutants in Budd Inlet with testing focused on the West Bay region. The research vessel entered Budd Inlet this week and will test more than 100 sites over the next few months.
In accordance with the State of Washington’s Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA), the Port collected sediment samples in late 2023 and early 2024 in East Bay of Budd Inlet during the “fish window,” a period when in-water work is the least disruptive to aquatic life. This past year, 1100 sediment samples were collected from more than 100 locations to help pinpoint the areas of contamination. East Bay samples are now being analyzed, and results are expected by spring of 2025.
This winter the Port will again take advantage of the fish window for collecting samples in West Bay. The cleanup plan will likely be considerably different in this area than in East Bay because of the different features of this area of the bay, including the Marine Terminal, multiple private tideland owners, historic industry along the shore and various marinas.
As with last year’s sampling, the Port will do both surface “grab” samples and depth “Vibracore” samples in West Bay, collecting sediment samples at depths down to 20 feet. These samples will provide insight into the breadth, depth and concentration of contamination and inform how much sediment may be impacted.
“The Budd Inlet Cleanup aims to repair environmental damage and contaminated sediments to build a healthier bay that will benefit aquatic life and the community,” said Environmental Manager Jonathon Wolf.
Community involvement and transparency are key priorities for the Port. To help foster community connection, the Port is inviting Evergreen State College environmental studies students and members of the community to come and observe the sampling process and learn more about the project.
The Port will host a Public Observation Day Tuesday, March 4 with educational boat tours for Evergreen College students and dockside viewing for the public. This will allow attendees up-close observation of the sampling and research crew in action directly from the Port Plaza Pier. Port staff and environmental team members will be on site to answer questions and engage with the community about the project.
“Our partnership with Evergreen State College during the East Bay testing last year was such a positive experience that we want to expand the opportunity to include the general public,” said Wolf.
More details about the Public Observation Day will be available soon. For more information and updates please visit our website at www.portolympia.com/buddinlet.
