As part of the Budd Inlet Cleanup, the Port of Olympia is collecting sediment samples in West Bay this winter to investigate the location and amount of historic contamination in the bay.

On Tuesday, March 4, we will host a Public Observation Day to give the community an opportunity to observe the sediment sampling process up close and learn more about the Budd Inlet Cleanup project.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Port Plaza with a dockside view of the sediment collection process from the pier. Boat tours of West Bay will also be available as space allows, and Port staff and members of our environmental team will be present to talk about the research process and answer questions about the Budd Inlet Cleanup.

“The Port Peninsula waterfront is a shared asset. We want to involve the community in the project as much as possible,” said Environmental Manager Jonathon Wolf. “Our goal is not only to repair environmental damage and contaminated sediments, but to build a healthier bay that will benefit aquatic life and the community.”

Last year, we collected over 1100 sediment samples from East Bay and are now focusing on pinpointing areas of contamination in the West Bay region, 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 location and amount of historic contamination along the Port Peninsula.

If you are interested in reserving a spot on one of the guided boat tours, send an email to info@portolympia.com.

For more information about the Budd Inlet Cleanup visit www.portolympia.com/BuddInlet.

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