Columbia Gorge Aluminum

Proposed energy project

On Dec. 21. 2022, we released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Goldendale Energy Storage Project. The EIS includes the evaluation of impacts on part of the former smelter site called the West Surface Impoundment.

Free Flow Power, LLC (FFP) proposes to purchase, clean up, and redevelop this part of the site under a Prospective Purchaser Consent Decree (PPCD) as part of this project. On Nov. 24, 2021, we received a draft Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS), and draft Cleanup Action Plan (CAP) for the proposal. We are reviewing the draft documents and negotiating the PPCD. We will make the draft RI, FS, CAP, and proposed PPCD available for public review and comment before making a final decision.

Read the public participation plan for information on how we will engage with the public as cleanup progresses on this part of the project's footprint.

Site-wide revised draft Remedial Investigation

We are also working with liable parties NSC Smelter, LLC, and Lockheed Martin Corporation to investigate and clean up the rest of the site. On June 14, 2022, we received a revised site-wide draft RI that includes additional data that fills gaps in our understanding about the nature and extent of contamination at the site and addresses comments from Ecology and the Yakama Nation.

• Volume 1: Introduction
• Volume 2: Summary
• Volume 3: Rectifier Yard and Plant Area
• Volume 4: Columbia River sediments, groundwater, and wetlands

Read the site-wide public participation plan to learn about opportunities to comment and provide input on site-wide cleanup activities.

A thorough investigation and cleanup of this site is a high priority for the Department of Ecology. Cleanup of the full site will proceed regardless of the proposed energy project. We will continue to make sure that activities at the site, whether they are related to cleanup or a future use, meet local, state, and federal requirements to protect the environment.

Located at 85 John Day Dam road in Goldendale, next to the Columbia River, the Columbia Gorge Aluminum aluminum smelter operated under various owners until it closed in 2003. Starting in 1980, owners managed hazardous and solid waste at several locations on the site. The facility was added to the Hazardous Sites list in 1990.

Investigation and clean up of the contamination is taking place under an Agreed Order.

Under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) wastewater permit, the site currently discharges stormwater and a small amount of sanitary wastewater to the Columbia River. Demolition contractors use best management practices to minimize pollutants in the stormwater. Sanitary wastewater is treated using a small actived sludge system prior to combining with stormwater. For more information, read the NPDES permit, fact sheet, and permit modification fact sheet.