Sundance Golf Course

The Sundance Golf Course site was undeveloped until 1968, when an 18-hole golf course was constructed. The course closed in October 2018. The non-operational golf course, a clubhouse, parking lot, four storage warehouses, and three pumphouses remained until redevelopment began.

The former golf course is bordered by residential neighborhoods to the north and south. The property is becoming a housing development. The owners entered Ecology's Voluntary Cleanup Program to receive technical assistance with cleaning up the site before redevelopment.

In May 2019, a phase I environmental site assessment (ESA) identified several environmental risks, including petroleum above-ground storage tanks (ASTs) and drums, historic chemical use and storage, asbestos-containing materials, radon, lead, and lighting and electrical components. Chemicals used onsite include pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

In November 2020, a limited phase II ESA confirmed that ASTs and stored agricultural chemicals were removed, and 14 soil samples were collected to look for potential releases of agricultural chemicals or petroleum hydrocarbons. Petroleum-contaminated soil was found one-foot deep under the covered area that housed the ASTs. About 16.3 tons of soil were excavated from that area and disposed at Graham Road landfill. Three soil samples were collected from the excavation; toluene and xylenes were detected in the samples at levels below state standards.

In December 2020, another 181 surface soil samples were collected throughout the golf course. All samples were analyzed for arsenic, lead, and mercury. Mercury was identified in six locations at concentrations ranging up to 21 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), which exceeds the state standard of 2 mg/kg. 

Between April and August 2021, another 327.3 tons of soil from the 10 putting greens were disposed at Graham Road landfill.

Soil samples from all cleaned up areas showed the cleanup meets Washington’s standards. We drafted a “no further action” letter about the investigation, cleanup, and why the cleanup is complete. We held a public meeting on March 31, 2022, to discuss the details of cleanup and answer questions. You can download the presentation.