Smith Kem Ellensburg Inc

The current Smith Kem Ellensburg Inc. (Smith Kem) site operated as a bulk fuel facility by Shell Oil Company from approximately 1923 until the early 1970s. From 1948 until early 1973, Shell leased a portion of the site to Smith Kem, an agricultural chemical business, which operated a dealership of Shell-branded agricultural products. The chemicals offered by Smith Kem included anhydrous ammonia, fertilizers, petroleum, and pesticides. These chemicals were handled, stored and distributed by Smith Kem.

Site investigations began in 2007 and continued in 2013-2020. Sampling results showed groundwater contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons, nitrates, ammonia, chlorinated pesticides and herbicides.

In early 2016, Ecology entered into an Agreed Order with two of the potentially liable persons (PLPs). A PLP is any person who Ecology finds, based on credible evidence, is liable under State cleanup laws. An Agreed Order is a legal agreement between Ecology and PLPs outlining the expectations, process, and schedule for site cleanup. The Agreed Order requires the completion of an RI/FS. A Remedial Investigation (RI) uses data on what contamination is present and how far it has spread. A Feasibility Study (FS) outlines options, costs, and how long it will take to clean up the contamination.

The organic chemicals known to be present at the site include petroleum hydrocarbons, herbicides, and pesticides. Petroleum hydrocarbons contain many chemicals that are harmful to human health and the environment. Herbicides and pesticides are persistent organic pollutants and a release of these chemicals pose a risk to human health and the environment.