Boeing Renton

Last updated: July 2026

A Periodic Review and Public Participation Plan on this site went out for public comment from May 18 - June 19, 2026. Five comments were received. The documents were not changed based on the public comments, and these documents are now final.

Boeing Renton continues to implement the cleanup actions outlined in their Cleanup Action Plan. Boeing will also study petroleum contamination in the Apron R area. Boeing is working to review their PFAS use.

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used since the 1940s because they resist water, oil, heat, and chemical breakdown, and reduce friction. However, those same properties make PFAS contamination difficult to remove in the environment. As blood levels of PFAS in people has increased, studies have shown links to negative health impacts such as immune system suppression, hormone disruption, raised cholesterol, and a higher risk of cancer.

For more information on PFAS please visit U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Health and Environmental Concerns

The Boeing plant in Renton is located along the south shore of Lake Washington and across the Cedar River from the Renton Municipal Airport. From 1941-1962, the U.S. Air Force manufactured planes at this site. Boeing acquired this property in 1962 and has manufactured planes since then.
 
This facility produces 737 model commercial aircraft. Manufacturing operations include parts preparation, mechanical assembly, coating, testing, and other support operations associated with the final assembly of airplanes.  



In 2021, Boeing encountered an oily sheen during construction and are conducting an investigation to determine the nature and extent of any contamination in that area.

In 2025, an unintended release of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) occurred at the Compass Rose area while water was being drained from an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle prior to off-site transport for AFFF removal and disposal. The release affected roughly 13,000 square feet of paved surface and less than 400 square feet of adjacent grassy area. Prompt cleanup was conducted by Boeing to address affected paved surfaces and grassy areas. Confirmation soil sampling conducted after excavation of adjacent grassy area detected several per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) compounds at concentrations that exceeded at least one regulatory screening level. Further investigation will be needed to determine the extent of PFAS contamination at Boeing Renton.

Manufacturing aircraft requires many kinds of hazardous materials. The used or discarded materials are managed under an interim status hazardous waste permit.

In May 1990, EPA conducted a site assessment and found that hazardous substances were released to soil and groundwater from several different locations at the facility. The releases were mainly from tank leaks and spills.



In August 2001, The Boeing Company completed the site remedial investigation. This investigation showed that soils and groundwater in localized areas beneath the facility were contaminated with various solvents and petroleum products from leaks and spills over the years. 

These hazardous substances include:
- Solvents
- Fuels
- Oils
- Heavy Metals

Ecology uses the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) for cleanup of hazardous waste sites. There are many steps to the cleanup process. The most important steps that the public can get involved in are the Remedial Investigation, Feasibility Study, and Cleanup Action Plan. Boeing is now carrying out the Cleanup Action Plan (CAP).

The CAP describes the selected cleanup methods. It also states cleanup standards and other requirements. The CAP is based on information and technical analyses from the RI/FS and public comments and community concerns.

The Cleanup Action Plan was prepared and approved, and an Agreed Order (No. 8191) to carry out this Cleanup Action Plan became effective in January 2013. Boeing is performing routine groundwater monitoring and, where required, cleanup at 10 different locations. Four of them are located on a property leased at Renton Municipal Airport.

Groundwater is treated by injecting oxygen- or hydrogen-releasing material into the groundwater. This material enhances microorganism activity which degrades and removes contaminants through biological reaction.

Contaminated soil vapor are extracted and treated at:

The middle of Boeing-owned property.

The leased property at Renton Municipal Airport.

Groundwater is treated by injecting oxygen- or hydrogen-releasing material into the groundwater. This material enhances microorganism activity which degrades and removes contaminants through biological reaction.

Interim Cleanup Actions

Over the past 18 years, several interim cleanup actions were done to prevent contaminants from reaching Lake Washington and the Cedar River, and to protect industrial workers from potential exposure to contaminated soils. Contaminated groundwater was pumped and treated, and contaminated soils were excavated. Any residues left in soil and groundwater underneath are currently being treated by enhanced bioremediation.