Facility Site ID: 83426117 Cleanup Site ID: 1904

Site Description

The Eastmont Junior High School site is located at 905 8th Street in East Wenatchee. Soil samples collected from the site in 2001 confirmed the presence of area-wide lead and arsenic soil contamination at concentrations exceeding Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) Method A cleanup levels. 

Area-wide soil contamination is defined as contamination above state cleanup levels that is dispersed over a large geographic area. The soil contamination in this case is a result of central Washington’s orchard industry. Much of the region consists of current or former orchard land, where long-term pesticide application has taken its toll. Lead arsenate, a pesticide commonly used between the years of 1905 and 1947 to control the codling moth, has been identified as the primary source of increased lead and arsenic concentrations.

Due to their chemical structure, lead and arsenic tend to bond with soil particles and often remain at or near ground surface level for decades, creating an exposure pathway through inhalation and/or ingestion.

Although lead and arsenic are naturally occurring elements, elevated concentrations have been proven to have a negative impact on human health. Young children are generally more susceptible than adults.

Cleanup Activities

In 2005 and 2006, asphalt and an engineered soil cover were applied to different parts of the site including sports fields, tennis courts, and landscaped areas. An environmental covenant was recorded for the property in 2005. The environmental covenant limits property use and exposure of contaminated soils.

Cleanup Complete

Based upon cleanup activities, Ecology has determined the site is no longer a threat to human health and the environment.  A no further action determination was issued in November 2005.

Periodic Review

Ecology conducts periodic reviews every 5 years at sites that have institutional controls. The review is intended to examine the effectiveness of cleanup activities and to assure the continued protection of human health and the environment.

Periodic review results

The cleanup actions completed at the site are protective of human health and the environment.

A restrictive covenant has been recorded for the site that restricts activities that may expose contaminated soil, and notifies future property owners of contamination remaining at the site.

Soils cleanup levels have not been met at the site; however, the cleanup action is determined to comply with cleanup standards at the time of the action, since the long-term integrity of the containment system is ensured and the requirements for containment technologies have been met. 

Based on the periodic reviews, Ecology has determined that the requirements of the restrictive covenant are being followed. No additional remedial actions are required by the School District, but maintenance of the field should be continued. It is the School District’s responsibility to continue to inspect and maintain the site to ensure that the integrity of the cap is maintained.

Voluntary Cleanup Program

This site was cleaned up under our Voluntary Cleanup Program, which provides technical help to owners of contaminated sites.

Voluntary Cleanup Program customers pay fees to cover our costs for technical help and reviewing cleanup reports. Sites in this program must meet the same cleanup standards as the sites Ecology manages under legal orders.

Site use restrictions called institutional controls are in effect

Institutional controls can be fences, signs, or restrictions on how the property is used. For instance, an institutional control may prohibit installing drinking water wells or disturbing a protective cap that isolates contamination. These restrictions keep the contamination contained and keep people from being exposed to the contamination. The controls are usually listed in environmental covenants recorded with the county.

Periodic reviews are required when institutional controls are required at a site. Ecology conducts reviews to make sure the controls remain effective and the cleanup still protects human health and the environment. We conduct periodic reviews about every five years.

Environmental Covenant

County Recording #: 3091106
County Recording Date: 10/27/2005

Restrictions/Requirements

  • Prohibit Soil Disturbance
  • Restrict Access
  • Restrict Land Use

Restricted Media

  • Soil
Legal 1
Document Title Document Date Document Type
Eastmont Jr High RC 10/27/2005 Environmental Covenant; Alternative Mechanism
Technical Reports 7
Document Title Document Date Document Type
Eastmont Jr High 2016 Periodic Review 2/1/2016 Periodic Review (5 Year)
McGuire Property VCP review termination 12/12/2012 Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence)
McGuire Property Site Remediation Proposal 4/4/2012 Site Specific Technical Document - other
Eastmont Jr High 2010 Periodic Review 1/1/2011 Periodic Review (5 Year)
Eastmont Jr High Independent Cleanup Action rpt 10/20/2005 Remedial Action Report
Eastmont Jr High response to comments 7/26/2001 Site Specific Technical Document - other
Eastmont Jr High Site Assessment and Remedial Action rpt 6/1/2001 Remedial Action Report
Voluntary Cleanup Program 4
Document Title Document Date Document Type
McGuire Property - VCP Opinion on Proposed Site Cleanup - No Further Action Likely 6/20/2012 Voluntary Cleanup Program Opinion – Other
Eastmont Jr High VCP Opinion on Site Cleanup – No Further Action 11/30/2005 VCP Opinion on Site Cleanup – NFA
Eastmont Jr High VCP Opinion on Site Cleanup - Further Action 5/6/2003 Voluntary Cleanup Program Opinion – Other
Eastmont Jr High VCP Opinion on Site Cleanup - Further Action 8/7/2001 Voluntary Cleanup Program Opinion – Other
There may be more documents related to this site. To obtain documents not available electronically, you will need to make a public records request.

Places to see print documents

  • Central Regional Office
    1250 W Alder St
    Union Gap, 98903-0009
    Please schedule an appointment to view print documents at this location.

Contaminants 3

Contaminant Type
Soil
Groundwater
Surface Water
Air
Sediment
Bedrock
Pesticides - Halogenated Pesticides RA
Metals - Arsenic RA
Metals - Lead RA
S
Suspected
C
Confirmed Above Cleanup Levels
B
Below Cleanup Levels
RA
Remediated-Above
RB
Remediated-Below
R
Remediated
This contaminant list was based on our best information at the time it was entered. It may not reflect current conditions at the site.