Gailleon Park

The Gailleon Park Senior Center Site is located in Yakima. Prior to construction of the Senior Center, it was determined that the Site had operated as an orchard earlier in the century, and was likely to contain residual pesticide contamination. Sampling was conducted at the site in 2002 which indicated the presence of lead and arsenic at concentrations exceeding state cleanup standards.

Construction plans for the Senior Center proposed to cover the majority of the Site with asphalt parking, concrete walkways, and structures.  For this reason, capping was selected as the remedial action for the Site.  The selected cleanup plan required that all contaminated soils should be covered with 12 inches of clean soil.  
 
Construction of the Senior Center facility took place after the Site was capped.  Excavation into the soil cap was required to install utilities for the facility.  Handling of contaminated soils during excavation followed the Contaminated Soils management and Inspection Plan, which was created as part of the Project Manual for the Site.  Clean fill and contaminated soils were segregated during excavation.  All contaminated soils were placed back into utility trenches a minimum of 12 inches below grade.  Excess soils that could not be backfilled were transported offsite to an approved landfill.

A Restrictive Covenant was recorded for the Site in 2003.

Based upon cleanup activities and the recording of the restrictive covenant, Ecology has determined the site is no longer a threat to human health and the environment.  Ecology issued a No Further Action determination in February 2003.

Periodic reviews are conducted every 5 years by Ecology for sites that have Environmental Covenants and/or 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

Based upon site visits conducted in September 2008 and October 2013, the Site is currently operating as a Senior Center.  The majority of the site is covered by asphalt and building structures, and landscaped areas are in excellent condition.
 
The Restrictive Covenant for the Site was recorded and is in place.  This Restrictive Covenant prohibits activities that will result in the release of contaminants contained as part of the cleanup without Ecology’s approval, and prohibits any use of the property that is inconsistent with the Covenant.  This Restrictive Covenant serves to assure the long term integrity of the cap.
 
Soils with lead and arsenic concentrations higher than Method A cleanup levels are still present.  However, the cap continues to prevent human exposure to contamination by ingestion and direct contact with soils.  The Restrictive Covenant for the property ensures that the integrity of the cap will be protected through maintaining the current use of the Site.