Brewster School Dist New Soccer Fields

Brewster School District is located on former orchard land and was subjected to historical pesticide applications resulting in area-wide soil contamination.

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, which is why Ecology has focused remediation efforts on schools.

In 2004 and 2006, an engineered soil cover was applied to different parts of the site including the new soccer fields, a play area on the north end of the site, and the softball field. The cover consisted of a geotextile fabric placed over the existing soils, followed by 6 to 8 inches of clean imported topsoil. Environmental covenants limiting property use and exposure of contaminated soils were recorded for the property in 2004 and 2007.

Based upon cleanup activities and recording of the restrictive covenant, Ecology determined the site is no longer a threat to human health and the environment. Ecology issued a no further action determination in October 2004.

Periodic reviews are conducted every 5 years by Ecology for 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.

Soil cleanup levels have not been met at the site; however, the cleanup actions were determined to comply with cleanup standards under WAC 173-340-740(6)(f), since the long-term integrity of the containment system is ensured and the requirements for containment technologies have been met.

A new environmental covenant has been recorded for the site that prevents activities that may expose contaminated soils beneath the soil caps.

Based on this periodic review, Ecology has determined that the restrictions of the environmental covenant is being followed. No additional remedial actions are required by the School District. It is the School District’s responsibility to continue to inspect the site to ensure that the integrity of the cap is maintained.