Turnbull Landfill

Environmental cleanup is complete at the site and the 2019 periodic review shows the cleanup work remains effective in protecting the health of people and the environment. This was the site's second periodic review. The first review was in 2014.

After cleanup, metal (manganese) groundwater contamination was slightly above the state drinking water standards, but below the Model Toxics Control Act (state cleanup regulation) Method B cleanup level. In addition, groundwater sampling indicated that contaminated groundwater was not moving off the site. To prevent possible exposure to that contamination, a restrictive covenant was filed for the site in 2000. The covenant restricts property use and requires that no groundwater be taken from the property for any use and that areas of the landfill capped with clean fill cannot be disturbed. 

When an environmental covenant exists for a cleanup site, Ecology reviews site conditions at least every five years to ensure long-term effectiveness of the cleanup action. Based on Ecology's inspection of the site on December 28, 2018, current conditions at the site continue to eliminate possible exposure to the contamination.

From February 28 to March 30, 2019, Ecology held a comment period to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on conditions at the site. After responding to the comment received, Ecology finalized the periodic review report.

Documents Related to the 2019 Periodic Review:

• Responsiveness Summary. 
• Periodic Review Report - Final.

The Turnbull Landfill site is approximately 6.5 acres located at 12001 NE Fourth Plain Boulevard in Orchards, Washington. The site was a gravel quarry from the early 1900s to the mid-1960s. Between 1970 and 1974, the site was used for solid waste disposal.

Between 1983 and 2006, a number of studies showed these conditions at the site:

• About 39,000 cubic yards of buried solid waste.
• Manganese in groundwater slightly above the state drinking water standard. However, nearby residents and businesses do not use groundwater for drinking because the city's water supply is available.
• No soil contamination above state cleanup levels.
• No detectable landfill gases.

 

In 1998, the owner removed some solid waste from the site and placed 3 to 12 feet of clean fill over the remaining waste.

Results from groundwater sampling and monitoring between 1997 and 2000 showed:

• Manganese concentration was slightly above the state drinking water standard and the contamination was not moving off the site.
• Manganese levels decreased over time.

Ecology determined that the site required no further cleanup actions. A restrictive covenant was recorded for the property in August 2000. The covenant prohibits the use of groundwater and other activities that might cause release of contaminants contained as part of the cleanup. When the property owner plans to develop the site, Ecology's approval is required.