Kissel Park

The Kissel Park site, located on former orchard land, is now a city park in Yakima. Soil samples collected from the site in 2000 confirmed the presence of lead and arsenic at concentrations exceeding Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) Method A cleanup levels.

In 2002, a combination of deep tilling, excavation, and an engineered soil cover was applied to different parts of the site. Soils with lead and arsenic concentrations higher than MTCA Method A cleanup levels are still present. However, the clean soil and asphalt caps continue to prevent human exposure to contamination by ingestion and direct contact with soils. A restrictive covenant for the property ensures that the integrity of the cap will be protected through maintaining the current use of the site.

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 Notice of Satisfaction of the Agreed Order in November 2009.

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

Based upon the site visits conducted in 2009, 2015, and 2021, the site continues to operate as city park and is being managed and maintained per the Park Management Plan.

Soil cleanup levels have not been met at the site; however, the cleanup action for the property is 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.
 
The restrictive covenant for the property is in place and continues to be effective in protecting public health and the environment from exposure to hazardous substances and protecting the integrity of the cleanup action. 
 
Ecology has determined that the requirements of the restrictive covenant are being satisfactorily followed. No additional remedial actions are required by the property owner.  It is the property owner’s responsibility to continue to inspect the site to assure that the integrity of the cap is maintained.