Colorado & North River Apartments

Facility Site ID: 38247947 Cleanup Site ID: 973

Site Description

The Colorado and North River Apartment complex is located in a residential area to the north and west of downtown East Wenatchee.  

An Environmental Site Assessment conducted in 1996 indicated the property was an orchard in the 1940s.  It was vacant from the 1950s until the 1990s.  In 1999, an apartment building was constructed at the Site. 

In August 1997, soil sampling was conducted.  Samples were collected from depths ranging from 2 to 9 inches below ground surface (bgs).  All soil samples were analyzed for arsenic.  The sample with the highest level of arsenic was then selected to be analyzed for lead.

Laboratory analysis indicated concentrations of 270 parts per million (ppm) arsenic and 1100 ppm lead.  In addition, Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TLCP) was completed for the same soil sample to whether or not it designated as a dangerous waste.  TCLP analytical results were reported below the Washington State dangerous waste values.

Cleanup Activities

Based on the relatively low arsenic and lead concentrations, low leachability values of these metals, large volume of affected soils, significant depth to groundwater, and discussions with representatives from Ecology, it was determined that on-site containment would be an effective remedy for the Site. 

In 1999, restrictive covenants were recorded for the two tax parcels that make up the Site.  

Cleanup Complete

Based upon cleanup activities and the recording of the restrictive covenants, Ecology determined the Site is no longer a threat to human health and the environment.  Ecology issued a No Further Action determination in June 1999.

Periodic Review

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

The Site continues to be occupied by the four apartment buildings that make up the Colorado and North River Apartment complex.  Asphalt, building structures and a clean soil cover continue to serve as a cap for the Site and eliminate the human exposure pathways (ingestion, contact) to contaminated soils.  Based upon the Site visits in April 2011, June 2016, and February 2021, no repair, maintenance, or contingency actions have been required. 

The Restrictive Covenants for the Site were recorded and remain active.  The Restrictive Covenants prohibit activities that will result in the release of contaminants contained as part of the cleanup without Ecology’s approval, and prohibit any use of the property that is inconsistent with the Covenant.  These covenants serve to assure the long-term integrity of the surface cover.

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 #: 3023761
County Recording Date: 8/12/1999

Restrictions/Requirements

  • Ongoing Maintenance of Remedy
  • Prohibit Soil Disturbance
  • Restrict Land Use

Restricted Media

  • Soil

Environmental Covenant

County Recording #: 3023768
County Recording Date: 8/12/1999

Restrictions/Requirements

  • Ongoing Maintenance of Remedy
  • Prohibit Soil Disturbance
  • Restrict Land Use

Restricted Media

  • Soil
Legal 2
Document Title Document Date Document Type
North River Apts RC 8/12/1999 Environmental Covenant; Alternative Mechanism
Colorado Apts RC 8/12/1999 Environmental Covenant; Alternative Mechanism
Technical Reports 5
Document Title Document Date Document Type
Colorado & North River Apartments - Notice of 3rd Periodic Review 11/15/2021 Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence)
Colorado & North River February 2021 Periodic Review 2/1/2021 Periodic Review (5 Year)
Colorado & North River June 2016 Periodic Review 6/1/2016 Periodic Review (5 Year)
Colorado & North River June 2011 Periodic Review 6/1/2011 Periodic Review (5 Year)
Colorado and North River Apartments Independent Remedial Action Rpt 10/2/1998 Independent Reports
Voluntary Cleanup Program 2
Document Title Document Date Document Type
North River Apts VCP Opinion – No Further Action 6/9/1999 VCP Opinion on Site Cleanup – NFA
Colorado Apts VCP Opinion – No Further Action 6/9/1999 VCP Opinion on Site Cleanup – NFA
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 1

Contaminant Type
Soil
Groundwater
Surface Water
Air
Sediment
Bedrock
Metals - Metals Priority Pollutants 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.