Hoko Logging Camp

Environmental cleanup is complete at the site and the third periodic review shows the cleanup work remains effective in protecting the health of the environment.

Because some hazardous material was left in place at the site, an environmental covenant was recorded on the property and filed with the county in 2003. When an environmental covenant exists for a cleanup site, Ecology reviews site conditions about every five years to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the cleanup action. 

Ecology conducted a site visit on May 11, 2021. The site is vacant and overgrown with trees and shrubs. The site is not used for any human activity and is relatively inaccessible. The site use and condition continues to reduce exposure pathways (ingestiion and direct contact) to contaminated soil. 

From March 10 to April 10, 2022, Ecology held a comment period to give the public an opportunity to comment on conditions at the site. No comments were received and Ecology finalized the third periodic review report.

Third Periodic Review Report Final

The Hoko Logging Camp site is located approximately 15 miles south of Sekiu on the Hoko Ozette Road. Rayonier operated Hoko Camp as a logging base and fueling station for logging railroad locomotives from the late 1920s to the late 1960s. Heavy oil was used to power the steam locomotives.
 
Rayonier dismantled the site buildings, foundations, and rail lines after the camp was closed in the late 1960s. The site was re-forested and it is part of a timberland property managed by Rayonier.
 
In 2000, consultants working for Rayonier found locations where soil was contaminated with petroleum (diesel and heavy oil) from when the camp was operating.  

Rayonier entered the Voluntary Cleanup Program to cleanup the site. In 2001, petroleum contaminated soil was excavated from some areas using earth-moving equipment. After testing to make sure the contaminated soil was removed, the excavations were filled with clean soil, graded, and covered with forest debris.

Some petroleum-contaminated soil extended from the railroad grade down the slope in an area near the Hoko River. Excavation of contaminated soil on the slope was done using hand tools to maintain the stability of soil and trees on the upper slope. But some contaminated soil could not be excavated and remains buried.

A No Further Action determination was issued by Ecology in May, 2002.

Environmental covenant #1099230 was recorded for the site in January, 2003.  Among the covenant's restrictions, it prohibits activities that could result in the release of contaminants that remain at the site.