Comet Trailer Corp

The Comet Trailer site was operated as a truck manufacturing business from 1984 to 1995. During that time, waste generated during production was deposited on multiple properties. Sometime prior to 1984, a bulk fuel facility is thought to have been located at the site.

In 1991, Ecology conducted an initial investigation at the site. Storm drain catch basin sludge and sandblast waste samples were collected at that time. Laboratory analyses of these samples revealed the presence of volatile organics and heavy metals.

In 1992, the site was added to Ecology’s Hazardous Sites List with a ranking of “1”. Sites on the Hazardous Sites List are a priority for Ecology, and have completed a Site Hazard Assessment (SHA). A SHA provides information about the environmental risk of the site. Risk is based on the amount of contaminants, how toxic they are, and how easily they can come in contact with people and the environment. Sites are ranked relative to each other on a scale of “1” to “5”; with a rank of “5” being the lowest.

In 2003, Mr. Bud Owens and Ecology entered into an Agreed Order requiring a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) of contaminated media to determine the nature, extent, and magnitude of site contamination and evaluate site cleanup alternatives.

In August 2004, during the initial remedial investigation, petroleum free product (diesel range organics and/or heavy oils) was discovered floating on groundwater in a groundwater monitoring well that was installed in 1995. The petroleum release is thought to be associated with the historical bulk fuel facility (possibly heating oil), although the timing and specifics about the release are unknown. 

In 2010, an independent interim remedial action was conducted to excavate the petroleum free product and contaminated soil. The contaminated soil was treated at the site using land-farming techniques. Sampling of the soil in 2011 showed contamination still exceeded cleanup levels. The soil was then moved to another part of the site and stockpiled.

The RI/FS from the 2003 Agreed Order was not completed. In May 2015, Ecology and the new property owner, the Bud Owens Family Limited Partnership, entered into a new Agreed Order to complete a RI/FS.

In 2016 and 2017, Sage did additional soil and groundwater sampling. Sage sampled soil in areas of noted concern, such as stockpiled soil and sandblasted waste locations. Four groundwater monitoring wells were also installed and sampled. The updated information showed no contamination above cleanup standards.

Based upon cleanup activities conducted at the site and review of the final Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study, Ecology has determined the site is no longer a threat to human health and the environment. The site was removed from the Hazardous Sites List in December 2017, and a notice of satisfaction of the Agreed Order and final determination of No Further Action was issued in March 2018.