The LDW has served as Seattle’s major industrial corridor since the early 1900s. This has caused the Waterway’s sediments (river bottom) to be contaminated with toxic chemicals from many sources, ranging from stormwater runoff, wastewater, and industrial practices. While the environment has considerably improved, contamination continues to threaten human health and the environment. People are at m
ost risk when they eat contaminated resident fish from the river. The EPA declared the Lower Duwamish Waterway a “Superfund” site in 2001. The EPA is responsible for administering the cleanup of sediments in the Waterway, and the Department of Ecology is responsible for controlling sources of pollution to the Waterway. Some of the most contaminated areas (known as Early Action Areas or EAAs) have been cleaned up. In 2014, the EPA published a final cleanup plan for the remaining sediment cleanup. Studies and engineering designs are the next steps. The cleanup is controversial and complex, and many years are ahead until the cleanup is complete. To accomplish all that must be done, the EPA is coordinating and collaborating with state, Tribal, federal, and local partners, as well as community members.
