In January 2007, BNSF Railway Company and the Department of Ecology neared completion of the first phase of a significant environmental cleanup in Skykomish, Washington. Beginning in June 2006, this Interim Action involved excavating and restoring sections of the Town’s flood control levee and nearby upland areas, and removing contaminated Skykomish River sediments. Five private residences were temporarily moved from the upland area near the levee and residents relocated for the duration of the Interim Action. Cleanup included construction of cofferdams in the Skykomish River used to contain the excavation area, and the removal of more than 70,000 cubic feet of contaminated soil. More than 31,000 gallons of oil was skimmed from the surface of the water and recycled for industrial use. Houses were returned in the fall of 2006, roadways and infrastructure were rebuilt or replaced, and residents returned to their homes in January 2007. Restoration activities will continue throughout the winter as weather conditions allow. Improvements to sidewalks, roads, and the levee itself contribute to realizing the Town’s vision for Skykomish. Sidewalks were transformed by artistic stamping to enhance the Town’s historic feel, and plans for the levee include a walking path illuminated by antique-style lights. The Interim Action for cleanup of the levee zone was a major phase of the larger cleanup in Skykomish. Formal cleanup documents, weekly reports, and newsletters that were produced during Interim Action activities are available in the Documents section.

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