PORT ANGELES — Two studies that are part of the Rayonier cleanup effort continue to be delayed, and the state says it may need to spend more money to get some of the work done.
The draft final reports for the studies, which involved sampling the sediment of Port Angeles Harbor and soil around the city, may not be finished at least until the end of the year, said Rebecca Lawson, regional toxics cleanup manager for the state Department of Ecology.
The final reports are intended to trace the sources of contamination found in the samples, and help determine the extent of contamination from Rayonier Inc.’s pulp mill that operated for 68 years before closing in 1997.
Lawson said a draft final report for the soil study, “we’re hoping to have that out by the end of the year,” and the sediment report “not too far off of that.”
Both draft reports were initially expected to be completed in the summer or fall of 2009.
Lawson attributed the delays partly to staff reductions in her department, but also disagreements with a consultant who is analyzing the samples for Ecology.
She said the disagreement revolves around how detailed of an analyst Ecology will be provided for the sediment study.
Lawson said “we expected to have some more in-depth analysis. I don’t think we are going to get that under this contract. And we’re looking to have that detailed analysis developed under another contract.”
The sediment study contract was for $1.5 million.
The soil study costs $672,848.
Both contracts are with Ecology and Environment, Inc.
A request for comment placed Friday with Ecology and Environment’s office in Seattle was not returned.
Lawson said didn’t have an estimate for how much an additional contract, or a change to the existing contract, would cost.
She said Ecology is considering spending more money to get the work done in order to avoid further delays.
If Rayonier is found responsible for contaminated samples, Ecology has said it intends to make the company reimburse it for the studies.
Lawson said the delays are not expected to affect the schedule for Rayonier to develop a cleanup plan for its property and 1,325 acres of the harbor.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
