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The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) listed
the lower Duwamish River--a five-mile stretch
through South Seattle--as a federal Superfund site in 2001. The Superfund List is a roster
of the most toxic contaminated sites in the country.
In 1998, King County found that fish and crab
caught in the Duwamish River have up to seven
times more cancer-causing chemicals in them than
those from clean sites. PCBs--an industrial cancer-causing
chemical--are found in nearly all salmon in the
river, and the river bottom exceeds safe standards
for heavy metals like mercury by up to 400%.
While thousands of salmon still return to the
river and restoration efforts are slowly rebuilding
pockets of habitat, historical and ongoing pollution
threatens a full recovery. Because of the serious
health concerns, EPA is requiring extensive studies
of the risks to people, fish and wildlife and
will require the major contributors to the pollution
to pay for its cleanup.
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Why is the river polluted?
The lower Duwamish River is one of the most
industrialized waterways in Washington State.
The five-mile stretch through South Seattle is
lined with industries. Over the years, piped
and spilled waste has threatened the river's
health. Pollution in the river has also come
from all of us. Runoff from city streets has
carried oil and grease from our cars and parking
lots to the river, polluting it with oil and
other toxic chemicals.
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What is in the river?
Pollution that has been found in the river includes
industrial carcinogens like PCBs; oil and other
hydrocarbons; mercury, lead and other heavy metals;
pesticides; arsenic; and even raw sewage. Many
of these pollutants pose risks to people, fish
and wildlife. Some can build up in the tissues
of fish and wildlife and pass through the food
chain to eagles, orcas and people. People who
eat fish or crab from the river or spend a lot
of time in the water are at the greatest risk.
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Who is responsible?
Boeing, the City of Seattle, King County, and
the Port of Seattle have likely contributed to
sediment contamination and/or are major landowners
in the area. They have agreed to do studies to
determine the extent of contamination in Duwamish
sediments and what needs to be cleaned up. In
addition, other industries on the river are expected
to be identified as PRPs. Chemicals in airport
runoff and from WWII bomber construction, heavy
metals in ship paint, arsenic in cement material,
oil in stormwater from city streets, and raw
industrial and domestic waste from overflowing
sewage pipes have all played a role in long-lasting
toxic pollution of the river.
All of the responsible
parties identified will have to foot the bill
for the cleanup. But the question remains - what
studies will be done, what kind of cleanup will
we get, and how clean is clean? That's where
you, and the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition,
come in.
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Who is affected?
ENVIRONMENTAL (IN)JUSTICE
Everyone who lives, works or plays on or near
the Duwamish River is affected by the existing
pollution and planned cleanup. In fact, everyone
in Seattle is affected in some way - by the loss
of economic or recreational opportunities; pollution
of fish, bird and wildlife species; or the cost
of cleanup (your tax dollars will go to cover
the city, county and port's share of the bill).
But the communities overwhelmingly affected are
the people - many non-English speaking, low-income,
or people of color - who live or work close to
the river.
South Seattle's Georgetown, South Park,
White Center and Delridge neighborhoods are the
center of the Duwamish River community. Local
residents have been living side-by-side with
polluting industries for decades. South Seattle's
overflowing sewer pipes are among the last planned
for repair in the city. Duwamish River crabbers
may be putting themselves and their families
at risk in order to have food on the table, and
some workers at riverside industries are exposed
on a daily basis. The most polluted part of Seattle
is also the most disenfranchised. But a groundswell
from the community can - and is - making a difference.
Community
activists, environmental organizations and small
businesses have joined together to form the Duwamish
River Cleanup Coalition, to advocate for a cleanup
that truly protects the river, its fish and wildlife,
and the health of all its people.
Visiting riverside
parks and public access areas, participating
in habitat restoration efforts, or kayaking in
the river generally do not pose
a significant health risk. DRCC and many project
partners recently completed a Green-Duwamish
watershed map, designed to connect people
to the diverse environment surrounding the Green-Duwamish
River. Click here to order your copy today!
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