Georgetown groundwater's toxicity still questioned

Slides, sketches and an aquarium model of a groundwater system weren't enough to calm the concerns of residents in Seattle's Georgetown area, who have been alarmed ever since learning that the groundwater in their neighborhood could be contaminated.

"I'm leaving here with more questions," said resident Kathy Mahurien, who attended a meeting yesterday held by the operators of a waste treatment center and representatives of the state and federal environmental agencies that regulate the company.

Philip Services Corp., which repackages and ships hazardous waste for disposal elsewhere, has a facility at 734 S. Lucile St. The company bought the property in 1994, becoming responsible for contamination at the site dating back to the 1950s.

In May, the company asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for more time to clean up the site. That change in its schedule required a public hearing.

Though one was held in July, few people attended. Residents said most people didn't know about the meeting. Then, the Georgetown Community Council invited Philip Services representatives to a meeting and included information gathered there in a community newsletter.

For some residents, that was the first time they learned that they could be living with contaminants, including the byproducts of paint, oils, gas products and solvents that have spilled onto the ground in years past.

That prompted the public meeting last night at the Fraternal Order of Eagles hall in Georgetown.

About 100 residents met with company representatives who tried to assuage their fears, assuring them the company is well regulated by several agencies and is doing all it can to clean up the site.

Primarily, officials said, the concern is whether the gas from the contaminated soil poses a threat, particularly to people living in basement apartments.

Carolyn Mayer, with Philip Services, said the company plans to test the soil beneath two nearby homes and will set up indoor air monitors next week.

Still to be tested is the property of a nearby sugar manufacturer.

The Centers for Disease Control also plans to conduct tests in the area later this month, EPA officials said.

Mayer said the company has established 45 monitoring wells and taken 1,500 groundwater samples to determine the amount and extent of contamination.

In years past, she said, the property's soil allowed anything that spilled to go directly into the groundwater. That, Mayer said, changed several years ago when the property was paved and sealed to prevent chemicals from contacting the ground. In addition, underground tanks believed responsible for much of the contamination were removed in 1987.

But some of those attending the meeting contend that the company continues practices that are harmful to the environment and people nearby.

Charles Yeoman and Chuck Names both work at a railroad yard next to the Philip Services facility. Both said that over the years they have suffered headaches and nausea from clouds that come wafting over from the plant. The clouds, they said, smell pungent, much like burnt popcorn, garlic or pesticides.

"Once you smell it, you know it's instant headache time," Names said.