What’s in the water? Public invited to observe Budd Inlet sediment sampling in March
The Port of Olympia kicked off a second round of sediment sampling in Budd Inlet earlier this month, and the public is invited to observe the process.
This time the focus is on West Bay, according to the port. Those aboard a research vessel will test more than 100 sites, including waters near the marine terminal, multiple private tidelands, Capitol Lake, historic industry sites along the shore and various marinas.
Two kinds of sampling will take place: surface samples and others at depths of about 20 feet, according to the port. The samples will be screened for the presence of “dense nonaqueous phase liquids,” such as creosote, port information shows.
“These samples will provide insight into the breadth, depth and concentration of contamination and inform how much sediment may be impacted,” a news release reads.
As part of this process, the port will host a public observation day on Tuesday, March 4, which will include students from The Evergreen State College in Olympia.
“This will allow attendees up-close observation of the sampling and research crew in action directly from the Port Plaza Pier,” the release reads. “Port staff and environmental team members will be on site to answer questions and engage with the community about the project.”
Why not do this in the summer?
The weather might be better later in the year, but the winter sampling is in accordance with the state Model Toxics Control Act. During winter, in-water work is the least disruptive to aquatic life, according to the port.
What about East Bay?
The port collected 1,100 sediment samples in late 2023 and early 2024 in East Bay of Budd Inlet, also from more than 100 locations. The results from the those samples are expected this spring.
“The Budd Inlet cleanup aims to repair environmental damage and contaminated sediments to build a healthier bay that will benefit aquatic life and the community,” said Environmental Manager Jonathon Wolf in a statement.
What time on March 4?
The public observation day time is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Port Plaza Pier, according to updated information from the port.
What’s the larger goal?
To clean up Budd Inlet, which decades ago was home to much more industrial activity, including wood-treating plants, numerous forest products, facilities with burners and bulk petroleum-storage and handling facilities, according to port information.
The cleanup and restoration of the inlet is part of the port’s “port peninsula integrated master plan.” Although sediment sampling is happening now, construction tied to the cleanup is not expected to begin until 2027, according to the port.
This story was originally published February 23, 2025 at 12:00 AM.
