Comments Sought On Cleanup Plan

The state Department of Ecology is seeking public comment on a proposed cleanup plan for Washington Water Power Co.’s underground oil spill in downtown Spokane.

The spill resulted from leaks in fuel tanks at the utility’s defunct steam plant between First and Second, and Lincoln and Post.

At least 75,000 gallons of oil spilled from the tanks and seeped toward First Avenue and the Davenport Hotel.

The plan agreed upon by WWP and the state calls for the utility to build an underground barrier to keep the spill from spreading. Some contaminated soil will be removed, and oil will be extracted using wells.

Sealing and venting to encourage microbial digestion of the oil also are included in the cleanup, which could take up to 15 years.

Beginning in July, WWP plans to install four oil-extraction wells along the south side of First near Lincoln.

Construction of the barrier wall along the south side of First near Lincoln is expected to begin in August.

The utility is working with the city to minimize traffic impacts during construction, said Bob Mansfield of WWP.

The public comment period on the proposed cleanup ends June 10.

Copies of the plan can be reviewed at Ecology’s regional office, 4601 N. Monroe, Suite 202; the Spokane Public Library, 906 W. Main; and WWP’s Oil Remediation Office, 157 S. Lincoln.

, DataTimes