The Social Impact of the Duwamish Superfund Site

Last summer this blog covered the ecological issues facing the Duwamish River. A few weeks ago, an article was published in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and InvestigateWest detailing the social aspect of the environmental problems of the Duwamish and how the pollution and degradation is affecting the surrounding communities of Georgetown, South Park, and Beacon Hill.

Duwamish River - the Superfund Site in Our Own Backyard

Due to industrial contamination in the 20th century, the lower five miles of the Duwamish River was designated as a superfund site by the United States Environmental Agency. Boeing's Plant 2, visible at lower right on the north bank of the river on both sides of the South Park Bridge, is a heavily contaminated site. (November 21, 2007) Paul Joseph Brown/Seattle Post-Intelligencer

The Duwamish River is a lifeline for the Seattle area. As the lone river flowing through the city, the Duwamish serves as a huge resource for the community. Unfortunately, the river has historically been used as a dumping grounds for the city's industry and commerce. Appointed an EPA superfund site in 2001, the Duwamish carries a swath of contaminants, including PCBs, Mercury, and Phalites, accumulated over years of pollution. It continues to be used for storm water runoff for much of the city.