Background
The subject property consists of approximately 5.7 acres of commercially zoned land in Renton, Washington. From the late 1960s until 2017, the site was operated as an automobile salvage yard. In 2018, the property was regraded and redeveloped into an automotive dealership.
Environmental Assessment
To assess the environmental conditions associated with the property’s historical use, multiple phases of investigation were conducted from 2017 through 2024. These included comprehensive sampling of soil, soil vapor, and groundwater to identify potential contamination.
Key Findings
- Benzene: Not detected above laboratory detection limits.
- Gasoline-range TPH: Detected in one sample above laboratory reporting limits, but below MTCA Cleanup Levels.
- Diesel-range and Motor Oil TPH: Detected in four of six samples; two samples exceeded MTCA Cleanup Levels.
Soil impacts were either limited in extent or had been removed during a previous backhoe pit investigation. The remaining impacts were fully delineated and determined to be isolated, likely originating from off-site sources along the western edge of the property.
Conclusion
Based on the sampling results and the delineation of impacted areas, McAlister GeoScience recommended no further remediation. The Washington Department of Ecology approved this recommendation and issued a formal “No Further Action” determination under the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) in March 2025.
Outcome
The property is now considered closed from an environmental compliance perspective, allowing for ongoing commercial use without restrictions.