Bellingham Bay cleanup investment exceeds $300 million over 30 years

Cleanup investment around Bellingham Bay has exceeded $300 million, according to a September 23 update from the Washington Department of Ecology marking three decades of coordinated work.

Ecology reports that crews have removed 73,099 tons of contaminated material from upland sites and 138,586 tons of contaminated sediment. The agency and the Port of Bellingham co-manage the partnership guiding the cleanup.

The city and Port now have 220 acres under public control. Ecology says it has invested more than $62 million in cleanup grants since 2013, with another $50 million planned for upcoming projects.

The work addresses pollution left by earlier industrial operations and supports habitat restoration and waterfront redevelopment.