The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District has begun work on replacing a deteriorating seawall at Puget Sound’s Wyckoff/Eagle Harbor Superfund site, a key step in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) long-term cleanup of contaminated groundwater, soil and sediments in central Puget Sound.
Construction of the new perimeter wall began April 18 and is scheduled for completion in April 2028. The project supports the EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment while opening the door for future public use of the waterfront property, USACE said in a release.
The $63.2 million contract was awarded Sept. 3, 2024. Work is being led by the Seattle District of the Army Corps, which it noted has a decades-long partnership with the EPA on remediation efforts at the site.
“Environmental stewardship is a large component of the Corps’ mission,” said Maj. Joseph O’Donnell, Seattle District deputy commander. “We’ve supported EPA with their cleanup mission for decades.”
Located on the east side of Bainbridge Island, the site includes the former Wyckoff Company wood treatment facility and adjacent subtidal and intertidal sediments in Eagle Harbor. Long-term exposure to the elements has led to deterioration in portions of the existing steel sheet pile wall, prompting the replacement effort.
The new barrier will be constructed with reinforced concrete using soil mixed in-situ with a cement-bentonite grout. A USACE press release noted most of the work will occur on the inland side of the existing structure and will remain out of sight until the original wall is removed.
“Once complete, this project will expand public access on Bainbridge Island and protect critical habitat,” said EPA Regional Administrator Emma Pokon. “We appreciate the Army Corps’ partnership in ensuring clean air, water and land for our communities.”
The City of Bainbridge Island plans to convert the remediated site into a public park with beach access, fulfilling a long-term vision for community use and environmental restoration.
“Seattle District remains committed to lend our technical expertise to the cleanup, improve the environmental health of Puget Sound and convert this site into a beautiful park the community can enjoy for many years to come,” O’Donnell said.
