Portland Harbor

Environmental Cleanup Site Information: See map of Portland Harbor Upland Sites.
County: Multnomah
City: Portland
Region: Northwest

Contact Information:

Project Manager: Jim Anderson
Phone: 503-229-6825
 

Site Summary

Portland Harbor is a heavily industrialized stretch of the Willamette River north of downtown Portland, Oregon, that was listed on the National Priorities List (“Superfund”) in December 2000. Sediments in the river are contaminated with various toxic compounds, including metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, chlorinated pesticides and dioxin. Levels of these pollutants in the river appear to be highest near contaminated sites that sit adjacent to the river on the shore (often referred to as “upland” sites).

The US Environmental Protection Agency, DEQ, and other agencies, tribal governments, community groups and companies are working to investigate and clean up contamination in Portland Harbor. EPA is the lead agency responsible for investigating and cleaning up contaminated sediments in the river itself. DEQ is the lead agency for investigating and cleaning up contamination on upland sites, working with individual property owners. Both EPA and DEQ coordinate with six Tribal governments and other natural resource trustees. The trustees are designated by law to act on behalf of the public or Tribes to protect and manage natural resources.

Current Documents and Supporting Information

• Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group
  The community plays an important role in cleaning up Portland Harbor. The Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group works to engage community members in the cleanup process and provides input to EPA and DEQ about community concerns and interests. The CAG meets on the second Wednesday of each month, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, at the City of Portland Water Pollution Control Laboratory, located at 6543 N Burlington Avenue in Portland, Oregon 97203.
  • Learn more about the Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group.
• Portland Harbor Fish Advisory PDF
  In June 2004, the Oregon Department of Human Services issued a fish advisory related to high PCB levels found in fish caught from the Willamette River in Portland Harbor. This presentation provides more information.
• Administrative Order on Consent PDF
  In September 2001, EPA signed an Administrative Order on Consent that required completion of a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study for Portland Harbor. The AOC was signed between EPA and a group of ten Portland Harbor property owners known as the Lower Willamette Group, which includes businesses along the Willamette River, the Port of Portland, and the City of Portland. Attached to the AOC is a detailed Statement of Work for the RI/FS.
  • Statement of Work for the RI/FS PDF
• Memorandum of Understanding PDF
  In February 2001, EPA, DEQ and the Trustees signed a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines roles and responsibilities of the agencies and partners in the Superfund cleanup process.
• McCormick and Baxter Superfund Site
  This site is located within the boundary of the Portland Harbor Superfund Site. Over the last 15 years, DEQ, EPA and partners have cleaned up the site and are restoring it to productive use.
• Fact sheets, newsletters and presentations
  EPA, DEQ and DHS provide information to the community on a regular basis through fact sheets, newsletters and presentations.
• EPA Portland Harbor
  EPA’s Portland Harbor Web site provides background information on the in-water portion of the cleanup project.
• Public health information
  The Oregon Department of Human Services, Superfund Health Information and Education Program provides information about health issues related to Portland Harbor.
• US Fish and Wildlife Portland Harbor
  The US Fish and Wildlife Portland Harbor Web site gives background on the natural resource damage assessment.
• Contacts
  For more information about Portland Harbor, please see the Portland Harbor Contact page.

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