Northport Waterfront Cleanup

Construction began in 2024 and will be completed in 2025. We are removing and capping contamination, and encouraging recreation in cleaned up areas. We will plan work near the water when levels are lowest and in stages that will not risk impacts to the site or Columbia River due to rising water. Excavated soil, sediment (beach sand and gravel), and slag (smelter waste) will be taken to a permitted landfill for disposal.

The project area is permanently and seasonally exposed areas of the Columbia River bank and shore next to the park and around the boat launch. From the river, this area is between Smelter Rock downstream to the Northport Highway 25 bridge, and is associated with the historic Le Roi Smelter. The area remains polluted by smelter wastes that were dumped and spread along the shore.