Completed in 2002. The City of Tacoma acquired 0.7 acres of upland and intertidal property bordering
the 11.7 acres of state-owned adjacent aquatic lands lease
site. The lease precludes use of the eelgrass areas by
incompatible commercial or industrial activities. A portion
of one of the buildings owned by the defunct Puget Sound
Plywood Company extending over private and state-owned
intertidal lands was removed to allow the re-establishment
of a productive community of tidal species. The project
goal is to protect and enhance nearshore eelgrass and
intertidal habitat for an assemblage of aquatic species,
in a manner consistent with low-impact public use and
enjoyment of a shoreline and water areas.
Restoration Activities
Through the remedial process, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency managed the in-water work, which included
the removal of dioxin-contaminated sediments and backfilling
with clean sediments. The pilings were removed and the
site prepared for the implementation of restoration activities,
including softening the shoreline to enhance the intertidal
habitat and to create a riparian buffer.
The restoration construction activities consisted of
removal of pilings, regrading of the site, and planting native vegetation (photos).
FUNDING
The City of Tacoma funded this project under the settlement.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Take I-5 to the Portland Ave. exit. At the light at the bottom of the ramp, turn right onto Portland Avenue. Turn right onto E. 11th St. and follow E. 11th St. until you get to E. F St. Follow E. F St. to the end of the street. The project is on the left side, behind the fence.
