Project Manager: Kristi Evans
Tacoma's waterfront is getting cleaner with the removal of toxic pilings.
Project Overview
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources will be removing polluting pilings from the old Dickman Mill site from Mid-November through Mid-January. The site is one of DNR's Filthy Four derelict structures identified as priority for removal. The agency secured $10.8 million in funding for the removals in the 2023 legislative session which also created the Aquatic Derelict Structures Program as a part of the Aquatic Lands Restoration Team.Details
There are an estimated 1,200 pilings at the site which need to be removed because they were treated with creosote, a toxic cocktail of chemicals used to prevent decay. Chemicals in creosote treated wood is toxic to marine species, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have shown to reduce growth and immune function of juvenile salmonids. Creosote poses a threat to human health through exposure to vapors or direct contact.
Washington’s nearshore is the building block of a healthy Puget Sound and is critical to salmonids, orcas, and its diverse network of marine life. The removal will reduce the threat of creosote leaching into this environment and will be returned to a natural state to which eelgrass may return. Measures are being taken to protect the environment and marine ecosystem during removal including following safe whale and eelgrass guidelines and creating a sediment cover once all debris is removed.
The public may view the work from Dickman Mill Park during the removal window. Heavy machinery will be in the water including barges, a crane, and other vessels. There may be an increase in noise and odor during the removal.
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The Piling Bike
Working with the original artist, Parks Tacoma has safely removed the iconic white bicycle suspended above the water on the pilings ahead of the piling removal (the red bike closer to Cummings Park will remain in place for now). The bike will be restored and reinstalled in another public location. Although the bike started as a guerrilla art installation, it has become a landmark of Tacoma’s waterfront and deserves a permanent place in our public art collection. Keep an eye out for the whimsical bicycle in its next home.