The Commencement Bay Nearshore/Tideflats site is in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington at the southern end of the main basin of Puget Sound. Site contamination is the result of a long history of industrial activity in the area. More than 281 active industrial facilities are in the area and approximately 34 of those are NPDES permitted dischargers. Releases of hazardous substances to the marine environment have resulted in contamination of bottom sediment in the waterways of the Tideflats Industrial Area, and along the shoreline in the Nearshore Area. The Record of Decision represents two of six operable units for the site and will address source control and marine sediment contamination in the Nearshore/Tideflats environment. Eight problem areas are being addressed independently by this remedy. The remaining operable units will address remedial response to releases of hazardous substances associated with the Tacoma tar pits and the ASARCO Tacoma smelter. The primary contaminants of concern affecting the sediment are organics including PCBs and PAHs; and metals including arsenic, mercury, lead, and zinc.

"September 1989" EPA/ROD/R10-89/020 PB90-178906 Additional title: Superfund record of decision (EPA Region 10) Commencement Bay/Near Shore, WA (second remedial action), September 1989.