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Screen capture from US government map showing sole-source drinking water aquifers. I’ve added labels showing approximate locations of some of Renton’s wells (in blue) and the planned Asphalt plant runoff “infiltration” facility (in red). (Link to map here)
Renton City Council’s Planning and Development Committee was recently briefed on a proposed update of Renton’s Critical Areas Ordinance. Per the language recommended by Washington State (slide 4, bullet point 5), critical areas include aquifer recharge areas: ” Critical aquifer recharge areas contribute to groundwater quality and in-stream flow. While critical aquifer recharge areas are designated and protected to ensure availability of potable water, the groundwater resource also interacts with streams.”
But a future Asphalt Plant could soon be injecting thousands of gallons per year of contaminated runoff water into the recharge soils of Renton’s pristine sole-source aquifer, a short distance upstream of our drinking wells, and Renton City Council has not used its state-granted authority to halt it.
Even the Asphalt Plant owners, Lakeside Industries, acknowledge that the contaminated runoff from their plant will be too carcinogenic to safely discharge into the Cedar River. But that makes their dangerous plan B of dumping the contaminated water into the recharge zone of our sole-source aquifer even more worrisome.
Squeezed between wetlands, streams, and the Cedar River, the Asphalt Plant intends to inject all its surface runoff into a hole in the ground in the area shown in yellow.
The proposed Asphalt Plant site is surrounded by sensitive streams and wetlands, and the salmon-bearing Cedar River. Unable to safely drain surface water in any direction, the Asphalt plant owners hired an engineering firm to investigate how fast water drains into a well drilled into the glacially deposited sand and gravel on their site. Their engineering consultant excavated a pit and aimed a fire hose in it, attempting to fill it so they could determine how fast the water would drain out. Per their report (page 5), the pit drained so fast they could never even fill it, even with 6000 gallons of water from two water trucks, demonstrating an extremely high percolation rate. They considered this highly successful for dispensing runoff. But our Renton Council Members responsible for protecting Renton’s drinking water must recognize the quick-draining pit as the potential threat that it is– the polluted runoff has a fast path into our aquifer recharge zone.
Typical aquifer schematic. The “firehose” of water disappearing into the pit was likely flowing quickly into the unconfined aquifer (salmon risk), or the confined aquifer (Renton drinking water risk). Image credit https://geology.utah.gov/water/groundwater/groundwater-aquifers/
Thirty years ago Renton City Council made every gas station, dry cleaner, hardware store, contractor and mechanic in Renton that held chemicals show that they had redundant containment and monitoring to prevent even an ounce of contaminated product from getting in the soil over our water supply. Many gas stations had to close, while others paid millions of dollars to meet our secondary containment standards. Many businesses were not happy about it, but Renton Council held fast to protecting the health of our residents, and we enforced our new aquifer protection ordinance.
Today’s Renton City Council must show the same resolve we did thirty years ago, and protect our water supply from an asphalt plant. This time they’ll need to to purchase the site (using eminent domain if necessary), since the property is outside the city limits and King County appears to lack the regulatory capacity to protect it. (This is exactly why the state gives cities the authority to use eminent domain outside their jurisdiction to protect water sources.). Funding the purchase of the still-vacant land can come from many sources, including King County, the State Department of Ecology, fisheries, and others. Even if ratepayers have to pay for part of it, it’s a bargain compared to jeopardizing Renton’s water supply. If I were still on council I would have made the motion to purchase this property 18 months ago.
My children and grandchildren all live in Renton, and they’ll have to cope long-term with the consequences of the decisions the council makes today. Asphalt production contaminants include cancer-causing agents as well as immunosuppressive agents, which have potential to cause a wide range of autoimmune diseases and blood diseases. For instance, asphalt plants typically release dozens or even hundreds of pounds per year of pollutant Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons, known as PAHs. These poisonous chemicals are considered a major source of toxic pollution when they get into water systems. Autoimmune diseases are increasing at near-epidemic proportions in the US.
My grown son Andy, who lives in Renton Highlands, is so alarmed about this threat that he circulated a petition last October and provided it to City Council. To date they have not acted on it. The petition follows:
From: Andy Corman
Sent: Friday, October 25, 2024 12:21:19 PM
To: Council <Council@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: Cedar Valley Aquifer preservation
Dear Mayor and Members of the Renton City Council,
I am writing to express my strong support for the city to acquire the Lakeside Industries Asphalt Plant site. This strategic move would capitalize on a crucial opportunity to safeguard our community’s water supply and protect the environmental integrity of our city.
As you may or may not be aware, the chosen site for the proposed asphalt plant is located on top of the Cedar Valley Aquifer, which provides drinking water for the entire city. Consultants for Lakeside Industries have stated that they plan to inject their treated industrial runoff straight into the ground. This runoff could contain any number of things, including tar, gas, oil, and other industrial contaminants.
Just as a reminder, the city of Seattle has purchased 91,000 acres of the Chester Morse Lake watershed to protect their water supply, and the city of Irvine California is set to spend $360 million dollars to close down a single asphalt plant to improve their air quality. By contrast, the Lakeside Industries Asphalt plant site is currently only valued at about $12 million. But unfortunately that price will go up substantially if the plant is constructed and actively polluting our water and air.
Acquiring this river-front site would additionally offer an opportunity for the city to explore alternative uses that could benefit the community economically and socially. Whether through green space development, renewable energy projects, or other environmentally friendly initiatives, the city council has a chance to demonstrate leadership in promoting sustainable development practices.
I urge the Renton City Council to move forward with diligence and determination in pursuing the acquisition of the Lakeside Industries Asphalt Plant site, using eminent domain if necessary. By doing so, you will not only protect our water supply, but also uphold the values of environmental stewardship and community well-being that define our city.
Thank you for considering my perspective on this critical matter. I look forward to seeing Renton continue to thrive as a model of responsible urban development.
Sincerely,
Andrew Corman
KennydaleAlso signed by:
Daniel Corman – Kennydale
Julie Corman – Kennydale
Kenneth Corman – Kennydale
Anastasia Corman – Kennydale
Katie Jones – Renton Highlands
Brandon Jones – Renton Highlands
Carolyn Jones – Renton Highlands
Suziette Cuizon – Kennydale
Haily Lazcano – Renton Highlands
Katherine Costello – Kennydale
David Varner – Kennydale
Donna Jones – Renton
Bob Jones – Renton
Meagan Powell – Renton HighlandsAlso e-signed by:
Jennifer Jorgenson – Lakeridge
Del Gold – Newport Hills
Vicki Jones – Glencoe
Victoria Kapetan – Lower Kennydale
Cheryl B. – Upper Kennydale
Marlene Winter – Lower Kennydale
Laurie Salyer – Maywood
Annette G. – May Valley
Paul Mackay Jr – May Valley
Diane H. – Carriage Lane
Roger Hockett – Newcastle
Kristi Hartman – North Renton
Susan LaVigne – Jones Road
Candus Orndorff – Cougar Mountain
Lisa Thomas – Elderwood
Maria Martinez – Lower Kennydale
Laurel B. – Hazelwood
Sandy B. – Lower Kennydale
Kathy White – Renton Highlands
Carrie Phillips – Tiger Mountain
Kathleen Bennett – Shoreline
Shari Stevens – Fairwood
Jenny Haendeler – Renton Highlands
Renee Hamilton – Renton Highlands
Scott Stevens – Fairwood
Katherine D Koch – Benson Hill
Shari Martin – Fairwood Greens
Nancy Buckley – Kent East Hill-Meridian
Therese Ramminger – South Rainier Beach
Len Wright – Glencoe
Kristina Jimenez – Summerwind
Cindy Huyghe – Top of East Highlands
Linfa DuPont – Tiger Mountain
Bill Young – Briar Ridge
Teresa Pierce – Briarwood
Penny Falknor – Renton
Christina Torok – Cascade Park Condominiums
Lorraine Amman Blau – Fairwood
Marcie Palmer – Kennydale
Lan Ta – Bow Lake (Seatac)
Deonna Gagliardi – Top Hat (White Center)
Dave Werth – Hazelwood
Michelle Popper – East Renton Highlands
Barbara Whitaker – Newcastle
Frances Blaylock – Renton Highlands
Barbara Stevenson – Issaquah Hobart Road
Kelly N. – Eastgate
Christine Rudolph – Fairwood
Wanda Flones – Fairwood
Ruby Cacchione – Briarwood
Webb Bowie – Cherrywood
Janis Richardson – Maple Valley
Cristopher Cook – Lakeridge
Donia Lilly – May Valley Rd
Kathleen Baillie – Briarwood (East Renton Highlands)
Bill Young – Briar Ridge
Debra Hawkins – Cedar Grove Rd
James Hershey – Cedar Grove Rd
Rene Williams – Tiffany Park
Corinne Helmer – Jones Rd.
Pam Miller – Lower Kennydale
Kris Brown – Fairwood
Michelle Hammers – Talbot Hill
Glyn Gardener – Talbot Hill
Kerry Jewett – Renton
Marci Oliver – East Renton Highlands
Dale Hill – Renton Highlands
Anne Carlson – North Renton
Nancy Renne – Fairwood
Inga Isakson – Riverton-Boulevard Park (White Center)
Bill Sanderson – East Renton Highlands
Marvin Rosete – East Renton Highlands
Anje Monte Calvo – Skyway
Cynthia Lachance – Benson Hill
Nicholas Renkert – Benson Hill
Claudina Beebe Campbell – Issaquah
Cody Robinson – Elderwood, Issaquah
Laurie Stein – Maple Valley
Sue Leung – Maple Valley
Jini Fisher – Issaquah
Genenne Nettleton – Maple Valley
Linda Miller – Fairwood
Coulson Richards – Newcastle
Loretta Huff – Maple Hills
Judy Weller – Cascade
Nicole Jackson – Fairwood
Jenelle Malounguidi – Maple Valley Heights
Christina Blacksmith – Maple Valley Heights
Scott Modine – Maple Valley Heights
Jane Fairchild – Rainier Beach
Pat Vandenbroek – Fairwood Greens
Stefan Vandenbroek – Fairwood Greens
Irene Haines – Skyway
Mary Celigoy – May Valley
Kyle Beck – Summer Wind
Louis Satterlee – Maple Valley Heights
Sarah C. – Squak Mountain
Angela Hansen – Maple Valley
Jill Devenport – Renton
Susan S. – East Renton Highlands
LarKen Buchanan – Shadow Lake (Renton)
Cheryl Bachmeier – Upper Kennydale
Anne Richardson – Benson Hill
Karen White
Doug White
Michelle White
Douglas Jr White
Ryan Goodwin
Stephanie Goodwin
Shawna Goodwin
Melia Goodwin
Fiona Goodwin
Miles Goodwin
Debbie Yamada
Melissa Walker – Renton
Katie Lindblom – Briarwood
Elizabeth Nedeff
Sherry Maple – Maple Valley
Amanda Pearce – Fairwood
Sean Pearce – Fairwood
Shelley Collins-Ware – Maple Valley
Dana Michae
Laura Possanza – Maple Valley Heights
Aimee Gibson – Summerfield
Raymond Young – Maple Valley Heights
Eric Brillhart – Fairwood
Tiffiny Wiley – Fairwood
Tony Pasillas
Shannon Pasillas
Stephanie Browne – Fairwood
Curtis Browne – Fairwood
Jennifer L. Avila-Smith, DO – Renton
Christopher J. Smith – Renton
Dennis L. Avila – Renton
Marian W. Avila – Renton
Julie Mustain – Maple Valley Heights
Jerry Devenport – Earlington Hill
Jill Devenport – Earlington Hill
Drew Loika – Briarwood
Alden Loika – Briarwood
Slone Loika – Briarwood
John Rohde – Fairwood
Kristen Rohde – Fairwood
Ike Kielgass – Maple Valley Heights
Brenda Chrystie – Maple Valley Heights
Judith Bonthuis
Richard Bonthuis
Susan Edwards
Adam Hendricks
Hong Qi – Maple Valley Heights
Tim Pretare – Maple Valley Heights
Hannah Bergeron – Fairwood
Jordan Bergeron – Fairwood
Megan Kinzinger – Lake Kathleen
Trevin Raak – Lake Kathleen
Gigi Loebs – Maple Valley Heights
Tom Pfenninger – Maple Valley Heights
Yvonne Harmon – Summerfield
Dan Wilson – Summerfield
Libby Rutherford – Maple Valley Heights
Patrick Hutchinson – Maple Valley Heights
Jennifer Brothers
Holly Hill – Renton Highlands
Steve Beardslee – Maple Valley
Linda Beardslee – Maple Valley
Ron Riley – Maple Heights
Anne Riley – Maple Heights
Adam Moss – Maple Heights
Mark Ditzler – Maple Valley Heights
Sally Ditzler – Maple Valley Heights
Larry Ellingsen – Fairwood
Ellen Ellingsen – Fairwood
Sarah Kuebler – Renton
Matthew Kuebler – Renton
Linda Holden – Renton
Sarah Kuebler – Renton
Matthew Kuebler – Renton
Deanna Hopper – Renton
Sher Bird Garfield – Fairwood
Michelle Jacques Schwartz – Renton
Megan-lynn Mcmasters – Renton
Barbara Phalen – Maplewood Glen
Chris Grabowski – Spring Lake
Janice Deguchi – Spring Lake
Sue Neuner – Renton
Steve Beardslee – Maple Valley
Linda Beardslee – Maple Valley
Laurie Austin – Summerfield neighborhood, Renton
Gregg Marsicano – Summerfield neighborhood, Renton
Stephen Deutschman
Dena Michele Rosko
Teresa Pierce – Renton Briarwood/Four Creeks community
I agree this doesn’t sound like the right location for this plant. How much would it cost to buy them out?
Thanks for the question. The current owners paid about $12,000,000 for the property, and they’ve invested time and money into engineering, design and approval. They would need to be fairly compensated for their costs, which I estimate would bring the value up to about $15,000,000, and perhaps a bit more as the most desirable approach would be to reach a bargain instead of using eminent domain. Lakeside Industries would be looking for enough money to buy an appropriate site for an asphalt plant, plus getting to the same point in the design, plus compensation for the lost time.
While this may sound like a lot of money, I know much of it could come from environmental grants and other jurisdictions outside of Renton. Furthermore, it’s chump change compared to the $360,000,0000 Irvine California is spending to buy-out an already built asphalt plant in their city for similar reasons.
Note that Lakeside Industries has arguably done nothing wrong in the way they created this proposal. The zoning they needed was in place on the site. They’ve sought the required permits, and their Asphalt products are in high demand everywhere, including in Renton. The infiltration study they did was in keeping with a requirement the County and state put on them. So this comes down to Renton’s interests being different than Lakeside Industries’ interests, and the best way to manage that would be with a negotiated purchase of their property. Renton is given the power of eminent domain to protect our water supply, but that should always be a last resort over reaching a mutually agreed bargain.
I covered the cost and possible funding a little more in my earlier article on this topic, here: https://www.randycorman.com/?p=16381
Water is life and health long into the future.
We use bottled water for drinking due to a cluster of long term illnesses in our neighborhood.
I support your efforts to get the deal done.
How can I sign the petition?
Good question…I’m sure others have the same question.
Andy submitted the first petition back in October, but other people who feel the same way should make their opinion known to the Council. The easiest way is to either copy the text in Andy’s petition, or write your own, then add your name and neighborhood, and email it to council@rentonwa.gov.
I was asked an important, insightful question on my Facebook page, and I am sure others have wondered about this. So I am repeating the question and my answer here:
Question:
I’ve questioned why the asphalt plant gets so much attention when huge parts of Downtown Renton near the Cedar River is industrial and manufacturing.
We have the highest output aircraft manufacturing facility in the world literally straddling the River, and one of the most highly trafficked highways in the state going over the river.
Never mind the superfund sites sprinkled around Renton.
I’ve gotten the impression that the asphalt plant gets more attention due to successful lobbying by community around the proposed plant, rather than it being objectively more of a hazard than everything else going on in Renton.
Could you shed light on this? I’m genuinely curious to learn about why we should be focusing on this over other environmental concerns in Renton.
My Answer:
This is a very reasonable question that I’m sure others must be wondering about.
The answer is that the other businesses above the aquifer are protected by secondary containment requirements in our aquifer protection ordinance. Every business you mentioned, including the Boeing company, must show that if a storage tank leaks it will not go into the ground. Above ground tanks and storage containers need to be on curbed pavement, that will prevent leaks from reaching the soil. Underground tanks need to have both secondary containment, and monitoring systems, to let the user know that the primary protection has sprung a leak and they are on backup. (Obtaining this level of protection required that many gas stations in town were closed 25 years ago for multi-million dollar tank upgrades, and some were never reopened.
The Asphalt Plant is proposed to go entirely the opposite direction, intentionally injecting it’s runoff into the aquifer recharge zone. It would never be allowed to do this in Renton. It is on a sensitive property in King County that was errantly zoned industrial about 20 years ago. Even the people that voted to zone it industrial back then have acknowledged it was a mistake. Other properties in the area are either completely natural, or they are small rural pastures or very low impact uses.
I was part of implementing the aquifer protection ordinance in Renton decades ago, and this is the first real threat I have seen come from the Cedar River valley. The threat is so unique and extreme that Water District 40, which also has wells in the area, is already developing plans to try to relocate one or more wells (at a potential high cost to their ratepayers). Renton should assert its control over the aquifer in the valley by purchasing this unique industrial site, and then working with King County on an appropriate aquifer protection ordinance that prevents any future uses that threaten our water supply.
Thanks for the question!
What law allows the city to do this?
The state law is RCW 8.12.030. I’ve abridged the relevant section below (with … for the excerpts), and then added the link to the whole law
RCW 8.12.030
Condemnation authorized—Purposes enumerated.
Every city and town and each unclassified city and town within the state of Washington, is hereby authorized and empowered to condemn land and property…..and to condemn land or property, or to damage the same, either within or without the limits of such city … for the purpose of protecting such supply of fresh water from pollution, and to condemn land and other property and damage the same for such and for any other public use after just compensation having been first made or paid into court for the owner in the manner prescribed by this chapter. https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=8.12.030
So what can we do? Is there an opportunity to condemn the property even after Lakeside was granted approval for this asphalt disaster?
Yes, the state ordinance gives Renton the right to use eminent domain at any time to protect our water from pollution. This could even be done after the plant is built, but the price will go from about $15 million to about $400 million. So Renton needs to act now.
Agreed! Stop the plant now. Also get the Fluoride out of Renton drinking water.
If they do not act there may be a need to replace all involved in the inaction on this critical issue.