We have been out in the community discussing our cleanup project. Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions:

Q) What is the situation in the Fruit Valley Neighborhood?

A) Residents of the Fruit Valley Neighborhood have not had contact with contaminated groundwater. The soil in the neighborhood is not contaminated, and there are no concerns related to digging, gardening, or soil use. Low concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been found in a few homes around the neighborhood, have been addressed and are being monitored. The VOC contaminants are the same type that can be found in some paints, household cleaning products, and dry cleaning. We have installed mitigation systems in these homes and are monitoring them to ensure the homes are safe.

Q) Are there any health related issues?

A) No short-term health concerns have been identified by the Washington State Departments of Ecology orHealth. The Departments of Ecology and Health are working on a solution to avoid any future health impacts.

Q) Is the Drinking Water Safe?

A) Yes. Homes in the Fruit Valley Neighborhood receive their water from the City of Vancouver wells, which are located outside the area of identified contamination. The City ensures all drinking water supplies to its citizens meet EPA drinking water standards. All municipal water supply systems, including potential future water systems, are required to meet EPA drinking water standards.

Q) Has the Columbia River or Vancouver Lake been impacted by contamination from the Cadet and Swan sites?

A) No surface water impacts, including impacts to the Columbia River or Vancouver Lake, have been identified. Groundwater contamination from the Cadet and Swan sites is captured by a pumping center on Port property and treated for VOCs; preventing contamination from reaching the Columbia River or Vancouver Lake.

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