03 Jul Port of Kennewick Plans Additional Soil Testing at Vista Field Recent Samples Detect PFAS – No Immediate Health Concerns
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KENNEWICK, Wash. – Soil testing on a private commercial lot under construction at Vista Field found levels of PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances), above the limit set by Washington State Department of Ecology. The Port of Kennewick plans to take prompt action in response to this new information to confirm there is no threat to human health of the environment.
PFAS are a variety of synthetic chemicals used around the world since the 1950s. PFAs have been found in everyday consumer items like non-stick cookware, water- and stain-resistant products, grease-resistant food packaging, and industrial uses such as firefighting foam and de-icing chemicals.
The Port received the private-sector PFAS environmental report just last week (on June 26, 2025). However, because the Port takes the health and safety of the community seriously, the Port has hired expert consultants to conduct PFAFS soil testing around the affected parcel and more generally within Vista Field to determine if PFAS concentrations are detected.
The Port conducted a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment at Vista Field in 2014 that included extensive evaluation for all pesticides, insecticides, petroleum products and other chemicals listed by the Washington Department of Ecology as hazardous substances. The Assessment identified no conditions of concern. However, Ecology has since expanded its list of hazardous substances to include PFAS.
The Port has hired Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting to take soil samples at Vista Field in mid-July to evaluate the site for PFAS. The Port has also paused construction of additional parking lots and utilities until the sample testing is completed.
The Port has hired Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting to take soil samples at Vista Field in mid-July to evaluate the site for PFAS. The Port has also paused construction of additional parking lots and utilities until the sample testing is completed.
The Port’s environmental team hopes that the presence of PFAS in the soil is isolated to a small area, but we won’t be sure until the test results are available later this summer. The Port is committed to protecting the health and safety of our community and the Port’s environmental team is committed to ensuring the study process is transparent and the public and our investment partners are informed once we better understand the nature and scope of PFAS detection at Vista Field.
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