16 Jun Property Sales and Development Move Forward at Vista Field
Property Sales and Development Move Forward at Vista Field
Environmental Investigation and Soil Removal Complete
KENNEWICK, Wash. – Development at Vista Field in Kennewick is moving forward now that a recent environmental investigation to remove a small amount of soil has satisfied state regulators. The no further action letter from Washington State Department of Ecology affirms no per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) above allowable limits remain at Vista Field.
Ecology issues a no further action letter when it indicates no additional clean up or other actions are necessary.
Ecology’s communication comes after the successful removal of approximately two dump trucks of soil in late February from a small spot on Lot 31 (about 5 feet in diameter) that tested for PFAS slightly above allowable limits last year.
Following excavation, samples taken of the remaining soil showed no PFAS concerns remained – and the port’s environmental contractor backfilled the hole with clean, controlled-density fill.
“We will always prioritize the health and safety of our community,” said Tim Arntzen, port CEO. “With the cleanup complete, we are restarting lot sales and preparing to construct several parking lots that will support community pavilions and businesses at Vista Field.”
Additionally, private developers will resume efforts on residential and mixed-use building projects.
Background Information
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 was informed in June 2025 that PFAS soil samples collected by the property owner during construction on Lot 31 contained one sample slightly above allowable limits.
To protect the health and safety of the community, the port paused its planned construction of additional parking lots and utilities and sampled the entire 103-acre Vista Field site to test for PFAS. All the other samples taken showed no PFAS concerns.
In 2014, the port extensively evaluated Vista Field for all the listed pesticides, insecticides, petroleum products and other chemicals as required by Ecology, which resulted in no issues. However, Ecology recently expanded its list of chemical testing requirements to include PFAS.
The port has also tasked its contractor to prepare a new Phase 1 Environmental Report for the entire Vista Field development that includes its PFAS investigation and remediation report. That Phase 1 report, showing no remaining PFAS concerns, will prove helpful to future land sales and development.
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Port of Kennewick is an economic development entity focused on developing assets to create sustainable family-wage jobs, build infrastructure, and user-friendly transportation systems and enhance the quality of life within the port district.