Washington – Trending Towns https://trendingtowns.com Whether you’re moving to a new town, or you just want to know more about your community, our tools and insights will help you stay informed about the place you call “home.” Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:41:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.13 Yakima, WA https://trendingtowns.com/yakima-wa/ https://trendingtowns.com/yakima-wa/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:41:40 +0000 https://trendingtowns.com/?p=3307 Yakima, WA

The City of Yakima is home to an estimated 93,667 residents, and it’s located in Yakima County, WA.

This report will help you become better acquainted with Yakima and the surrounding area by addressing the following questions:

  • Are there any hazardous sites in Yakima County, WA?
  • How clean is the air in Yakima County, WA?
  • What’s the average radon level for homes in Yakima County, WA?
  • Is the water in Yakima County, WA safe to drink?

Hazardous Sites near Yakima, WA

There is one Superfund site in Yakima County, WA. Superfund sites, like FMC Corp. (Yakima) in Yakima, WA, are areas that have been contaminated with hazardous substances. If not for the cleanup efforts orchestrated by the EPA, these sites could endanger people living in nearby communities.

The EPA uses the Hazardous Ranking System (HRS) to quantify the risk a contaminated site poses to human health and the environment. Sites assigned HRS scores of 28.5 or greater qualify for placement on the National Priorities List (NPL), and are eligible to receive federal funding for cleanup efforts.

Before the EPA deletes a site from the NPL, it conducts reviews to ensure the cleanup was sufficient. As a result, some sites remain on the active site list long after cleanup activities are complete.

For more information about the Superfund site located in the Yakima, WA area, be sure to review the map and background information provided below:


Map Legend:

53077

FMC Corp. (Yakima) (HRS Score: 39)

The FMC Corp. (Yakima) site is located in Yakima, WA.

Contaminants found at the FMC Corp. (Yakima) site include:

  • Cadmium
  • Endosulfan I
  • Dieldrin
  • Ethion
  • Endosulfan Sulfate

Air Quality in the Yakima, WA Area

The two most widespread forms of air pollution are ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot). Exposure to these harmful pollutants, for even just a short period, can have adverse effects on your health.

Thanks to data collected by air monitoring equipment located across the country, the American Lung Association (ALA) is able to assess and track our air quality using three metrics:

  • Ozone
  • Short-term Particle Pollution
  • Year-round Particle Pollution

In their 2019 annual report, the ALA rated the air quality in Yakima County, WA as follows:

Ground-Level
Ozone Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Short-Term
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Year-Round
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: Pass/Fail

DNC (Data Not Collected): Data on associated pollutants were not collected in this county or county equivalent.
INC (Incomplete): Associated pollutants are being monitored in this county or county equivalent, but data were insufficient to assign a grade.

Radon Levels in Yakima, WA Area

Air quality inside your home can be impacted by a number of factors, including the presence of hazardous substances in building materials (asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, etc.) and local radon levels.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas you cannot see or smell. It can build up inside your home and negatively impact your indoor air quality as well as your health.

To provide a guideline, the EPA assigned one of three zones to each U.S. county and county equivalent:

  • Zone 1 (higher radon levels)
  • Zone 2 (moderate levels)
  • Zone 3 (lower levels)

Indoor radon readings in Yakima County, WA are expected to average from 2 to 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), so the county has been assigned EPA Radon Zone 2.

EPA Radon Zone

According to the EPA, you should consider acting to reduce your home's radon level if it measures between 2 and 4 pCi/L, so if you're contemplating buying a home in Yakima, WA, you should have a radon test performed.

Water Quality in Yakima, WA Area

In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA sets regulatory limits for drinking water contaminants known to cause adverse health effects.

The following Yakima County, WA water provider(s) violated the maximum allowable level for one or more regulated contaminants:

Filter ValueWater SystemContaminantHealth Effects
53077Laura Lee Mobile Home ParkNitrateInfants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. 
53077Mabton City OfNitrateInfants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. 

In addition to setting enforceable standards for harmful contaminants, the EPA also established guidelines to assist public water providers in managing the taste, odor and color of their drinking water.

To find out more about what’s in your drinking water, contact your utility company and request a copy of the latest Consumer Confidence Report.

Sources and Methods

Hazardous Sites: Identified using a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous sites detailed on trendingtowns.com represent sites contained on the National Priorities List (NPL) as of November 25, 2019.  The NPL is the list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories.  All site-related data was sourced from the EPA.

Air Quality: Grades for ozone, short-term particle pollution, and year-round particle pollution were obtained from State of the Air 2019, a report compiled by the American Lung Association.

Radon Zones: Radon zone designations were obtained using a public use dataset provided by the EPA (September 11, 2019).

Water Quality: Drinking water violation data was sourced from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), a public use database provided by the EPA.  The dataset included violations submitted to the database as of the third quarter of 2019.

]]> https://trendingtowns.com/yakima-wa/feed/ 0 Bellingham, WA https://trendingtowns.com/bellingham-wa/ https://trendingtowns.com/bellingham-wa/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:41:36 +0000 https://trendingtowns.com/?p=3306 Bellingham, WA

The City of Bellingham is home to an estimated 89,045 residents, and it’s located in Whatcom County, WA.

This report will help you become better acquainted with Bellingham and the surrounding area by addressing the following questions:

  • Are there any hazardous sites in Whatcom County, WA?
  • How clean is the air in Whatcom County, WA?
  • What’s the average radon level for homes in Whatcom County, WA?
  • Is the water in Whatcom County, WA safe to drink?

Hazardous Sites near Bellingham, WA

There is one Superfund site in Whatcom County, WA. Superfund sites, like Oeser Co. in Bellingham, WA, are areas that have been contaminated with hazardous substances. If not for the cleanup efforts orchestrated by the EPA, these sites could endanger people living in nearby communities.

The EPA uses the Hazardous Ranking System (HRS) to quantify the risk a contaminated site poses to human health and the environment. Sites assigned HRS scores of 28.5 or greater qualify for placement on the National Priorities List (NPL), and are eligible to receive federal funding for cleanup efforts.

Before the EPA deletes a site from the NPL, it conducts reviews to ensure the cleanup was sufficient. As a result, some sites remain on the active site list long after cleanup activities are complete.

For more information about the Superfund site located in the Bellingham, WA area, be sure to review the map and background information provided below:


Map Legend:

53073

Oeser Co. (HRS Score: 69)

The Oeser Co. site, the location of a wood treatment facility dating back to 1943, is located in Bellingham, WA.

Contaminants found at the Oeser Co. site include:

  • Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH)
  • 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-P-Dioxin (TCDD)
  • Pentachlorophenol
  • Naphthalene

Air Quality in the Bellingham, WA Area

The two most widespread forms of air pollution are ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot). Exposure to these harmful pollutants, for even just a short period, can have adverse effects on your health.

Thanks to data collected by air monitoring equipment located across the country, the American Lung Association (ALA) is able to assess and track our air quality using three metrics:

  • Ozone
  • Short-term Particle Pollution
  • Year-round Particle Pollution

In their 2019 annual report, the ALA rated the air quality in Whatcom County, WA as follows:

Ground-Level
Ozone Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Short-Term
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Year-Round
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: Pass/Fail

Radon Levels in Bellingham, WA Area

Air quality inside your home can be impacted by a number of factors, including the presence of hazardous substances in building materials (asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, etc.) and local radon levels.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas you cannot see or smell. It can build up inside your home and negatively impact your indoor air quality as well as your health.

To provide a guideline, the EPA assigned one of three zones to each U.S. county and county equivalent:

  • Zone 1 (higher radon levels)
  • Zone 2 (moderate levels)
  • Zone 3 (lower levels)

The average indoor radon reading in Whatcom County, WA is predicted to be less than 2 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), so the county has been assigned EPA Radon Zone 3.

EPA Radon Zone

But, it's worth mentioning homes with elevated levels of radon have been found in all three radon zones. So, despite the fact Bellingham, WA is in EPA Radon Zone 3, you should have a radon test performed on any home you purchase in the area.

Water Quality in Bellingham, WA Area

In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA sets regulatory limits for drinking water contaminants known to cause adverse health effects.

The following Whatcom County, WA water provider(s) violated the maximum allowable level for one or more regulated contaminants:

Filter ValueWater SystemContaminantHealth Effects
53073Lwwsd - South Shore Water SystemCadmiumKidney damage
53073Pole Road Water AssociationNitrateInfants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. 

In addition to setting enforceable standards for harmful contaminants, the EPA also established guidelines to assist public water providers in managing the taste, odor and color of their drinking water.

To find out more about what’s in your drinking water, contact your utility company and request a copy of the latest Consumer Confidence Report.

Sources and Methods

Hazardous Sites: Identified using a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous sites detailed on trendingtowns.com represent sites contained on the National Priorities List (NPL) as of November 25, 2019.  The NPL is the list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories.  All site-related data was sourced from the EPA.

Air Quality: Grades for ozone, short-term particle pollution, and year-round particle pollution were obtained from State of the Air 2019, a report compiled by the American Lung Association.

Radon Zones: Radon zone designations were obtained using a public use dataset provided by the EPA (September 11, 2019).

Water Quality: Drinking water violation data was sourced from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), a public use database provided by the EPA.  The dataset included violations submitted to the database as of the third quarter of 2019.

]]> https://trendingtowns.com/bellingham-wa/feed/ 0 Kennewick, WA https://trendingtowns.com/kennewick-wa/ https://trendingtowns.com/kennewick-wa/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:41:31 +0000 https://trendingtowns.com/?p=3302 Kennewick, WA

The City of Kennewick is home to an estimated 81,607 residents, and it’s located in Benton County, WA.

This report will help you become better acquainted with Kennewick and the surrounding area by addressing the following questions:

  • Are there any hazardous sites in Benton County, WA?
  • How clean is the air in Benton County, WA?
  • What’s the average radon level for homes in Benton County, WA?
  • Is the water in Benton County, WA safe to drink?

Hazardous Sites near Kennewick, WA

There are three Superfund sites in Benton County, WA. Superfund sites, like Hanford 200-area (USDOE) in Benton County, WA, are areas that have been contaminated with hazardous substances. If not for the cleanup efforts orchestrated by the EPA, these sites could endanger people living in nearby communities.

The EPA uses the Hazardous Ranking System (HRS) to quantify the risk a contaminated site poses to human health and the environment. Sites assigned HRS scores of 28.5 or greater qualify for placement on the National Priorities List (NPL), and are eligible to receive federal funding for cleanup efforts.

Before the EPA deletes a site from the NPL, it conducts reviews to ensure the cleanup was sufficient. As a result, some sites remain on the active site list long after cleanup activities are complete.

For more information about the Superfund sites located in the Kennewick, WA area, be sure to review the map and background information provided below:


Map Legend:

53005

A. Hanford 200-area (USDOE) (HRS Score: 69)

The Hanford 200-area (USDOE) site is located in Benton County, WA.

Contaminants found at the Hanford 200-area (USDOE) site include:

  • Aluminum
  • Americium-241
  • Arsenic
  • Barium
  • Beryllium
53005

B. Hanford 300-area (USDOE) (HRS Score: 65)

The Hanford 300-area (USDOE) site is located in Benton County, WA.

Contaminants found at the Hanford 300-area (USDOE) site include:

  • Americium-241
  • Antimony
  • Arsenic
  • Barium
  • Benzene
53005

C. Hanford 100-area (USDOE) (HRS Score: 46)

The Hanford 100-area (USDOE) site is located in Benton County, WA.

Contaminants found at the Hanford 100-area (USDOE) site include:

  • Americium-241
  • Arsenic
  • Barium
  • Cadmium
  • Cesium

Air Quality in the Kennewick, WA Area

The two most widespread forms of air pollution are ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot). Exposure to these harmful pollutants, for even just a short period, can have adverse effects on your health.

Thanks to data collected by air monitoring equipment located across the country, the American Lung Association (ALA) is able to assess and track our air quality using three metrics:

  • Ozone
  • Short-term Particle Pollution
  • Year-round Particle Pollution

In their 2019 annual report, the ALA rated the air quality in Benton County, WA as follows:

Ground-Level
Ozone Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Short-Term
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Year-Round
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: Pass/Fail

DNC (Data Not Collected): Data on associated pollutants were not collected in this county or county equivalent.
INC (Incomplete): Associated pollutants are being monitored in this county or county equivalent, but data were insufficient to assign a grade.

Radon Levels in Kennewick, WA Area

Air quality inside your home can be impacted by a number of factors, including the presence of hazardous substances in building materials (asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, etc.) and local radon levels.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas you cannot see or smell. It can build up inside your home and negatively impact your indoor air quality as well as your health.

To provide a guideline, the EPA assigned one of three zones to each U.S. county and county equivalent:

  • Zone 1 (higher radon levels)
  • Zone 2 (moderate levels)
  • Zone 3 (lower levels)

Indoor radon readings in Benton County, WA are expected to average from 2 to 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), so the county has been assigned EPA Radon Zone 2.

EPA Radon Zone

According to the EPA, you should consider acting to reduce your home's radon level if it measures between 2 and 4 pCi/L, so if you're contemplating buying a home in Kennewick, WA, you should have a radon test performed.

Water Quality in Kennewick, WA Area

In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA sets regulatory limits for drinking water contaminants known to cause adverse health effects.

The following Benton County, WA water provider(s) violated the maximum allowable level for one or more regulated contaminants:

Filter ValueWater SystemContaminantHealth Effects
53005Canyon Village Water System IncNitrateInfants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. 
53005Kid - Lorayne JNitrateInfants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. 
53005Rainbow CourtNitrateInfants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. 

In addition to setting enforceable standards for harmful contaminants, the EPA also established guidelines to assist public water providers in managing the taste, odor and color of their drinking water.

To find out more about what’s in your drinking water, contact your utility company and request a copy of the latest Consumer Confidence Report.

Sources and Methods

Hazardous Sites: Identified using a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous sites detailed on trendingtowns.com represent sites contained on the National Priorities List (NPL) as of November 25, 2019.  The NPL is the list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories.  All site-related data was sourced from the EPA.

Air Quality: Grades for ozone, short-term particle pollution, and year-round particle pollution were obtained from State of the Air 2019, a report compiled by the American Lung Association.

Radon Zones: Radon zone designations were obtained using a public use dataset provided by the EPA (September 11, 2019).

Water Quality: Drinking water violation data was sourced from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), a public use database provided by the EPA.  The dataset included violations submitted to the database as of the third quarter of 2019.

]]> https://trendingtowns.com/kennewick-wa/feed/ 0 Bremerton, WA https://trendingtowns.com/bremerton-wa/ https://trendingtowns.com/bremerton-wa/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:41:28 +0000 https://trendingtowns.com/?p=3303 Bremerton, WA

The City of Bremerton is home to an estimated 41,041 residents, and it’s located in Kitsap County, WA.

This report will help you become better acquainted with Bremerton and the surrounding area by addressing the following questions:

  • Are there any hazardous sites in Kitsap County, WA?
  • How clean is the air in Kitsap County, WA?
  • What’s the average radon level for homes in Kitsap County, WA?
  • Is the water in Kitsap County, WA safe to drink?

Hazardous Sites near Bremerton, WA

There are eight Superfund sites in Kitsap County, WA. Superfund sites, like Bangor Naval Submarine Base in Silverdale, WA, are areas that have been contaminated with hazardous substances. If not for the cleanup efforts orchestrated by the EPA, these sites could endanger people living in nearby communities.

The EPA uses the Hazardous Ranking System (HRS) to quantify the risk a contaminated site poses to human health and the environment. Sites assigned HRS scores of 28.5 or greater qualify for placement on the National Priorities List (NPL), and are eligible to receive federal funding for cleanup efforts.

Before the EPA deletes a site from the NPL, it conducts reviews to ensure the cleanup was sufficient. As a result, some sites remain on the active site list long after cleanup activities are complete.

For more information about the Superfund sites located in the Bremerton, WA area, be sure to review the map and background information provided below:


Map Legend:

53035

A. Bangor Naval Submarine Base (HRS Score: 56)

The Bangor Naval Submarine Base site is located in Silverdale, WA.

Contaminants found at the Bangor Naval Submarine Base site include:

  • Arsenic
  • Benzene
  • Cadmium
  • Lead
  • Mercury
53035

B. Bremerton Gasworks (HRS Score: 50)

The Bremerton Gasworks site is located in Bremerton, WA.
53035

C. Jackson Park Housing Complex (USNavy) (HRS Score: 50)

The Jackson Park Housing Complex (USNavy) site is located in Kitsap County, WA.

Contaminants found at the Jackson Park Housing Complex (USNavy) site include:

  • Benzene
  • Ethylbenzene
  • Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon -Gasoline
  • 1,2-Dimethylbenzene (O-Xylene)
  • Xylene (Mixed Isomers)
53035

D. Old Navy Dump/Manchester Laboratory (USEPA/NOAA) (HRS Score: 50)

The Old Navy Dump/Manchester Laboratory (USEPA/NOAA) site is located in Manchester, WA.

Contaminants found at the Old Navy Dump/Manchester Laboratory (USEPA/NOAA) site include:

  • Lead
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
  • Zinc
  • 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-P-Dioxin (TCDD)
  • Copper
53035

E. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Complex (HRS Score: 50)

The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Complex site is located in Bremerton, WA.

Contaminants found at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Complex site include:

  • Arsenic
  • Beryllium
  • Cadmium
  • Lead
  • Mercury
53035

F. Naval Undersea Warfare Engineering Station (4 Waste Areas) (HRS Score: 34)

The Naval Undersea Warfare Engineering Station (4 Waste Areas) site is located in Keyport, WA.

Contaminants found at the Naval Undersea Warfare Engineering Station (4 Waste Areas) site include:

  • Antimony
  • Arsenic
  • Benzene
  • Beryllium
  • Cadmium
53035

G. Wyckoff Co./Eagle Harbor (HRS Score: 33)

The Wyckoff Co./Eagle Harbor site is located in Bainbridge Island, WA.

Contaminants found at the Wyckoff Co./Eagle Harbor site include:

  • Antimony
  • Arsenic
  • Barium
  • Benzene
  • Beryllium
53035

H. Bangor Ordnance Disposal (USNavy) (HRS Score: 30)

The Bangor Ordnance Disposal (USNavy) site is located in Bremerton, WA.

Contaminants found at the Bangor Ordnance Disposal (USNavy) site include:

  • Lead
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
  • Dinitrotoluene (Mixed Isomers)
  • Hexahydro-1,3,5-Trinitro-1,3,5-Triazine (RDX)
  • 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene

Air Quality in the Bremerton, WA Area

The two most widespread forms of air pollution are ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot). Exposure to these harmful pollutants, for even just a short period, can have adverse effects on your health.

Thanks to data collected by air monitoring equipment located across the country, the American Lung Association (ALA) is able to assess and track our air quality using three metrics:

  • Ozone
  • Short-term Particle Pollution
  • Year-round Particle Pollution

In their 2019 annual report, the ALA rated the air quality in Kitsap County, WA as follows:

Ground-Level
Ozone Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Short-Term
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Year-Round
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: Pass/Fail

DNC (Data Not Collected): Data on associated pollutants were not collected in this county or county equivalent.
INC (Incomplete): Associated pollutants are being monitored in this county or county equivalent, but data were insufficient to assign a grade.

Radon Levels in Bremerton, WA Area

Air quality inside your home can be impacted by a number of factors, including the presence of hazardous substances in building materials (asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, etc.) and local radon levels.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas you cannot see or smell. It can build up inside your home and negatively impact your indoor air quality as well as your health.

To provide a guideline, the EPA assigned one of three zones to each U.S. county and county equivalent:

  • Zone 1 (higher radon levels)
  • Zone 2 (moderate levels)
  • Zone 3 (lower levels)

The average indoor radon reading in Kitsap County, WA is predicted to be less than 2 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), so the county has been assigned EPA Radon Zone 3.

EPA Radon Zone

But, it's worth mentioning homes with elevated levels of radon have been found in all three radon zones. So, despite the fact Bremerton, WA is in EPA Radon Zone 3, you should have a radon test performed on any home you purchase in the area.

Water Quality in Bremerton, WA Area

In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA sets regulatory limits for drinking water contaminants known to cause adverse health effects.

The following Kitsap County, WA water provider(s) violated the maximum allowable level for one or more regulated contaminants:

Filter ValueWater SystemContaminantHealth Effects
53035West Sound Utility District #1FluorideBone disease (pain and tenderness of the bones); children may get mottled teeth 

In addition to setting enforceable standards for harmful contaminants, the EPA also established guidelines to assist public water providers in managing the taste, odor and color of their drinking water.

To find out more about what’s in your drinking water, contact your utility company and request a copy of the latest Consumer Confidence Report.

Sources and Methods

Hazardous Sites: Identified using a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous sites detailed on trendingtowns.com represent sites contained on the National Priorities List (NPL) as of November 25, 2019.  The NPL is the list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories.  All site-related data was sourced from the EPA.

Air Quality: Grades for ozone, short-term particle pollution, and year-round particle pollution were obtained from State of the Air 2019, a report compiled by the American Lung Association.

Radon Zones: Radon zone designations were obtained using a public use dataset provided by the EPA (September 11, 2019).

Water Quality: Drinking water violation data was sourced from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), a public use database provided by the EPA.  The dataset included violations submitted to the database as of the third quarter of 2019.

]]> https://trendingtowns.com/bremerton-wa/feed/ 0 Tacoma, WA https://trendingtowns.com/tacoma-wa/ https://trendingtowns.com/tacoma-wa/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:41:26 +0000 https://trendingtowns.com/?p=3304 Tacoma, WA

The City of Tacoma is home to an estimated 213,418 residents, and it’s located in Pierce County, WA.

This report will help you become better acquainted with Tacoma and the surrounding area by addressing the following questions:

  • Are there any hazardous sites in Pierce County, WA?
  • How clean is the air in Pierce County, WA?
  • What’s the average radon level for homes in Pierce County, WA?
  • Is the water in Pierce County, WA safe to drink?

Hazardous Sites near Tacoma, WA

There are six Superfund sites in Pierce County, WA. Superfund sites, like Commencement Bay, South Tacoma Channel in Tacoma, WA, are areas that have been contaminated with hazardous substances. If not for the cleanup efforts orchestrated by the EPA, these sites could endanger people living in nearby communities.

The EPA uses the Hazardous Ranking System (HRS) to quantify the risk a contaminated site poses to human health and the environment. Sites assigned HRS scores of 28.5 or greater qualify for placement on the National Priorities List (NPL), and are eligible to receive federal funding for cleanup efforts.

Before the EPA deletes a site from the NPL, it conducts reviews to ensure the cleanup was sufficient. As a result, some sites remain on the active site list long after cleanup activities are complete.

For more information about the Superfund sites located in the Tacoma, WA area, be sure to review the map and background information provided below:


Map Legend:

53053

A. Commencement Bay, South Tacoma Channel (HRS Score: 55)

The Commencement Bay, South Tacoma Channel site, former home to a host of activities like the operation of an on-site landfill and waste oil reprocessing, is located in Tacoma, WA.

Contaminants found at the Commencement Bay, South Tacoma Channel site include:

  • Aluminum
  • Antimony
  • Arsenic
  • Benzene
  • Beryllium
53053

B. Commencement Bay, Near Shore/Tide Flats (HRS Score: 42)

The Commencement Bay, Near Shore/Tide Flats site, which includes an active seaport and nearby industrialized land, is located in Tacoma, WA.

Contaminants found at the Commencement Bay, Near Shore/Tide Flats site include:

  • Antimony
  • Arsenic
  • Benzene
  • Beryllium
  • Cadmium
53053

C. Lakewood (HRS Score: 42)

The Lakewood site, which consists of a former dry-cleaning facility and the groundwater contamination it caused, is located in Lakewood, WA.

Contaminants found at the Lakewood site include:

  • 1,2-Dichloroethene (Cis And Trans Mixture)
  • Trans-1,2-Dichloroethene
  • Cis-1,2-Dichloroethene
  • Trichloroethene
  • Tetrachloroethene
53053

D. Hidden Valley Landfill (Thun Field) (HRS Score: 38)

The Hidden Valley Landfill (Thun Field) site is located in Pierce County, WA.

Contaminants found at the Hidden Valley Landfill (Thun Field) site include:

  • Iron
  • Nitrate
  • Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
  • Manganese
  • Chloride
53053

E. Fort Lewis Logistics Center (HRS Score: 35)

The Fort Lewis Logistics Center site, part of the Joint Base Lewis McChord military installation, is located in Tillicum, WA.

Contaminants found at the Fort Lewis Logistics Center site include:

  • Arsenic
  • Barium
  • Benzene
  • Cadmium
  • Chloroform
53053

F. American Lake Gardens/McChord AFB (HRS Score: 29)

The American Lake Gardens/McChord AFB site, a part of McChord Field used by the Air Force for waste disposal from the mid-1940s to the early 1970s, is located in Tacoma, WA.

Contaminants found at the American Lake Gardens/McChord AFB site include:

  • Aluminum
  • Arsenic
  • Barium
  • Benzene
  • Cadmium

Air Quality in the Tacoma, WA Area

The two most widespread forms of air pollution are ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot). Exposure to these harmful pollutants, for even just a short period, can have adverse effects on your health.

Thanks to data collected by air monitoring equipment located across the country, the American Lung Association (ALA) is able to assess and track our air quality using three metrics:

  • Ozone
  • Short-term Particle Pollution
  • Year-round Particle Pollution

In their 2019 annual report, the ALA rated the air quality in Pierce County, WA as follows:

Ground-Level
Ozone Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Short-Term
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Year-Round
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: Pass/Fail

Radon Levels in Tacoma, WA Area

Air quality inside your home can be impacted by a number of factors, including the presence of hazardous substances in building materials (asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, etc.) and local radon levels.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas you cannot see or smell. It can build up inside your home and negatively impact your indoor air quality as well as your health.

To provide a guideline, the EPA assigned one of three zones to each U.S. county and county equivalent:

  • Zone 1 (higher radon levels)
  • Zone 2 (moderate levels)
  • Zone 3 (lower levels)

The average indoor radon reading in Pierce County, WA is predicted to be less than 2 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), so the county has been assigned EPA Radon Zone 3.

EPA Radon Zone

But, it's worth mentioning homes with elevated levels of radon have been found in all three radon zones. So, despite the fact Tacoma, WA is in EPA Radon Zone 3, you should have a radon test performed on any home you purchase in the area.

Water Quality in Tacoma, WA Area

In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA sets regulatory limits for drinking water contaminants known to cause adverse health effects.

The following Pierce County, WA water provider(s) violated the maximum allowable level for one or more regulated contaminants:

Filter ValueWater SystemContaminantHealth Effects
53053Fircrest City OfFluorideBone disease (pain and tenderness of the bones); children may get mottled teeth 
53053Lakewood Water DistrictFluorideBone disease (pain and tenderness of the bones); children may get mottled teeth 
53053Red Gate Mobile Home ParkTotal Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)Increased risk of cancer 
53053Red Gate Mobile Home ParkTTHMLiver, kidney, or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer 

In addition to setting enforceable standards for harmful contaminants, the EPA also established guidelines to assist public water providers in managing the taste, odor and color of their drinking water.

To find out more about what’s in your drinking water, contact your utility company and request a copy of the latest Consumer Confidence Report.

Sources and Methods

Hazardous Sites: Identified using a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous sites detailed on trendingtowns.com represent sites contained on the National Priorities List (NPL) as of November 25, 2019.  The NPL is the list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories.  All site-related data was sourced from the EPA.

Air Quality: Grades for ozone, short-term particle pollution, and year-round particle pollution were obtained from State of the Air 2019, a report compiled by the American Lung Association.

Radon Zones: Radon zone designations were obtained using a public use dataset provided by the EPA (September 11, 2019).

Water Quality: Drinking water violation data was sourced from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), a public use database provided by the EPA.  The dataset included violations submitted to the database as of the third quarter of 2019.

]]> https://trendingtowns.com/tacoma-wa/feed/ 0 Olympia, WA https://trendingtowns.com/olympia-wa/ https://trendingtowns.com/olympia-wa/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:41:24 +0000 https://trendingtowns.com/?p=3305 Olympia, WA

The City of Olympia is home to an estimated 51,609 residents, and it’s located in Thurston County, WA.

This report will help you become better acquainted with Olympia and the surrounding area by addressing the following questions:

  • Are there any hazardous sites in Thurston County, WA?
  • How clean is the air in Thurston County, WA?
  • What’s the average radon level for homes in Thurston County, WA?
  • Is the water in Thurston County, WA safe to drink?

Hazardous Sites near Olympia, WA

There is one Superfund site in Thurston County, WA. Superfund sites, like Palermo Well Field Ground Water Contamination in Tumwater, WA, are areas that have been contaminated with hazardous substances. If not for the cleanup efforts orchestrated by the EPA, these sites could endanger people living in nearby communities.

The EPA uses the Hazardous Ranking System (HRS) to quantify the risk a contaminated site poses to human health and the environment. Sites assigned HRS scores of 28.5 or greater qualify for placement on the National Priorities List (NPL), and are eligible to receive federal funding for cleanup efforts.

Before the EPA deletes a site from the NPL, it conducts reviews to ensure the cleanup was sufficient. As a result, some sites remain on the active site list long after cleanup activities are complete.

For more information about the Superfund site located in the Olympia, WA area, be sure to review the map and background information provided below:


Map Legend:

53067

Palermo Well Field Ground Water Contamination (HRS Score: 50)

The Palermo Well Field Ground Water Contamination site is located in Tumwater, WA.

The EPA found dangerous levels of Trichloroethene, and Tetrachloroethene at the Palermo Well Field Ground Water Contamination site.

Air Quality in the Olympia, WA Area

The two most widespread forms of air pollution are ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot). Exposure to these harmful pollutants, for even just a short period, can have adverse effects on your health.

Thanks to data collected by air monitoring equipment located across the country, the American Lung Association (ALA) is able to assess and track our air quality using three metrics:

  • Ozone
  • Short-term Particle Pollution
  • Year-round Particle Pollution

In their 2019 annual report, the ALA rated the air quality in Thurston County, WA as follows:

Ground-Level
Ozone Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Short-Term
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Year-Round
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: Pass/Fail

DNC (Data Not Collected): Data on associated pollutants were not collected in this county or county equivalent.
INC (Incomplete): Associated pollutants are being monitored in this county or county equivalent, but data were insufficient to assign a grade.

Radon Levels in Olympia, WA Area

Air quality inside your home can be impacted by a number of factors, including the presence of hazardous substances in building materials (asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, etc.) and local radon levels.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas you cannot see or smell. It can build up inside your home and negatively impact your indoor air quality as well as your health.

To provide a guideline, the EPA assigned one of three zones to each U.S. county and county equivalent:

  • Zone 1 (higher radon levels)
  • Zone 2 (moderate levels)
  • Zone 3 (lower levels)

The average indoor radon reading in Thurston County, WA is predicted to be less than 2 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), so the county has been assigned EPA Radon Zone 3.

EPA Radon Zone

But, it's worth mentioning homes with elevated levels of radon have been found in all three radon zones. So, despite the fact Olympia, WA is in EPA Radon Zone 3, you should have a radon test performed on any home you purchase in the area.

Water Quality in Olympia, WA Area

In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA sets regulatory limits for drinking water contaminants known to cause adverse health effects.

The following Thurston County, WA water provider(s) violated the maximum allowable level for one or more regulated contaminants:

Filter ValueWater SystemContaminantHealth Effects
53067Boston HarborTTHMLiver, kidney, or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer 
53067TamoshanCadmiumKidney damage
53067TamoshanTTHMLiver, kidney, or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer 

In addition to setting enforceable standards for harmful contaminants, the EPA also established guidelines to assist public water providers in managing the taste, odor and color of their drinking water.

To find out more about what’s in your drinking water, contact your utility company and request a copy of the latest Consumer Confidence Report.

Sources and Methods

Hazardous Sites: Identified using a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous sites detailed on trendingtowns.com represent sites contained on the National Priorities List (NPL) as of November 25, 2019.  The NPL is the list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories.  All site-related data was sourced from the EPA.

Air Quality: Grades for ozone, short-term particle pollution, and year-round particle pollution were obtained from State of the Air 2019, a report compiled by the American Lung Association.

Radon Zones: Radon zone designations were obtained using a public use dataset provided by the EPA (September 11, 2019).

Water Quality: Drinking water violation data was sourced from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), a public use database provided by the EPA.  The dataset included violations submitted to the database as of the third quarter of 2019.

]]> https://trendingtowns.com/olympia-wa/feed/ 0 Seattle, WA https://trendingtowns.com/seattle-wa/ https://trendingtowns.com/seattle-wa/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:02:15 +0000 https://trendingtowns.com/?p=3658 Seattle, WA

The City of Seattle is home to an estimated 724,745 residents, and it’s located in King County, WA.

This report will help you become better acquainted with Seattle and the surrounding area by addressing the following questions:

  • Are there any hazardous sites in King County, WA?
  • How clean is the air in King County, WA?
  • What’s the average radon level for homes in King County, WA?
  • Is the water in King County, WA safe to drink?

Hazardous Sites near Seattle, WA

There are 10 Superfund sites in King County, WA. Superfund sites, like Pacific Sound Resources in Seattle, WA, are areas that have been contaminated with hazardous substances. If not for the cleanup efforts orchestrated by the EPA, these sites could endanger people living in nearby communities.

The EPA uses the Hazardous Ranking System (HRS) to quantify the risk a contaminated site poses to human health and the environment. Sites assigned HRS scores of 28.5 or greater qualify for placement on the National Priorities List (NPL), and are eligible to receive federal funding for cleanup efforts.

Before the EPA deletes a site from the NPL, it conducts reviews to ensure the cleanup was sufficient. As a result, some sites remain on the active site list long after cleanup activities are complete.

For more information about the Superfund sites located in the Seattle, WA area, be sure to review the map and background information provided below:


Map Legend:

53033

A. Pacific Sound Resources (HRS Score: 71)

The Pacific Sound Resources site is located in Seattle, WA.

Contaminants found at the Pacific Sound Resources site include:

  • Arsenic
  • Cadmium
  • Chromium
  • Lead
  • Mercury
53033

B. Western Processing Co., Inc. (HRS Score: 59)

The Western Processing Co., Inc. site is located in Kent, WA.

Contaminants found at the Western Processing Co., Inc. site include:

  • Arsenic
  • Benzene
  • Cadmium
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium
53033

C. Midway Landfill (HRS Score: 54)

The Midway Landfill site is located in Kent, WA.

Contaminants found at the Midway Landfill site include:

  • 1,2-Dichloroethane
  • Manganese
  • Chloroethene (Vinyl Chloride)
53033

D. Seattle Municipal Landfill (Kent Highlands) (HRS Score: 52)

The Seattle Municipal Landfill (Kent Highlands) site is located in Kent, WA.
53033

E. Lockheed West Seattle (HRS Score: 50)

The Lockheed West Seattle site is located in Seattle, WA.

Contaminants found at the Lockheed West Seattle site include:

  • Antimony
  • Arsenic
  • Cadmium
  • Chromium
  • Lead
53033

F. Lower Duwamish Waterway (HRS Score: 50)

The Lower Duwamish Waterway site is located in Seattle, WA.

Contaminants found at the Lower Duwamish Waterway site include:

  • Arsenic
  • Cadmium
  • Chromium
  • Lead
  • Mercury
53033

G. Quendall Terminals (HRS Score: 50)

The Quendall Terminals site is located in Renton, WA.
53033

H. Pacific Car & Foundry Co. (HRS Score: 42)

The Pacific Car & Foundry Co. site is located in Renton, WA.

Contaminants found at the Pacific Car & Foundry Co. site include:

  • Arsenic
  • Benzene
  • Chromium
  • Lead
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
53033

I. Harbor Island (Lead) (HRS Score: 35)

The Harbor Island (Lead) site is located in Seattle, WA.

Contaminants found at the Harbor Island (Lead) site include:

  • Antimony
  • Arsenic
  • Benzene
  • Cadmium
  • Chromium
53033

J. Queen City Farms (HRS Score: 34)

The Queen City Farms site is located in Maple Valley, WA.

Contaminants found at the Queen City Farms site include:

  • Antimony
  • Arsenic
  • Benzene
  • Beryllium
  • Cadmium

Air Quality in the Seattle, WA Area

The two most widespread forms of air pollution are ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot). Exposure to these harmful pollutants, for even just a short period, can have adverse effects on your health.

Thanks to data collected by air monitoring equipment located across the country, the American Lung Association (ALA) is able to assess and track our air quality using three metrics:

  • Ozone
  • Short-term Particle Pollution
  • Year-round Particle Pollution

In their 2019 annual report, the ALA rated the air quality in King County, WA as follows:

Ground-Level
Ozone Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Short-Term
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Year-Round
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: Pass/Fail

Radon Levels in Seattle, WA Area

Air quality inside your home can be impacted by a number of factors, including the presence of hazardous substances in building materials (asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, etc.) and local radon levels.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas you cannot see or smell. It can build up inside your home and negatively impact your indoor air quality as well as your health.

To provide a guideline, the EPA assigned one of three zones to each U.S. county and county equivalent:

  • Zone 1 (higher radon levels)
  • Zone 2 (moderate levels)
  • Zone 3 (lower levels)

The average indoor radon reading in King County, WA is predicted to be less than 2 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), so the county has been assigned EPA Radon Zone 3.

EPA Radon Zone

But, it's worth mentioning homes with elevated levels of radon have been found in all three radon zones. So, despite the fact Seattle, WA is in EPA Radon Zone 3, you should have a radon test performed on any home you purchase in the area.

Water Quality in Seattle, WA Area

In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA sets regulatory limits for drinking water contaminants known to cause adverse health effects.

Using data from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), we found no violations for regulated contaminants reported for King County, WA, as of the third quarter of 2019.

In addition to setting enforceable standards for harmful contaminants, the EPA also established guidelines to assist public water providers in managing the taste, odor and color of their drinking water.

To find out more about what’s in your drinking water, contact your utility company and request a copy of the latest Consumer Confidence Report.

Sources and Methods

Hazardous Sites: Identified using a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous sites detailed on trendingtowns.com represent sites contained on the National Priorities List (NPL) as of November 25, 2019.  The NPL is the list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories.  All site-related data was sourced from the EPA.

Air Quality: Grades for ozone, short-term particle pollution, and year-round particle pollution were obtained from State of the Air 2019, a report compiled by the American Lung Association.

Radon Zones: Radon zone designations were obtained using a public use dataset provided by the EPA (September 11, 2019).

Water Quality: Drinking water violation data was sourced from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), a public use database provided by the EPA.  The dataset included violations submitted to the database as of the third quarter of 2019.

]]> https://trendingtowns.com/seattle-wa/feed/ 0 Spokane, WA https://trendingtowns.com/spokane-wa/ https://trendingtowns.com/spokane-wa/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:02:12 +0000 https://trendingtowns.com/?p=3659 Spokane, WA

The City of Spokane is home to an estimated 217,108 residents, and it’s located in Spokane County, WA.

This report will help you become better acquainted with Spokane and the surrounding area by addressing the following questions:

  • Are there any hazardous sites in Spokane County, WA?
  • How clean is the air in Spokane County, WA?
  • What’s the average radon level for homes in Spokane County, WA?
  • Is the water in Spokane County, WA safe to drink?

Hazardous Sites near Spokane, WA

There are nine Superfund sites in Spokane County, WA. Superfund sites, like General Electric Co. (Spokane Apparatus Service Shop) in Spokane, WA, are areas that have been contaminated with hazardous substances. If not for the cleanup efforts orchestrated by the EPA, these sites could endanger people living in nearby communities.

The EPA uses the Hazardous Ranking System (HRS) to quantify the risk a contaminated site poses to human health and the environment. Sites assigned HRS scores of 28.5 or greater qualify for placement on the National Priorities List (NPL), and are eligible to receive federal funding for cleanup efforts.

Before the EPA deletes a site from the NPL, it conducts reviews to ensure the cleanup was sufficient. As a result, some sites remain on the active site list long after cleanup activities are complete.

For more information about the Superfund sites located in the Spokane, WA area, be sure to review the map and background information provided below:


Map Legend:

53063

A. General Electric Co. (Spokane Apparatus Service Shop) (HRS Score: 58)

The General Electric Co. (Spokane Apparatus Service Shop) site is located in Spokane, WA.

Contaminants found at the General Electric Co. (Spokane Apparatus Service Shop) site include:

  • Antimony
  • Arsenic
  • Benzene
  • Beryllium
  • Cadmium
53063

B. Grain Handling Facility At Freeman (HRS Score: 50)

The Grain Handling Facility At Freeman site is located in Freeman, WA.
53063

C. Colbert Landfill (HRS Score: 42)

The Colbert Landfill site is located in Spokane, WA.

Contaminants found at the Colbert Landfill site include:

  • Trichloroethene
  • 1,1-Dichloroethene
  • 1,1,1-Trichloroethane
  • Chloromethane
  • Tetrachloroethene
53063

D. Kaiser Aluminum (Mead Works) (HRS Score: 38)

The Kaiser Aluminum (Mead Works) site is located in Mead, WA.

The EPA found dangerous levels of Cyanide, and Fluoride at the Kaiser Aluminum (Mead Works) site.
53063

E. Mica Landfill (HRS Score: 35)

The Mica Landfill site is located in Mica, WA.

Contaminants found at the Mica Landfill site include:

  • Arsenic
  • Barium
  • Benzene
  • Lead
  • Mercury
53063

F. North Market Street (HRS Score: 33)

The North Market Street site is located in Spokane, WA.

Contaminants found at the North Market Street site include:

  • Arsenic
  • Benzene
  • Toluene
  • Xylene (Mixed Isomers)
  • Ethylbenzene
53063

G. Fairchild Air Force Base (4 Waste Areas) (HRS Score: 32)

The Fairchild Air Force Base (4 Waste Areas) site is located in Spokane, WA.

Contaminants found at the Fairchild Air Force Base (4 Waste Areas) site include:

  • Benzene
  • Cadmium
  • Chloroform
  • Not Provided
  • Aroclor 1254
53063

H. Greenacres Landfill (HRS Score: 29)

The Greenacres Landfill site is located in Spokane County, WA.

Contaminants found at the Greenacres Landfill site include:

  • Antimony
  • Arsenic
  • Chromium
  • Lead
  • Bis(2-Ethylhexyl)Phthalate
53063

I. Northside Landfill (HRS Score: 29)

The Northside Landfill site is located in Spokane, WA.

Contaminants found at the Northside Landfill site include:

  • Trichloroethane (Mixed Isomers)
  • Tetrachloroethene
  • Trichloroethene
  • Trans-1,2-Dichloroethene

Air Quality in the Spokane, WA Area

The two most widespread forms of air pollution are ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot). Exposure to these harmful pollutants, for even just a short period, can have adverse effects on your health.

Thanks to data collected by air monitoring equipment located across the country, the American Lung Association (ALA) is able to assess and track our air quality using three metrics:

  • Ozone
  • Short-term Particle Pollution
  • Year-round Particle Pollution

In their 2019 annual report, the ALA rated the air quality in Spokane County, WA as follows:

Ground-Level
Ozone Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Short-Term
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Year-Round
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: Pass/Fail

DNC (Data Not Collected): Data on associated pollutants were not collected in this county or county equivalent.
INC (Incomplete): Associated pollutants are being monitored in this county or county equivalent, but data were insufficient to assign a grade.

Radon Levels in Spokane, WA Area

Air quality inside your home can be impacted by a number of factors, including the presence of hazardous substances in building materials (asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, etc.) and local radon levels.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas you cannot see or smell. It can build up inside your home and negatively impact your indoor air quality as well as your health.

To provide a guideline, the EPA assigned one of three zones to each U.S. county and county equivalent:

  • Zone 1 (higher radon levels)
  • Zone 2 (moderate levels)
  • Zone 3 (lower levels)

The average indoor radon reading in Spokane County, WA is predicted to be higher than 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), so the county has been assigned EPA Radon Zone 1.

EPA Radon Zone

The EPA Recommends acting to reduce your home's radon level if it's measured at 4 pCi/L or greater. So, if you're thinking about purchasing a home in Spokane, WA, you should strongly consider having a radon test performed.

Water Quality in Spokane, WA Area

In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA sets regulatory limits for drinking water contaminants known to cause adverse health effects.

Using data from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), we found no violations for regulated contaminants reported for Spokane County, WA, as of the third quarter of 2019.

In addition to setting enforceable standards for harmful contaminants, the EPA also established guidelines to assist public water providers in managing the taste, odor and color of their drinking water.

To find out more about what’s in your drinking water, contact your utility company and request a copy of the latest Consumer Confidence Report.

Sources and Methods

Hazardous Sites: Identified using a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous sites detailed on trendingtowns.com represent sites contained on the National Priorities List (NPL) as of November 25, 2019.  The NPL is the list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories.  All site-related data was sourced from the EPA.

Air Quality: Grades for ozone, short-term particle pollution, and year-round particle pollution were obtained from State of the Air 2019, a report compiled by the American Lung Association.

Radon Zones: Radon zone designations were obtained using a public use dataset provided by the EPA (September 11, 2019).

Water Quality: Drinking water violation data was sourced from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), a public use database provided by the EPA.  The dataset included violations submitted to the database as of the third quarter of 2019.

]]> https://trendingtowns.com/spokane-wa/feed/ 0 Vancouver, WA https://trendingtowns.com/vancouver-wa/ https://trendingtowns.com/vancouver-wa/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:02:08 +0000 https://trendingtowns.com/?p=3660 Vancouver, WA

The City of Vancouver is home to an estimated 175,673 residents, and it’s located in Clark County, WA.

This report will help you become better acquainted with Vancouver and the surrounding area by addressing the following questions:

  • Are there any hazardous sites in Clark County, WA?
  • How clean is the air in Clark County, WA?
  • What’s the average radon level for homes in Clark County, WA?
  • Is the water in Clark County, WA safe to drink?

Hazardous Sites near Vancouver, WA

There is one Superfund site in Clark County, WA. Superfund sites, like Boomsnub/Airco in Vancouver, WA, are areas that have been contaminated with hazardous substances. If not for the cleanup efforts orchestrated by the EPA, these sites could endanger people living in nearby communities.

The EPA uses the Hazardous Ranking System (HRS) to quantify the risk a contaminated site poses to human health and the environment. Sites assigned HRS scores of 28.5 or greater qualify for placement on the National Priorities List (NPL), and are eligible to receive federal funding for cleanup efforts.

Before the EPA deletes a site from the NPL, it conducts reviews to ensure the cleanup was sufficient. As a result, some sites remain on the active site list long after cleanup activities are complete.

For more information about the Superfund site located in the Vancouver, WA area, be sure to review the map and background information provided below:


Map Legend:

53011

Boomsnub/Airco (HRS Score: No Data)

The Boomsnub/Airco site is located in Vancouver, WA.

Contaminants found at the Boomsnub/Airco site include:

  • Arsenic
  • Beryllium
  • Cadmium
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium

Air Quality in the Vancouver, WA Area

The two most widespread forms of air pollution are ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot). Exposure to these harmful pollutants, for even just a short period, can have adverse effects on your health.

Thanks to data collected by air monitoring equipment located across the country, the American Lung Association (ALA) is able to assess and track our air quality using three metrics:

  • Ozone
  • Short-term Particle Pollution
  • Year-round Particle Pollution

In their 2019 annual report, the ALA rated the air quality in Clark County, WA as follows:

Ground-Level
Ozone Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Short-Term
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Year-Round
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: Pass/Fail

DNC (Data Not Collected): Data on associated pollutants were not collected in this county or county equivalent.
INC (Incomplete): Associated pollutants are being monitored in this county or county equivalent, but data were insufficient to assign a grade.

Radon Levels in Vancouver, WA Area

Air quality inside your home can be impacted by a number of factors, including the presence of hazardous substances in building materials (asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, etc.) and local radon levels.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas you cannot see or smell. It can build up inside your home and negatively impact your indoor air quality as well as your health.

To provide a guideline, the EPA assigned one of three zones to each U.S. county and county equivalent:

  • Zone 1 (higher radon levels)
  • Zone 2 (moderate levels)
  • Zone 3 (lower levels)

The average indoor radon reading in Clark County, WA is predicted to be higher than 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), so the county has been assigned EPA Radon Zone 1.

EPA Radon Zone

The EPA Recommends acting to reduce your home's radon level if it's measured at 4 pCi/L or greater. So, if you're thinking about purchasing a home in Vancouver, WA, you should strongly consider having a radon test performed.

Water Quality in Vancouver, WA Area

In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA sets regulatory limits for drinking water contaminants known to cause adverse health effects.

Using data from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), we found no violations for regulated contaminants reported for Clark County, WA, as of the third quarter of 2019.

In addition to setting enforceable standards for harmful contaminants, the EPA also established guidelines to assist public water providers in managing the taste, odor and color of their drinking water.

To find out more about what’s in your drinking water, contact your utility company and request a copy of the latest Consumer Confidence Report.

Sources and Methods

Hazardous Sites: Identified using a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous sites detailed on trendingtowns.com represent sites contained on the National Priorities List (NPL) as of November 25, 2019.  The NPL is the list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories.  All site-related data was sourced from the EPA.

Air Quality: Grades for ozone, short-term particle pollution, and year-round particle pollution were obtained from State of the Air 2019, a report compiled by the American Lung Association.

Radon Zones: Radon zone designations were obtained using a public use dataset provided by the EPA (September 11, 2019).

Water Quality: Drinking water violation data was sourced from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), a public use database provided by the EPA.  The dataset included violations submitted to the database as of the third quarter of 2019.

]]> https://trendingtowns.com/vancouver-wa/feed/ 0 Bellevue, WA https://trendingtowns.com/bellevue-wa/ https://trendingtowns.com/bellevue-wa/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:02:05 +0000 https://trendingtowns.com/?p=3661 Bellevue, WA

The City of Bellevue is home to an estimated 144,444 residents, and it’s located in King County, WA.

This report will help you become better acquainted with Bellevue and the surrounding area by addressing the following questions:

  • Are there any hazardous sites in King County, WA?
  • How clean is the air in King County, WA?
  • What’s the average radon level for homes in King County, WA?
  • Is the water in King County, WA safe to drink?

Hazardous Sites near Bellevue, WA

There are 10 Superfund sites in King County, WA. Superfund sites, like Pacific Sound Resources in Seattle, WA, are areas that have been contaminated with hazardous substances. If not for the cleanup efforts orchestrated by the EPA, these sites could endanger people living in nearby communities.

The EPA uses the Hazardous Ranking System (HRS) to quantify the risk a contaminated site poses to human health and the environment. Sites assigned HRS scores of 28.5 or greater qualify for placement on the National Priorities List (NPL), and are eligible to receive federal funding for cleanup efforts.

Before the EPA deletes a site from the NPL, it conducts reviews to ensure the cleanup was sufficient. As a result, some sites remain on the active site list long after cleanup activities are complete.

For more information about the Superfund sites located in the Bellevue, WA area, be sure to review the map and background information provided below:


Map Legend:

53033

A. Pacific Sound Resources (HRS Score: 71)

The Pacific Sound Resources site is located in Seattle, WA.

Contaminants found at the Pacific Sound Resources site include:

  • Arsenic
  • Cadmium
  • Chromium
  • Lead
  • Mercury
53033

B. Western Processing Co., Inc. (HRS Score: 59)

The Western Processing Co., Inc. site is located in Kent, WA.

Contaminants found at the Western Processing Co., Inc. site include:

  • Arsenic
  • Benzene
  • Cadmium
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium
53033

C. Midway Landfill (HRS Score: 54)

The Midway Landfill site is located in Kent, WA.

Contaminants found at the Midway Landfill site include:

  • 1,2-Dichloroethane
  • Manganese
  • Chloroethene (Vinyl Chloride)
53033

D. Seattle Municipal Landfill (Kent Highlands) (HRS Score: 52)

The Seattle Municipal Landfill (Kent Highlands) site is located in Kent, WA.
53033

E. Lockheed West Seattle (HRS Score: 50)

The Lockheed West Seattle site is located in Seattle, WA.

Contaminants found at the Lockheed West Seattle site include:

  • Antimony
  • Arsenic
  • Cadmium
  • Chromium
  • Lead
53033

F. Lower Duwamish Waterway (HRS Score: 50)

The Lower Duwamish Waterway site is located in Seattle, WA.

Contaminants found at the Lower Duwamish Waterway site include:

  • Arsenic
  • Cadmium
  • Chromium
  • Lead
  • Mercury
53033

G. Quendall Terminals (HRS Score: 50)

The Quendall Terminals site is located in Renton, WA.
53033

H. Pacific Car & Foundry Co. (HRS Score: 42)

The Pacific Car & Foundry Co. site is located in Renton, WA.

Contaminants found at the Pacific Car & Foundry Co. site include:

  • Arsenic
  • Benzene
  • Chromium
  • Lead
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
53033

I. Harbor Island (Lead) (HRS Score: 35)

The Harbor Island (Lead) site is located in Seattle, WA.

Contaminants found at the Harbor Island (Lead) site include:

  • Antimony
  • Arsenic
  • Benzene
  • Cadmium
  • Chromium
53033

J. Queen City Farms (HRS Score: 34)

The Queen City Farms site is located in Maple Valley, WA.

Contaminants found at the Queen City Farms site include:

  • Antimony
  • Arsenic
  • Benzene
  • Beryllium
  • Cadmium

Air Quality in the Bellevue, WA Area

The two most widespread forms of air pollution are ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot). Exposure to these harmful pollutants, for even just a short period, can have adverse effects on your health.

Thanks to data collected by air monitoring equipment located across the country, the American Lung Association (ALA) is able to assess and track our air quality using three metrics:

  • Ozone
  • Short-term Particle Pollution
  • Year-round Particle Pollution

In their 2019 annual report, the ALA rated the air quality in King County, WA as follows:

Ground-Level
Ozone Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Short-Term
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: A-F

Year-Round
Particle Pollution

Grading Scale: Pass/Fail

Radon Levels in Bellevue, WA Area

Air quality inside your home can be impacted by a number of factors, including the presence of hazardous substances in building materials (asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, etc.) and local radon levels.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas you cannot see or smell. It can build up inside your home and negatively impact your indoor air quality as well as your health.

To provide a guideline, the EPA assigned one of three zones to each U.S. county and county equivalent:

  • Zone 1 (higher radon levels)
  • Zone 2 (moderate levels)
  • Zone 3 (lower levels)

The average indoor radon reading in King County, WA is predicted to be less than 2 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), so the county has been assigned EPA Radon Zone 3.

EPA Radon Zone

But, it's worth mentioning homes with elevated levels of radon have been found in all three radon zones. So, despite the fact Bellevue, WA is in EPA Radon Zone 3, you should have a radon test performed on any home you purchase in the area.

Water Quality in Bellevue, WA Area

In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA sets regulatory limits for drinking water contaminants known to cause adverse health effects.

Using data from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), we found no violations for regulated contaminants reported for King County, WA, as of the third quarter of 2019.

In addition to setting enforceable standards for harmful contaminants, the EPA also established guidelines to assist public water providers in managing the taste, odor and color of their drinking water.

To find out more about what’s in your drinking water, contact your utility company and request a copy of the latest Consumer Confidence Report.

Sources and Methods

Hazardous Sites: Identified using a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous sites detailed on trendingtowns.com represent sites contained on the National Priorities List (NPL) as of November 25, 2019.  The NPL is the list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories.  All site-related data was sourced from the EPA.

Air Quality: Grades for ozone, short-term particle pollution, and year-round particle pollution were obtained from State of the Air 2019, a report compiled by the American Lung Association.

Radon Zones: Radon zone designations were obtained using a public use dataset provided by the EPA (September 11, 2019).

Water Quality: Drinking water violation data was sourced from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), a public use database provided by the EPA.  The dataset included violations submitted to the database as of the third quarter of 2019.

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