Site Description
Terminal 25 (T-25) South is on the southeast bank of the East Waterway at 2917 East Marginal Way South in Seattle, Washington. T-25 South includes approximately 5 acres of upland area and 5 acres of submerged and intertidal areas. The in-water portion of the site contains a derelict pier structure with creosote pilings. The Port currently leases the portions of the upland T-25 South to various tenants who use the area for equipment and material laydown, light industrial activity, and truck parking.
Site History
T-25 South industrial use dates to the original filling of the intertidal lands in the early 1900s, when the Duwamish River was reconfigured to the current channel location. The Port acquired the site in 1913. The site was used for cold storage, logging facilities, and as a sawmill during the early 20th century. The sawmill was removed to allow for lumber storage and automobile staging in the early 1960s. During the 1980s, it was used for cold storage, seafood processing, and shipping operations. Most structures and buildings at the site were demolished in the 1990s.
(Existing conditions at Terminal 25 South site.)
Contamination Issue
Historical activities contaminated the sediment and soil at the site. The primary contaminants of concern are polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxin and furans, and petroleum.
Why is the Port Doing this Cleanup?
As the property owner, the Port is taking the lead in addressing contamination at the site. The Port plans to create a habitat site here but needs to conduct cleanup in conjunction with building habitat.
After the cleanup, the Port will create critical fish and wildlife habitat. This large-scale restoration project supports recovery of the endangered Southern Resident orca by significantly increasing habitat critical to abundance and health of Chinook salmon, the primary food source for the orcas. The goal is to restore estuarine wetland functions across the site as well as to restore and create riparian habitat and off-channel rearing and refuge habitat for salmonids and other migratory and resident fish and wildlife in the East Waterway. The project will ultimately re-establish approximately 10 acres of riparian, emergent marsh, mudflat, and subtidal habitat.
Status
The site is currently in the process of being cleaned up under the oversight of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The sediment, soil, and ground water investigation were completed in 2024. An engineering evaluation/cost analysis was submitted to the EPA in the winter 2025. The Port anticipates receiving the EPA’s cleanup approval in 2026 after completion of the public period.
Contact Information
Joanna Florer | Senior Manager, Environmental Programs | [email protected]
