The Harbor Oil site covers 4.2 acres in northeast Portland, Oregon. It operated as a tank truck cleaning and oil recycling facility starting in the 1950s. EPA added it to the Superfund National Priorities List in 2003 after investigations confirmed soil, sediment, and groundwater contamination from two fires, one in 1974 and one in 1979. The 1979 fire ruptured five aboveground tanks holding used oil, releasing waste into nearby wetlands and Force Lake. Contaminants include metals, petroleum, pesticides, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls).
Several companies share responsibility for cleanup costs, including Avista Corp., Bonneville Power Administration, and Chevron USA Inc. These potentially responsible parties conducted a remedial investigation and feasibility study, which concluded in 2007. A large metal tank holding petroleum wastes was emptied and dismantled in 2008. After reviewing all findings, EPA determined the contamination does not pose an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment, and selected a No Action remedy on June 28, 2013.
Human exposure is under control, and contaminated groundwater migration is stabilized with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. Monitoring continues to confirm the groundwater contamination stays within its original area. The site is ready for its anticipated use, with all cleanup goals met. EPA deleted Harbor Oil from the National Priorities List on June 5, 2014. An oil recycling business, American Petroleum Environmental Services, currently operates at the site.
Portland designates the property for industrial and open space use, and it sits within an area called an Industrial Sanctuary, surrounded by protected wetlands. Health risks for industrial workers and recreational users of Force Lake fall within EPA's acceptable range under those land uses. EPA will require further action only if new information about site conditions emerges.
Community members can view site records at the Kenton Firehouse at 8105 North Brandon in Portland. To arrange a viewing, call North Portland Neighborhood Services at 503-823-0215. For technical questions, contact the Remedial Project Manager. For community concerns, contact the Community Involvement Coordinator.
