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Site 15: Bahobohosh PointSite History and Background
The Bahobohosh Point site is situated on Makah Bay, near the mouth of the Sooes River. In 1943, the Seattle Air Defense Wing leased this 28.4-acre area from the Tribe; leases were negotiated between the Air Defense Wing and individual allottees on an additional 54.84 acres of individually allotted Tribal lands (Olander, 1942; Phillips, 1943; Keres, 2002a). A radar facility was constructed on the site in 1943; living quarters for troops were also constructed (Olander, 1942; Phillips, 1943). Available literature suggests that the concrete piers at this site are the former radar foundations. No record was found of the duration of the radar operation. Features remaining at the site include concrete foundations, concrete footings, a small building footing, earthen (sand and rock) berms, and an abandoned gravel access road on the top of the hill at Bahobohosh Point. The main concrete structure, built for the radar installation, is approximately 180 feet above msl. The facility is listed as FUDS property #F10WA0615 (USACE, 2002). Keres Consulting, Inc., performed a Phase I site assessment in October 2002 (Keres, 2002a). Interviews conducted then suggest that Bahobohosh Point had not performed well as a site for radar, and radar operations had eventually been transferred to the Bahokus Peak radar station (Keres, 2002a). Keres Consulting determined that the DoD was responsible for building demolition and removal of debris remaining on Bahobohosh Point. Because the USACE had not yet taken action, Keres recommended a Phase II site investigation and draft Phase III site assessment report or direct consideration for NALEMP funding through the Cooperative Agreement/SPIP process. Activities to DateThe Makah Environmental Restoration Team performed site inspections in October 2000 and in April and October 2004. During the October 2000 and April 2004 site visits, no potential sources of contamination were identified; however, steel rods that protruded from the concrete foundations were identified as physical hazards to people who visit the site. During the October 2004 site visit, the steel rods were cut off flush with the concrete foundations to remove the physical hazards. The concrete foundations have not been removed. Doing so would require clearing of the overgrown access road to accommodate vehicles and mobile equipment. However, it is believed that clearing the access road and removing the concrete foundations would result in adverse impacts greater than the potential impacts of leaving the foundations in place. These considerations were discussed with the Makah Tribal Council on June 28, 2004, and the Council agreed that leaving the foundations in place is a prudent option. A No Further Action Report was prepared, recommending that the Makah Tribal Council make and record a No Further Action Determination (Ridolfi, 2004e). Additional Information:
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