Site 9: Reservoir

Site History and Background

Water Treatment Building (Ridolfi, 2005d)

This site consists of a former 4-acre reservoir that was formed by damming Waatch Creek, one water treatment building, and a small fish hatchery shed. Partially filled containers labeled as hydrated lime and chlorine are present in the water treatment building (Ridolfi, 2004a). All these structures are now abandoned.

Water treatment system (Ridolfi, 2005d)

The reservoir was built in the 1950s and was the source of drinking water for the Makah AFS Cantonment Area and Family Housing Area (Radian, 1987; URS, 1996). The water treatment plant also served as a pump station when the Makah AFS was operational. The Makah AFS had three water treatment plants; in addition to this one, the Bahokus Peak area (Top Camp Dam, Site 20) and the Family Camp and Trailer Court area (Hobuck Creek Dam, Site 16) each had one (Radian, 1987).

Concerns associated with the Reservoir site include barrel contents and physical hazards from dilapidated structures and equipment, as well as from debris surrounding the water treatment building.

Activities to Date

LRI sampling locations (Ridolfi, 2005d)

The Makah Environmental Restoration Team performed site inspections in October 2000 and in March and April 2004, and the site was one of 10 sites investigated during the 2004 limited remedial investigation (Ridolfi, 2005d). Two paint samples, one of light blue exterior paint and one of interior white paint, were collected and analyzed for lead content. Three samples were collected and analyzed for asbestos content: one of the drywall interior ceiling, one of the interior fiberboard ceiling, and one of exterior roofing shingles. All lead and asbestos results were below screening levels.

Aerial view of restoration work (Ridolfi, unpublished)

In August 2003, as part of a Makah Fisheries restoration project, the reservoir dam was removed from Waatch Creek, allowing the reservoir to drain. Also during the restoration, large woody debris was placed in the creek and the former reservoir, and a new fish-friendly culvert was installed.

Planned Activities

The Tribe considers this site a lower priority (Priority C). The following activities is planned for 2006 to 2010:

Remove abandoned buildings.

Deconstruction and Removal of Abandoned Buildings: The abandoned buildings, including the chemical containers inside the water treatment building, will be deconstructed and removed. Proper deconstruction methods and material handling techniques will be employed. The deconstruction may involve building structures, foundations, walkways, and underground and aboveground plumbing and electrical lines. The construction debris will be shipped off-site for proper disposal.

Additional Information:

Fact Sheet – Site 9: Reservoir