Property sales & development move forward
Development at Vista Field in Kennewick is moving forward now that a recent environmental investigation to remove a small amount of soil has satisfied state regulators.
Port of Kennewick received a no further action letter from Washington State Department of Ecology in June 2026 affirming no per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) above allowable limits remain at Vista Field. Ecology issues a no further action letter when it indicates no additional clean up or other actions are necessary.
Ecology’s communication comes after the successful removal of approximately two dump trucks of soil in late February from a small spot on Lot 31 (about 5 feet in diameter) that tested for PFAS slightly above allowable limits last year.
Following excavation, samples taken of the remaining soil showed no PFAS concerns remained – and the port’s environmental contractor backfilled the hole with clean, controlled-density fill.
Background information
The Port was informed in June 2025 that soil samples collected by a property owner during construction activities at its property contained low concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The Port then took steps to initiate additional sampling from that property to determine the validity of the initial sampling results, and from the larger Vista Field area.
The Port hired Landau Associates to evaluate the presence of PFAS at Vista Field utilizing a sampling methodology that meets the Washington Department of Ecology standards.
Results from 47 samples collected by Landau Associates in September 2025 and in December 2025 showed that only one location needed to be cleaned up. All the other samples taken across the 103-acre site showed no PFAS concerns.
The Port had conducted a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment at Vista Field in 2014 that included an extensive evaluation of all pesticides, insecticides, petroleum products and other chemicals listed by Ecology as hazardous substances. The Assessment identified no conditions of concern. However, Ecology has since expanded its list of hazardous substances to include PFAS.
Landau Associates prepared a cleanup action plan in early 2026 to address the small area of contaminated soil.
The Port received public comment on the plan through close of business on February 10, 2026. The plan was then approved by Port of Kennewick Board of Commissioners and submitted to Washington State Department of Ecology before implementation earlier this year.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a variety of synthetic chemicals used around the world since the 1950s. PFAS have been found in everyday consumer items like non-stick cookware, water- and stain-resistant products, grease-resistant food packaging and industrial uses such as firefighting foam and de-icing chemicals.
Phase 1 Assessment (Entire Site)
July 1, 2026
Landau Associates Report to Port Commission
September 23, 2025