By Karen Robes Meeks
Efforts to restore 4.5 acres of habitat along Terminal 5 shoreline continue as the Port of Seattle approaches its goal to remove 90 percent of creosote-treated pilings from its properties.
About 8,000 creosote pilings – obsolete materials that were once instrumental in port infrastructure before today’s use of steel and concrete – remain as the port chips away at the estimated 18,000 that were accounted for in 2000.
“Restoring shoreline habitat and removing creosote pilings is a great way to return natural vitality to our ecosystem,” said Commissioner Fred Felleman. “The Port of Seattle is on track to remove thousands more creosote pilings by 2025.”
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz thanked the port for its removal efforts, adding that the creosote-treated pilings were harming the health of Puget Sound.
“By partnering with agencies like the port, the Department of Natural Resources is leading efforts throughout Puget Sound to restore habitat and remove creosote pilings and debris from our waters,” she said. “I look forward to further partnership with the port and leaders like Commissioner Fred Felleman as we continue this important work.”
