About the Brownfield Clean Up Project
The Brownfield Clean Up project is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address contamination issues associated with the former Western States Plywood Mill that operated on the Elk River until the 1970s when it closed. Subsequently, the mill burned and the property was subdivided.
Wild Rivers Land Trust is working with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), EPA, and current land owners, Elk River Partners, to clean up the areas where contamination exists. Extensive work has been completed through multiple rounds of soil and water testing to determine the extent, type and location of the contamination.
Wild Rivers Land Trust secured an EPA grant in 2023 to begin the process of removal and disposal of the toxic materials identified on the site. The Land Trust and neighboring land owners are excited that this site will be cleaned up to restore the pristine nature of Elk River. After the clean up is completed, Bagley Creek will be restored to function as a viable salmon spawning and rearing stream. This will require the removal of two dams that block fish passage to the upper reaches of Bagley Creek. The Creek will also be contured to restore a more natural stream system that will support numerous fish, amphibians, bird and mammal species.
