Amanda McKay, a Senior Toxicologist, presented at the SETAC North America 44th Annual Meeting, focusing on NRDA Habitat Restoration and Superfund Cleanup Coordination. Amanda presented on the recent completion of the Vigor Shipyards fish habitat project on Seattle’s Harbor Island. This new off-channel aquatic habitat for juvenile salmonids was constructed to settle Natural Resource Damage liabilities associated with historical releases of contamination discharged from the site over prior decades. In addition to providing valuable new habitat in the heavily industrialized Duwamish River, the construction of this fish habitat project provided the opportunity for final cleanup of sediment contamination remaining within the footprint of the habitat area.

Between 2021 and 2023, Vigor demolished two piers and the historic shipways, and constructed the off-channel aquatic habitat area, while implementing the final cleanup of sediment contamination remaining within the habitat area. The new approximately 2.7-acres of subtidal, intertidal, and riparian habitat improves degraded habitat in this industrially zoned but ecologically important area.

Amanda’s presentation showcased the comprehensive efforts and positive outcomes of the cleanup and habitat restoration coordination at Vigor Shipyards. More on this project can be found on our Services Page.