Draft:Everett Smelter

The Everett Smelter was a smelter operated by the Puget Sound Reduction Company, and later Asarco in Everett, Washington from 1894-1912. High levels of contaminants, such as Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead were discovered in soil samples within a 1.1 mile radius of the original site. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with a free soil sampling initiative being ran by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

History and Operation
The smelter was originally constructed in 1894 by the Puget Sound Reduction Company, and was used to refine metals such as Gold, Lead, and Silver. In 1898 an Arsenic extraction plant was added to aid in the extraction and refinement of Arsenic. In 1903, the smelter was acquired by Asarco, and operated until 1912, when it was shut down and demolition began, finishing in 1915. Parts from the Arsenic extraction plant were later used at the smelter in Ruston that was also operated by Asarco Ores were largely sourced from the nearby Monte Cristo Mining Area located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Cleanup Efforts
In 1990, a company nearby the site of the smelter had an environmental assessment completed on their property. The results showed elevated levels of arsenic and lead in the soil and groundwater. The company then alerted the city to this issue, beginning a series of cleanup efforts. Efforts are ongoing and the Washington State Department of Ecology is working with the City of Everett to remove impacted soils on residential properties.

Environmental and Health Impacts
The site of the smelter and surrounding areas continue to be impacted by the presence of elevated levels of heavy metals, known to have carcinogenic effects, such as Lead, Arsenic, and Cadmium. During demolition of the smelter, contaminated bricks and slag were spread throughout the immediate area, with slag notably being used to make rock wool insulation, and as fill dirt for the demolition site.