Port of Kennewick’s Vista Field has gotten the OK from the state Department of Ecology to move forward with development after a small amount of soil contamination was removed. 

Trace amounts of a synthetic chemical, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, were found at one of Vista Field’s lots a year ago. The port halted development to pursue additional sampling, finding only one sample that was slightly above allowable limits.  

The port approved an action plan earlier this year to clean up the site, and in February, about two dump trucks of soil were removed. Samples taken following the excavation showed no PFAS concerns, and the hole was backfilled with clean soil.  

Following the cleanup efforts, the state issued a no further action letter, indicating that no additional cleanup or other actions are needed.  

The port, as well as private developers, can now move forward with work at Vista Field.  

“We will always prioritize the health and safety of our community,” said Tim Arntzen, port CEO, in a statement. “With the cleanup complete, we are restarting lot sales and preparing to construct several parking lots that will support community pavilions and businesses at Vista Field.”  

The port also has asked its contractor to prepare a new environmental report for Vista Field that includes the PFAS investigation and remediation report. Showing the report with no further PFAS concerns will be helpful for future land sales and development, according to a news release from the port.  

Vista Field’s first two businesses, Kuki Izakaya and Blueberry Bridal, both opened this spring.