Soil testing on a private lot under construction at Vista Field found levels of synthetic chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, above the limit set by state Department of Ecology. 

The Port of Kennewick received the environmental report on June 26 and has hired consultants to conduct soil testing in mid-July around the affected parcel and within Vista Field generally. 

Until soil sample testing by Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting is completed, the port has paused construction of additional parking lots and utilities.

“The port is committed to protecting the health and safety of our community and the port’s environmental team is committed to ensuring the study process is transparent and the public and our investment partners are informed once we better understand the nature and scope of PFAS detection at Vista Field,” the port said in a release.

In 2014, the port conducted an environmental assessment at Vista Field that included extensive evaluation for all pesticides, insecticides, petroleum products and other chemicals listed by the state Department of Ecology as hazardous substances. The assessment identified no conditions of concern, the port said. However, Ecology has since expanded its list of hazardous substances to include PFAS.

PFAS are a type of synthetic chemical used around the world since the 1950s, according to the port’s press release. They have been found in everyday consumer items like nonstick cookware, water- and stain-resistant products, grease-resistant food packaging, and industrial items like firefighting foam and deicing chemicals.