The Port of Kennewick is feeling optimistic after receiving the results from additional soil testing at Vista Field, though it still must wait on feedback from the state Department of Ecology.

This summer, the port discovered synthetic chemicals in the soil at Vista Field, leading it to pause work at the site.

In response, the port hired Seattle-based Landau Associates to collect additional soil samples across the property, a 103-acre redevelopment project located on the site of a former municipal airport.

Of the 47 samples, one came back above the limit set by the state Department of Ecology, the company said during a Sept. 23 port meeting.

“The port believes that Ecology’s response will provide a good direction for next steps as we continue working to transform that former airfield into a regional town center,” said Tim Arntzen, the port’s CEO, in a statement. 

The detected contaminants are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, a group of chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment. They have been used since the 1950s and are found in everything from firefighting foam to water and stain proofing, paints, non-stick coatings and electronics.

The chemicals have only begun to be regulated in the past few years, said John McCorkle, principal with Landau Associates, during the port meeting. He said cleanup levels are constantly changing.

McCorkle said that Landau has worked closely with Ecology officials and will make sure they’re on the same page as the port looks at next steps for Vista Field.

Private construction continues at Vista Field, with Blueberry Bridal and Kuki Izakaya expected to wrap up their buildings by the end of this year.