The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Aquatic Derelict Structures Program is cleaning up the toxic remnants of the historic Dickman Mill along the Tacoma waterfront.

 

Removing the 1,200 pilings that remained from the mill, which operated from the 1890s until 1974, will take away a source of pollution, allowing eelgrass habitat to return and making the popular waterfront cleaner and healthier for recreators. 

 

“Today, we take another step forward in the fight for the future of our waters. Removing these pilings is a tremendous step forward for reversing our toxic legacy that has made this precious waterfront inhospitable for marine plants and life,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “We are going to restore this site to its natural beauty; honoring the history that happened here by acknowledging the past and embracing a healthier, more sustainable future.”

 

The agency secured $10.8 million to remove what it called Washington’s Filthy Four derelict structures, including $3.5 million for the Dickman Mill site, in the 2023 legislative session. It is the second, and one of the more public of the Filthy Four. The agency removed the former High Tides Seafood pier at Neah Bay earlier this fall.

 

"We appreciate the investments DNR makes in Washington's shoreline and especially in Tacoma," said Andrea Smith, President of the Metro Parks Board of Commissioners. "The partnership with DNR in protecting and caring for our waterways helps keep them safe for people and wildlife while enhancing our waterfront's beauty."

 

The pilings were treated with creosote a toxic cocktail of chemicals for preservation that can be dangerous for people and marine life.

 

Two barges and a crane are in the water off Dickman Mill Park removing the pilings, with work expected to continue through mid-January.

 

With the source of creosote pollution gone, the site will be returned to a more natural state. Once the removal is complete, divers will survey for any additional debris and crews will lay down gravel to improve the sediment quality. It is likely that eelgrass will return to the area. For more information, visit dnr.wa.gov/dickman-mill.

 

As stewards of more than 2.6 million acres of state-owned aquatic lands, we are responsible for ensuring protection of habitat and fostering public access and water-dependent activities for future generations. DNR generates revenue by selling the rights to harvest renewable resources like wild geoducks and other shellfish and from leasing and licensing state-owned aquatic lands. That revenue is reinvested to manage and restore Washington's aquatic ecosystems; keep them free of derelict maritime equipment; protect their health and productivity, and fund local projects that ensure the public can enjoy our aquatic lands.

 

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Zoe Love

Communications Manager

Cell: 360-790-1886