The launch is closed because crews are excavating soil, sand, and rock contaminated with smelter-related metals from the beach and boat dock area, and filling in the excavated areas with clean materials.
We are sorry for the inconvenience. The launch will be open over the weekend. The Town Park will remain open. The new access road east of Park Road continues to be open for all traffic accessing the Tow Park and waterfront.
Why is the waterfront being cleaned up?
The Washington Department of Ecology is cleaning up the area between Smelter Rock downstream to the Northport Highway 25 bridge. The Columbia River bank and shore next to the Town Park and around the boat launch area are polluted by metal wastes from the historic Le Roi Smelter and the Teck Smelter in Trail, B.C. Our goals are protecting people who recreate here and restoring the shoreline environment next to the park.
Last year, about half the work was completed. The lead levels in about 2,000 tons of material removed from the hillside and some of the seasonal beach were hazardous waste under federal standards. Cleanup work will be completed during the 2025 construction season and work will include recreational upgrades, such as installing rail fencing, two benches, and a picnic shelter with a table along the top of the hillside.
Learn more online- Northport Waterfront cleanup webpage.
Questions?
Erin Andersen, Site Manager ~ Call: 509-385-6999 ~ Email: erin.andersen@ecy.wa.gov
Erika Beresovoy, Public Outreach ~ Call: 509-385-2290 ~ Email: erika.beresovoy@ecy.wa.gov