Port ProjectsNotice is hereby given that the Port of Whitman County shall give a presentation at the Colfax City Council meeting on January 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of notifying the public of the Port's Environmental Protection Agency Cleanup Grant application for the Rogers Brothers Seed Company property in Colfax, WA. A copy of the application including the draft Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) will be available upon request and posted to the Port's website (www.portwhitman.com). Public comment will be accepted through January 26th. To provide public comment, please email port@portwhitman.com.
Cleaning up legacy contamination
The Rogers Brothers Seed property, located behind the Colfax High School, is a historic piece of property, acting as a hub for industrial activity in Colfax, WA since the early 1900s. A coal storage shed was installed in 1908 and removed in 1922. The Rogers Brothers Seed company operated a seed processing and storage facility between 1940-1980. A rail spur ran through the property. These uses are historically associated with environmental contamination.
Site overview
- 5.9 Acres
- Former seed depot
- Located adjacent to Colfax High School buildings and athletic facility
Port Ownership
The Port seeks to close on the property before January 27, 2026. Ownership of the property will make the Port eligible for multiple forms of cleanup funding.
Environmental Site Assessments
The Port conducted Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). The Phase II ESA found environmental contamination requiring cleanup.
Funding
The Port is applying for an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Cleanup Grant. The Port is also pursuing funding options through the Washington Department of Ecology, Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA), and other organizations.
Next steps
- January 2026- Application submitted for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Cleanup Grant
- May 2026- Potential EPA Grant Award
Draft Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) Summary
- Draft ABCA released in January 2026 details the Site's general location, previous uses and background, findings, goals and objectives, regional and Site vulnerabilities, applicable regulations and cleanup standards, and cleanup alternatives.
- Abatement of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and lead-based paint is likely required prior to demolition of former seed treatment facility and two sheds.
- 14,000 sq. ft. building constructed of steel and corrugated iron to remain in place for future use.
- Four Remedial Action Alternatives considered, ranging from "do nothing" to remove all onsite soil with select soil being transported to Utah for incineration.
- Recommended Remedial Action Alternative (RAA): Remediate impacted soil using a combination of on-site consolidation in a protective barrier under a Contained-in Policy (CIP) determination with Ecology and off-site incineration of soil designated for specific treatment in accordance with state and federal regulatory standards.
