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 closed on the property in January 2026. 

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 

In June 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the Port a $4 million Cleanup Grant to fund environmental cleanup of the property. The Port is also pursuing funding through a Washington State Department of Ecology Oversight Remedial Action Grant.

Next steps 

• July 2026- Demolition of existing buildings to prepare for cleanup

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.