Hazardous materials crews from all over the region were called to a lot at 310 West Valley Highway South in Pacific on Wednesday morning, after a construction crew reported an unknown odor strong enough to cause one worker to complain of a burning sensation in her eyes.
Following a full investigation and air safety monitoring, it was determined that the odor, though strong, was not a threat to public health.
When Valley Regional Fire Authority personnel arrived on the scene at 8:19 a.m., they too smelled a strong odor, but were unable to determine its source or hazard level without calling in hazardous materials specialists.
A safe perimeter was established around the possible hazard and a Zone 3 hazardous materials response was requested bringing in specialty teams from the Kent, Renton, Tukwila, South King and Port of Seattle fire departments to evaluate the possible hazardous material.
Three teams of hazardous materials specialist firefighters entered the lot, strewn with garbage, parts of a collapsed building, dilapidated trailers and vehicles. They used air monitoring devices to determine that there was no threat to public health from the odor. The scene was then turned over to the Department of Ecology and the City of Pacific.
Assistance at the scene was provided by the Boeing Hazardous Materials response unit, King County Medic One and the Seatac Fire Explorer group.
King County Public Health shut down the Federal Way vendor on Monday, Jan. 25.
Current federal wage is $7.25 per hour
Lawmakers are eyeing a number of bills which could change firearm regulations in the state.
Advocates say credit scoring makes low-income and minority policy holders pay more for coverage.
The remains of Wendy Stephens were found in 1984
Staycation opportunities abound in King County