The Georgia Pacific Mill has been a significant part of our community for many years. However, it has also been a source of pollution, impacting both our environment and health. The State of Washington's Department of Ecology (Ecology) acknowledged this fact after determining in April of 2020 that Georgia Pacific Consumer Operations LLC (GP Operations) is a potentially liable person (PLP) for the release of hazardous substances on the site (Site) it is currently operating in Camas at 401 NE Adams Street in Camas, WA. 

In the second DRAFT Remedial Investigation Work Plan published in March of 2023, Georgia Pacific's consultant notes the use of Per - and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS as a part of the paper making process on the Site. Ecology has named the chemical class of PFAS and several of its compounds as a contaminant of concern to be further investigated at the Site. Certain PFAS compounds such as PFOS and PFOA are known to cause adverse health impacts to include damage to the liver while increasing the risk of kidney, prostate, testicular and thyroid cancers. 

Over 4 years have passed since Ecology issued the PLP notice and stated that Ecology would contact GP Operations "to bring about the prompt and thorough cleanup of hazardous substances at this Site," yet there is still not even a final remedial investigation work plan in place, let alone remedial action directed by such a plan. Over two thirds of the GP Operations property are omitted from the current remedial investigation plan, while various PFAS compounds (known as "forever chemicals") have appeared beginning in 2022, and persist today in the City's drinking water supply located only 1,000 feet away from operating facilities owned by GP Operations.  

By signing this petition, we are asking you to go on record with your support for the following:

1) Expand the testing at the GP Mill Site to assess the potential for drinking water contamination to the water supply for the City of Camas.

2) Demand the cleanup for the GP Mill Site be set to unrestricted use for future non-industrial development

3) Designate groundwater underneath ALL GP properties as potable to preserve future uses, since that groundwater can move and any potential  contaminants in that water could be drawn into the City's potable water supply.  

We further encourage you to follow the Camas Earth Day Society for developments to this issue at https://www.camasearthdaysociety.com