Borough reaches deal with state on any past contamination at mill site

The borough last week closed on its $2.5 million purchase of the former sawmill property at 6 Mile Zimovia Highway and separately signed an agreement with the state that would hold Wrangell harmless if any past contamination is discovered at the site.

In exchange for the hold-harmless agreement, the borough will need to assess the current situation at the property and monitor the site, such as if any soil contamination is found during excavation or construction on the property, Borough Manager Jeff Good said last week.

The agreement with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation “tak...