Ecology, Rayonier closer to cleanup study

OLYMPIA — The state Department of Ecology and Rayonier Properties have agreed to continue negotiating a legal agreement relating to cleanup at the company's former Port Angeles pulp mill site.

Ecology and Rayonier had hoped to complete the agreement in November. Both sides agreed to extend the process to Jan. 11. The agreed order will cover a study area that includes the 75-acre former mill property and a portion of Port Angeles Harbor. Portions of the Rayonier property and adjacent marine environment are contaminated with PCBs, dioxin, arsenic and other toxins left by the mill's 68 years of operations.