Touch-up project at Bellingham’s iconic ‘rocket ships’ contaminates Container Village grass

Lead paint from a refurbishing project for the iconic “rocket ships” has contaminated lawns at the Container Village on the site of the former Georgia-Pacific paper plant, Port of Bellingham officials confirmed Tuesday.

Port of Bellingham spokesman Mike Hogan told The Bellingham Herald that paint flakes from the six cylindrical “digester” tanks fell outside the screens that were set up to prevent them from escaping the work area.

“The Port hired a regulated materials specialist to oversee the project and the contractor put controls in place to contain the paint, but unfortunately some paint chips have been found on the lawns next to the digester tanks,” Hogan said Tuesday in an email.

The lawns are being removed and replaced and should be ready for use by June 1, Hogan said.

Port officials “appreciate everyone’s patience as we safely prepare our waterfront for the summer season,” Hogan said.

Emily Mallos, general manager of Kulshan Brewing Co., whose Trackside brewpub is located beside the digesters, told The Herald that she was aware of the contamination.

“Trackside will be open for our planned operating hours this weekend — Thursday through Sunday. Trackside was already scheduled to be closed Monday through Wednesday this week, and the cleanup work is already underway and will be remedied by the time we open on Thursday,” Mallos said in an email.

At its website, Port officials said they believe there is little risk to the public.

“Exposure to lead paint, especially over long periods of time, can be a health hazard. However, there is no reason to believe that a short-term visit to the lawns next to the digester tanks pose a health risk to the public. Anyone concerned about lead exposure should contact their health-care provider,” the Port said.