The Arcata City Council voted on Wednesday to apply for federal funding to clean up dioxin-contaminated soil at the former Little Lake Industries lumber mill on South I Street. This cleanup has been a long time coming. In 2015, a major dioxin hotspot was discovered in bay sediments at the mouth of Butcher's Slough, which flows through the former mill site. We have been pressing for a cleanup of the City-owned property ever since. This site is not likely the only source of dioxins in Butchers Slough/Jolly Giant Creek, but it is a big step in the right direction. And it may lead to a much-needed dog park!
