EPA Advances Cosmo Specialty Fibers Cleanup Work, Continues Treatment Operations
SEATTLE— U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s time-critical removal action at the Cosmo Specialty Fibers site in Cosmopolis, Washington, has reached multiple milestones over the past two weeks, including the completion and commissioning of a chemical treatment plant designed to neutralize corrosive waste before it is shipped for disposal. To date, over 222,000 gallons of acidic waste have been treated, and over 180,000 gallons have been shipped off-site. EPA anticipates removing over 1 million gallons of waste from the site.
“The Trump EPA remains firmly committed to advancing this removal action safely while keeping the local community informed as work continues at the Cosmo Specialty Fibers site,” said EPA Regional Administrator Emma Pokon. “This effort shows our commitment to clean air, land, and water, and to a safe, transparent cleanup process for all Americans.”
EPA began site mobilization in early August, coordinating with local fire, law enforcement, emergency management, and environmental health officials. The removal action is a proactive measure intended to safely eliminate potential environmental hazards and reduce future risk to the surrounding community. EPA’s work at the site is expected to be completed this calendar year.
“We are making steady progress at the Cosmo Specialty Fibers site, and the treatment system is now fully operational,” said EPA On-Scene Coordinator Thomas Vroman. “By treating waste on site before shipment, we are improving safety and lowering disposal costs.”
For the past two years, EPA and Washington State Department of Ecology have worked closely to assess conditions at the non-operational facility and identify actions needed to reduce potential risks to the community and the environment. In April 2026, the Department of Ecology, the long-term lead agency for the site, requested EPA assistance with the removal of the remaining chemicals in tanks and containers.
For additional information, visit:
- Cosmo Specialty Fibers Time Critical Removal Action
- EPA's Removal Action Memorandum (pdf) - June 2, 2026
Members of the public with questions regarding the cleanup effort are encouraged to contact the EPA Region 10 Press Team at R10_Press_Team@epa.gov.