The Tacoma Smelter Plume
For close to a century the Asarco copper smelter at Tacoma sent emissions over the region. The Department of Ecology says arsenic and lead from it settled on parts of King, Pierce, Kitsap and Thurston counties and remain in the soil.
Ecology publishes guidance on construction work in arsenic and lead contaminated soils, and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department publishes advice for yards and play areas.
Source: Washington Department of Ecology, Tacoma Smelter Plume questions and answers, read November 2026.
What it means for your study
Reserve components that disturb soil, such as replacing a play area, regrading, rebuilding a retaining wall or replacing paving and the base under it, can carry extra handling and disposal costs inside the plume. A study that prices them like any other site may understate them.
Ask whether the firm has worked inside the plume and whether it allowed for soil handling in the replacement costs of those components.
Larger Pierce County multifamily buildings are also inside the state Clean Buildings Tier 2 group, with a July 1, 2027 reporting date.
The rule in Tacoma
Pierce County associations follow the same state law as everyone else. Under RCW 64.90.545, the study is updated every year and
“An updated reserve study must be prepared at least every third year by a reserve study professional and based upon a visual site inspection conducted by the reserve study professional.”
Communities created before July 1, 2018 may still be partly under the older acts until January 1, 2028 (how that works).
- 2026Site visit
A reserve study professional walks the property. The first study can instead rest on plans, for buildings not yet built.
- 2027Annual update
Balances, costs and contributions brought up to date. No visit required.
- 2028Annual update
The same again, ready for the budget the board adopts.
- 2029Site visit
The update is prepared by a professional from a fresh visual inspection.
- 2030Annual update
The cycle carries on.
- 2031Annual update
Each update feeds the budget summary owners receive before they ratify the budget.
- 2032Site visit
And again, at least every third year.
Professional study from a visual site inspectionAnnual update; a desk review is enough
Firms that name Tacoma
These firms name Tacoma, Pierce County or the surrounding region on their own websites.
| Firm | Based | Works in | Credentials stated | From its own website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Sound Reserve Plan | Tacoma | Washington | RS; licensed architect | Principal holds the CAI Reserve Specialist credential and is a Washington licensed architect. |
| Reserve Studies NW | Renton | Washington | Not stated | Level 1, 2 and 3 studies; names King, Snohomish, Pierce, Thurston, Mason and Kitsap counties. |
National firms that say they work in every state: Association Reserves, Reserve Advisors, MillerDodson Associates, Reserve Data Analysis, Global Solution Partners, Apex Reserve Group. See all firms in Washington.