BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The public has a chance to weigh in on the next phase of a major cleanup project in downtown Bellingham.

The state Department of Ecology opened public comment Monday, June 1 for the Georgia-Pacific West cleanup site.

Much of the site of the former pulp and tissue mill has been cleaned of contamination, but the Port of Bellingham will soon begin the next stretch of work.

That will take place over the next several years in the Chlor-Alkali area, which is separate from the Portal Container Village and closer to Bellingham Bay. After the cleanup is finished, the Port plans to redevelop the 74-acre property for commercial, retail and residential purposes.

Public comment on the cleanup is due by midnight on July 1.