Federal scientists tasked with overseeing the health of West Coast fisheries are now handling tasks like cleaning office bathrooms and reconsidering essential experiments. This situation arises after the Department of Commerce did not renew contracts related to hazardous waste disposal, janitorial services, IT, and building maintenance for their laboratory.
At the Northwest Fisheries Science Center, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) located in Seattle, staff members reported that trash is accumulating. Employees, including ecologists, chemists, and biologists at Montlake Laboratory, are taking turns managing garbage disposal and are contemplating creating a sign-up sheet for cleaning the restrooms.
These scientists perform critical work, such as genetic sampling of endangered salmon, to assess species stock status and survival. They handle chemicals that pose serious risks, such as skin burns and cancer. Research could face delays if hazardous waste removal services are not restored, according to at least one staff member.
The challenging conditions at Montlake result from a Commerce Department policy requiring Secretary Howard Lutnick’s approval for all contracts exceeding $100,000. As reported by NPR, this policy has disrupted operations at several NOAA facilities.
Three Montlake employees spoke to ProPublica about their working conditions, where service contracts are expiring without renewal. They described challenges such as finding compost bags, managing sanitary waste containers, and a lack of access to cleaning tools, leading some scientists to purchase their own supplies.
Remote work is not an option; the Trump administration mandates that federal employees return to the office five days a week. This policy will apply to Montlake employees by April 21.
One Montlake researcher highlighted the work’s unsanitary and unsafe nature without the necessary support, particularly in a laboratory handling fire-reactive chemicals and bacteria. Press officers from NOAA, the Commerce Department, and the White House did not respond to requests for comments.
Montlake staff learned last week that the contract for safety services, including handling laboratory waste, would expire after April 9, leaving only one person responsible. Employees were warned about potential delays in hazardous waste pickups.
Additionally, the maintenance contract expired, affecting building services like plumbing, HVAC, and elevators. Other contracts lapsed in late March, leaving the lab without janitorial staff and minimal IT support.
During a recent staff meeting, lab leaders could not provide updates on contract renewals. Researchers noted it was unfair for everyone to perform maintenance duties alongside their primary work responsibilities.
Nick Tolimieri, a union representative, described the situation as part of a broader effort to drive out federal workers, expressing concerns over the stress it places on employees. He commented on the ongoing challenges stemming from lapsed contracts, describing them as increasingly petty.
The issues at Montlake illustrate wider challenges faced by federal workers across agencies. Recent layoffs have further complicated NOAA’s operations, with local management struggling to implement prepared service contracts due to delays from headquarters.
The fisheries center’s staff, which exceeds 350 personnel at Montlake, work across research stations in Oregon and Washington. They contribute to sustainable fishing policies, assess seafood safety post-oil spills, and aid in salmon population restoration and regional farming.
Despite these challenges, Montlake researchers emphasize the non-contentious nature of NOAA’s work, which focuses on providing weather reports and ensuring seafood safety. Lab workers are skilled in handling chemicals safely but are concerned about storage capacities and emergency responses if contractors do not return promptly. Delays could affect research, particularly lab work involving marine mammals from Alaska.
Tolimieri criticizes the administration’s focus on efficiency, pointing out that recent actions have been counterproductive regarding federal operational efficiency.