The upper Columbia River site in northeast Washington is potentially on the path to be included in the National Priorities List (NPL). This would result in the river being added to a hazardous waste site list and qualifying for cleanup funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Superfund Program.
"Today’s action builds on decades of efforts to clean up the river and protect the health of people who live, work, and recreate in and near the Upper Columbia," said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller in an EPA press release. "Listing this site on the National Priorities List unlocks the full suite of tools and resources of EPA’s Superfund program to address this complex site and take additional steps to protect young children from harmful levels of lead."
According to the EPA news release, soil at a minimum of 194 residential sites near the river is contaminated with lead and arsenic that pose a significant threat to children. The lead levels exceed far beyond the EPA’s screening level for residential lead contamination.
"The legacy of contamination and risks to human health and the environment justify adding the site to the National Priorities List. It is time to turn our attention towards cleaning up the Upper Columbia River Site for all who depend on it as a treasured natural and cultural resource," stated Gov. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) in the release.
The smelting facility in Trail, British Columbia, Teck Metals Ltd., is identified as the primary source of lead contamination according to the release. Le Roi smelter in Northport, Washington has also been named as a contributor to pollution. Last November, Inslee, along with several officials from tribal communities, penned a letter to the EPA advocating for including this river area on the NPL.
"The Tribe supports EPA acting now to propose placing the Site on the NPL," expressed Gregory Abrahamson, chairman of Spokane Tribal Business Council. "Once listed, EPA will have access to Superfund resources needed for timely remedial actions."
