The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the signing of a Federal Facility Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Oregon, and Washington for the cleanup of the Bradford Island National Priorities List site. The agreement includes an enforceable schedule for the cleanup, with a public comment period running from April 24 to June 10. EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating, “This agreement supports all parties working together to expeditiously investigate and address contamination at the Bradford Island site and reflects the federal government’s trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations.”
Colonel Larry "Dale" Caswell, Jr., the Portland District Commander, expressed excitement about the signed agreement, calling it a roadmap for all parties involved in the cleanup efforts on Bradford Island. The contamination on the island, located in the Columbia River, includes polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and other hazardous substances. The cleanup aims to address contamination that poses risks to human health and the environment.
Leah Feldon, Director of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, expressed satisfaction with the signed agreement and looks forward to feedback through Tribal consultation and public comments to move the project forward. Laura Watson, Director of the Washington Department of Ecology, highlighted the importance of the cleanup for the protection of the Columbia River and the improvement of the environment for salmon and resident fish.
The site holds significance for seven Tribal nations, some with treaty-protected rights, and the agreement includes provisions for meaningful participation by these Tribes in the cleanup process. Gerald Lewis, Yakama Nation Tribal Chairman, emphasized the importance of proper cleanup standards, stating, “Cleaning up the land and water at Bradford Island is long overdue, but must be done properly and to the highest standards.”
The public is invited to participate in the 45-day public comment period from April 24 to June 10. Additionally, EPA awarded a $50,000 Technical Assistance Grant to Columbia Riverkeeper to facilitate community involvement in cleanup decision making at Bradford Island. Kate Murphy, senior community organizer at Columbia Riverkeeper, expressed dedication to providing impacted community members with accurate information about the cleanup process.
USACE has established a Restoration Advisory Board to enhance public participation in the restoration process, with interested community groups and Tribal members actively participating. The board will review and comment on plans and activities related to the ongoing environmental studies and restoration efforts at Bradford Island.
Since 1998, USACE has been leading the investigation and cleanup efforts at Bradford Island. The site's history includes the removal of electrical equipment and contaminated sediment from the river, as well as studies to characterize sources of contamination. The addition of Bradford Island to the National Priorities List in 2022 stemmed from requests by various parties, including Tribal Nations, Oregon, Washington, and community and environmental groups.
