Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed the cleanup of lead-contaminated soil on nine residential properties in and around Northport, Washington. This project is part of the efforts within the Upper Columbia River site.
The cleanup was funded with $2.8 million from Superfund tax funds allocated by the Biden Administration. These funds are intended for projects that aim to protect young children and women of childbearing age from exposure to high levels of lead contamination in residential soils.
The source of contamination in this area includes operations from the former Le Roi Smelter in Northport and Teck Metals Ltd.'s lead and zinc smelter located in Trail, British Columbia.
“EPA’s cleanup of residential properties further demonstrates our commitment to reducing the life-long effects of lead exposure in people and especially young children who live and play in the area,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This critical work will continue as long as there are risks to the people of the Upper Columbia.”
Since 2004, EPA has conducted or overseen soil cleanup activities at approximately 85 properties in this region. The agency prioritizes cleanups on properties posing significant risks and expects more could be eligible for future cleanups.
For 2024, EPA targeted properties with soil containing over 200 mg/kg for lead or over 90 mg/kg for arsenic, particularly where children or women of childbearing age have unrestricted access. With property owner consent, nearly 5,400 tons of contaminated soil were removed for disposal. The State of Washington supported this initiative by providing $352,000 for disposal at Stevens County Landfill.
“We are grateful for our partnership with the EPA, which has allowed us to take significant steps in protecting the health and well-being of the Northport community,” said Nick Acklam, Ecology’s Eastern Region Toxics Cleanup Program manager. “By working together to remove lead-contaminated soil, we’re not only addressing an immediate environmental concern but also creating a safer future for the folks that live in Northport.”
Lead exposure poses serious health risks through direct contact or incidental ingestion from areas such as yards or gardens. In children, it can impair mental and physical development while causing various health issues like increased blood pressure and decreased kidney function in adults.
The EPA has updated its guidance on residential soil lead levels as part of its broader strategy to reduce lead exposures across U.S. communities.
Further information on health risks related to lead exposure can be found through resources provided by both EPA and Washington Department of Ecology online platforms.
For inquiries about this cleanup effort or media requests, contact can be made via R10_Press_Team@epa.gov.
