The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added the Upper Columbia River Site in northeast Washington to the Superfund National Priorities List. This list includes locations across the United States where past releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants pose significant threats to human health and the environment.
The EPA identified contamination in soils within the site with lead and arsenic, posing risks particularly to children and women of childbearing age. The river sediments are also contaminated with metals such as zinc, copper, cadmium, selenium, lead, and mercury that threaten fish, wildlife, birds, and other organisms along the river.
The main source of this contamination is traced back to Teck Metals Ltd.'s smelting facility in Trail, British Columbia. Additionally, the former Le Roi smelter in Northport, Washington contributed to this pollution.
"Adding the Upper Columbia River to the EPA’s National Priorities List is another example of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to protecting public health in all communities," stated Cliff Villa from EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management. He emphasized that cleaning up contaminated areas benefits both public health and the economy.
Casey Sixkiller from EPA's Region 10 office remarked on how this listing allows for more comprehensive addressing of long-standing public health risks due to over a century of mining-related pollution. "This work will continue to be critical for the people and communities who deserve cleaner and healthier places," he said.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee highlighted how this decision strengthens efforts against site contamination by unlocking federal resources which would ensure a thriving local economy and ecosystem.
Jarred-Michael Erickson from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation expressed satisfaction with this development: "Past leaders... initiated... cleaning up [the] river... [a] Superfund listing will unlock access to funds necessary for thorough remediation."
Gregory Abrahamson from Spokane Tribal Business Council supported EPA's action stating it affects their traditional homeland resources integral to their subsistence since time immemorial. He called for further investigations into downstream areas near Spokane Reservation.
Following a proposed listing on March 5, 2024, there was a 60-day public comment period ending May 6th. The agency's response will accompany Federal Register notice finalizing this addition available at regulations.govExit EPA’s website.
Superfund cleanups are known for reducing birth defects and blood-lead levels among children near sites while increasing residential property values post-cleanup by up to 24 percent within three miles radius according to research findings.
For more information about Superfund initiatives or related Federal Register notices visit New Proposed & New Superfund National Priorities List Sites online platform.
