LAKE ROOSEVELT – In a significant move towards environmental restoration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its proposal to add Lake Roosevelt in northeast Washington to the National Priorities List (NPL). This inclusion on the list earmarks the site for cleanup efforts funded by the federal Superfund Program, aiming to address hazardous waste contamination.
EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller emphasized the importance of this action, stating, “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. 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.”
The EPA has identified soil contamination with lead and arsenic as posing unacceptable risks to residents, particularly children, in the area. Investigations revealed that soil in at least 194 residential areas exceeds the agency’s new screening level for residential lead contamination.
The primary contamination sources are identified as the Teck Metals Ltd. smelting facility in Trail, British Columbia, and the former Le Roi smelter in Northport, Washington. Both facilities have contributed to the hazardous pollution levels found at the site.
In efforts to gain support for the NPL listing, the EPA reached out to Washington Governor Jay Inslee and leaders of local indigenous communities in November 2023. Both the Governor and tribal leaders have expressed their concurrence with the EPA’s proposal, recognizing the necessity of cleanup efforts to address health risks and environmental hazards.
Governor Inslee remarked on the urgency of addressing the contamination, stating, “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 needed attention to clean up the Upper Columbia River Site for all who depend on it as a treasured natural and cultural resource.”
Similarly, Jarred-Michael Erickson, Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, highlighted the impact of historical waste disposal from smelter operations on human health and tribal sovereignty. Gregory Abrahamson, Chairman of the Spokane Tribal Business Council, also supported the EPA’s action, noting the importance of accessing Superfund resources for remediation.
The EPA’s decision follows a 2006 settlement agreement with Teck Metals Ltd. to conduct comprehensive studies on contamination levels and risks. These studies have outlined the significant health threats posed by lead and other metals, necessitating the proposed NPL listing to ensure a timely and effective cleanup.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings