Additional Upper Columbia Residential Property Cleanup

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Published: Tuesday, 20 February 2018 22:27

In 2017, four additional residential properties on Mitchell Road were identified for contaminated soil cleanup. These are properties where soil sampling conducted in 2016 showed lead levels exceeding 600 ppm (parts per million).

In 2014 and 2016, landowners were given the opportunity to receive free soil sampling as part of the Upper Columbia River (UCR) remedial investigation and feasibility study. The goal of sampling was to determine if levels of metals in soils could pose an unacceptable risk to human health, particularly to children who live within the UCR Study Area.

In 2014, 74 properties were sampled and 13 received cleanup and restoration of their properties in 2015. This occurred as part of a voluntary agreement between EPA and Teck American Incorporated (TAI) for TAI to fund and conduct cleanup of the 13 properties under EPA oversight.

In 2016, the area for those eligible for free soil sampling was expanded to include property owners along the river valley living as far south as China Bend. In addition, those who chose not to participate in the 2014 sampling were given another opportunity to receive free sampling.

TAI with EPA oversight contacted 519 property owners. 276 responded, and 142 granted access to their property to receive free soil sampling. Four properties had lead level exceedances of 600 ppm.

In the fall of 2017 one property and part of another was cleaned up. The remaining area of one property and the other two properties are scheduled for clean up in the spring of 2018. As in 2015, TAI is voluntarily working with land owners to fund and conduct cleanup activities under EPA oversight.