EPA Remedial Investigation Updates

Details

Published: Friday, 08 May 2020 21:48

Each newsletter carries an update to highlight recent studies and activities that are underway. To learn about the history of the entire RI/FS and what’s been learned, visit our Public Guides at www.lrf.org/environment.

Beyond release and the public comment period for the Human Health Risk Assessment (see cover page), EPA updates include the following:

Mussel and Crayfish Sampling

The purpose of this sampling is to estimate exposure from human consumption and ecological risks of chemicals concentrating in tissues of fresh-water mussel and crayfish. In the spring and fall of 2016, samples were collected at various depths throughout the river/lake system. EPA approved the final data summary report in March 2018 and data has been integrated into the human health risk assessment. In 2019, WDOH used this data to place crayfish in the healthy choice consumption category. Mussels are in the DO NOT EAT category, which is consistent with the state-wide advisory against consuming any freshwater mussels or clams.

Plant Tissue Sampling

The 2014 and 2016 Residential Soil Sampling program, residential yard soil removal actions, and the 2014 Upland Soil Sampling results document elevated levels of metals in soils sampled in these upper Columbia River Valley study areas.

The Tribal Consumption and Resource Use Survey confirmed that residents of the Colville Reservation consume or otherwise utilize plants harvested from areas where metals are elevated.

As a result, EPA determined that data for the concentration of metals in berries, nuts, roots, and leaves from a variety of plants was needed for the Upper Columbia River human health risk assessment. In 2019, samples were analyzed, and results presented in a final data summary report. Data were integrated into the human health risk assessment.