EPA Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) Update

Details

Published: Wednesday, 03 July 2024 17:10

As part of a 2006 Settlement Agreement with Teck, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is directing the Upper Columbia River Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS). Its purpose is to establish the nature, extent and possible human and ecological risks of metals and other contaminants released into the environment.

Uplands

The uplands refer to approximately 100 square miles (64,000 acres) east and west of the Columbia River below the U.S.—Canada border.

EPA released the Final Upland BERA (Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment) in December 2023. The BERA evaluates the risk of chemicals (in this case primarily metal contaminants) in soils to plants and wildlife. A spring 2024 Fact Sheet released by EPA notes that “Preliminary findings indicate that cadmium, lead, and zinc present the greatest and most widespread risk to plants, invertebrates, mammals, and birds exposed to soil in the upland area. Most impacted areas are remote and relatively steep.”

River

The Draft Aquatic Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (BERA) evaluates risk to plants, wildlife, fish, and other organisms in and along the Columbia River from the U.S. – Canada Border to Grand Coulee Dam. Teck submitted the Aquatic BERA in April. EPA and the Participating Parties (Ecology, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Spokane Tribe of Indians and Department of Interior) are currently reviewing the assessment.

Learn More

For summaries of studies and human health assessments completed, visit lrf.org/environment and click Public Guides. EPA’s summary information can be found at epa.gov/columbiariver/upper-columbia-river-study-area.