Unnamed : EPA Proposes Lake Roosevelt Superfund Cleanup

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Environmental Restoration Efforts at Lake Roosevelt

Located in northeast Washington, Lake Roosevelt has been the focus of significant environmental restoration efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency recently announced its proposal to add Lake Roosevelt to the National Priorities List (NPL), marking it for cleanup efforts funded by the federal Superfund Program. This move aims to address hazardous waste contamination in the area, particularly soil contamination with lead and arsenic.

Importance of EPA’s Action

EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller highlighted the importance of including Lake Roosevelt on the NPL, emphasizing the need to protect the health of residents, especially children, in the region. The EPA’s decision to list the site unlocks resources from the Superfund program to address the complex environmental challenges posed by hazardous waste contamination from sources like the Teck Metals Ltd. smelting facility in Trail, British Columbia, and the former Le Roi smelter in Northport, Washington.

Support for NPL Listing

In November 2023, the EPA engaged with Washington Governor Jay Inslee and leaders of local indigenous communities to gain support for the NPL listing. Governor Inslee and tribal leaders expressed their agreement with the proposal, recognising the urgent need for cleanup efforts to address health risks and environmental hazards stemming from historical waste disposal from smelter operations.

Chairman Jarred-Michael Erickson of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Chairman Gregory Abrahamson of the Spokane Tribal Business Council both supported the EPA’s action, highlighting the impact of contamination on human health and tribal sovereignty. The proposed NPL listing aims to ensure a timely and effective cleanup of the Upper Columbia River Site, a treasured natural and cultural resource for the region.

Settlement Agreement with Teck Metals Ltd.

The EPA’s decision to include Lake Roosevelt on the NPL follows a 2006 settlement agreement with Teck Metals Ltd. The agreement required comprehensive studies on contamination levels and risks, which revealed significant health threats posed by lead and other metals in the area. The proposed cleanup efforts will address these threats and work towards restoring the environmental quality of Lake Roosevelt and its surrounding communities.

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