Firm, Idaho Agree On Contamination Study

One of Lewiston’s largest employers, Blount Inc., has entered into an agreement with the state of Idaho to investigate and possibly clean contaminants found in the aquifer beneath one of its plants.The contaminants were found in the shallowest aquifer beneath what is called the CCI facility.

Blount’s environmental manager, Mark Von Lindern, said the contaminants were found in the uppermost aquifer, which is not used by anyone for drinking water.

That was confirmed by Gregg Teasdale, regional administrator of the state Department of Environmental Quality at Lewiston.

“I don’t believe there is any threat to anybody’s drinking water from this contaminant. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be assessed,” Teasdale said. “It is an environmental problem.”

The solvents were discovered in mid-November during the course of a process used to close a hazardous waste storage facility.

Von Lindern said four wells have been drilled and 10 more are planned to further identify the extent of contamination.

The intent is to complete a risk assessment so remedial steps can be determined.Remedial steps could involve pumping out the water and aerating it. But this may not be necessary.Von Lindern said water in the Snake River, next to and downstream from the plant, also has been tested. But contaminants were not detected.

Officials say they believe contamination of the shallow aquifer occurred because of parts washing operations in the 1960s and 1970s.

All the chemicals found are considered carcinogens.