Work is starting at the Cataldo boat ramp this week to protect visitors from exposure to contaminated soil.

The 3.5-acre recreation area, owned by Shoshone County, is along the Coeur d’Alene River next to Old Mission State Park. The soil there consists of mine tailings that were dredged from the river channel. Lead, which can damage the nervous system, is a particular concern, said Brian Miller of the Coeur d’Alene Basin Restoration Project.

By Oct. 15, workers are expected to stabilize the riverbank to prevent continued erosion; install barriers around the parking lot and access roads; and spread log-yard waste - a source of organic matter and nutrients - on areas that will be replanted.

Grasses and hawthorn trees will be planted next spring, to cover some contaminated areas and keep people out of others.

The work is being paid for with a $5,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency and $5,000 from the Mine Owners Association.

Three picnic tables will be installed at the site. Shoshone County is seeking money from the Idaho Waterways Improvement Fund to build restrooms, Miller said.

, DataTimes