Sensible Approach Is Praiseworthy
Again, the Environmental Protection Agency deserves credit for acting quickly to address contamination problems found in its controversial two-year study outside the Silver Valley Superfund site.
Not only has the EPA found what it calls “action levels” of lead at 32 beaches, boat ramps, campgrounds and even school yards along the Coeur d’Alene River, but it has plans to begin cleaning them this summer. This, well before it finishes a huge basinwide study of mining contamination - and after it already has given 22 of 24 beaches on Lake Coeur d’Alene a clean bill of health.
EPA officials have come a long way since they announced plans last year to expand their Superfund study to the entire Coeur d’Alene River Basin. After a shaky start, marked by complaints from community officials who feared fallout from a possible Superfund designation, the EPA has been hitting the right notes. It has tested hot spots thoroughly and quickly. It has released test results promptly. It has solicited involvement from affected communities and individuals at each step of the way.
Even Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Judy, an outspoken critic of the EPA’s attempt to expand the Superfund site, admitted reluctantly the agency had done a good job testing Lake Coeur d’Alene beaches.
That’s not to say there won’t be problems between the EPA and Coeur d’Alene basin communities later on. After all, a full-scale investigation of lead contamination in an area that depends on tourism never is welcome. But both sides have a vested interest in ensuring that the waterways below the Silver Valley mines are safe.
Commendably, EPA officials have asked the public to help identify public areas that children use the most. Their top priority will be removing tainted topsoil in those areas.
One “hot spot,” for example, is Elk Creek, a swimming hole east of Kellogg where the average lead concentration in the sediment was nine times higher than the supposedly safe level of 400 parts per million. There are other play areas with even higher levels of contamination. They should be cleaned up or posted with a warning.
No one but a crank would like the thought of such signs at a public recreation area in beautiful North Idaho. But they are necessary until the sites are cleaned up. Again, the EPA has shown restraint by asking the Panhandle Health District to come up with the wording for the signs - and public input will be sought.
When the EPA began investigating lead levels beyond the Superfund box, we urged the agency not to paint the region with a broad brush. Not to drag its feet. To address hot spots first. We’re pleased that EPA officials are doing just that. It inspires confidence in the rest of the agency’s work.