Cleanup Continues At Camp Sites

Two popular camping areas along the Coeur d’Alene River at Medimont and Rainy Hill remain closed to overnight use, but a new camping area could open in the future.

The U.S. Forest Service and two mining companies are spending more than $60,000 to clean up lead at the closed camping areas.

The agency is also investigating new camping options at a basalt outcropping at Rainy Hill, said Jeff Johnson, a geologist with the Coeur d’Alene District. Camping at Medimont and Rainy Hill areas was banned just before the busy Fourth of July weekend because of high lead levels.

The agency plans to use clean dirt to cover soil contaminated with lead at up to 4,190 parts per million, more than twice the federal health threshold. Shoreline will be protected by riprap to control erosion and keep children from sitting in shallow areas, Johnson said.

Cleanup will be partly funded by $10,000 each from Hecla Mining Co. and ASARCO Inc. Another $42,000 comes out of a Forest Service abandoned mine fund.

Annual floods recontaminate the beaches, Johnson said. Future changes could include a concrete or asphalt surface that can be underwater and cleaned off.

Meanwhile, two other popular boat access sites near Harrison are getting a $205,000 makeover to combat contamination, courtesy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Lead-contaminated soil will be removed at boat launches at Anderson and Thompson lakes, both managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and popular with anglers, campers and waterfowl hunters.

A ramp at Thompson Lake will be moved from a channel to the river, according to John Nigh, with the Fish and Game Department. A new ramp will be built at Anderson Lake.

Contaminated areas will be paved.