Comments sought on Priest River landfill cleanup

A draft plan for cleanup of a former Priest River landfill is open for public comment. The site, located at Highway 57 and Cemetery Road, is polluted with metals, asbestos and a variety of organic chemicals from historic waste disposal practices. Surface waste also poses hazards. The plan describes the cleanup alternatives considered by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, the proposed cleanup method selected, and its implementation. Following cleanup, the goal is to turn the site into a waterfront park. The draft plan can be viewed at the DEQ’s Coeur d’Alene Regional Office, 1440 Ironwood Parkway; the West Bonner District Library, 219 Main St., Priest River; City of Priest River, City Clerk’s Office, 209 High St.; and Priest Community Forest Connection, 223 Main St. Information is also available at www.communityforests.com. Comments will be accepted through Sept. 13. They should be sent to Bruce Wicherski, Idaho DEQ, 1410 N. Hilton, Boise ID 83706, or to bruce.wicherski@deq.idaho.gov.