Superfund Straight Talk

Wed., Dec. 21, 2011

Denna Grangaard Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

Q: I live in the Lower Coeur d’Alene Basin and I hear that the property remediation program is going on. What can I expect? Will my property need remediation? A: Upper Coeur d’Alene Basin soil sampling is nearly completed and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and its contractors continue to sample properties in your area. Your property may or may not need remediation, but having an idea of what to expect as the process proceeds will be helpful. Homeowners’ Guide to the Soil Sampling Process 1. Homeowners in the Bunker Hill Superfund Site receive Consent to Sample Forms; homeowners are asked to fill out, sign, and return the form. 2. Homeowners determine a time to meet DEQ’s contractor on the property. Homeowners show the property features to the contractor so a map can be created. Features include septic, utilities, play areas, easements, wellheads, and property pins. Homeowners retrieve a vacuum cleaner bag and sometimes a tap water sample. This is a great time to ask questions about the process. 3. When the map has been completed, the contractor schedules a time to take soil samples. This could be several weeks after the first visit. Homeowners can choose to arrange a time when they can be home during sampling. Homeowners can expect soil sampling to take one-to-three days on average. Sampling holes and divots are filled after samples are taken. 4. Homeowners receive an important letter from DEQ with soil sample results, which they should keep for future title or real estate transactions. Results may come a month or more after sampling. Results may recommend remediation in specific areas or may verify that no remedial action is necessary. If remediation is recommended, homeowners will be contacted by DEQ or their contractor so a plan can be developed. Homeowners should keep a copy of the final construction plan. Homeowners would continue coordinating with the Kellogg Panhandle Health District Institutional Controls Program (ICP) to maintain records of earthwork, ceiling and attic work, and insulation removal.

Thank you to the community for asking questions! Write your SST questions to Denna Grangaard at denna.grangaard@deq.idaho.gov, click on “Ask Us” at our website: www.deq.idaho.gov/bunkerhillsuperfundsite, or stop by the DEQ Office, 1005 W. McKinley Avenue, (208) 783-5781.

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