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THE DIRT: 2025 Lead Health Intervention Blood Screening
Summer is the time for camping, biking, hiking, and swimming. We explore the great outdoors and, in so doing, put ourselves at risk for lead exposure. Hotter, drier, and dustier conditions also increase this risk. Anyone who recreates within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site may be exposed to lead dust. Because this is a known health risk, Panhandle Health District’s Lead Health Intervention Program (LHIP) provides a free blood lead screening event each year.
The LHIP blood lead screening provides families and individuals with the opportunity to check their summer lead exposures. This year’s “Under the Sea” screening was an underwater-themed event, providing attendees with information on lead exposure and prevention and fun giveaways. Anyone who had their blood lead level tested had the opportunity to enter a raffle for a goldfish and their bowl. Children six months to six years of age who live within the site received a $50 incentive following testing. Children in this age range are at greater risk of the effects of lead exposure. This incentive encourages testing at this critical stage in a child’s development.
Blood lead tests are conducted by first washing the testing area thoroughly with soap and water. A nail brush is used if hands are especially dirty. Testing is performed by Shoshone Medical Center’s excellent staff. A finger-poke test is performed, and results are available in a few minutes. If the results from the initial finger-prick test show an elevated blood lead level, a venous draw is then performed for confirmation. Free consultations are offered to individuals with elevated blood lead levels. During these consultations, LHIP staff determines possible sources of lead exposure, and recommendations are provided to avoid further exposure.
This year, over 350 individuals elected to be tested for summer lead exposure. If you missed your opportunity to be tested, please visit cdabasin.idaho.gov or call Panhandle Health District’s Kellogg office at 208-783-0707 to request your free blood lead test.
The Dirt is a series of informative articles focused on all aspects of cleanup efforts associated with the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Our goal is to promote community awareness of contamination issues, to provide tools for protecting public health, and to keep the community informed of current and future cleanup projects. The Dirt is a group of committed and local experts from multiple agencies, including the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Panhandle Health District, Shoshone County, Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
THE DIRT: Stormwater management in the Silver Valley
The Silver Valley has long been vulnerable to flooding during spring runoff, and one major disaster made clear how these events can threaten not only public safety but also the progress of environmental cleanup. The flooding event at Milo Creek in 1997 was especially significant, it not only caused widespread damage but also re-contaminated several properties that had already undergone remediation. In response, Milo Creek became the focus of a collaborative effort that led to major stormwater infrastructure upgrades. These upgrades were designed not just to mitigate flooding, but also to protect the integrity of past and future remediation efforts.
Following the improvements in Milo Creek, stormwater systems were enhanced throughout the Silver Valley, particularly in the large gulches that can carry massive volumes of runoff during major flood events. Most of these improvements focused on capturing stormwater and piping it directly into the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River to reduce the risk of localized flooding and erosion.
While redirecting stormwater away from flood-prone areas is beneficial, directly discharging it into the river raises serious concerns for water quality. As stormwater flows over roads, rooftops, parking lots, and other hard surfaces, it picks up a variety of pollutants—such as sediment, oil, grease, fertilizers, bacteria, and excess nutrients. When this untreated runoff enters the South Fork, it can degrade water quality, harm aquatic life, and contribute to nutrient loading. This nutrient pollution, especially phosphorus, can lead to algal blooms and low oxygen levels that damage ecosystems and impact water bodies all the way downstream to Coeur d’Alene Lake.
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho Initiative has prioritized reducing nutrient loading in the Coeur d’Alene Lake watershed. Under this initiative, state funding has been allocated to support Kellogg’s stormwater improvement projects that address phosphorus and other contaminants found in runoff.
So far, three phases of stormwater projects have been completed or are underway. Each project is aimed at reducing the impact of stormwater through filtration and infiltration techniques that remove pollutants before they reach the river. Pilot projects have tested innovative approaches for slowing runoff and allowing it to soak into the ground. Treatment systems have been installed to capture and remove debris, sediment, and oil from the water. Infiltration swales throughout the city are also helping to reduce the volume of water that would otherwise flow directly into the river by allowing it to naturally infiltrate into the soil.
Once fully implemented, these efforts will treat approximately 75% of the stormwater in Kellogg. These projects represent a significant investment in both environmental protection and community resilience, helping ensure that the Silver Valley’s recovery from past contamination is protected for generations to come.
The Dirt is a series of informative articles focused on all aspects of cleanup efforts associated with the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Our goal is to promote community awareness of contamination issues, to provide tools for protecting public health, and to keep the community informed of current and future cleanup projects. The Dirt is a group of committed and local experts from multiple agencies including the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Panhandle Health District, Shoshone County, Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
THE DIRT: Join the annual Bunker Hill Superfund Site tour
The Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission (BEIPC) invites the public to attend its annual Bunker Hill Superfund Site Cleanup Tour on Wednesday, Aug. 27. The event offers a rare, firsthand look at environmental remediation and restoration efforts in the Silver Valley, one of the nation’s most significant cleanup initiatives.
The day begins at 9 a.m. with BEIPC’s quarterly meeting at the Panhandle Health District office, 35 Wildcat Way in Kellogg. The meeting will include updates on ongoing projects, including Coeur d’Alene Lake shoreline sampling and the proposed location for a Lower Basin Waste Consolidation Area. The meeting will adjourn at 10:40 a.m., followed by a guided field tour.
The tour starts at 10:50 a.m. at Gene Day Park in Osburn, where attendees will hear from David Van de Riet of Idaho Fish and Game and Rebecca Stevens of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe about recent restoration efforts. Participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch and water.
Following lunch, the tour will continue to the East Fork Ninemile Basin. Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Coeur d’Alene Work Trust will provide updates on completed priority cleanup work in the area. The watershed is a key focus due to its legacy of mining-related heavy metal pollution. Stops will include the East Fork Ninemile Waste Consolidation Area, the Interstate Mill Site and the Dayrock Complex.
After a brief stop in Wallace, the final leg of the tour will be at the Page Repository, where the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality will lead a tour of ongoing waste management activities. The event will conclude in Kellogg around 3:30 p.m.
This tour is a unique opportunity for community members, local leaders and stakeholders to engage with project staff, observe collaborative cleanup efforts and gain insight into the work still ahead.
Registration is required and space is limited. To reserve a seat, contact Gail Yost, assistant to the BEIPC executive director, at gail.yost@deq.idaho.gov or 208-783-2548. For updates and the full meeting agenda, visit www.basincommission.com.
The Dirt is a series of informative articles focused on all aspects of cleanup efforts associated with the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Our goal is to promote community awareness of contamination issues, to provide tools for protecting public health, and to keep the community informed of current and future cleanup projects. The Dirt is a group of committed and local experts from multiple agencies including the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Panhandle Health District, Shoshone County, Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
THE DIRT: EPA seeks public input for 5-Year Review
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency started its sixth Five-Year Review of the Bunker Hill Superfund site last month. The purpose of a Five-Year Review is to evaluate the existing remedy and determine if it continues to protect people’s health and the environment. EPA’s evaluation of the remedy, along with its findings and conclusions, will be included in this report. Any deficiencies found in the remedy will be noted along with potential ways to address them.
The first Five-Year Review was completed in June 2000 following the start of the Superfund cleanup actions. This process repeats every five years as required by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act.
The Bunker Hill Superfund site was contaminated by historic mine waste disposal practices and smelting activities, which left harmful levels of metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and zinc. These metals are dangerous to both humans and wildlife. EPA’s Five-Year Reviews help monitor the impact of cleanup activities and determine whether any changes are needed.
EPA is inviting the community to participate in the current review. Any individual who lives, works, recreates or has an interest in this area is invited to share their thoughts and ideas about the site. While collecting community input for Five-Year Reviews is not required by law, it is an EPA best practice and helps the agency understand local concerns.
Interested participants should send feedback via email to EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Rafi Ronquillo at ronquillo.rafi@epa.gov. The deadline for feedback is Aug. 31. The current Five-Year Review is expected to be finished in September 2026 and published the following month.
Past Five-Year Reviews can be found on EPA’s Bunker Hill Superfund site profile webpage: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/bunker-hill. This page provides access to documentation related to the site. You can also sign up for the EPA’s e-mail list to receive any future site-related updates.
The Dirt is a series of informative articles focused on all aspects of cleanup efforts associated with the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Our goal is to promote community awareness of contamination issues, to provide tools for protecting public health, and to keep the community informed of current and future cleanup projects. The Dirt is a group of committed and local experts from multiple agencies, including the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Panhandle Health District, Shoshone County, Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
THE DIRT: Understanding Permits for Working Near Water in the Coeur d’Alene Basin
Working near water in the Coeur d’Alene Basin often requires obtaining one or more permits, particularly when wetlands are involved. These permits ensure that restoration, construction or development activities are carried out responsibly to protect aquatic ecosystems, water quality and public resources. This article gives a summary of key permits commonly required, with a focus on activities affecting wetlands.
Wetland-related activities: Section 404 and 401 Permits
A critical permit for projects impacting wetlands, or any Waters of the United States, is the Section 404 Permit, administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). This permit is required when dredged or fill material is discharged into rivers, lakes, streams or wetlands. Wetlands are considered protected due to their essential roles in water filtration, flood control and habitat provision.
A Section 404 Permit typically includes conditions from a 401 Water Quality Certification, issued by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Coeur d’Alene Tribe or EPA, depending on the project’s location. This certification ensures that the proposed activity complies with state or tribal water quality standards.
Application for these permits is streamlined through a Joint Application Form (between Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR), and ACOE), which covers multiple regulatory requirements. Fees vary. General (Nationwide) permits are often free, while individual permits may cost $10–$100.
Other permits for working near water
· Idaho Stream Channel Alteration Permit: Required for any activity that alters the shape, direction, or flow of a stream. This applies to material removal or placement within the high-water mark. Issued by the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR), the permit costs $20.
· Encroachment Permits: These are necessary for structures such as docks, pilings and bank stabilization along navigable waters, including Lake Coeur d’Alene and its rivers. Issued by the IDL, IDWR or the Coeur d’Alene Tribe (for projects within reservation boundaries including dredge and/or fill), these permits may also be obtained through the Joint Application Form between IDL, IDWR and ACOE.
· Floodplain Development Permits: In areas like Shoshone and Kootenai counties, work in designated floodplains requires a local permit to ensure compatibility with flood management standards. FEMA No-Rise Certifications may be required for any project in a floodway and must be reviewed to determine if the project will increase flood heights. An engineering analysis must be conducted before a permit can be issued. The community’s permit file must have a record of the results of this analysis, which can be in the form of a No-Rise Certification. This No-Rise Certification must be supported by technical data and signed by a registered professional engineer. The supporting technical data should be based on the standard step-backwater computer model used to develop the 100-year floodway shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM).
· Site Disturbance Permits: Counties such as Kootenai and Benewah may require these for grading, excavation or drainage work to protect against erosion and sedimentation. Shoshone County also requires Site Disturbance permits for waterfront and upland disturbance projects, which are typically considered high-risk and require a professional design plan. For areas within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site, an Institutional Controls Permit is also required. These permits are free of charge.
· Construction General Permit: Required for projects disturbing over 1 acre of land and discharging stormwater to U.S. waters. Managed by EPA and DEQ, it involves preparing a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and submitting a Notice of Intent. SWPPP’s must be displayed on the project site and visible for inspection throughout the life of the project.
· Water Rights Permits: Required for temporary or permanent diversion or impoundment of surface or groundwater. Managed by IDWR, these permits ensure legal use and sustainable water allocation. This permit is required for pulling water from area waterbodies for irrigation and drilling wells for domestic water use.
These permits are not just bureaucratic requirements; they play a crucial role in protecting water resources, especially in sensitive areas like wetlands. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with the appropriate agencies early in project planning to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays, fines or other penalties.
THE DIRT: Waterfront properties
Idaho waters, including rivers, lakes, and streams, are designated as state property, which is meant to be enjoyed by all and is therefore protected under state and federal regulations, including the Clean Water Act. Owning, leasing, and enjoying waterfront property is a special privilege in North Idaho, but with this privilege also comes key responsibilities. Protecting your property is important, but protecting the water itself is equally important. Construction activities in and around water bodies require permits. These permits ensure construction projects or alterations are completed in a manner that will protect water quality, the environment, and aquatic species such as fish and their spawning habitats. If work is performed without the necessary permits, it can result in profound consequences, including costly fines and extremely expensive restoration work. Violations are taken very seriously, and in recent years, several local landowners have learned this hard lesson. Each individual landowner was fined thousands of dollars for failing to obtain permits and violating sections of the Clean Water Act. In addition to fines, each property owner also had to perform expensive restoration work that required hiring environmental engineers. When working around water bodies, it is in your best interest to follow all permitting procedures and requirements.
Protecting water quality is important everywhere, but has even more importance when working along water bodies within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Sediments found in and along most local waterways contain hazardous levels of heavy metals, including lead and arsenic. Introducing contaminated sediments into waterways when performing construction activities can be even more damaging to the environment and poses a threat to wildlife and humans. Contaminated sediments from historic mining practices have accumulated along area banks and shores for over one hundred years, altering the nature of our banks, shores, and waterways. These sediments are highly erodible and make riverbanks and lake edges much less stable. These issues often lead to owners performing erosion control and bank stabilization projects to protect their land. Before beginning any of these types of projects, make sure to contact the correct agencies. The health and beauty of our waterways depend on us all doing our part.
When it comes to protecting North Idaho’s water resources, awareness and responsibility go hand in hand, especially in areas like the Bunker Hill Superfund Site, where risks are elevated. Understanding the importance of permits is the first step. But what exactly are the permits you might need, and how do they apply when working near rivers, lakes, or wetlands?
To dive deeper into the specific permits required—particularly when wetlands are involved—read our next article, which will discuss working permits for construction sites near water inside the Coeur d’Alene Basin.
The Dirt is a series of informative articles focused on all aspects of cleanup efforts associated with the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Our goal is to promote community awareness of contamination issues, to provide tools for protecting public health, and to keep the community informed of current and future cleanup projects. The Dirt is a group of committed and local experts from multiple agencies, including the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Panhandle Health District, Shoshone County, Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
THE DIRT: 2025 Construction Season
Summer arrived early in the Silver Valley this year. The trees have already bloomed, and the snow has melted off the Alhambra Slide. Flowers have been planted, and preparation for summer vacation has begun. Summer also marks the beginning of the construction season, and much is planned within the Bunker Hill Superfund site. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), through funding provided by the EPA, has several projects within the Box, the 21-square-mile area surrounding the historic smelter area, to remediate and upgrade existing barriers to protect public health.
If you or your children attended or currently attend Pinehurst Elementary School, you’re probably aware of its dreaded paved playground that ices over each winter, leading to numerous injuries and a few broken bones. Due to its age and current drainage conditions, the asphalt has begun to deteriorate, increasing the potential for underlying contamination to come to the surface. This project involves removing existing asphalt and concrete barriers and existing playground surface coverings. Clean surface and subsurface materials, asphalt, concrete, turf and flexi-pave will then be used as new barriers, covering up contaminated soil across the entire project area and creating a beautiful and safe new playground
For the past 30 years, a large sludge pond on top of the Central Impoundment Area (CIA) has been used to store sludge waste produced during the treatment of contaminated mine waters at the Central Treatment Plant (CTP) in Kellogg. The pond reached capacity in June of 2023 and has been replaced by three new, lined sludge impoundments that were constructed as part of the recent CTP upgrades. The old sludge pond area will be capped with a cover system and clean materials that will tie into the existing CIA cap and meet the same performance standards as the existing cover on the CIA.
The Airport Riverwalk is a system of walking trails in Smelterville, primarily north of the airport. Last year, DEQ made improvements to the trail systems by adding additional clean gravel to help maintain the remediated barriers throughout the site. This year, DEQ will install a concrete pad just west of the parking lot area for a shade structure that is being supplied by the Kootenai Realtor’s Association. This new shaded area will provide a clean spot for trail users to take a break or have a picnic.
Also in Smelterville, just east of the old drive-in theater, additional work will be taking place. Last fall, Phase I of the East Smelterville Flats project was completed with the installation of fencing and clean gravel access areas. Phase II will begin this summer, with the installation of a new clean 12-inch deep soil cap and overlying vegetative barrier. In addition, concrete pads will be placed throughout the site for the future installation of shade structures and picnic tables. Work is anticipated to be completed this fall.
The Uptown Kellogg Barrier Enhancement project is located on the south side of Kellogg, locally known as Uptown Kellogg. This project targets the blocks between McKinley Avenue and the intersection of Upper Third Street and South Division Street. The sidewalks in this area and two other sections of the city were previously evaluated for signs of deterioration and exposed sub-base materials. This project will replace the old sidewalks with new, durable concrete barriers to protect the public from exposure to heavy metals contained in the underlying contaminated soils. It will also protect against recontamination of adjacent clean barriers and will eliminate the spread of contaminated dust and tracking of contaminated material. This project also protects surface water quality by preventing contaminated sediments from washing into the city’s stormwater system and into the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River.
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The Dirt is a series of informative articles focused on all aspects of cleanup efforts associated with the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Our goal is to promote community awareness of contamination issues, to provide tools for protecting public health, and to keep the community informed of current and future cleanup projects. The Dirt is a group of committed and local experts from multiple agencies, including the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Panhandle Health District, Shoshone County, Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
THE DIRT: Recreate safely in the Bunker Hill Superfund Site
If you plan to explore the great outdoors this summer, it is important to learn more about the risks of lead and metals exposures within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Beginning in the late 1800s, mining shaped the lives of those living in the Silver Valley. This legacy of mining resulted in contaminants on shorelines, floodplain deposits, hillsides, and at historic mine and mill sites. You may encounter exposure to contaminants at many popular areas for hiking, dirt bike and ATV riding, fishing, swimming, boating, and camping. During recreational activities, contaminated dust can accumulate on shoes, clothing, and equipment. This dust can be transported home with you, resulting in additional lead exposure once you return home.
During outdoor recreational activities, contaminated dust can enter your body through your mouth and nose while eating or breathing. Lead accumulates in your body and has been found to cause numerous health effects in children and adults. Fortunately, by following a few simple recommendations, you can reduce your family’s exposures to contaminated dirt and dust.
During any outdoor activity, bring clean water to drink and wash your hands. Recreating, swimming, camping, and picnicking in grassy areas is always recommended to limit contact with contaminated dirt, dust, and sand. Follow all fish consumption advisories by visiting: fishadvisory.dhw.idaho.gov. Avoid recreating in or near historic mine and mill sites.
Remove shoes and dirty clothing before entering your camper or tent to avoid tracking dust inside. Keep all surfaces dust free, especially those used to prepare food or eat. Remove dust and dirt from all recreational equipment, swimming towels, and clothing before you go home. If a washing station is provided where you recreate, use it to clean your equipment. When you return home, wash your pets and equipment to remove any dust and dirt that remains. All clothing should be washed separately from regular household laundry to avoid cross contamination.
To learn more about lead exposures and the resources available to keep your family safe, please visit our new website: cdabasin.idaho.gov or contact Panhandle Health District at 208-783-0707.
The Dirt is a series of informative articles focused on all aspects of cleanup efforts associated with the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Our goal is to promote community awareness of contamination issues, to provide tools for protecting public health, and to keep the community informed of current and future cleanup projects. The Dirt is a group of committed and local experts from multiple agencies including the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Panhandle Health District, Shoshone County, Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
THE DIRT: Work begins throughout the CDA Basin
With our pleasant early spring weather, construction season is well underway in the Silver Valley. The Coeur d’Alene Trust (CDA Trust), under the direction of the Environmental Protection Agency, has several projects taking place in the Coeur d’Alene Basin this season. In the Upper and Lower Basins, cleanup work will continue to address contamination, reduce exposure to people and wildlife, and improve water quality.
All Ninemile Creek basin priority cleanups were completed in 2024. Mine waste from the completed cleanup projects was deposited in the East Fork Ninemile Waste Consolidation Area (WCA). Construction of the final cover system for the WCA will begin in 2025 and will be complete in 2026.
Cleanup work continues at the Star Complex near the community of Burke and at the Tamarack No. 7 site near the community of Black Bear. Work will include excavating and hauling mine waste materials to the Canyon Complex Repository/WCA. Following mine waste removals, clean backfill materials will be placed at the sites, disturbed areas will be revegetated, and portions of Canyon Creek will be reconstructed. Work at the Star and Tamarack No. 7 sites is expected to be complete in the fall of 2026.
Work will also be taking place in the Pine Creek basin at the Douglas Complex, located approximately six miles south of Pinehurst along East Fork Pine Creek Road. Cleanup will include re-grading and capping of mine wastes, and placement of clean backfill materials. Cleanup is anticipated to be complete in the fall of 2025.
In the Lower Basin, work continues at Gray’s Meadow to finish a 700-acre wetland remediation and restoration project. The remaining soil excavation, construction of habitat features, and revegetation will be completed by fall of 2025.
Beyond these cleanup projects, the Lower Burke Canyon Repository, Big Creek Repository, and East Mission Flats Repository will be operated to accept contaminated materials from a variety of projects.
We look forward to a safe and successful 2025 construction season. CDA Trust projects support local businesses, suppliers, and contractors.
The Dirt is a series of informative articles focused on all aspects of cleanup efforts associated with the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Our goal is to promote community awareness of contamination issues, to provide tools for protecting public health, and to keep the community informed of current and future cleanup projects. The Dirt is a group of committed and local experts from multiple agencies including the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Panhandle Health District, Shoshone County, Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
THE DIRT: Recreating Safely in the Bunker Hill Superfund Site
The Bunker Hill Superfund Site in North Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene River (CDA) Basin has a history of mining-related contamination. While the region offers hiking, biking, fishing, and ATV/side by side/Motorcycle riding, these activities should be approached with caution due to lead and other heavy metals in the soil and water. To promote safe recreation, the Recreation Sites Program was established in 2016 to assess and manage health risks.
Developed in collaboration with agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and Panhandle Health District (PHD), this program provides strategies for mitigating exposure risks. A key initiative is the Basin Recreational Sites Strategy, which outlines methods for identifying and managing contaminated areas, conducting outreach, and gathering public input. A similar strategy is being developed for the Box region, with finalization expected in 2025.
Addressing contamination at recreation sites is challenging due to recurring recontamination from flooding events. Unlike standard cleanups that replace contaminated soil, many recreation sites require ongoing management. Trails, dispersed camping sites, and ATV areas present additional cleanup difficulties due to remote and rugged terrain, requiring tailored approaches.
Public education is vital for safe recreation. The outreach efforts inform visitors about health risks and safe practices. Individuals are encouraged to wash their hands before eating, avoiding soil contact, and follow posted guidelines to avoid recreational exposure to lead and other heavy metals. These efforts continue to expand.
In 2025, the Recreation Sites Program team will meet biannually to evaluate progress. The CDA Trust will monitor completed projects, update signage, and assess cleanup options for recreation areas in the CDA Basin. In the Box, DEQ and PHD will update signage and improve access controls at key recreation sites.
To engage the community, a Citizens Coordinating Council (CCC) Educational Brown Bag Community Meeting is planned for May 21st from noon to 1:00 PM at the Fernan Forest Service Building (2502 E Sherman Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814). The meeting is open to the public and will also be available virtually via Microsoft Teams. The session will cover how to safely recreate in the Bunker Hill Superfund Site, with presentations from EPA and PHD. Attendees joining in person should bring their own lunch, and a special election for a new CCC Chair will also take place. This is a great opportunity for residents to learn more, ask questions, and become involved.
By balancing remediation with public awareness, the Recreation Sites Program ensures residents and visitors can enjoy the CDA Basin safely while reducing health risks from legacy contamination.
The Dirt is a series of informative articles focused on all aspects of cleanup efforts associated with the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Our goal is to promote community awareness of contamination issues, to provide tools for protecting public health, and to keep the community informed of current and future cleanup projects. The Dirt is a group of committed and local experts from multiple agencies including the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Panhandle Health District, Shoshone County, Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.