EPA v. Upper Columbia River Site Removal Action

Case summary

A 2012 study by the Washington State Department of Ecology found elevated levels of lead, arsenic and cadmium in soils within two miles of the U.S./Canada border. In 2014, EPA conducted soil sampling at 74 residential properties in/near the Northport area, including six tribal allotments. This work was funded by Teck as part of the 2006 Settlement Agreement between Teck and EPA under which Teck is conducting an RI/FS with EPA oversight. The soils sample results revealed the presence of lead in residential and tribal allotment properties at levels exceeding 700 ppm, the action level determined by EPA Region 10 to trigger time-critical removal actions at the Upper Columbia River site. EPA, Teck Metals Ltd. and Teck American Inc. have negotiated a Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order on Consent under CERCLA that provides for the performance of the removal action. EPA is continuing to work with the individual landowners whose properties are affected by the soil removal action, as well as with the Colville Confederated Tribes with respect to the Tribal allotments.

Defendants (2)

• Teck American IncorporatedNamed in settlement
• Teck Metals LimitedNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER

  UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER, KETTLE FALLS, WA, 99141

  Registry ID: 110009316846

Statutes cited

• CERCLA 122A — Agreement to Perform Work Under 104B
• CERCLA 104E2 — Information and/or Access
• CERCLA 106A — Imminent & Substantial Endangerment Order

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Upper Columbia River Site Removal Actionentered 2015-08-10

  Primary law: CERCLA

Timeline (2 milestones)

• 2015-08-10Final Order Issued
• 2015-09-02Enforcement Action Data Entered