Crapo, Otter get an earful

KELLOGG - More than 200 residents came with their opinions, questions and advice for state, federal and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials who attended a public meeting regarding a clean-up plan for the Upper Basin of the Coeur d'Alene River.

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter and U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo were at Kellogg High School Monday night as dozens of mining industry representatives, politicians and Silver Valley residents stated their opinion about the EPA's expanded - and expensive - new plan.

The $1.34 billion, 50- to 90-year cleanup proposal was mildly panned by several elected officials, and blasted in stronger terms by several residents.

"We are in the process of vetting the plan that has been offered," Otter said.

Crapo said he and the other members of Congress are committed to making sure the process works and that it does involve local community members and officials in the decision-making process.

EPA official Dan Opalski echoed that assurance, saying, "I am here to listen. We fully expect and understand that input from community folks such as yourself will be a key to improving and building a clean-up plan that will allow us to move forward."

Senator Jim Risch and Congressman Walt Minnick submitted pre-recorded statements via video, both stressing the need for the EPA to extend the amount of time allotted for citizens to take in the information and submit feedback as well as stating that the agency needs to re-examine its plan.

"Slow down and take the time to slow down," Risch said in his message. "Let's go back to the table."

Minnick said the EPA needs to do what it can to not only protect the health of the valley, but also its economic future.

The biggest concern voiced by those who spoke was of the time frame they were given to comment on the Record of Decision (ROD) amendment, as well as the price and the amount of time it would take.

Many stated the need for an extension of the current Aug. 25 deadline for public comments, requesting anywhere from 30 days to the end of the 2011 legislative session.

Opalski noted that the EPA would be extending the time, but that the new deadline had not been set.

"The question is not whether we're going to extend the time limit, it's how long," he added.

Several who spoke wanted to cut the time of the clean-up from 50 to 90 years down to segments of 10 years. Some even said to scrap the plan and start over. Others claimed the health risks were exaggerated and even false.

"If our children and grandchildren were getting sick, we'd be beating the drum," Mike Dexter said.

"You haven't solved any health problems because there weren't any," Chuck Ritz added.

Some took their turn at the podium to address Otter directly and ask him to say no to whatever offer came to his desk.

Sandy Patano said this is a decision that needs to be taken to a higher level, and was concerned about the effect it would have on the mining industry, possibly sending jobs abroad.

"This is so wrong. This deserves a vote of Congress," she said. "It this just one more industry that we are going to view like the oil industry?"

Many stressed the question of jobs with the plan, saying the EPA jobs would be just seasonal and not permanent.

"Shoshone County needs all the jobs they can get. The state of Idaho needs all the jobs they can get," Bill Mooney said.

The EPA will continue to take comments and opinions, and Opalski stressed the agency will listen.

"This is absolutely not your only opportunity to have your voice heard through the process," he said.