Superfund Straight Talk October 2013
The yard remediation program, moving lead-contaminated soil out of yards and into secure soil repositories, is wrapping up for the 2013 season. About 6,750 properties in Kootenai and Shoshone County have been remediated since 1986, including over 100 properties this year.
I recently stopped by a remediation job site to take a photo of this year’s work. I asked the contractor what it is like to work on the cleanup and if the community seems to appreciate the work being done by construction professionals like him. He said that generally people appreciate how green the landscape looks these days, that local work is available, and that many local businesses benefit from the cleanup in some way or another.
I also asked other DEQ contractors this question:
“Why do you work on the cleanup?” Here are their responses:
“My father and grandfather worked in the Silver Valley mines. This is my home. Who better to clean it up? The creek used to run gray down Burke Canyon and now there is fish in it. Kids’ lead levels are down, the creek is clearer, run-down properties are cleaned up and looking good again. It’s definitely worthwhile to me. This work gives me the chance to be involved and do my part. We sometimes see things on the project that could be done differently, but that’s the way it is on any large project.” - Kevin TenEyck Laborer/Operator, Ferguson Construction
“I started with this effort in high school, planting trees. I work for a great company now. This job keeps me in the Valley where I grew up. This work also provides quality recreation. All my family worked in the mines, so I guess I’m doing my part to make sure it’s cleaned up.” - Damien Cowles, Property Representative, North Wind Construction, Inc.
“It feels good to do good. I love being able to have a job right here at home. It’s good to see both visual and health improvements being made.” -Dale Meligan, Health and Safety Officer, Stewart Construction
“I have lived most of my life here and grew up in Murray. I have nothing against the mines. A lot of friends and relatives work there. I am glad the Valley is being cleaned up. It looks so pretty now. I feel good about my grandchildren playing in the yards. This is good work that keeps me home in the Valley.” -Tina Melton, Environmental Soil Technician, TerraGraphics Environmental Engineering Inc.
“I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and science, so this job provides both. As a scientist, I find it rewarding to work on issues that are so relevant to the local community and to our daily lives.” - Clay Larkins, Environmental Scientist, TerraGraphics Environmental Engineering Inc.
Thank you, construction professionals, specialists, engineers and scientists for the great work you are doing! Thank you for being part of a healthy future and supporting your community in this way.
To submit questions about the CDA Basin Cleanup, e-mail or call me at [email protected],
(208) 783-5781.
Superfund Straight Talk
Answering Community Questions about the CDA Basin Cleanup Project
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October, 2013
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