Group to talk Bunker Hill Superfund Site

COEUR d'ALENE — The Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission's next meeting will cover work being done in the Bunker Hill Superfund Site.

The BEIPC is scheduled to meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. It will also include talks about the one- and five-year work plans as well as updates on Gov. Brad Little’s Leading Idaho Initiative for Coeur d’Alene Lake and the Restoration Partnership. 

Sharon Bosley executive director, said attending the meet is a great way to learn about the upcoming work in the basin. 

"It also allows for the community at large to address any questions or concerns they may have," she said. 

She said the Bunker Hill Superfund is relevant for those people residing in the region.

“A lot has been done but a lot still needs to be addressed," Bosley said.

In 1983, the Environmental Protection Agency added the Bunker Hill and Mining and Metallurgical Complex to the National Priorities List for Superfund Cleanup. 

Since beginning on-the-ground cleanup in 1991, the Bunker Hill Superfund Site has expanded to address cleanup of close to 1,500 square miles.  

The expansion of the cleanup area to include the entire basin prompted the formation of the BEIPC to implement, direct and/or coordinate remediation, natural resource restoration and related measures to address water quality and heavy metal contamination. 

Cleanup has been ongoing under the guidance of the BEIPC since its formation in 2002.