THE DIRT: Recreating Safely in the Bunker Hill Superfund Site
Courtesy photo
The Bunker Hill Superfund Site in North Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene River 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, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and Panhandle Health District, 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.
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