THE DIRT: When the water rises
Courtesy photo
The Lower Coeur d'Alene Basin is known for its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and popular recreation areas. While many areas look clean and inviting, contamination from more than a century of mining remains a major challenge. Lead-contaminated sediments continue to move through the river system, particularly during high-water events, creating ongoing concerns for human health and the environment.
One of the most difficult aspects of remediation in the Lower Basin is addressing recreational use areas. Beaches and shoreline access points naturally attract visitors, but these same areas can accumulate contaminated sediments during flooding. Protecting public health requires implementing remedies that can withstand future high-water events and reduce the risk of exposure to lead-contaminated soils and sediments.
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