THE DIRT: Hunting in a superfund site

Fall is in the air. The nights are getting cooler, the days are getting shorter, and for many people across North Idaho, that means hunting season is here. 

North Idaho offers abundant access to public lands and some of the region’s best hunting opportunities. But in the Silver Valley, hunters may notice a few changes this year as properties are cleaned up and communities add new recreation opportunities. 

One area where access has changed is around the Smelterville Airport. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has historically allowed hunting on portions of its property, particularly west of the airport and outside city limits in the Government Gulch and Grouse Gulch areas. 

However, the area immediately around the airport is changing. With remedial work completed and the addition of Idaho Parks and Recreation’s new campground, the Airport Riverwalk area will no longer be open to hunting. Across the way, Mountain View Park is also now closed to hunting. The city of Kellogg has developed the property as a recreation area, and both locations are seeing increased use by recreationalists. Closing these areas to hunting helps provide a safer environment for everyone. 

That doesn't mean hunting opportunities are disappearing from the Silver Valley. There are still many public lands throughout the region where hunting is allowed. As always, hunters should know the boundaries of public and private property and obtain permission before hunting on private land. 

If you hunt within or near the Bunker Hill Superfund Site, there are a few additional precautions worth keeping in mind. 

Some areas of the Coeur d’Alene Basin have been cleaned up, but contamination remains in portions of the Basin, particularly in areas that have seen less human activity. Wildlife can move through and feed in these areas, so it is important to follow posted warnings and health advisories. 

To reduce potential exposure: 

• Don't eat the soft tissues of wild game or waterfowl harvested from contaminated areas. Wildlife can be exposed to metals while feeding in contaminated areas. 

• Pay attention to warning signs and follow posted guidance. Signs are there to help you identify areas where additional precautions are needed. 

• Keep contaminated soil out of your home. Before leaving the site, and before entering your house, remove mud and dirt from boots, shoes and clothing. Wash muddy clothing separately from other laundry. 

• Wash your hands with clean water before eating, drinking, smoking or chewing tobacco. 

• Keep hunting equipment and vehicles clean if you have been in muddy or potentially contaminated areas. 

These simple steps can help reduce the chance of bringing contaminated soil into your home or being exposed to contaminants while enjoying the outdoors. 

The Bunker Hill Superfund Site encompasses a large and diverse area, and cleanup continues to make more places safe for people to live and recreate. At the same time, knowing where contamination may remain and following posted guidance is an important part of enjoying the Basin safely. 

For more information about safe recreation in the Coeur d’Alene Basin, visit cdabasin.idaho.gov/safe-recreation/.

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The Dirt is a series of informative articles focused on all aspects of cleanup efforts associated with the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Our goal is to promote community awareness of contamination issues, to provide tools for protecting public health, and to keep the community informed of current and future cleanup projects. The Dirt is a group of committed and local experts from multiple agencies, including the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Panhandle Health District, Shoshone County, Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.