Upper Columbia River Site Now on the Superfund National Priorities List

Dec 20, 2024 | Home

EPA added the Upper Columbia River Site in northeast Washington to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL), the list of sites throughout the United States and its territories where historic releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants pose significant threats to human health and the environment. EPA has determined that soils within the Upper Columbia site are contaminated with lead and arsenic and pose an unacceptable risk to residents at affected properties, particularly to children and women of childbearing age. Additionally, sediments in the river are contaminated with metals, including zinc, copper, cadmium, selenium, lead and mercury, that pose a risk to fish, wildlife, birds, and other organisms that live in and along the river. NPL listing is needed to ensure completion of cleanup of both upland and aquatic portions of the site, including making federal funds available, if needed.