Department of
Environmental Quality

DEQ is a "consulting party" to EPA for cleanup actions. Other consulting parties include the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the federal Natural Resource Trustees (US Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, and US Forest Service), the Spokane Tribe, Washington Department of Ecology, local communities, and interested parties. State and tribal governments are asked to concur with Records of Decision, but this is not a prerequisite for EPA to issue a ROD.

DEQ is also a partner with EPA on portions of the project. This is particularly important when Superfund dollars are spent and the state of Idaho has to take on match and operation & maintenance obligations.

DEQ helps shape the scope of work and the approach for implementation of the cleanup. DEQ takes into consideration local interests, local concerns, and the state’s goals and priorities.

DEQ Actions to Date

Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission

The Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission (BEIPC) was created by the Basin Environmental Improvement Act, a State Law Enacted by the Idaho Legislature in 2001 to coordinate environmental remediation and natural resource restoration in the Coeur d’Alene Basin. The BEIPC is specifically charged with implementing EPA’s ROD for Operable Unit 3. In addition, the BEIPC I s authorized to oversee cleanup work in the “box” and assist in development of a cleanup plan for Coeur d’Alene Lake. The commission is comprised of seven representatives of federal, state, tribal, and local governments. DEQ’s director is an active member of the commission.

Institutional Controls Program

The Institutional Controls Program (ICP) is a locally enforced set of rules and regulations adopted by the Panhandle Health District (PHD) to ensure the integrity of clean soil and other protective barriers placed over contaminants left throughout the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. The ICP issues free permits and provides access to soil repositories. The ICP also provides consultation for construction and renovation projects for building interiors that involve ceiling and attic work, insulation removal and work in dirt basements and crawl spaces. These are all potential sources for release of lead dust in the home. PHD assists landowners, contractors, and prospective property owners to meet the regulations by offering free education and other services.

Home building projects, renovation projects that involve soil excavation, and other earthwork require ICP permits, site inspections, and licensing of contractors performing work for hire.

Services, education, permits, and training are free. To learn more about the ICP, contact the Panhandle Health District at (208) 783-0707.

Community Outreach and Citizens Participation

Community outreach is a team effort. Both DEQ and EPA have two community involvement coordinators. The coordinators distribute information, arrange public events, and provide an additional avenue for citizens' questions and concerns.

The Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission (BEIPC) also facilitates citizen meetings, technical meetings, and Basin Commission meetings. Citizens may be interested in attending the Citizen’s Coordinating Council meetings to ask questions directly to the project managers and get up to speed on current issues. Link to calendar.

Idaho DEQ

A Public Outreach Analyst, Denna Grangaard, is available in Kellogg. She can attend your next business meeting and is open to visitors at the Kellogg Superfund Office. Get connected with resources and express your concerns. Tina Elayer is located in DEQ State Office in Boise. She manages public outreach connections with EPA, keeps connected with state issues, and assists in Kellogg outreach efforts. Tina is also available to hear your concerns and connect you with resources. See contact information at right.

U.S. EPA

EPA staff coordinate EPA-led projects, edit the Basin Bulletin, and participate with DEQ in local community involvement opportunities such as comment periods, the BEIPC Citizen Coordinating Council, and the BEIPC Communications Team. See contact information at right.