NESPELEM, Wash. – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Tue., March 5 its proposal to add the Upper Columbia River to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL), according to a press release from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
The NPL is a list of prioritized locations in the United States that are deemed by the EPA to be threatened by hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants.
The Colville Tribes shared its support for the EPA’s proposal, noting that a restoration of the river is decades overdue.
“The Colville Tribes supports Superfund listing for the Upper Columbia River,” said Colville Tribes Chairman Jarred-Michael Erickson. “Among other benefits, a listing unlocks badly needed funding for environmental restoration. The Columbia River is a truly invaluable asset for the Colville Tribes and this entire region and must be treated as such.”
A formal period for public comment starts on Thu., March 7 and ends May 6 with a final decision on whether to add the Upper Columbia River to the list possibly coming by September 2024.
When public comments open up, they can be made on the EPA website.
