Grassroots Advocacy Triumphs: The Upper Columbia River Site Joins the Superfund NPL—But Challenges Remain

Dec. 14, 2024

Jamie Paparich

The recent decision to place the Upper Columbia River site on the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) is a significant milestone in the fight for environmental justice and public health.

This long-overdue move signals an acknowledgment of decades of contamination, environmental harm, and health issues affecting areas along the Upper Columbia River from the Canadian border to Grand Coulee Dam, including the community of Northport, Washington, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, areas of the Spokane Tribe of Indians Reservation, and Lake Roosevelt.

However, while this designation is an important step forward, the real story lies in the relentless efforts of grassroots organizations and the Indigenous tribes whose advocacy made this victory possible.

The Real Heroes Behind the Decision

This achievement was not handed down from federal authorities—it was won by the people. Several local grassroots organizations, including the Citizens for a Clean Columbia (CCC), the Colville Confederated Tribes, and Spokane Tribe worked tirelessly for decades to demand accountability for the toxic legacy of the region’s industrial activities. These groups navigated bureaucratic red tape, conducted independent research, mobilized community support, and consistently pressured the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other stakeholders to take action. Their commitment to protecting the environment and public health is a testament to the power of community-driven advocacy.

For the Indigenous tribes, this fight was also about protecting sacred land and cultural resources that have been irrevocably damaged by contamination. Their leadership in this effort has been crucial, reminding all of us that environmental justice is inseparable from the fight for tribal sovereignty and cultural preservation.

Not All Agencies Let Us Down

While many government agencies were slow to act, one agency stood as a fierce ally throughout this long fight: the Washington State Department of Ecology. The studies and work conducted by the Department of Ecology have been essential to this process, providing accurate, reliable data that proved the severity of contamination in the area. Unlike other agencies that fell short, their studies and cleanups have been conducted with integrity, precision, and transparency—laying the groundwork for the eventual Superfund designation.

The Department of Ecology’s contributions cannot be overstated. Their diligence ensured that the community’s concerns were backed by irrefutable scientific evidence, helping validate what residents have known for generations: the pollution in the area has caused immense harm and must be addressed. Their efforts demonstrate the importance of state agencies working alongside communities to achieve meaningful progress.

A Win, But Not the Finish Line

The inclusion of the Upper Columbia River site on the NPL means federal resources will finally be directed toward cleanup efforts. Yet, the designation itself does not solve the underlying issues. One critical concern remains: the air emissions from industrial activities across the border in Canada.

For decades, airborne pollutants, particularly heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, have been a primary source of contamination in Northport’s soil. This contamination has not only devastated local ecosystems but also caused generational health issues among residents. Cleaning the soil without addressing the root cause of this pollution risks turning this monumental cleanup effort into a temporary band-aid.

The Case for Permanent Air Monitors

To ensure the long-term success of the Superfund cleanup, the EPA must prioritize the installation of 2-3 permanent air monitors capable of detecting and analyzing specific heavy metals. Without this critical data, the EPA risks missing ongoing contamination that could undo decades of progress in just a few years.

Permanent air monitors would serve several crucial purposes:

1. Identifying Sources of Pollution: Real-time data on heavy metal levels could pinpoint whether cross-border emissions remain a threat.

2. Guiding Cleanup Efforts: By understanding the types and quantities of pollutants entering the area, cleanup strategies can be more targeted and effective.

3. Protecting Public Health: Continuous monitoring would provide early warnings to residents and inform public health interventions to mitigate exposure.

4. Ensuring Accountability: Data from these monitors could be used to hold polluters accountable, whether they are local industries or international actors.

The Cost of Inaction

If the EPA fails to invest in these air monitors, it risks creating a cycle of contamination and cleanup that will strain public resources and prolong the suffering of affected communities. Generations of Northport residents have already borne the brunt of industrial pollution; they should not have to endure the same hardships again in 20 years due to preventable oversight.

Additionally, without proper air monitoring, the Superfund cleanup may fail to meet its ultimate goal: breaking the cycle of contamination that has plagued the region for so long.

A Call to Action

While we celebrate this historic victory, we must remain vigilant. Community leaders, grassroots organizations, and tribal representatives should continue to hold the EPA accountable, ensuring that cleanup efforts are comprehensive and future-focused. Federal funding must prioritize long-term solutions, including robust air monitoring systems, to protect the community and the environment for generations to come.

The Upper Columbia River site’s placement on the NPL is a testament to the power of collective action and advocacy. Let us honor the hard work of those who fought for this victory by ensuring it leads to meaningful, lasting change—not just another temporary fix.