What is The Northport Project?
An environmental health advocacy group dedicated to informing, protecting, and amplifying the voices of current and former residents of Northport, WA, affected by health issues due to decades of heavy metal toxin exposure from the Canadian smelter Teck Resources (formerly Teck Cominco).
Informing Residents
Residents can learn about the history and impact of Teck’s pollution through our website. We provide a detailed timeline and information on the extensive release of heavy metal toxins into the Columbia River and the air. Additionally, residents can stay updated on studies and assessments conducted by Teck, the EPA, and the WA State Department of Ecology, including:
- Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS): Teck agreed to conduct a remedial investigation/feasibility study of the Upper Columbia River area, which the EPA oversees. This testing has been ongoing for approximately 18 years.
- Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA): The EPA conducted a Human Health Risk Assessment of the Columbia River site, published in 2011.
- Community Health Surveys: Results from community health surveys conducted in 1991 and 2011.
- MGH Crohn’s & Colitis Study: Findings of elevated diagnosed cases in Northport residents.
- Air Monitoring: Results of WA Dept. of Ecology’s monitoring in and around Northport from 1992 to 1996 and ongoing monitoring by Teck from 1996 to 2009 at Sheep Creek.
- Time-Critical Removal of Residential Soil: Details on the residential soil clean-ups conducted by the EPA from 2015 to 2020 and upcoming clean-ups starting in 2024.
- Black Sand Beach Clean-up: In 2010, with Teck’s assistance, 9,100 tons of contaminated sediment were removed by Ecology.
- Waterfront Cleanup: Currently in progress by the WA Department of Ecology.
- Superfund Designation: Updates on the EPA’s recent decision to submit the Upper Columbia River Site for a Superfund designation.
Protecting Residents
We collaborate with researchers, hospitals, and universities to highlight the results of our community health surveys. This led to the involvement of Dr. Josh Korzenik, Director of the Crohn’s and Colitis Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, resulting in the 2011 MGH Crohn’s and Colitis study of Northport residents.
We also aim to work with the WA Department of Health, the EPA, and Teck to secure funding for free annual health screenings, heavy metal testing for Northport residents, and biannual blood level testing for children. Early detection of these illnesses can slow disease progression and improve long-term quality of life while providing valuable data for epidemiological studies.
Amplifying Residents Voices
We collaborate closely with Citizens for a Clean Columbia (CCC) and Community Technical Advisor Dr. Joe Wichman. Dr. Wichman reviews drafts of planned studies and investigations, as well as the data and findings from ongoing research. He provides valuable input to the EPA from a community perspective, ensuring residents’ concerns are heard and addressed. Dr. Wichman is always available to answer questions about the studies and research, keeping the community informed and engaged throughout the process.
By staying informed, advocating for protection, and uniting our voices, we can bring about change and ensure a healthier future for Northport.
