Columbia Falls Aluminum Company Superfund Cleanup Plan

Recently, the EPA revealed its cleanup plan for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company Superfund site along the Flathead River, opting to contain all toxic materials on-site. This decision has raised concerns among the local community regarding the long-term risks of leaving highly toxic contaminants including cyanide, arsenic and fluoride buried on site. The community requests further analysis for off-site waste removal feasibility, emphasizing due diligence in determining the safest disposal method. The EPA's proposed plan did not originate from the agency itself but rather was devised by the owners of the Superfund site and concerns linger over the adequacy of their analysis. The EPA is currently reviewing public comments, with a decision expected by March. 

If you would like to voice your opinion on the future of the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company Superfund site, you can contact your local elected representatives below. 

Flathead County Commissioners:
cocontactus@flathead.mt.gov
Phone: (555) 758-5503

Governor Gianforte:
Governor Gianforte’s website 
Phone: (406) 444-3111

Read more

Daily Interlake - Columbia Falls group wants EPA to reconsider Superfund cleanup plan

EPA’s Proposed Plan for Cleanup https://semspub.epa.gov/work/08/100013526.pdf

Photo by Daily Interlake: An aerial view of the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company site. (Hungry Horse News FILE)