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Whitman Commits EPA to Partnership for Historic Clean-up Agreement

Release Date: 8/13/2002
Contact Information: Steffanie Bell
[email protected]
202-564-6976

August 13, 2002

(Coeur d’Alene, Idaho) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gov. Christie Whitman today committed the federal government to participating in an historic cross-governmental partnership whose purpose is to implement the EPA’s upcoming plan for the clean-up of mining-related contamination in the Coeur d’Alene River Basin.

On behalf of President George W. Bush Whitman designated EPA Regional Administrator John Iani to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and represent the federal government as a member of the ‘Basin Environmental Project Improvement Commission.’

The commission -- which will be made up of representatives from the State of Idaho, the State of Washington, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the federal government, and three Idaho Counties -- was created by the Idaho legislature to address heavy metal contamination in the Coeur d’Alene Basin.

"First, I want to thank Governor Kempthorne and the delegation for having me. It’s an honor to be here with you in Idaho and see first hand all the work that you are doing for this great state. EPA has worked closely with the states of Idaho and Washington, the Coeur d’Alene and Spokane tribes, and the local communities to develop a comprehensive, targeted and balanced clean up strategy," said Administrator Whitman. "As we move forward with the implementation of this plan, I’m pleased that the EPA will participate on the Basin Environmental Improvement Commission established by Idaho."

"Consisting of representatives from the states of Idaho and Washington, the Coeur d’Alene tribe, federal government, and the three affected counties, this commission will work to apply the clean up plan, set priorities, and create a forum for community and technical input," continued Whitman. "Such an innovative and collaborative approach will ensure that the voices of all involved are heard and that the clean up proceeds in the most efficient and effective manner. "

The Idaho counties and Coeur d’Alene Tribe previously joined the State of Idaho on the Commission. The state of Washington also formally joined today when Tom Fitzsimmons of the Washington Department of Ecology signed the MOA.

By participating on the Commission, EPA does not relinquish its authority under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act , aka Superfund. EPA is ultimately responsible for the cleanup.