IDPR Partners with Department of Environmental Quality for Bike/Walk-in Campground Along the Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s

Contact: Andy Helkey, Kellogg Remediation Program Manager, [email protected]

SHOSHONE COUNTY - The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) finalized three land transfers and a renewable lease agreement for property located within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site, helping advance local economic development and recreational opportunities throughout the area.

These actions, done in partnership with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR), Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), and the city of Kellogg, open up almost 200 acres for public recreation and economic expansion in North Idaho.

"DEQ is excited to support new land use now that the cleanup work is complete for these properties," said Dan McCracken, DEQ's Coeur d'Alene Regional Office Administrator. "We believe that these transfers will help provide safe outdoor recreation access and promote local economic activity throughout the area."

William Niska, manager of the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, said the move will open exciting opportunities for recreators along the 73-mile trail, giving users a place to rest and recuperate. "We appreciate DEQ's willingness to support something new with the campground, which will reclaim this once-damaged ground for positive public use," he said.

"The transfer of DEQ property to the city of Kellogg is viewed as a very forward-looking asset for the local community," said Mike Fitzgerald, Public Works Director for the city of Kellogg. "The change provides perpetual public access to many properties fronting and located at the terminus of Government Gulch Road. Benefitting roadway users include over one dozen future commercially-industrially developable properties, Shoshone County's Public Shooting Range, Shoshone County's Equipment and Materials Storage Facility, city of Kellogg's Materials Storage Facility, Central Shoshone County Water District's future water storage and pumping facility, and multiple acreage properties currently under DEQ ownership."

Superfund Cleanup Efforts

The Bunker Hill Superfund Site spans northern Idaho and into eastern Washington in an area known as the Silver Valley. Mining and milling operations started in the mid 1880s, which resulted in heavy metal contamination, including lead and other metals, throughout the area.

Exposure to these contaminants can pose serious human health risks, particularly to young children and pregnant women. As a result, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the Bunker Hill Superfund Site to the National Priorities List in 1983.

Cleanup efforts have reduced exposures over the last 30 years but require ongoing local oversight to ensure completed projects are properly maintained and future efforts continue. This is particularly important as land uses change in the Silver Valley and new residents move to the area.

Advancing Economic Opportunities

DEQ currently owns real estate parcels within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site, which were acquired from EPA. DEQ has authority to manage, lease, and dispose of this real property pursuant to Idaho Code 39-107A. Land transfer is conducted in accordance with DEQ Policy Statement PS-20-01 Bunker Hill Land Transfer Policy. Through these land transfers, DEQ and the State of Idaho are supporting the local economy and ensuring the Silver Valley is an area where people can live, work, and play.

The first transfer includes property located on the east side of Government Gulch Road. DEQ transferred the 9.8-acre parcel to a local excavating company, DG&S, providing an opportunity to construct a new facility and expand operations.

The second includes a property lease agreement for approximately 140 acres with IDPR for a bike-in campground along the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes. The campground will have 26 bike-in/walk-in sites, a restroom/shower house, tent pads, and power hookups for recharging devices and e-bikes. Construction is planned for 2025.

The third includes a 40-acre parcel transfer to IDFG to expand an existing Wildlife Management Area north of I-90 and west of the Shoshone County Airport. The added property will help improve wildlife habitat and extend recreational opportunities.

The fourth transfer allows the city of Kellogg to designate the existing Government Gulch Road as a public right of way. The road was previously used as a private access point for the Bunker Hill Smelter Complex. Transfer of approximately four acres to the city opens up opportunities for local development and increases recreational opportunities for the public.