EPA says several Black Eagle yards contaminated

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Aug 26, 2008 at 9:43 AM MDT

Story Updated: Aug 26, 2008 at 9:43 AM MDT

BLACK EAGLE - Several yards near a former copper refinery and smelter in Black Eagle have tested positive for lead and arsenic contamination. And the levels are high enough to warrant the removal of the soil sometime in the future.

Victor Ketellapper is a site assessment manager for the Environmental Protection Agency. He says the contamination probably came from the former Anaconda Company/Atlantic Richfield refinery and smelter. But he assured about 40 residents who gathered at a community center Monday that the contamination was "low level" and doesn't pose an immediate threat to public health. Cascade County commissioners plan to meet with EPA officials Tuesday, and the EPA isn't planning an immediate cleanup.

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