A new group has formed to provide information and educational news about the Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Complex Superfund Site.  

"The Dirt" is composed of experts from multiple entities and agencies including the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Panhandle Health District, Shoshone County, Silver Valley Economic Development Committee and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. 

The BHSS includes environmental cleanup and restoration work in areas contaminated by mining waste in the Coeur d’Alene River Watershed, Lake Coeur d’Alene and the upper reaches of the Spokane River. The system is 166 river miles through North Idaho and eastern Washington, and the boundary includes about 1,500 square miles. It is one of the largest Superfund sites in the nation. 

Sharon Bosley, executive director of the Basin Commission, was looking for ways to provide current news on the work being completed in the BHSS and asked around to gauge the interest of others. 

“Our goal is to promote community awareness of contamination issues, to provide tools for protecting public health and to keep the community informed of current and future cleanup projects,” Bosley said. 

Similar efforts, including the “Our Gem” collaboration that details the health of Lake Coeur d’Alene, have been successful in providing locals with information, Bosley said.

The BHSS has a complex history, which spans beyond the 50 years of cleanup efforts. The articles from the group will range from the status of projects, historical information and stories, upcoming plans and more.  

Mary Rehnborg, a PHD program manager, is excited to dispel inaccuracies about the BHSS she sees and hears daily.  

“The goal of The Dirt is to provide a platform where community members can find out more about past, present and future cleanup activities,” Rehnborg said. “As both a resident and an employee of the cleanup, I see a lot of misinformation and confusion regarding cleanup activities being discussed on social media and out amongst community members. The goal of this publication is to provide straight-forward facts about all things cleanup related.”  

The Dirt will publish twice a month in the Shoshone News-Press and Coeur d’Alene Press.  

Info: Sharon Bosley, 208-783-2528 or sharon.bosley@deq.idaho.gov.