A Prineville groundwater contamination problem is getting more state and federal government attention in recent weeks and actions may soon follow.
The Crook County Board of Commissioners recently received a letter from Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s office acknowledging the urgency of the contamination issue and laying out future steps for how state agencies will tackle the problem.
The groundwater contamination problem, which has now affected more than 30 residences, began about two years ago on properties near an aggregate mine in northwest Prineville. Well water in affected homes have high levels of manganese, which has damaged plumbing and caused illnesses among livestock and residents.
The mining site blamed for the contamination is 99 acres, located on property owned by late Prineville resident Craig Woodward. The mining operation was approved in a split vote by the Crook County Planning Commission in September 2015. Then in July 2021, Knife River applied to expand the mining operation to include an adjacent 78-acre property owned by Robert and Lani Vanier of Dayville. Application was made, according to a Crook County Planning Commission document, because the aggregate reserve on the Woodward property is depleted.
The expansion was ultimately approved, although no mining can take place until Knife River receives permits from Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), both of which have jurisdiction governing groundwater impact.
In her letter to the county, Kotek said that the groundwater issue is something that the state will be investigating further.
“Because domestic wells are not regulated by the state or federal government, water quality of domestic wells is the responsibility of private well owners. However, given the troubling situation we are seeing in Crook County and in communities across the state, it is time for the state to evaluate its role in protecting the water quality and quantity of domestic wells,” Kotek stated.
“In response to the concerns that have been raised in your county, Oregon’s state agencies have been working for the past year to identify the ways in which we can be helpful to address the situation. I believe that we must do more to address the serious concerns that residents are raising in Crook County. We must build trust with community members and develop immediate next steps to address domestic well drinking concerns.”
To that end, Kotek said she has directed state agencies to take multiple courses of action.
They are directed to develop a sampling plan of the region’s groundwater. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will work with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) to develop a plan that includes domestic well testing from the impacted areas, both upstream and downstream from the Knife River mining facility. This includes testing the “water storage lagoon.”
Kotek is also asking state agencies to ensure that the sampling plan provides independent analysis at local mining sites and includes witnesses from both industry and the affected residents to ensure transparency of collected data, in advance of DEQ proceeding with analyzing any data.
The governor is also urging state agencies to move as quickly as possible on the sampling plan.
“All levels of government will need to partner to make a difference in the region,” she stated. “While the federal government reviews options for long-term funding of a comprehensive sampling and testing plan in the region, my office will be working with the State Legislature to consider funding through the Legislative Emergency Board for DEQ to conduct their own sampling plan in the immediate future. DEQ will be starting this sampling plan as soon as resources can be contracted for, in September or earlier.”
Kotek went on to say that while the state is committed to beginning this sampling process, “it is clear that additional resources will be needed as we move forward. There needs to be a long-term sampling effort of the entire basin to determine underlying aquifer health and safety.”
After receiving the letter, Commissioner Seth Crawford publicly thanked Kotek and her departments on behalf of the Board of Commissioners for responding to requests for assistance.
“Groundwater regulation is beyond the jurisdiction and capability of counties, so we appreciate the state’s steps in hiring an independent analyst.” Crawford said. “It is crucial for the state to identify the issues and develop solutions to this situation that affects so many of our residents. Access to clean and reliable water is essential for the health and well-being of our community.”
Kotek’s letter to county officials comes about two weeks after U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden addressed the groundwater issue during a Crook County town hall. He said then that he had spoken with Kotek and U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley about the matter and told residents they had come up with a plan.
“I think all of us agree that this is an urgent issue,” he said. “Folks are dealing with this crud that’s coming out of the faucets. It’s just unacceptable.”
Wyden went on to say that he and Merkley and Kotek believe that manganese testing needs to start quickly. In addition, they believe it should involve a different approach where more stakeholders are involved, “because there is a lot of mistrust that has developed over the last few years.”
“The state agencies, Knife River and residents of the area are all going to be involved in the testing at every step of the way,” Wyden said. “This is an approach that residents can trust and verify.”
Most Popular
Comments / 0