Contaminated Sediment Clean-up at Harvard Road Underway

Zach Hedgpeth
Washington Department of Ecology

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is cleaning up lead, arsenic, zinc, and cadmium at the site. These metals washed downstream from the Coeur d’Alene basin mining district because of past mining practices and settled along the banks of the Spokane River.

Construction began Monday August 18 with mobilization of heavy equipment to the site and pre-project surveying. Excavation of contaminated sediments began Tuesday and was completed on Thursday, with approximately 800-900 tons of material removed and transported to Graham Road Landfill in Airway Heights for final disposal. Boulders at the site were relocated to delineate the new launch area. Post excavation sampling was conducted by Ecology on Thursday, and the post excavation topographic survey occurred on Friday.

The only issue encountered during the week related to the weather and the resulting high river flows. With the advent of drier weather later in the week, this issue has abated, with no permanent damage to the remedy nor delays to construction. Delivery and installation of spawning gravel to form the protective cap is expected to begin Tuesday, August 26, and construction of the cap should be completed by the end of the week.

For more information contact:
Zach Hedgpeth, P.E.
Dept. of Ecology
Toxics Cleanup Program
509/329-3484
zahe461@ecy.wa.gov