O FFICE OF THE GOVERNOR 

S TATE OF' MONTANA 

S TEVE B ULLOCJ< 

G OVERNOR 

ANGELA M c L EAN 

L T. GOVERNOR 

February 17, 20 15 

Shaun L. McGrath- Regional Adm inistrator 

United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8 


1595 Wynkoop Street, 8RA 


Denver, Colorado 80202-1 129 

Subject: Federal Superfund Listing of Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant 

Dear Mr. McGrath: 

l write to offer my support for listing the idled Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant located near 


Columbia Falls on the Superfund National Priority List (NPL). 


Sample results from the investigation show that historical activities at the site have contaminated 

groundwater and surface water or sediments in Cedar Creek and the Flathead River. I am 

concerned that if this issue remains unaddressed, the contamination from the site is serious 

enough to pose long-term risks to the community and to Montana's environment, including the 

Flathead River. 

It is my understanding that there is sufficient data to justify an NPL listing. Most importantly, 

there is widespread local support for NPL listing of the site to ensure appropriate cleanup that 

wi ll ultimately allow fo r redevelopment of the site. Public comments provided during the most 

recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Montana Department of Environmental 

Quality (DEQ) meeting, and letters the state has received from the Columbia Falls City Council 

and Flathead Basin Commission, demonstrate this support (attached). 

If the site is listed on the NPL, I request that EPA take the fo llowing steps: 

• 	 Support and maintain a close working relationship with DEQ as you proceed with further 

characterization and cleanup. 

• 	 Encourage community involvement and coordination with Columbia Falls and Flathead 

County. 

S TATE CAPITOL • P.O. Box 200801 • H ELENA. M ONTANA 59620-0801 


T ELEPllONE: 406-444-3 1 11 • F'AX: 406-444-5529 • W EBSITE: WWW.MT. GOV 

February 17,2015 

Shaun L. McGrath 

Page 2 

• 	 Based upon concerns we have heard from local residents that use pri vate wells fo r 

drinking water, continue periodic residential well sampling until there is sufficient data or 

cleanup to indicate that contamination of residential wel ls is not a potential risk. 

• 	 Where possible, use local contractors that can maximize the potenti al for local 

employment in the investigation and cleanup process. 

• 	 Consider the local community's redevelopment goals when evaluati ng cleanup needs. 

The plant was a critical part of the economy or Columbia Falls and the site has been idle fo r too 

long. It has tremendous potential fo r redevelopment and will be an important anchor in the future 

of the region. Time is of the essence. I appreciate EPA 's efforts, and have directed DEQ to 

provide assistance as the listing process, site characterization, cleanup plans and cleanup 

implementation proceed. As always, I strongly urge you to oversee a process that ensures 

protection of human health and the environment while being timely, transparent, and costeffcctive. Please work with Tom Livers, Director of DEQ, and his sta ff as you move forward. 

----

Sincerely, 

~~~ 

T EYE BULLOCK 


Governor 


Attachment ( 1) 

cc: 	 Senator Steve Daines 


Senator Jon Tester 


Representative Ryan Zinke 


Martin Hcstmark, EPA Region 8 


James Woolford, EPA Headquarters 


Tom Livers, Director, Montana DEQ 


Donald Barnhart, Mayor, City of' Columbia Falls 


Flathead County Commissioners 


Joe Russel l, Flathead County Health Department 


Julie DalSoglio, EPA Montana Office 


Rob Parker. EPA Denver