Panhandle Health District seeks City of Hayden's adoption of critical materials ordinance

During the recent Hayden City Council meeting, significant discussions centered on the protection of the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, a vital water source for the community. The Panhandle Health District presented an overview of its Critical Materials Program, which has been in place since the early 1990s and currently monitors over 1,100 facilities across Kootenai County. This program aims to prevent chemical contamination of the aquifer, which is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water for residents.

One of the key points raised was the need for secondary containment at facilities that store hazardous materials. Currently, 482 facilities are required to have this safety measure in place, while others are inspected but not mandated to comply. The health district reported that approximately 21 million gallons of liquid chemicals and 11 million pounds of fertilizers and road salts are stored over the aquifer, highlighting the potential risks of contamination.

The presentation included alarming examples of past spills and poor containment practices, underscoring the importance of the program. The health district emphasized that without local ordinances to enforce these protections, they would be unable to require businesses to address violations, which could lead to increased contamination risks and higher costs for water treatment in the future.

In response to the challenges faced after losing state-level regulations, the health district has successfully collaborated with local governments, including Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls, to adopt similar ordinances. They are now seeking the City of Hayden's support to re-establish these critical protections through local legislation.

The council was encouraged to consider adopting a critical materials ordinance, which would allow the health district to enforce compliance and protect the aquifer effectively. This initiative not only aims to safeguard the community's water supply but also helps businesses limit their liability regarding chemical contamination.

Additionally, the health district discussed the importance of identifying sensitive aquifer recharge areas within Hayden and recommended that the city develop its own criteria for these designations. They also urged the council to stay proactive in wastewater treatment technology and to involve relevant agencies early in project reviews to prevent potential violations.

As the meeting concluded, the health district expressed optimism about continuing the conversation with the council and working together to enhance the protection of the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, ensuring a safe and reliable water source for all residents.