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Commissioners discuss scope and membership of BFS task force on wells, testing and federal funding challenges
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a draft membership list for a BFS task force addressing well-safety and testing issues, discussed tribal and state outreach, EPA testing support and the challenge of qualifying for federal grant maps and Superfund designation.
County commissioners discussed a draft task-force roster and scope on Jan. 7 for a project addressing wells, testing and remediation in impacted areas (referred to in the briefing as the BFS task force).
The chair and commissioners reviewed a proposed membership list including county officials, municipal representatives, tribal designees, public-health staff and community organizations (West Plains Water Coalition, Palisades Neighborhood Council). Commissioners asked for time to review the roster before formalizing appointments and asked legal staff to prepare a clear scope that avoids an appearance of decision‑making by more than two commissioners.
Commissioners and staff discussed earlier EPA involvement: staff said the EPA had funded some earlier testing but that federal mapping rules had prevented the county from qualifying for certain grants; staff noted that creating a Superfund designation would be challenging if federal mapping criteria are unmet. Staff said consultants have proceeded at risk to keep progress moving while the planning grant paperwork was completed.
Participants suggested outreach to state Department of Health drinking-water staff and the Spokane Regional Health District; staff indicated they would contact relevant state and federal contacts, including an EPA contact and the county’s Ecology director, and would speak with tribal partners who had expressed interest.
No formal decisions were recorded at the Jan. 7 briefing. Staff said they would circulate the roster and scope, meet with commissioners ahead of a scheduled Friday meeting, and return with a draft scope and list to place on a future agenda for discussion and possible approval.
