Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Port Authority land at Libby Creek mouth exposed after levee failure; DEQ and EPA involved
Summary
County officials said a levee failure exposed a section of ground at the mouth of Libby Creek that may contain contaminated fill; Port Authority will pursue removal actions for adjacent debris while DEQ/EPA handle confirmed contamination.
Commissioners told meeting attendees that a levee failure at the mouth of Libby Creek exposed ground that had been previously capped or otherwise managed following historic vermiculite contamination. Brent Tesky said DEQ and EPA are addressing the contaminated footprint, while the Port Authority will examine additional adjacent debris that FWP has requested be removed.
Kate Stevens, director of the Lincoln County Port Authority, said the authority will work with its engineer to determine necessary work for the diversion channel that services its water rights; she noted upstream work will likely be needed to restore the diversion and to reduce sediment and debris inflows.
County staff stressed the Port Authority site is being handled separately from the prioritized debris sections intended to protect county infrastructure, but they encouraged coordination between the port, DEQ, EPA and contractors to ensure safe, compliant removal.
