THE DIRT: Recreate safely in the Bunker Hill Superfund Site

If you plan to explore the great outdoors this summer, it is important to learn more about the risks of lead and metals exposures within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Beginning in the late 1800s, mining shaped the lives of those living in the Silver Valley. This legacy of mining resulted in contaminants on shorelines, floodplain deposits, hillsides, and at historic mine and mill sites. You may encounter exposure to contaminants at many popular areas for hiking, dirt bike and ATV riding, fishing, swimming, boating, and camping. During recreational activities, contaminated dust can accumulate on shoes, clothing, and equipment. This dust can be transported home with you, resulting in additional lead exposure once you return home.

During outdoor recreational activities, contaminated dust can enter your body through your mouth and nose while eating or breathing. Lead accumulates in your body and has been found to cause numerous health effects in children and adults. Fortunately, by following a few simple recommendations, you can reduce your family’s exposures to contaminated dirt and dust.

During any outdoor activity, bring clean water to drink and wash your hands. Recreating, swimming, camping, and picnicking in grassy areas is always recommended to limit contact with contaminated dirt, dust, and sand. Follow all fish consumption advisories by visiting: fishadvisory.dhw.idaho.gov. Avoid recreating in or near historic mine and mill sites.

Remove shoes and dirty clothing before entering your camper or tent to avoid tracking dust inside. Keep all surfaces dust free, especially those used to prepare food or eat. Remove dust and dirt from all recreational equipment, swimming towels, and clothing before you go home. If a washing station is provided where you recreate, use it to clean your equipment. When you return home, wash your pets and equipment to remove any dust and dirt that remains. All clothing should be washed separately from regular household laundry to avoid cross contamination.

To learn more about lead exposures and the resources available to keep your family safe, please visit our new website: cdabasin.idaho.gov or contact Panhandle Health District at 208-783-0707.

The Dirt is a series of informative articles focused on all aspects of cleanup efforts associated with the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Our goal is to promote community awareness of contamination issues, to provide tools for protecting public health, and to keep the community informed of current and future cleanup projects. The Dirt is a group of committed and local experts from multiple agencies including the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Panhandle Health District, Shoshone County, Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.