EPA Research in Idaho

EPA researchers are working hard to protect communities across the nation. Learn about some of the work EPA researchers are doing in Idaho.

• Bunker Hill Superfund Site
• Groundwater Geochemistry Study
• EPA Researchers Monitor Contamination in the Coeur d’Alene River Basin
• Mini Superstars for Aquatic Research: Stable Isotopes
• Lesson Plans: Using Air Sensors to Teach About Air Quality
• In the Field with EPA: Sampling in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
• Studies Advance Air Monitoring During Wildfires and Smoke Forecasting
• Preparing for Potential Attacks: Water Security Test Bed

For more EPA work, see EPA in Idaho.

Bunker Hill Superfund Site

EPA Office of Research and Development and Region 10 have a longstanding collaboration with Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, USGS and US Fish and Wildlife Services to clean up and restore the Lower Basin of the Coeur d’Alene River and reduce lead (Pb) bioavailability in the sediments downstream from the Bunker Hill Superfund site. The Lower Coeur d’Alene River Basin spans nearly 20,000 acres of wetlands, lateral lakes, and floodplains and contains sediment contaminated by over 150 years of historic mining in the Silver Valley. Over 95% of these wetland areas hold toxic levels of lead, posing a severe threat to waterfowl. 

Groundwater Geochemistry Study

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and EPA Region 10 requested EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD) technical assistance to support the development of a work plan designed to better understand the pump fouling problem in the Eastern Michaud Flats Superfund site near Pocatello, ID. Technology transfer efforts by ORD scientists and the Idaho DEQ/Region 10 team resulted in a plan to sample, analyze and identify mineral precipitates and develop a geochemical model that could predict mineral precipitation in the extraction wells. ORD scientists provided support and reviewed the technical aspects of the data analysis and modeling. Recommendations were provided to possibly reduce or prevent mineral fouling in the extraction wells. To date the extraction wells have helped mitigate downgradient migration of dense fluids.

EPA Researchers Monitor Contamination in the Coeur d’Alene River Basin

EPA researchers are using a One Health approach to monitor contamination in Idaho's Coeur d’Alene River basin. By monitoring the feeding habits and lead levels of a local migratory bird, the Tundra Swan, the research team can learn more about the contamination levels in the river basin and monitor the ongoing clean-up effort. Read EPA Researchers Monitor Contamination in the Coeur d’Alene River Basin by Measuring Swan Waste. 

Mini Superstars for Aquatic Research: Stable Isotopes

Monitoring the nation’s water quality is a fundamental part of EPA’s work. To conduct part of this monitoring, EPA scientists in the Office of Research and Development get help from some very small assistants – stable isotopes. Stable isotopes measured within water samples, like the Snake River across Idaho, help researchers determine many things about water quality and the surrounding environment. Read Mini Superstars for Aquatic Research: Stable Isotopes. 

Lesson Plans: Using Air Sensors to Teach About Air Quality

Check out the hands-on lesson plans designed by EPA scientists and collaborators to encourage air quality education in communities and classrooms. Using air sensor technology, participants of all ages can use information in their own communities to explore real-time air quality and air pollution concepts. In Idaho, the Nez Perce Tribe incorporated additional sensor technology and have translated materials into their native language. Read Five Hands-on Lesson Plans: Using Air Sensors to Teach About Air Quality.

In the Field with EPA: Sampling in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

The Coeur d’Alene Basin Cleanup is located in northern Idaho and eastern Washington. Historical mining and milling disposal methods spread contaminants throughout the channel and floodplain of the South Fork and mainstem of the Coeur d’Alene River and the site was added to the National Priorities List in 1983. EPA researchers recently traveled to the area to sample pore water, surface water, and sediments. Read In the Field with EPA: Sampling in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Studies Advance Air Monitoring During Wildfires and Smoke Forecasting

EPA researchers are tackling smoke issues from wildfires. Researchers are driving mobile laboratories to wildfire-prone areas in the Northwest - one located in Boise, Idaho. Their research will improve the ability to predict smoke from both wildfires and prescribed burns and determine what air monitors are best for measuring smoke from wildfires. Read Studies Advance Air Monitoring During Wildfires and Improve Forecasting of Smoke.

Preparing for Potential Attacks: Water Security Test Bed

After a wide-area attack with a biological agent, like anthrax, rapid response is essential. Safe and effective clean-up methods based on sound science are crucial. To better protect—and if necessary, decontaminate—our nation’s drinking water, EPA researchers have partnered with Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory to build the Water Security Test Bed: the nation’s first fullscale, above-ground drinking water distribution system. Read Preparing for Potential Attacks.