Zinke opposes Superfund listing for CFAC site

The following letter about the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. smelter site was sent by Rep. Ryan Zinke to Gov. Steve Bullock on March 4, 2015.

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As a Whitefish native, I grew up 15 minutes from Columbia Falls. I recall a time when the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company employed hundreds of local workers who were active members of the community. The plant was an integral component of our very way of life. I would like to see this site restored and revitalized for the betterment of not only the Flathead Valley but all of Montana.

CFAC has taken the initiative to make this revitalization a reality. Their plan to expeditiously and effectively complete the Columbia Falls aluminum site investigation is in Montana’s best interests. CFAC has hired a competent contractor, Roux Associates, to develop a remediation investigation work plan and is in contact with the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into an administrative order on consent. I applaud CFAC for taking the necessary steps to restore the site and its productivity.

Therefore, I respectfully oppose the site being placed on the National Priorities List. Being listed will significantly delay much needed economic development for the Columbia Falls area. Historically, NPL listings in Montana have not resulted in expeditious resolutions; instead, they have faced excessive delays and bureaucracy. Our state has 18 Superfund sites, yet not a single one has been removed in the life of the program. I believe we should revise the path forward. I urge you to support CFAC’s efforts to complete their analysis before allowing the EPA to place the site on the NPL.

I appreciate your assistance and look forward to work with you further on this issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter.