UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 8
10W est 15!h Street, Suite 3200 Heiena, MT 59626-0096 Phone 866- 457-2690 www.epa.gov/region08
Ref: 8EPR-SRD
JUN 2 I till
The Honorable David Strohmaier, Chair The Honorable Jean Curtiss, Commissioner The Honorable Nicole Rowley, Commissioner Missoula County Board of County Commissioners 199 West Pine Missoula, MT 59802-4292
RE: Comments on the Draft Human Health Risk Assessment and Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment Work Plan for Operable Units 2 and 3 at the Smurfit-Stone Mill Superfund Site
Dear Commissioners Strohmaier, Curtiss, and Rowley:
Thank you for your letter of March 28, 2018 transmitting Missoula County comments on the draft Human Health Risk Assessment and Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment Work Plan for Operable Units 2 and 3 at the Smurfit-Stone Mill Superfund site. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been thoroughly evaluating your extensive comments and working to incorporate the concerns into work plans for additional sampling, analysis, and evaluation to be conducted as part of the risk assessments and remedial investigation for the site. The EPA will provide a detailed response to your concerns in the next several weeks. As you requested, the risk assessments will not be finalized until after the requisite data can be collected and evaluated. There will be additional opportunity for review and comment on successive documents and drafts.
The EPA agrees that a thorough evaluation of site conditions and risks is required prior to making a decision for appropriate cleanup. The EPA agrees that a protective cleanup and redevelopment to promote beneficial reuse of the site are top priorities for Superfund. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Missoula County, other stakeholders, and the local community to complete the comprehensive investigation and cleanup in a timely manner to protect human health and the environment and revitalize the former Smurfit-Stone Mill site. We look forward to working with you to resolve your questions and concerns with the risk assessment process. If you have any questions or if you require additional information, please contact me or the Remedial Project Manager, Sara Sparks at (406) 782-7415.
Montana Superfund Unit Supervisor
Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA
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cc: Senator Dairies Office Senator Tester Office Congressman Gianforte Office Tom Livers, Montana DEQ
Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA
Tier 10
ED 002061 00090826-00002