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28,500 tons of metals-contaminated sand, soil, and slag removed
Slag and smelter-related metals contamination is excavated from the public beach in Northport
Ecology finished cleaning up and restoring the Columbia River public waterfront in Northport in fall 2025, the conclusion of a project that began in 2019. Investigation results showed copper, lead, and zinc from smelting were throughout the waterfront at levels posing a risk to people and the environment. We used $10.9 million from the Eastern Washington Clean Sites Initiative to protect people and aquatic life from these contaminants by removing and capping contamination, and encouraging recreation in cleaned up areas.
Public access and recreational improvements
The Colville Confederated Tribes commissioned local artist David Fitzgerald of MC Metal Art to create a sturgeon sculpture honoring long-time Ecology employee John Roland. Roland worked on Upper Columbia River cleanup for over 20 years and passed away in 2021 before the waterfront project was complete.
The project improved or retained existing public access areas:
One of two new benches overlooking the Columbia River
A covered picnic area and two benches overlooking the Columbia were installed.
Cedar fencing was added around the new picnic table, benches, hillside trail, and areas of the hillside that weren’t disturbed to preserve mature trees. Fencing will help prevent cut-off trails and vehicle traffic on replanted areas.
All areas affected by earthwork were replanted with native plants approved by the town. Topsoil, compost, mulch, and an irrigation system were also added. Steep slopes were stabilized and waterbars were added to help prevent erosion.
Two red maple trees will be planted on the jetty in fall 2025 to replace the elm tree.
Reinstalling the dock after cleanup
The dock next to the boat launch was removed and protected during excavation and capping of the bay area and returned to its existing condition following construction.
The Town Park and boat launch remained open throughout the project, except when the launch closed for a week as contamination around it was excavated.
Removing old building foundations at the former Le Roi Co Smelter site and improving the cap over remaining contamination will help the town’s efforts to build a community center.
Northport waterfront cleanup by the numbers
Large cleanups like the one at Northport waterfront don't just make a safer environment. They also use local materials and workers, bringing money back to the local economy. For the waterfront cleanup:
$9.4 million spent locally
43 workers employed for hauling, construction, and landscaping
24,500 tons of waste disposed at Stevens County Landfill
4,000 tons of hazardous waste stabilized and disposed of in Oregon
10,600 cubic yards of excavated river rock reused onsite
16,500 cubic yards of local fill material used to backfill areas where contaminated soil was removed
22,100 cubic yards of local cap material and armor rock used to cap contamination
The waterfront before and after
Hillside trail to the beach
The path from the parking lot to the shoreline was upgraded with wooden stair-steps, landscaping, and cedar fencing.
The hillside trail before cleanup and restoration
The hillside trail after cleanup and restoration
Bayshore area next to the boat launch
The bayshore area next to the boat launch was capped with clean material.
The bayshore area before cleanup
The bayshore area after cleanup
Seasonal beach
The seasonal beach was likewise capped with clean material following removal of contaminants.
The seasonal beach before cleanup
The seasonal beach after cleanup
Project overview
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Cleanup construction took two years due to river conditions, with work stopping in the winter. In 2024, the local cleanup contractor based out of Ione made significant progress on the seasonal beach and completed all cleanup and capping work on the hillside.
In 2025, crews excavated remaining contamination from the seasonal beach and the boat dock area, and filled in the bay, jetty, and excavated areas with clean materials. The contractor ensured no excess or waste materials entered the river. They constructed stormwater control measures around all staging and stockpiling areas.
The lead levels in about 4,000 tons of material removed from the hillside and some of the seasonal beach were hazardous waste under federal standards. This waste required stabilization processing for the lead, which was done at a chemical waste facility in Oregon. Another 24,500 tons of waste were sent to the Stevens County Landfill per the county ordinance that prohibits taking materials out of the county for disposal.
About 10,600 cubic yards of excavated river rock above 6 inches in diameter was mixed with imported materials for reuse on site. All clean fill material, including top soil and armor rock, was purchased in Stevens County.
