Lehigh Cement Co. Closed CKD pile, Metaline Falls

When Ecology visited the site October 7, 2025, the treatment system was running. When water levels are high enough, treated water is discharged to Sullivan Creek, and discharges are reported to Ecology. The site is vacant except for the building containing treatment system components such as carbon dioxide tanks, the computer interface, and materials for sampling and analysis of groundwater. The cement kiln dust (CKD) pile remains fenced, and the cap appears to be in good condition.

We also reviewed records and monitoring data. The environmental covenant is still in place to document the remaining contamination and prevent activities that would expose it. Groundwater monitoring data showed pH is not decreasing in the northern plume of contaminated groundwater. Because of this, we are requiring the parties responsible for cleanup, now known as Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC, to complete more work to lower the groundwater pH in this area.

Learn more

• Review the draft periodic review.
• Visit our Lehigh Cement Co. Closed CKD pile cleanup site page.

Next steps

Ecology will review all comments received during the comment period and update the periodic review if needed. If no significant changes are made, the periodic revi​​ew will become final. If significant changes are made, an additional public comment period will be held. We will hold a public meeting if 10 or more people request one.​​​

Site history

The Lehigh Cement Company (Lehigh) owned and operated a cement-processing plant at this site from 1914 until the plant closed in 1989. Cement kiln dust (CKD), a by-product of cement production, was collected from the plant and disposed of in a landfill on the site.

In 1996, Lehigh closed the CKD landfill, which is now known as the closed CKD pile.

About periodic reviews

We review conditions at sites where some contamination remains about every five years, to make sure the cleanup is still effective. This is the first review for Lehigh.