Southeast Idaho Phosphate Resource Area--
for 18 metals. Fillet and gutted whole-carcass
samples were used to estimate subsistence and
Since 1919, phosphate has been mined from the
Southeast Idaho Phosphate Resource Area
sport/recreational exposures. Three fish species
(SEIPRA) for use as elemental phosphorus and
were selected for sampling and analysis on the
basis of use by tribal and
in phosphate fertilizer. Ten
sport/recreational fishers,
historic and four operating
ecological importance,
mines are currently in the
relevance to other species,
1,200-square-mile project
and patterns of exposure
area. A large portion of the
area lies within the Caribou
to chemicals: bass (mostly
National Forest and the Fort
largemouth bass), bullhead
Hall Indian Reservation.
(mostly brown bullhead),
and kokanee.
Some phosphate ore mined in
Southeast Idaho contains high
Three of the eighteen
levels of selenium.
metals (arsenic, lead, and
mercury) were present at
In 2001, BCEH prepared a
Homeowner, ATSDR officials, and state
varying degrees of public
health consultation on selenium
officials preparing for the Panther Creek
health concern depending
exposure for the general
exposure investigation.
on the amount, portion type
public in response to questions
(gutted carcass or fillet), and fish species eaten.
about how site releases may affect human health.
Eating fish offers both benefits and risks, and
Concerns were then raised about health effects
of selenium in the Shoshone-Bannock Indian
fish consumption rates are an important factor in
Tribe because of different dietary patterns and the
assessing exposures and the potential for adverse
effects. A wide range of consumption rates (6.5 to
consumption of wild game and plants. In response
540 grams per day) and several exposure scenarios
to tribal concerns, a separate health consultation
were included in this consultation. These rates
was prepared for Shoshone-Bannock Tribal
were used to help gain a better idea about which
members who hunt and consume wild elk. The
fish consumption habits are more likely to result in
health consultation will be released in early 2004.
adverse exposures.
An exposure investigation collects information on
Potlatch--The Potlatch Corporation Pulp and
specific human exposures through biologic sampling,
Paper Mill site is an active mill northeast of
personal monitoring, related environmental assess-
Lewiston, on the bank of the Clearwater River.
ment, and exposure-dose reconstruction. Following is
The past release of chloroform into the air through
a description of an exposure investigation conducted
in Idaho.
the mill's pulp-bleaching process and wastewater
treatment system led BCEH to determine
Panther Creek (Blackbird Mine)--In 2000, an
that the Potlatch site was a hazardous waste
exposure investigation was conducted in response
site of potential public health concern. CDRI
to
residents' concerns about arsenic exposures
investigated cancer rates for the Lewiston and
during the Blackbird Mine clean-up activities. The
Clarkston (Washington) areas and found that they
investigation entailed environmental sampling
were higher than expected. As a result, BCEH and
CDRI prepared a health consultation sponsored by
for arsenic in
urine and hair from residents who
ATSDR to explore the possible link between the
spent time along Panther Creek or Panther Creek
Potlatch site and increased cancer rates. The health
Road. Results of this investigation were used
consultation was finalized in September 2003.
to identify and recommend follow-up health
activities, specifically health education and health
exposures to benzene (not site-related). Once this
evaluations of individuals with elevated hair
evaluation is complete, BCEH will present the
arsenic levels.
findings of
both evaluations to
the public in
spring
2004.