Letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response Assistant Administrator Marianne Horinko

June 3, 2003

Marianne Horinko
Assistant Administrator
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20460

Dear Ms. Horinko:
We appreciate that you are very familiar with the Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Complex Operable Unit 3 (OU3) Superfund cleanup in northern Idaho. Since we have had several previous discussions with you regarding the funding aspects of this site, it should go without saying that we would like to see the cleanup funded in a manner that completes the work within the time line and budget outlined in the Record of Decision (ROD).

As you know, the ROD was signed for OU3 in September of 2002. As we enter the short construction season for 2003, CERCLA funds have yet to be allocated for this site. Due to the small window of opportunity to accomplish seasonal work in Idaho, it is very important that we know soon how much money is available to get this cleanup started. The Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, the innovative and collaborative organization charged with the implementation of the ROD, is trying to accomplish remediation work in a timely manner, and rightfully so. To assist them in that endeavor, we urge you to release funds for this site as soon as possible.

Again, thank you for your attention to this matter. You have always listened to our concerns and taken them to heart. We look forward to hearing from you soon, and please let us know if we can be of any assistance.

Sincerely,

Mike Crapo
United States Senator

Larry E. Craig
United States Senator

Mike Simpson
Member of Congress

C.L "Butch" Otter
Member of Congress