PRINEVILLE, OR -- The Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to help investigate well water contamination in Crook County. U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) lobbied for the EPA to get involved, "They agreed to be helpful, to offer their resources, their talents to back up the state," says Merkley, "The state said that would be great. So, it's an appreciated offer, since they don't have regulatory power- EPA doesn't. But they'll be providing assistance. So, yay. That's a win." 

In June, Senator Merkley met with homeowners who say their water is contaminated with manganese from a nearby gravel mine. Since then, he's pushed the state for more testing. 

The Governor's office has also agreed to continue investigating. Although, state officials say previous tests don't point to the gravel pit. Merkley says those water samples were provided by the mine. And, he believes homeowners have significant evidence pointing to the operation, "I don't see any reason why the samples couldn't have been taken just shortly after the families expressed concern. It's important to have those samples not be collected by Knife River. They need to be collected by independent geologists, so that you're really getting an appropriate, fair report that everyone can have confidence in." He says the EPA will provide an independent review of the state's water sampling plan and participate in public meetings. 

Merkley tells KBND News, "I'm applying for a Community Initiated Project Grant that will help with understanding the overall dynamics of sub-surface water in the watershed. The state has asked for that; I'm advocating for that." But, he says, "That is not a reason to set aside the immediate help to these families that are experiencing these significant problems and experiencing problems, and concerned about the health of their children, their families, their livestock and also just the accumulation of clogged pipes and so forth."

Photo: Sen. Jeff Merkley discovers sludge in the tank of a Crook County toilet connected to a well contaminated with manganese. June 2024 (submitted photo)