Tribal Response

Protecting Our Land and Community from Toxic Waste

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The Colville Tribes are working to identify, clean up, and prevent hazardous waste pollution on the Reservation. Our program enforces the Tribal Hazardous Substances Control Act, manages cleanup efforts, and keeps the community informed. Whether it's old dump sites, chemical spills, or contaminated properties, we make sure hazardous waste is dealt with responsibly.

Lake Roosevelt and Tribal Response 128(a) Repository is Located in the Lucy Covington Government Center - Office of Environmental Trust. — Lake Roosevelt and Tribal Response 128(a) Repository is Located in the Lucy Covington Government Center - Office of Environmental Trust.

What We Do:

Enforce Tribal Code 4-16, the Hazardous Substances Control Act (HSCA)
Assess sites for hazardous materials and contamination
Oversee cleanup activities across the Reservation
Negotiate annual work plans with the EPA under the CERCLA 128(a) Tribal Response Program
Maintain a full archive of all cleanup and assessment sites (past and present)
Track responsible parties linked to contamination
Provide public updates and access to records about hazardous waste activities

Why It Matters:

Hazardous waste can pollute soil, water, and air—and harm the health of people, plants, and animals. We're committed to protecting our environment and the well-being of future generations through strong enforcement and transparent cleanup.

View Tribal Code 4-16 – Hazardous Substances Control Act (HSCA)

Hazardous Waste Incidents on the Colville Reservation

IWTP Monitoring, Used Oil, & Ice Mine Rock Fill
2015–2016 – Inchelium, WA
Monitoring of used oil removal and groundwater contamination near a former industrial site. Includes photos and a site map.

Lucy Covington Center Spill
November 2015- Nespelem, WA
Accidental spill at the government center investigated with sampling and reported by the Tribal Tribune.

Omak Longhouse Oil Spill
July 9, 2015 – Omak, WA
A stolen transformer leaked mineral oil along Mission and Omak Lake roads. Cleanup included oil removal and disposal from the road surface.

SR21 Gasoline Spill Site
May 19, 2015 – Keller, WA
A CHS tanker overturned near the San Poil River, spilling 2,700 gallons of gasoline and 60 gallons of diesel. Emergency response and cleanup are ongoing in collaboration with EPA.

Nespelem Post & Pole & Mineral Hill Cleanup
1980–2014 – Nespelem, WA
This long-term cleanup addressed a historic PCP/diesel spill and improperly placed contaminated soil. In 2014, all impacted soil was consolidated and capped to support future redevelopment.

Inchelium Wood Treatment Plant
1950s–2014 – Inchelium, WA
A major cleanup of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) contamination from a former wood treating facility. The project included EPA oversight and tribal funding for long-term remediation.

CIPV Purchasing Building Spill
Summer 2007 – Omak, WA
Eight leaking storage tanks were discovered near the purchasing building. Cleanup included removing contaminated soil and restoring the area.

Derelict Structures
Multiple Locations – Colville Reservation
Hazardous materials like asbestos and lead were identified in abandoned homes and buildings as part of pre-demolition planning.