Public meeting scheduled to decide $1 million for Prineville groundwater following contamination concerns
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality will host a community meeting on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, to gather public input on allocating just over $1 million in federal groundwater funding. The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the Crook County Library in Prineville, Ore.
Federal lawmakers secured the Community Initiated Project funding after Crook County residents living near the Knife River sand and gravel mine raised concerns about manganese and other contaminants in drinking water. A multi-agency technical team including the DEQ, the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey and Oregon State University is finalizing plans to address local water quality.
The DEQ previously tested 61 private domestic wells near the Knife River mine, while Knife River Corp. conducted three rounds of sampling on its property under an agency-approved plan. All private well results were submitted to the Oregon Health Authority for public health assessments. Test data revealed varying levels of manganese and arsenic across deep and shallow wells, though officials found no clear singular source for the metals.
Manganese and arsenic occur naturally in local soil and rock from regional volcanic activity. Changes in oxygen levels within groundwater can alter subsurface geochemistry, mobilizing the metals into private drinking wells. Various natural and human-caused factors influence water chemistry, including pumping patterns, drought conditions, irrigation, leaking septic systems and individual well conditions.
State and federal agencies are presenting three research options for spending the federal funds. The first option would expand the groundwater investigation into the specific source of manganese, which could take a year or more without guaranteeing clear evidence. The second option would direct funds toward safe drinking water solutions, such as evaluating water treatment or delivery methods.
The third option, recommended by the DEQ and supported by the impacted community, involves two additional rounds of domestic well sampling and soil testing within a focused area around the mine. The DEQ would coordinate and complete this focused scope in about one year. Members of the Crook County Board of Commissioners may attend the meeting to listen to community feedback, though they will not conduct official business or participate in deliberations.
The meeting will take place strictly in person, with no remote attendance options provided. Residents requiring disability accommodations, language interpretation or communication aids may contact the Crook County Administration Office at 541-447-6555 or email Eric Blaine at Eric.Blaine@crookcountyor.gov. Requests should be submitted at least five days in advance to allow time for event coordination.
The DEQ plans to request a working session with the Crook County Board of Commissioners to informally discuss the options and determine the next steps for project funding.
