Gov. Kotek orders water testing, independent analysis after Crook County residents claim contamination by gravel mine

'I believe we must do more to address the serious concerns that residents are raising'

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – Gov. Tina Kotek has ordered state agencies to develop a water testing plan and have an independent analysis performed as residents of over 40 Prineville-area homes claim a nearby gravel mine has caused high levels of dangerous manganese in their drinking water.

“I believe we must do more to address the serious concerns that residents are raising in Crook County,” Kotek wrote in a letter last Friday to Crook County commissioners (see full letter below).

“We must build trust with community members and develop immediate next steps to address domestic well drinking concerns,” she added.

The governor said she has directed state agencies to develop a sampling plan for the region’s water, “which includes domestic well testing from the impacted areas, both upstream and downstream from the Knife River mining facility. This includes testing the ‘water sewage lagoon.’”

Kotek said she wants to “ensure that the sampling plan provides independent analysis and includes witnesses from both industry and the affected residents to ensure transparency of collected data.”

The governor said she has directed the Department of Environmental Quality, working with the Oregon Health Authority and Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, to “move as quickly as possible on the sampling plan. All levels of government will need to partner to make a difference in the region.”

While federal officials review options for long-term funding, Kotek said her office will work with lawmakers to consider funding through the Legislative Emergency Board for DEQ to conduct their own sampling plan “in the immediate future. DEQ will be starting this sampling plan as soon as resources can be contracted for, in September or earlier.”

The governor listed steps already taken over the residents’ concerns, noting that DOGAMI last year “did not find substantial evidence connecting the mine operation to residential groundwater operations. The mine in question is downstream from groundwater flow.”

 Kotek wrote, “I am hopeful that the sampling plan that DEQ will do will provide additional information for domestic well owners and provide further information to the state regarding the underlying reasons behind the water quality situation in the basin and proposed steps to address remediation.”

The neighbors sent notice earlier this year they might sue the county and state for not shutting down the mine. Senator Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., recently visited some of the affected homes amid his continued pressing of state officials to conduct testing, putting his hand in one toilet that came out covered with black sludge.

Knife River has disputed claims its mine caused the issues seen in elevated manganese levels in the water tested by nearby residents.

County Commissioner Seth Crawford provided a statement Wednesday in response to the governor's actions:

"Crook County would like to thank Governor Kotek and her departments for responding to our letter and requests for assistance with a plan and funding to research the water issues north of Prineville.

"Groundwater regulation is beyond the jurisdiction and capability of counties, so we appreciate the state's steps in hiring an independent analyst. It is crucial for the state to identify the issues and develop solutions to this situation that affects so many of our residents. Access to clean and reliable water is essential for the health and well-being of our community."

Crawford remarked, "I am glad that the time and effort the county has invested in getting the state of Oregon involved in this issue has paid off."

Crawford told NewsChannel 21 that while Kotek mentioned in her letter a "September or earlier" target date for the state water sampling, “It’d be nice if it started earlier.”

He said the funding efforts are also appreciated, to “put out the short-term money, and then try to find other dollars. We’ve been requesting it for quite a while. If it’s going to be a ton of money, we can figure that out down the line – at least get the ball rolling.”

The affected neighbors' attorney, Ed Fitch, said Wednesday, "We are very appreciative of the Governor’s letter and commitment. It is very difficult in situations where you have working-class folks trying to get justice in face of opposition by a large corporation with deep pockets. The state’s help will address, in part, that disparity, so these residents can once again count on remediation and clean water in the future."