By Jenna Boivin
A little island in Multnomah County beautifully lies in the middle of the Columbia River. Since time immemorial this area has supported rich, diverse fishing traditions by the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation, and by local communities. The Yakama Nations right to fish in that area has not been taken away, but their right to safe and healthy fish, indeed has.
After the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers took over Bradford Island in 1942, there have been many changes. Bradford Island’s resident fish have some of the highest polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the country, the land was used as a dumping ground for electrical components, hazardous waste, and light bulbs, the contaminants found in this area form a long list from PCBs, to PAHs, as well as metals such as lead and arsenic, mercury, and phthalates, and the Bonneville Lock and Dam was constructed– permanently altering the landscape and flow of the river.
After years of community organizing enormously credited to the Yakama Nation, Bradford Island finally became a Superfund site in March of 2022. Two years later, on April 23rd of this spring, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finally signed a Federal Facility Agreement for the Bradford Island National Priorities List Site Cleanup. This agreement signifies the cleanup finally moving into action, most importantly with the Yakama Nation having a say, and a seat at the table.
From April 24th to June 10th, the agreement has been open to the public for review and comment. I urge you to review the agreement, and if you feel willing– leave a comment. The Columbia Gorge is your home as much as anyones, and you deserve a say in holding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers accountable for the harm they’ve done to the river, the land, the fish, and the people that rely on them. Let’s make sure the cleanup of Bradford Island moves forward righteously.
