January 2025 – EPA issued Record of Decision

In short, it leaves all the toxic waste on-site and 1) encloses it with a slurry wall to hold back the toxin-laden ground water from flowing to the Flathead River, and 2) excavates the surface soils that are contaminated with toxins but not deemed a threat to ground water, and consolidates on-site in the landfills. Over the years they will perform regular tests to determine the continuing effectiveness.

Summer 2025 – EPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order (UAO) allowing Glencore/CFAC contractors to begin performing follow up testing of ground water, soils, etc. to determine if there has been any change since the last tests were completed in 2018. The data to be analyzed during the winter months, and spring 2026 will bring contractors on site to begin final design of the work plan, including ongoing monitoring and possibly more sampling. EPA estimates construction will begin in 2027.

Consent Decree – to be issued soon and approved in Federal District Court; primarily deals with legal and financial aspects of the agreement between Glencore/CFAC, ARCO and EPA. Public comments will be welcome.