Things are moving forward in the development of the former CFAC property. Columbia Falls developer, Mick Ruis, has purchased the property and he says he’s been getting inquiries from businesses who want to locate on the 2,200 acres.
But things aren’t moving that fast – the EPA and DEQ estimate upwards of four years to finish the clean-up, which includes hauling away over 32,500 cubic yards of soils contaminated with copper, nickel, selenium, zinc and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. And to protect the groundwater from cyanide and fluoride, a 3-foot thick slurry wall along with monitoring wells to expel any tainted water.
Once all this is monitored and cleared as safe, Ruis can begin with his plans to create both commercial and residential areas of the site, which at one time was the largest employer in NW Montana.
