CASE BRIEFING ~ COEUR D'ALENE LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Coeur d’Alene Lake Management Plan presents a framework for protecting and improving water quality in Coeur
d’Alene Lake and the surrounding basin. The stated goal of the plan is to:
...protect and improve lake water quality by limiting basin-wide nutrient inputs that impair lake water
quality conditions, which in turn influence the solubility of mining-related metals contamination contained
in lake sediments.
The plan was developed jointly by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ),
with assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The plan reflects agreement between the Tribe
and DEQ concerning the current state of lake water quality and lake management goals, objectives, and strategies.
This draft plan is the product of assessment and mediation services of the U.S. Institute and contracted neutral J.
Michael Harty.
In 1983, the EPA listed the Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Complex on the National Priorities List under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), often referred to as Superfund.
Although the lake is within the Superfund site, it is not included in EPA’s cleanup plans.
The plan is the product of extensive efforts to understand and address key interests of local, state, federal, and
tribal governments, whose partnership is critical for future success. It is also the product of efforts to begin
partnerships with the business community, environmental groups, and individual citizens to promote education,
understanding, and support for effective lake management.
The plan was developed to provide a road map to protect and improve water quality in Coeur d’Alene Lake. Past
mining activities in the Silver Valley deposited millions of metric tons of metals into the lake, including lead,
zinc, and cadmium. These metals now reside on the lake bottom. If these metals are not carefully managed, they can
present risks to the health of the lake, as well as to human health and the surrounding and downstream environments.
Coeur d'Alene Lake is the homeland of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and their current reservation is located around its
southern half. The lake is also a popular recreational destination, an economic catalyst for northern Idaho and
eastern Washington, and the heart of the local community. These factors all underscore the need to protect and
improve lake water quality.
The plan provides a historical view of the lake and a summary of the current status of lake water quality. It
defines an overall water quality goal and outlines objectives and strategies for improving lake water quality,
including specific actions and milestones. The plan reflects the shared view of the Tribe and DEQ that a
collaborative, adaptive, and data-driven approach is the best option to manage water quality in Coeur d’Alene Lake.
The adaptive management model will use data collected during routine monitoring to guide management decisions.
Protecting the lake’s water quality will depend upon partnerships among governments and the public. While
authority to manage the lake’s water quality rests with tribal, state, and federal governments, authority to manage
activities around the basin that impact water quality is often the responsibility of local governments. Support from
business organizations, environmental groups, and residents and visitors is also essential.
For more information about the plan see:
http://www.deq.idaho.gov/water/data_reports/surface_water/water_bodies/cda_lake_mgmt_plan.cfm.
Information in this summary is taken from a May 2008 LMP Fact Sheet prepared by Idaho DEQ and the Coeur d'Alene
Tribe
(http://www.deq.idaho.gov/water/data_reports/surface_water/water_bodies/cda_lake_fs_0608.pdf).
J. Michael Harty's assessment report is available at:
http://ecr.gov/pdf/lakeCA.pdf