Amy Thomson, Environmental Policy Analyst, & Erin Jenrich, Associate Scientist, Kuipers & Associates, LLC, Butte, Montana
Superfund law, created in 1980, being in its 29th year is truly in its infancy. Superfund was anticipated to only have environmental impacts; however, it has been discovered that often times there are impacts seen on nearby communities. Anaconda–Deer Lodge County will be presented as a case study of how communities are affected by Superfund. A brief history of the Anaconda Smelter NPL site, Superfund Cooperative agreement, and obstacles and achievements since having obtained federal assistance will be given. This presentation looks to broaden knowledge of the impacts of Superfund on communities for counties, cities, as well as regulating agencies.
Erin Jenrich is currently acting as an Associate Scientist for Kuipers & Associates in the Butte office, focusing mainly on community health and education on the Anaconda Smelter NPL Site. Erin obtained her B.S. in Occupational Safety & Health (May 2007) and a Minor in Chemistry (December 2007) from Montana Tech of the University of Montana. She continues to be an active member of the Big Sky Chapter of ASSE and the community. Erin strives to educate and assist the community of Anaconda in public health as it relates to environmental exposures of superfund impacted areas. She is also an active community member in Butte, teaching dance to children of all ages.
Amy Thomson is currently acting as Environmental Policy Analyst for Kuipers & Associates, focusing mainly on community outreach, policy, and redevelopment for the Anaconda Smelter NPL Site. Prior to coming to Montana, Amy worked in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for SRA International, Inc. Her work focused on remediation and emergency response issues for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, and the White House. Amy received her MPA in Earth Systems Science, Policy, and Management from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. She has spent the past six years actively working on superfund issues at the federal and local levels, and continues to represent community interests throughout the cleanup process. She also remains active in her own community of Butte and is a part of the Butte Symphony Chorale.