A 2012 study by the Washington State Department of Ecology found elevated levels of lead, arsenic and cadmium in soils within two miles of the U.S./Canada border. In 2014, EPA conducted soil sampling at 74 residential properties in/near the Northport area, including six tribal allotments. This work was funded by Teck as part of the 2006 Settlement Agreement between Teck and EPA under which Teck is conducting an RI/FS with EPA oversight. The soils sample results revealed the presence of lead in residential and tribal allotment properties at levels exceeding 700 ppm, the action level determined by EPA Region 10 to trigger time-critical removal actions at the Upper Columbia River site. EPA, Teck Metals Ltd. and Teck American Inc. have negotiated a Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order on Consent under CERCLA that provides for the performance of the removal action. EPA is continuing to work with the individual landowners whose properties are affected by the soil removal action, as well as with the Colville Confederated Tribes with respect to the Tribal allotments.