Announcements

Remedial Investigation phase

The Smurfit-Stone Mill site is currently in the Remedial Investigation phase of the Superfund process. In this phase, federal and state officials investigate the nature (what it is) and extent (where it is) of contamination on the site. The result of the Remedial Investigation is a Remedial Investigation report, which includes risk assessments. The next phase of the Superfund process, the Feasibility Study, identifies and evaluates cleanup options to address the contamination on site. The site team expects to complete the Remedial Investigation Report and begin the Feasibility Study in late 2026. 

Progress reports are issued monthly and posted online.  

Our Smurfit-Stone team members are always available by phone or email to address questions and concerns from the public. In 2025, EPA and DEQ site teams began hosting a series of “Community Conversations” at Old Bull Brewing in Frenchtown. These informal, one-on-one conversations provide community members with opportunities to get their questions answered and meet the EPA and DEQ site team in an informal setting. EPA also presents at Frenchtown Community Advisory Group meetings, which occur the first Thursday of each month at the Frenchtown Rural Fire District. 

Berm Surveillance and Contingency Plan

EPA developed a detailed Berm Surveillance and Contingency Plan in 2019 that outlines protective measures that will be taken to monitor the berms and help mitigate any potential future flooding threats. This document is updated annually.  

During the summer months, EPA and DEQ oversee monthly berm inspections. The inspections can increase in frequency to a weekly or daily basis based on the flood stage of the Clark Fork River adjacent to the site. Inspection reports and annual plans with updated contact information are made available to the public on this website.  

2025 Clark Fork River Berm Surveillance & Contingency Plan (pdf) (30.4MB)