Groundwater Contamination Discovered Near Knife River Mine in Prineville
Groundwater contamination near a Knife River aggregate mine in Prineville has affected at least 61 properties. Residents are seeking solutions as contamination levels exceed EPA safety standards, prompting state funding for further investigation.

In Prineville, groundwater contamination linked to a Knife River aggregate mining site has impacted at least 61 properties. High levels of manganese, reaching up to 0.484 micrograms per liter, have been detected, significantly exceeding EPA limits, alongside detectable lead levels in many wells.
The mining operation, active on a 99-acre site since a split vote approval in September 2015, has led to community concerns. In February 2026, U.S. Senators announced $1.014 million for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to conduct further groundwater research, which includes surface and groundwater sampling to analyze contamination sources. This funding aims to address public health risks and inform residents of potential health impacts.




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