The Environmental Health Program is a part of the Idaho Division of Public Health's Bureau of Environmental Health and Communicable Diseases. We partner with local public health districts, state and federal agencies, and community organizations to achieve our mission. We provide information for Idahoans about environmental factors that impact health, and how to maintain healthy environments at home, work, and school. We promote healthy homes and communities, safe water, and clean air.
Learn More about Environmental Health Factors and How to Manage Them
Health Reports
Lead contamination at Gilmore is the result of historic large-scale hard rock mining operations and wind and water erosion of mining waste. The mines on the hillsides above Gilmore operated in the early 1900s and primarily produced lead and silver ore. During the early years, processed ore was hauled over 80 miles via wagons pulled by horses or a steam-powered tractor. Later, ore was transported off the hillside by a half-mile long tramway that travelled through the townsite before emptying into waiting railroad cars.
High concentrations of lead in the soil at the Gilmore townsite were found during DEQ sampling events in 2016 and 2017. At some locations, lead soil levels are more than 50 times greater than what is considered safe for residential areas. As a result of these sampling events, DHW requested the ATSDR complete an evaluation, resulting in the ATSDR health consultation report. This report is expected to be available to the public in late June 2023.
ATSDR - Public Health Assessments & Health Consultations - Idaho
Gilmore Mine Area and Townsite Health Consultation
Please visit www.deq.idaho.gov/gilmore for more information
Contact Information for Environmental Health Program
Environmental Health Program Contact us with questions Phone: 800-445-8647 General e-mail: | Brigitta Gruenberg, M.Ed., REHS Environmental Health Section Manager Phone: 208-616-5271 | Drew Pendleton, PhD, MPH Toxicologist & Health Assessor Phone: 208-608-3915 | Kelly Berg, REHS Environmental Health Program Manager Phone: 208-608-2847 | Carolee Cooper, REHS Environmental Health Program Specialist Phone: 208-484-1863 |