Mining Sites on the NPL «yp o c |QOr
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Solid Waste
August 1995
DRAFT
Prepared by:
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Solid Waste
401 M Street., S.W.
Washington D.C. 20460
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
-------
8KB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO MOT CIRCULATE
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Mining Sites on the NPL
U.8.E.P.A./08W
AUQUSt 1995
SECTOR
ALUMINUM
ASBESTOS
CHROMIUM
COPPER
(
GOLD/SILVER
LEAD /ZINC
*
LITHIUM
MERCURY
SITE
Alcoa, Vancouver Smelter
Martin Marietta Alluminum Co.
Ormet Corp.
National Soutbwir* Aluminum Co.
Revnolds Metal
Atlas Asbestos Mine
Johns-Many i lie coalinaa Asbestos
Mouat Industries
Shield Allov Corn.
Anaconda Smelter
Blackbird Mine
Celtor Chemical Works
Commencement Bay Nearshore/Tideflats
Kennecott (North lone)
Kennecott (South Zone)
Mi 11 town Reservior Sediments
Silver Bow Creek
Torch Lake
U.S. Smelter and Lead Refinerv INC.
Annie Creek Mine Tailings
Carson River Mercury
Cimarron Mining Landfill
clear Creek/Central city Site
Denver Radium
Silver Mountain Mine
Summitville Mine
White Wood Creek
Big River Mine Tail ings /St. Joe Minal Corp.
Bunker Hill Mining & Metallurgical Complex
Cherokee County
Cleveland Mill
East Helena
Midvale Slag
Hurry Smelter
National Sine Corp.
Oronogo-Duenweg Mining Belt
Palmerton Zinc
Tar Creek
Poote Mineral Comoanv
Sulfur Bank Mercurv
STATE
WA.
OR.
OH.
OH.
OR.
CA.
CA.
MT.
NJ.
MT.
ID.
CA.
WA.
UT.
UT.
MT.
MT.
MI.
ID.
SD.
NV.
NM.
CO.
CO.
WA.
CO.
SD.
MO.
ID.
KS.
NM.
MT.
UT.
UT.
OK.
MO.
PA.
KS.
PA.
CA.
PAGE
1
1
2
3
3
4
5
5
6
7
7
8
9
9
10
11
11
12
13
13
14
14
15
16
16
17
18
18
19
20
20
21
22
22
23
23
24
24
25
26
Sites in bold print are additions as of 1994
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
MULTIPLE-
SECTORS
'
PHOSPHATE
TITANIUM
TUNGSTEN
URANIUM,
THORIUM, &
VANADIUM
California Gulch
Eagle Mine
Iron Mountian Mine
Richardson Flat Tailings
Sharon Steel Corp. (Midvale Smelter)
Smeltertown
Smuggler Mountain
Tex-Tin Corp.
Triuaoh Nine Tailings Piles
Eastern Michuad Flats
Monsanto (Soda Springs Plant)
St*u££*r Chemical Co. fTanon Sorinos)
U.S^ Titanium
Li Tunasten Corporation
Austin Avenue Radiation Site
Glen Ridge/Montclair/West Orange/US Radium
Homestake Mill
Kerr McGee [1) Kress Creek, 2) Reed-Kepplef
Park, 3) Residential Area's, 4) Sewage
Treatment Plant)
Kerr McGee Chemical Corp.
Lincoln Park
Monticello Mill
Mont ice llo Rad. Contaminated Properties
St. Louis Airport/Hazelwood Interim Storage/
Futura Coatings
United Nuclear Corp.
Uravan Uranium
W.R. Grace
CO.
CO.
CA.
UT.
UT.
CO.
CO.
CO.
ID.
ID.
ID.
UT.
VA.
NY.
PA.
NJ.
NM.
IL.
ID.
CO.
UT.
UT.
MO.
NM.
CO.
NJ.
27
27
28
29
29
29
30
31
32
32
33
33
34
35
36
36
37
37
38
39
39
40
41
42
42
43
ZIRCONIUM
Teledyne Hah Clung
OR.
44
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
'sites in bold print are addition as of 1994
1Blackbird mine added in 1993
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Mining Sites on the HPL
U.S.E.P.A./OSW
August 19.95
ALUMINUM
ALCOA, Vancouver Smelter, WA.
Site Description/Contaminants of concern: This site includes an
active smelter, and three waste piles containing approximately
66,000 tons of waste deposited on the North bank of the Columbia
River. Contaminants of concern include cyanide, fluoride, and
TCE.
Environmental Damages and Risks : There is documented groundwater
and soil contamination, though no documented effects have been
found for surface water (Columbia River) due to dilution.
Cost of Remediation: Continued ground water monitoring and
testing at the site using existing wells is projected to cost
$310,000. On-site containment is expected to cost between $1.36
and $3.61 million. Waste removal will cost from $12.5 to $14.7
million.
Martin Marietta Aluminum Co., The Dalies, OR
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: The site contains a
15-acre landfill containing approximately 200,000 cubic yards of
waste, including asbestos, metallic wastes, and 5,000 tons of
spent cathode-waste materials containing cyanide, polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and arsenic. In addition,
approximately 64,670 cubic yards of cathode-waste material was
deposited at the unloading area and at the old cathode-waste
management area. There are four scrubber sludge ponds over 14.8
acres containing contaminated sludge and subsoil. Primary
contaminants of concern: volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
including trichloroethylene (TCE), PAHs, and inorganics such as
asbestos, cyanide, arsenic, and other metals.
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Environmental Damages and Risks: The major sources of
contamination at the site include impacts to ground water,
surface water, soil and air. The ground water system consists of
4 different aquifers contaminated with varying levels of total
and free cyanide, fluoride, sodium, and sulfate. Major surface
water resources in the area include the Columbia River and its
tributaries. Prior to construction of a runoff interception
network, leachate from the landfill discharged into the alluvial
aquifer. Of seven surface water ponds on site, four scrubber
sludge ponds are no longer in use, though they continue to
intersect the water table, and the Recycle Pond and Lined Pond
are no longer in use as part of the plant's production operation.
(The Recycle Pond continues to discharge into the Columbia under
NPDES). PAHs are found in soils and sediments.
Cost of Remediation.: Cyanide compounds were detected in ground
water in the spring of 1983. The Rl/FS was completed in June
1988. .Remedial action included excavating the cathode-waste
material and placing it in a landfill, covering the two remaining
uncovered sludge ponds with soil, plugging nearby production
wells, collecting and treating leachate, and groundwater
monitoring. Cost: $6,707,400 + operation and maintenance costs.
Ormet Corporation, Hannibal, OH
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: This 175-acre site is
an active primary aluminum-reduction facility in operation since
1958. The site encompasses five unlined waste water ponds
totalling 10 acres that are used for the disposal of wet scrubber.
sludge, and two spent potliner storage areas also totalling 10
acres. Sludge disposal and potliner storage practices are
responsible for contamination of ground water with elevated
levels of fluoride, cyanide, and sodium.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Three interceptor wells were
designed to capture contaminated ground water to prevent
contamination of process water and drinking water wells. Monthly
sampling from the third interceptor well installed in 1982
indicates that levels of fluoride ranged from 58 to 89 ppb, and
pH ranged from 8.7 to 9.0. New monitoring wells found fluoride
levels as high as 460 mg/1, total cyanide as high as 110 mg/1 and
sodium levels as high as 3,150 mg/1. Analyses of lagoon sediments
indicate effluent from the facility contains polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs). Sediments demonstrated acute toxicity after
toxicity studies were performed.
Cost of Remediation: Two interceptor wells were installed in 1972
to collect contaminated ground water. A third well was installed
in 1982. Thirty-nine monitoring wells were installed on the site
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
in 1972 and in 1983. Remedial actions include continued
monitoring, groundwater pumping, and continued injection of fresh
water to control migration of contaminated ground water. No cost
estimates were available.
National Southwire Aluminum Co., Hawesville, KY.
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Aluminum reduction
operations began in 1969 on a 1,100 acre site in a rural section
of Hancock County near Hawesville, Kentucky. Two clay lined
ponds, each covering 5 to 7 acres, were constructed for disposal
of spent pot linings from the aluminum reduction process and
calcium fluoride slurry from the air quality control system.
National South Wire (NSA), closed the north pond and covered it
with a synthetic cap and a layer of soil after a preliminary
assessment was conducted in 1986. A third, synthetically-lined
pond, designated as the new pond, is now used for disposal of the
calcium fluoride slurry. Contaminants of concern include
cyanide, arsenic, lead, fluoride, and nickel.
Environmental Damages and Risks: In 1979, NSA determined that
leaching was occurring beneath the North Pond. Cyanide, which is
produced in the aluminum reduction process and which is present
in the pot liners, and fluoride were found in ground water in the
area of the disposal ponds. In 1985, NSA found cyanide in one of
its three production wells. At that time, the wells were
providing drinking water to more than 1,000 employees. Other
wells that draw from the Ohio River alluvial aquifer within 4
miles of NSA currently serve approximately 16,000 people. In
1989 EPA detected significant concentrations of cyanide, arsenic,
lead, and nickel in on-site ground water and sediments in the
plants's effluent ditch, which flows along the west border of the
plant, alongside the disposal ponds, and into the Ohio River.
Reynolds Metals, Troutdale, Oregon
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: The Reynolds facility
is primary aluminum reduction plant where alumina from bauxite is
reduced to aluminum. The facility is 1.25 miles north of the
city of Troutdale, Oregon. The Columbia River forms its northern
border and the Sandy River forms its eastern border. The plant
was built in 1941 and was leased to Reynolds from the government
in 1946. In 1949 Reynolds purchased the plant. The plant was
shut down in 1991 due to economic reasons. Large quantities of
wastes were produced at the Reynolds plant during the production
of aluminum, twenty-one separate wastes streams were identified
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
by Reynolds in response to an EPA information request letter.
Major hazardous substances of concern include polyaromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs), aluminum and other metals associated with
bauxite, cyanide, fluoride, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
from electrical equipment.
Environmental Risks and Damages: An EPA contractor took samples
from surface and subsurface soil, sediment, surface water,
groundwater and an unknown waste pile. Elevated concentrations
of cyanide, PAHs, many metals and fluoride were detected in
various sources on-site. Elevated levels of cyanide and fluoride
were detected in several on-site drinking water wells.
Significant concentrations of aluminum, barium, manganese,
cyanide, and fluoride were detected in the surface water samples.
Concentrations of copper and cyanide in an on-site drainage ditch
witch flows to an on-site lake and then Columbia River exceeded
the fresh water quality criteria promulgated under the clean
water act. Elevated concentrations of PAHs were detected in
sediment samples taken from the ditch and lake. The same
contaminants were also detected in on-site wetlands.
Date/Type/Cost of Remediation: The Reynolds Metal Company (RMC)
has expressed an interest in investigating and conducting early
actions under the EPA Removal Program. RMC has initialed an
integrated assessment under EPA oversight. The scheduled seven
week assessment is the first phase of investigations and is a
cooperative effort between RMC and EPA. On-site groundwater
contamination and newly discovered dump sites are being
characterized and evaluated for expedited actions.
ASBESTOS
Atlas Asbestos Mine, Fresno County, CA
Site Description/Contaminants Of Concern: Asbestos mining &
milling operations ceased in 1979. The site includes three open
pit mines, stockpiles of asbestos waste material within the
mines, abandoned mill facilities, and an area of stockpiled waste
in vicinity, of mill facilities. The main contaminant of concern
is chrysotile asbestos.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Environmental effects include
air, surface water, and soil contamination. Results of air
sampling indicate asbestos concentrations at all sampling
stations to be higher than accepted background levels. Asbestos
concentrations in surface water near Atlas mine site exceeds both
the ambient water quality criterion for the protection of human
health and the proposed maximum contaminant goal. Soil samples in
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
the vicinity of Atlas Mine found large amounts of highly
concentrated asbestos. The Atlas facility drains directly into
the White Creek and then to a flood area along the California
Aqueduct. During heavy floods the water is released in to drain
inlets and asbestos is carried into the aqueduct.
Data/Type/Costs of Remediation: The selected remedy from the
2/14/91 ROD includes restricting access to the site by preventing
off-road vehicle use and diverting surface water around
contaminated soils. The estimated cost is $4.2 million.
Johns-Manville Coalinga Asbestos/ Fresno, CA
Sit* Description/Contaminants of Concern: The mill operated from
1959 to mid-1974. The site covers approximately 25 acres and
includes partially demolished mill buildings, an 8-acre process
waste tailings pile containing 450,000 cubic yards of
concentrated asbestos, and an inactive chromite mine. The main
asbestos tailings pile is located in the east fork of Pine Canyon
Creek. Erosion has created gullies 15 feet wide and 10 feet deep
in the down slope of the tailings pile despite the presence of a
small dam below the tailings pile. The main contaminant of
concern is chrysotile asbestos.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Air sampling measured asbestos
concentration levels up slope at 10,896 fibers/cubic meter and
down slope at 9,274 fibers/cubic meter. (The generally accepted
background levels are 100 fibers/cubic meter.) Asbestos
concentrations in surface water exceeded both the ambient water
quality criterion for the protection of human health and the
proposed maximum contaminant level goal. Soils and sediments on
site were also contaminated with elevated levels of asbestos.
Cost of Remediation: Phase I of the Remedial investigation was
completed in March 1990, and the Feasibility Study was completed
in May 1990. A ROD was signed in September 1990. The preferred
remedial activity includes diverting the.East Fork of Pine Canyon
Creek and stabilizing the tailings pile. The estimated cost is
$1.9 million.
CHROMIUM
Mouat Industries, Columbus, XT
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Chromium ore mining and
processing operations began in the mid-1950's and ended in 1963.
The site was used to process chromium ore into a high grade
sodium dichromate for use as a corrosion inhibitor. Waste piles
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
from these processes contained residual sodium dichromate as well
as sodium chrornate. Both total and hexavalent chromium have been
found in soil, surface water, and ground water on and/or adjacent
to the Mouat Industries site. Contaminants of concern are
chromium and antimony, both found in soils at levels
significantly above background.
Environmental Damages and Risks: A 1989 Preliminary Endangerment
Assessment lists ground water, surface water, soil, and air as
potential exposure pathways. Chromium was originally released to
the soil as a result of spills and sodium dichromate leaching
from the waste piles stored on-site. Infiltration and
precipitation of contaminants through soils has contaminated
ground water. Ground water has transported contaminants off-site.,
Sampling performed in 1985 of monitoring wells down gradient of
the site found concentrations of hexavalent chromium at 2.8 ppm,
well above the Federal Primary Drinking Water Standard of 50 ppb.
Hexavalent chromium has been found in surface-water samples down
gradient from the site.
Cost of Remediation: In 1963 Monte Vista Corp. assumed control of
the facility and removed the chromium processing plant and the
chromium ore stockpile. In 1990 a chain link fence was erected
around the site of the former waste pile. Monitoring wells
drilled in the 1970's were capped in 1990. No cost information
was available.
Shield Alloy Corp., Gloucester/ New Jersey:
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: The Shield Alloy Corp.
was a producer of chromium alloy products. In 1979 the plant
constructed a decontamination plant for the treatment of chromium
contaminated groundwater. There are slag piles and low-level
radioactive wastes on-site. On and off-site groundwater are
contaminated with volatile organic compounds and hexavalent
chromium.
Environmental Damages and Risks: About 56,000 people live within
a 2 mile radius of the site. Ground water and soils are
contaminated with volatile organic carbons (VOC's) and possibly
radionuclides. The Hudson Branch Tributary of the Maurice River
contains hexavalent chromium and VOC's. Other risks include
drinking or direct contact with groundwater and surface water,
inhaling contaminated air particles, and consuming contaminated
fish from nearby surface waters.
COPPER
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Anaconda Smelter, Mill Creek , MT
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Copper smelting by the
Anaconda Copper Mining Company began in the 1880's and did not
cease until 1980. This site is one of four separate but
contiguous Superfund sites located in the Clark Fork River Basin,
including Mi11town Reservoir Sediments site, and Silver Bow
Creek. Wastes generated at this site include: 185 million cubic
yards of tailings; 27 million cubic yards of granulated slag; and
0.25 million cubic yards of flue dust. The contaminants of
concern at this site include arsenic, lead, and cadmium.
Environmental Damages and Riskst This site has documented soil,
drinking water, and surface water contamination, as well as
airborne contamination. Investigations found that Mill Creek had
the highest levels of contamination of any inhabited areas around
the smelter. Mill Creek had a population of 100 people; it is
now uninhabitated and the houses have been demolished. Anaconda
with a population of 10,000 people, is a half mile west of the
smelter.
Cost of Remediation: Remediation began on the Mill Creek Operable
Unit with a 1987 ROD proposing the relocation of residents. The
cost of relocation was $300,000.
Blackbird Mine, Lemhi, Idaho
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: The mine covers 830
acres of private patented mining claims and 10,000 acres of
unpatented claims, all within Salmon National Forest. Blackbird
mine is in the Panther Creek drainage, part of the Salmon River
System, and is surrounded by steep rocky slopes. The mine lies
on a surface water divide of two tributaries that drain from
Panther Creek, which includes several small tributary streams and
springs.
Since the late 1800s, various companies have mined for
cobalt and copper by shaft and by open pit methods, the current
owner, the Noranda Mining Co., has not operated the mine since
1982. Mining tunnels and waste rock piles are scattered along 8
miles of Meadow and Blackbird Creeks. The piles and the open pit
mine are located at the headwaters of Bucktail Creek. Some piles
are as large as 2 million cubic yards.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Acid drainage from the tunnels
and leaching from wastes piles contribute to poor quality streams
in the area. Many investigations have documented the poor water
quality and negative impacts on aquatic life of creeks down
stream of the mine. The most recent sampling documented high
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
levels of arsenic, copper, cobalt, and nickel in downstream
surface water and sediments. Copper levels exceeded EPA's Fresh
Water Abient Water Quality Criteria. The Snake River Sockeye
Salmon, designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as an
endangered species, and the Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook
Salmon, designated as a threatened species are potentially
affected by poor water quality.
Celtor Chemical Works/ Humboldt Co., CA
Sit* Description/Contaminants of Concern: Celtor copper and zinc
milling operations operated from 1958 until the early 1960's. The
site consists of the plant, a pasture used for grazing livestock,
a fishing access road that is used by residents, a drainage
creek, and the Trinity River. The Celtor Chemical Works Mill
milled sulfide ores shipped from the Copper Bluff Mine.
Contaminated areas at the site include tailings piles, ore bins,
vats, an access road, and a ditch. Combined, these areas are a
source of approximately 1,350 cubic yards of material highly
contaminated with heavy metals. Tailings were stockpiled or
presumably flushed down a gully to the Trinity River. This may
have been the cause of several fishkills in the area.
Contaminants of concern include arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead,
mercury, silver, and zinc.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Surface water sampled up
gradient and in the immediate vicinity of the site measured
elevated levels of cadmium, copper, lead and zinc. Samples taken
in the immediate vicinity of the site measured contaminants above
both Federal Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Freshwater
Aquatic Life (AWQCFAL) levels and Federal Drinking Water
Standards (DWS). Native soils in the mill site area have also
been contaminated by ore and tailings and were measured above the
California Assessment Method (CAM) for making Total Threshold
Limit Concentration (TTLC) criteria. Naturally occurring iron was
the only element detected in analyses of groundwater samples. An
approximate 900 people live within 3 miles of the site. The
Trinity River, which supports the only fish resources for the
Hoopa Indians, runs though the reservation and near the site.
Cost of Remediation: EPA conducted an Initial Measure
Investigation and Focused Feasibility Study in 1983. The study
prompted removal of roughly 1,400 cubic yards of contaminated
materials from the site, and also discovered additional
contamination at the site suggesting further remedial activities.
As of February 1989, the cost of remedial activities was
$4.9 million.
8
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Commencement Bay Nearshore/TideFlats, Tacoma, WA
Sit* Description/Contaminants of Concern: This site began lead
smelting in 1889, before copper milling and smelting operations
began in 1902. Refining operations ceased in 1979, and the
smelter closed in 1985. The arsenic processing plant operated
until Jan. or Feb. 1986. The site encompasses the Port of Tacoma
and includes 10 to 12 miles of shallow water, shoreline, and
adjacent land. The site is divided into seven operable units: (I)
sediment contamination; (2) on-site contamination of American
Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) Tacoma Smelter property;
(3) the Tacoma Tar Pits; (4) off-site contamination of the
residential area surrounding the ASARCO Tacoma Smelter; (5)
sources of sediment contamination; (6) contaminated sediments
along the Ruston-Point Defiance Shoreline Waterway; and (7)
demolition of the ASARCO Tacoma Smelter. (The NPL summary
addresses only OU's 2,4,6, and 7.) Contaminants of concern
include arsenic, antimony, cadmium, chromium, and other metals.
Environmental Damages and Risks: 1974 ambient air sampling
concluded that the ASARCO Tacoma Smelter was a major source of
off-site surficial soil contamination. At OU /2, potential
exposure pathways include: groundwater, surface water runoff, and
inhalation or ingestion of contaminated dust or soil. At OU #4,
exposure pathways include inhalation or ingestion of contaminated
dust or soil, contaminated building materials, and through the
food chain. At OU #6, surface water, sediments, and aquatic life
are the listed exposure pathways. For OU #7, contaminated
building materials and contaminated particulate matter are
potential exposure pathways.
i
Cost of Remediation: Objectives of remedial actions at the
Operable units related to ASARCO include removal of contaminated
or hazardous buildings and structures, demolition of the unstable
smelter stack, control of ground and surface water contamination,
and remediation of contaminated marine sediments. Cost
information regarding remediation of OUs 2,4, and 6 is not
available. Range of costs for remediation of OU 7 is $12-37
million.
Kennecott (North Zone), Magna, Utah
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: The Kennecott (North
Zone) site is located near the south shore of the Great Salt
lake. Magna, the nearest town, has a population of approximately
17,800 people and is located south of the large Kennecott
tailings pond. The primary metal currently produced is copper.
Contaminants in.the various sources include arsenic, chromium,
copper, lead, selenium, and zinc.
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Environmental Risks and Damages: Kennecott Copper Corp., which
owns the site, has operated a wide variety of mineral processing
and production facilities in the area since around 1900. The
site covers a large area and sources of contamination include the
5,700 acre tailings pond, a slag pile, contaminated residential
soils in the town of Magna, and the refinery evaporation pond.
Analysis of ground water monitoring wells have found high levels
of arsenic and selenium. The principle aquifer, which supplies
water to the Magna municipal water system, underlies many of the
sources at the site. In addition, surface water analysis near
wetlands show releases of copper to the ditch near the large
tailings pond.
Type of Remediation: Kennecott is conducting an investigation in
the area near the smelter to determine the nature and the extent
of the contamination prior to constructing a new smelter.
Kennecott (South Zone), Copperton, Utah
Site Description/Contaminants of Concernz The site area is
located in Salt Lake County, Utah. Mining in the area began in
1860s, with the copper being the primary metal produced. Various
mining companies have operated in the district over the years,
including Anaconda Co. and Kennecott Copper Corp.. Kennecott
sent much of the mineral processing waste and copper ore from
these operations north to the Kennnecott (North Zone). Tailings
waste produced in the South Zone is shipped to the North Zone
slurry and Rail. The South Zone includes wastes associated with
extracting and concentrating copper ore.
Environmental Risks and Damages: The largest source at the South
Zone is the leach Dumps, which cover 5,350 acres. Contaminants
found in waste sources at the South Zone include arsenic,
cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, selenium, silver, and
zinc.
Many contaminants in the Salt Lake Valley use ground water
for municipal water supplies. In the area of the sulfate plume
identified by.Kennecott reports, communities are precluded from
using the resource. Concentrations of arsenic and cadmium have
been found in two municipal wells and one domestic drinking water
well. Chromium was also found in a domestic drinking water well.
A large sulfate plume that originates from the Large Bingham
Reservoir extends for miles in the Salt Lake Valley Principal
Aquifer. Soil has been contaminated with tailings in residential
areas within the city of West Jordan.
*
Type Of Remediation: Kennecott has participated in cleanup work
10
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
under EPA enforcement orders. Kennecott provided transportation
and repository for cleanup of highly contaminated soils in west
Jordan. Sludge and tailings have been removed from the large and
small Bingham Reservoirs and are cerraintly being regraded and
lined. Kennecott is presently removing waste rock and tailings
from the Lark area and Bingham Creek.
Mi11town Reservoir Sediments, Mi11town, MT
Sit* Description/Contaminants of Concern: No mining,
beneficiation, or processing activities occurred at this site;
however, metals mining along the Clark Fork River has impacted
the Mi11town Reservoir. Large volumes of river-borne sediments
from upstream mining areas of Anaconda and Butte have accumulated
in the reservoir created by the Mi11town Darn which was
constructed in 1906. These sediments have been determined to be
the source of both surface and groundwater contamination. The
primary contaminant of concern is arsenic.
Environmental Damages and Risks: The Mi11town Reservoir is
believed to contain an estimated 120 million cubic feet of
sediment contaminated with heavy metals. In 1983, arsenic was
discovered in four Mi11town community wells at levels between
0.54 and 0.90 milligrams per liter. The Clark Fork arm of the
Reservoir contains metal concentrations 5 to 17 times greater
than metal concentrations in the Blackfoot Arm. Surface water
sampling performed in 1989 found increases in heavy metals and
TSS from upstream to downstream of the Reservoir. The site was
listed on the NPL in 1983
cost of Remediation: A ROD was signed in 1984. Remedial
activities included constructing a new drinking water well in a
separate aquifer, cleaning the existing water distribution
system, and continuing ongoing monitoring. Capital costs are
estimated to be $272,714. Operations and maintenance (O&M) costs
are projected to be $4,238/year.
Silver Bow creek, Butte, MT
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Metal mining, milling,
and smelting operations began in the 1880's and continued through
1960 at this site. This site is another one of the four separate
but contiguous Superfund sites located along the Clark Fork
River. The Silver Bow Creek site encompasses over 2,000 acres and
includes the cities of Butte and Walkerville, the Berkeley Pit,
numerous underground mine works, the Continental Pit, Silver Bow
11
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Creek, Warm Springs Ponds, and Rocker Timber Framing and Treating
Plant. Discharge from mining, smelting, wood treating, and other
industrial sources for over 110 years has contaminated soils,
surface water, and ground water. The site is divided into seven
operable units. Contaminants of concern include arsenic and other
heavy metals.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Soils at the site contaminated
by elevated levels of lead, arsenic, copper, cadmium, and mercury
include alluvial soils along the Silver Bow Creek floodplain, and
surface soils and sediments farther removed from the streambanks.
High levels of metal contamination have been detected in
residential areas located near mine wastes. Federal Drinking
Water Standards were exceeded for arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron,
zinc, and sulfate as measured in several domestic wells.
Costs of Remediation: Remedial actions developed for each of the
seven operable units attempt to control contamination associated
with pond bottom sediments, surface water, mine tailings,
contaminated soils and ground water. Cost estimates were provided
for OUI-(Warm Springs Ponds) at $57 million + $379,000 O&M
annually.
Torch Lake/ Houghton Co., MX
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Copper milling along
the shore of Torch Lake began in 1868. Processing activities
continued until 1968. The site is located on the Keweenaw
Peninsula of upper Michigan in an area that dominated Michigan's
copper mining smelting, and milling activities for over 100
years. Approximately 200 million tons of tailings were pumped
into Torch Lake, reducing its volume by 20%. The site has three
operable units including: surface tailings and contents of buried
drums along the shore of the lake; potentially contaminated media
in and around Torch Lake; and other tailings sources.
Contaminants of concern include arsenic, copper, lead and zinc.
This report discussed developments with respect to Operable Unit
1 only. Rls for the remaining two OUs were not complete at the
time the Site Summary Reports were written.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Sources of contamination in OU1
are tailings and associated debris, drums in the tailings, drums
in the lake, and industrial chemicals. Potential pathways for
contamination include air, ground water, surface water, and
sediments. Sediments are believed to be 70 feet thick in some
areas, and surficial sediments contain up to 2,000 ppm of copper.
Contamination of these media, including contamination of ground
water from tailings in OU1, will be discussed in the Remedial
Investigation for OU2. An estimated 27,000 gallons of cupric
ammonium carbonate were deposited into the lake. The Michigan
12
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: .DO NOT CIRCULATE
Department of Public Health (MDPH) issued a fish consumption
advisory on Sauger and Walleye caught in Torch Lake due to an
increased incidence of lesions and tumors found on these fish.
Processing water containing 2,400 times the allowable limits for
copper and 100 times the limit for ammonia was dumped into the
Tamarack lagoon system.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: Remedial actions began in 1968.
Attempts have been made to vegetate tailings deposits on lake
shoreline; sewage sludge was sprayed on the tailings to promote
vegetative growth; annual restocking and periodic sampling of
fish has been performed; and wastewater treatment facilities have
been upgraded. No cost information was available.
U.S. Smelter and Lead Refinery, IMC., Lake Co./Indiana
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: For 14 years the USS
Lead operated as a copper smelter, but in 1920 a lead smelter was
added to its operation. Contaminants of concern are the blast
furnace slag, the lead containing dust emitted by the blast
furnace stack, lead, cadmium, copper, arsenic, and zinc.
Environmental Damages and Risks: The lead containing dust has
spread throughout the site and surrounding buildings. Nearby
surface waters were contaminated because slag water was dumped
into the wet lands. Lead particles were found down wind of the
site. Approximately 4.1 million people draw drinking water from
the intakes of Lake Michigan which is 15 miles downstream of the
hazardous substance. Lake Michigan and other nearby canals and
rivers are fishing areas. Two endangered species live a quarter
of a mile from the site.
GOLD AMD SILVER
Annie Creek Mine Tailings, Lawrence Co., South Dakota
site Description/contamination of Concern: The Annie Creek Mine
is located in the Black Hills National Forest. Gold ore was
processed here for 9 years and tailings were disposed of on site.
Contaminants of concern are arsenic, aluminum, cobalt, iron,
manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, silver, vanadium and zinc.
Environmental Damages and Risks: High concentrations of arsenic
were discovered in the Annie Creek water and sediment and in the
Spearfish Creek. Both Annie Creek and Spearfish Creek are used
for the spawning and the fishing of trout.
13
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Carson River Mercury/ Lyon and Churchill Co./ NV
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Gold and silver
processing began in the late 1880's using mercury to amalgamate
the metals. The Carson River site consists of sediments in toe
Carson River and hundreds of tailings piles contaminated with
mercury from the amalgamation process. An estimated 7,500 tons of
mercury were lost during milling processes, much of which is
incorporated into uncontained mill tailings. Mercury is the
contaminant of concern at this site.
Environmental Damages and Risks: The tailings pile contained
concentrations of mercury at 443 ppb. Mercury was detected in
three of 46 surface water samples at levels just above the 0.5
ppb detection limit. Another 4 samples obtained from the reach of
Carson River measured mercury concentration levels above
detection. Groundwater samples from domestic and monitoring wells
from Brunswick Canyon to Lahontan Reservoir measured mercury
concentrations of less than .0005 ppm. Air sampling detected
mercury under temperatures exceeding 100 degrees fahrenheit or
under.windy conditions. Varying levels of mercury were measured
in several different species of fish, from a maximum of 9.52
mg/kg in muscle tissue of striped bass to 23.65 ing/kg in liver
tissue of the same species.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: An RI/FS was initiated in
September 1990. EPA would like to stabilize contaminated tailings
piles on-site to control mercury vapors and leaching. NDEP
suggests impounding stream water before it enters the reservoir
during the snow melt season to allow mercury to settle out. No
information is available regarding the cost of the remedies or
whether or not these remedies have been selected.
Cimarron Mining Landfill/ Carizozo, KM
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Beginning in 1979, a
cyanide process was used to extract precious metals from ore
transported to the mill. The mill facility ceased operating in
July 1982 after receiving a Notice of Violation from the NMEID
for discharging into a nonpermitted discharge pit. The Cimarron
site consists of an inactive cyanidation mill that discharged
contaminated liquids and stockpiled contaminated tailings and
waste trench sediment at the site. Contaminants of concern at
this site include cyanide, chromium, lead, iron, manganese,
selenium, and other metals.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Contaminated media of most
concern at the site are shallow ground water and surface soils.
The area of the site most affected by elevated metals
14
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
concentrations in ground water is below and down gradient of the
tailings disposal area. Cyanide contaminated soils are largely
found in tailings piles, sediment piles, the discharge pit, and
trenches. Air sampling detected low levels of cyanide.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: The New Mexico Environmental
Improvement Division (NMEID) began investigations at the site in
1980. An Rl/FS was conducted between 5/89 and 5/90. The remedy
for the site would remediate contaminated shallow ground water
and would prevent further contamination of ground water by the
cinder block trenches and the discharge pit. The estimated cost
for site remediation is $104,525.
Clear Creek/Central city site, clear Creek, CO
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Gold, silver, copper,
lead, molybdenum, and zinc mining began in 1859. There are 25
mines and 6 milling operations currently active. Investigations
at the site focused on discharges of acid mine drainage (AMD),
from gold, silver, copper, lead, molybdenum and zinc mines, and
milling and mining wastes from five mines/tunnels in the Clear
Creek and North Clear Creek drainage. Contaminants of concern for
human receptors in surface water include aluminum, arsenic,
cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, nickel, and silver. Copper,
fluoride, and zinc are additional contaminants of concern for
aquatic receptors.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Surface water contamination has
resulted from AMD emanating from the five tunnels and from
seepage of groundwater through tailings piles. Sediments
downstream of the Argo and Big Five Tunnels show elevated levels
of metals. Elevated levels of aluminum and copper were detected
in sediments upstream of these two tunnels. Groundwater sampling
revealed high-metals concentration exceeding human health
standards. Dust and wind-blown particles originating from
tailings piles have been evaluated as a potential exposure
pathway. .
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: Remedial investigations began in
1985 and focused on mine-tunnel discharge treatment, tailings and
waste-rock remediation, and site-wide remediation. The costs for
mine-tunnel discharge remediation and for tailings and waste rock
remediation are $25 million and $1.05 million, respectively. No
further estimates were provided in the references.
15
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Denver Radium (Robinson Brick), Denver, CO
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: In 1886 The Bailey
Smelter began operation on this site. In 1890 The Gold and
Silver Extraction Co. established a mill and laboratory at this
site to process ore. In 1902 the Colorado Zinc Co. constructed a
mill on the site which operated until 1911. In 1913 The National
Radium Institute began milling operations at the site which
continued through 1918. The site includes approximately 31
properties where radium contaminated wastes were discarded when
the facility closed. A total of approximately 106,485 cubic yards
of contaminated soil was left behind. The site has been divided
into 11 operable units. Contaminants of concern include radium
and radon.
Environmental Damages and Risks: The maximum level of radium
found in soil was 5,093 pico Curies per gram (pCi/g). Soil from
six properties also exhibited levels of Extraction Procedure (EP)
toxicity/metals, total levels of polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs), and total levels of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). Air sampling measured gamma exposure and radon
and radon daughter concentrations above background levels.
Date/Type/Costa of Remediation: Initial remedial investigations
were initiated in 1981, and completed in 1982. Seven RODs for 10
of the 11 Operable Units were signed in 1986 and in 1987.
Remedial actions include removal of approximately 149,592 tons of
contaminated materials and the no-action alternative for OU 7 and
portions of 6,9,& 11. The final RI/FS was completed in 1985.
Silver Mountain Mine, Loomis, WA
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: The Silver Mountain
Mine is an inactive precious metal heap leaching site covering
approximately five acres. Underground mining for silver, gold,
and copper began in 1902. Activities continued off and on with
the most recent being a heap leach operation. The heap leach
operation was abandoned in 1981 without removal of 4,400 pounds
of sodium cyanide used to treat 5,300 tons of ore. Soils, ground
water and surface water have been contaminated by cyanide and
arsenic. There is concern over the potential human health risk to
exposure to these contaminated media. Contaminants of concern:
arsenic, antimony, and cyanide.
Environmental Damages and Riskst Four potential sources of
contaminants were identified at the site including the leach
heap, mine dump, mine drainage, and bedrock. Potential exposure
pathways include: on-site soils, on-site surface water, on-site
ground water in a shallow aquifer, and off-site ground water in a
16
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
lake aquifer. Moderate to high values of arsenic were detected in
both the mine dump and in the heap leach. Arsenic, antimony, and
other heavy metals originate in the mine dump and occur in mine
drainage. Arsenic and antimony also originate in the bedrock of
the mine workings where ground water may act as transport.
Oate/Type/costs of Remediation: Three remedial actions have
occurred at the site, the last being in 1985. These include:
treating the leachate with chlorine; removing liquids and residue
from the leachate pond; and closing and sealing a shallow well at
the site in 1988. Additional remediation presented in the ROD
include covering contaminated materials, fencing the site, and
monitoring groundwater. Cost of 1990 remediation for OU2 was
estimated at $635,600. No other cost information was available.
Summitville nine, . South Fork/ Co.
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: The Summitville Site
covers 1,400 acres on the north eastern flank of South Mountain
in the San Juan range, within two miles of the continental
divide. Gold mining began as early as 1870. The first lode
discovery in 1872 led to the emergence of lode mining, which
progressed from open cuts to shafts to underground workings. By
1887 high grade ore declined and by 1890 the site was idle. By
1930 mining companies began to consolidate. Tunnels were used to
reach previously inaccessible areas to reduce the cost of
dewatering. These tunnels were the source of acid mine drainage
and heavy metal contamination. In 1962, copper, gold, and silver
were produced from the tunnels. Activity was limited until
Galactic Resources began the Summitville project in 1984.
Environmental Risks and Damages: In 1986, six days after the
operation began, cyanide leakage was discovered. Cyanide passed
though both layers and penetrated into the soil at a rate of 10
ft. per year. In 1987, because of 9 system failures, there were
discharges of water either directly into the Cropsy Creek or into
the settling ponds on site. In 1991, Summetville had another
cyanide spill on site that flowed directly to Wightman Fork. A
fishkill occurred in a farm pond that obtains water from the
Terrace River. Because of the historic mining area and lack of
baseline data it is hard assess the background levels of
contaminants. The Terrace Reservoir is fed by the Alamosa River.
Water samples revealed increased levels in copper by 5 times the
original level, zinc by 2-9 times, cadmium 7 times, iron 2-5
times, manganese 13 times, and aluminum 8 times. The pH dropped
from 3.5 to 3.0.
Cost of Remediation: Since EPA has taken charge of the
Summitville Mine site, costs have risen to $3.5 million, at an
17
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
average cost of $30,000 a day. The ultimate cost of clean up is
indefinite.
Whitewood Creek, Lavrence/Meade/Butte Co'a., SO
Site Description/Contaminants of concern: This site contains 25
to 37* million tons of mine tailings generated from approximately
100 years of gold mining and milling operations that occurred in
the area until 1977. During the 100 years of active mining,
tailings and untreated vastewater were discharged into Whitewood
Creek and its floodplaih. Contaminants of concern include
arsenic, cadmium, copper, manganese, and other metals. Elevated
levels of these contaminants have been detected in the alluvial
groundwater beneath the tailings, surface water, surface soils,
and vegetation.
Environmental Damages and Risks: The tailings range from 1 to 15
feet thick and 50 to 100 feet vide on both sides of Whitewood
Creek along its entire 18 mile length within site boundaries. The
tailings contain concentrations of arsenic up to 42,500 mg/kg and
concentrations of cadmium up to 180 mg/kg. Down gradient alluvial
aquifers are the only groundwater sources that exhibit elevated
levels of contaminants, with levels of arsenic measured at 0.78
mg/1. Surface water contamination results from ground water
seeping through the tailings and alluvium. Erosion of the
tailings caused by flooding may contribute as much as 35,000 kg
of arsenic to Whitewood Creek. As a result, arsenic levels in
surface water vary markedly downstream from the site. Some areas
of irrigated cropland are contaminated by arsenic, and
residential areas located within an alluvial tailings deposit
area exhibit soil contamination by arsenic.
Date/Type/Costa of Remediation: Remedial actions selected for the
site include covering and/or removal of contaminated soils at
existing residential properties and restricting access to
tailings, deposits via institutional controls. The cost is
estimated to be $1,028,000 + $12,000 O&M/year for 30 years.
LEAD/ZINC
Big River Mine Tailings/St. Joe Minerals Corp.
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: For 29 years mine
tailings rich with lead, cadmium, and zinc were disposed of at
the 600-acre big river mine tailings area. Three sides of the
site are bounded by the Big River. Heavy rain caused the
tailings pile to discharge into Big River.
18
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Environmental Damages and Risks: High levels of lead were
detected in fish and the surface water. Big River is used for
fishing and for watering live stock. About 23,000 people live
within 4 miles of the site. Wind erosion and airborne dust have
contaminated the surrounding soil and are hazardous to on-site
workers, residents, and children at a nearby day-care center.
Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Complex, Kellog, ID
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Lead smelting and
silver refining occurred at this site from 1885 until 1981, when
the smelter closed. The site consists of an inactive integrated
mining, milling, and smelting operation. Also within the site
boundaries are the inactive Page Mine, the Page tailings disposal
area and numerous old mines, mill sites, and prospects.
Contaminants of concern at the site include lead, zinc, cadmium,
antimony, arsenic, beryllium, copper, mercury, and
polychlorinated biphenyls PCB's).
Environmental Damages and Risks: Bunker Hill is one of the
largest Superfund sites in the Nation. There has been
contamination of soil, ground and surface waters and air from
smelter operations and mining and milling. Smoke stack emissions
from the smelter have contaminated the hillside destroying all
vegetation. Smelter emitted metal-laden particles discharged
over 6 million Ibs of lead, 560,000 Ibs of cadmium, 860,000 Ibs
of zinc and 70,000 Ibs of arsenic. Soils near the smelting
complex have been severely contaminated by sulfur oxide and
metals deposition. For over 90 years, the south fork of Coeur
d'Alene River has been contaminated by mine and mill wastes,
including acid mine drainage (AMD). Primary sources of ground
water contamination include seepage from a waste impoundment
area, infiltration, and ground water flow through valley-wide
deposits of tailings.
Date/Typ«/Costs of Remediation: Remedial actions began in 1986
when a soil survey was conducted in three communities. (84- of
the 1,020 homes tested had lead levels above 1,000 ug/1.)
Contaminated soils were removed from 16 parks and playgrounds.
More contaminated soils were removed from 210 residences in 1989.
No cost information was available except that Gulf Resources, one
of the PRPs, paid $1.4 million to EPA to contribute to the
removal of contaminated soils.
19
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Cherokee County - Galena Subsite, Cherokee Co., KS
site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Lead and zinc mining
occurred in the area from the 1800's through the 1940's. Mining
activities decreased in the 1950's, revived again in the 1960's,
and ceased in 1970 with the closure of the Svalley Mine. The
Galena subsite is one of six subsites at the Cherokee County .
Superfund Site. Approximately 550,000 cubic yards of waste rock
(including contaminated soils) and 750,000 cubic yards of chat
(gravel or finer grained material) are present within the Galena
subsite. Over 900 acres in this subsite have been disturbed by
mining activities and are covered with mining wastes. High
concentrations of metals from mining waste deposits have impacted
both the shallow aquifer and surface water near the Galena
subsite. One thousand fifty people living outside the city of
Galena, but within the subsite, obtain their water from the
contaminated shallow aquifer. Contaminants of concern include
cadmium, lead, and zinc.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Both ground and surface water
have been contaminated by heavy metals and acid mine drainage.
Ambient airborne particulate samples collected did not exceed the
Primary Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) National Ambient Air
Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 260 micrograms per cubic meter.
However, average TSP concentrations in the Galena area were in
the high range for rural areas and low range for urban areas.
Soil sampling performed in the 1970's confirmed elevated
concentrations of heavy metals in soil downwind of the former
Galena smelter. The area has tracts of mine and mill wastes,
water-filled craters where the water has collapsed, open mine
shafts, and pits.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: EPA began its investigation of
the subsite in 1985. Remedial action would provide an alternative
water supply for residents using private wells. Costs for
remediation were estimated in 1989 to be from $5.8 to
$12.4 million.
Cleveland Mill, Silver City, NM
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: The Cleveland Mill
site is a lead, zinc and copper mill that was abandoned in the
1920's. The site contains two unstabilized, unlined piles of mine
tailings, (approximately. 12,000 cubic yards), of material heavily
contaminated with lead, zinc, copper, and arsenic. The piles are
located at the headwaters of Little Walnut Creek, 100 yards south
of the Continental Divide. Contaminants of concern include lead,
silver, zinc, copper, and arsenic.
20
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Environmental Damages and Risks: Zinc was detected in wells
down gradient of the site. Also, due to mine tailings runoff, pH
levels as low as 2 and 3 were measured in the well located
closest to the site. Contaminants from the mine tailings have
also reached Little Walnut Creek with copper and zinc
concentrations from 200 and 2,000 times above background
concentrations, respectively. Elevated levels of metals were
found' in on-site and off-site soils during the site
investigation. Although air monitoring was not conducted, the
mine tailings are believed to be a source of fugitive dust during
windy weather.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: The RI/FS began in the fall of
1990. Available references do not describe proposed remedial
actions.
East Helena/ East Helena, MT
Site Description/contaminants of Concern: East Helena is an
active primary lead smelter in an area encompassing approximately
80 acres. Five potential sources of contamination were identified
in the November 1989 ROD including smelter air emissions, a slag
pile, ore storage areas, process ponds, and process fluids.
Contaminants of concern include arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead,
and zinc.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Contamination of soil and
surface water are primary concerns at this site. Mining leachate
entering the creek upstream of the smelter has contaminated
surface water and monitoring wells show arsenic at concentrations
greater than 20 times the Federal drinking water MCL. Soil
studies began in 1969. Blood-lead level testing of area residents
began in 1975, revealing blood-lead levels twice the national
average in children. Soils and sediments are heavily contaminated
with arsenic and lead. There is potential for direct human
contact with contaminants in the process ponds and other affected
media
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: A 1989 ROD addressing one of the
five operable units describes remedial activities for the four
process fluid ponds. Basic remedial activities related to these
process ponds involves replacement with storage tanks or closed
circuit filtration systems, excavation of contaminated soils, and
smelting of contaminated sediments and soils in the smelter
process. The cost is approximately $10 million.
21
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Midvale slag, Salt Lake Co., UT
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Lead and zinc smelting
activities operated from 1906 until 1958. The site is an old
smelter site encompassing approximately 330 acres. Wastes
deposited on-site include 2 million tons of slag, 69,000 cubic
yards of smelter waste, 44,100 cubic yards of dross, and 400
cubic yards of baghouse dust, all containing high concentrations
of heavy metals. Contaminants of concern include arsenic,
cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, silver, and zinc.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Ground-water contamination may
originate from the dross pile on-site. The slag from past smelter
operations has been exposed and entrained in the River, which may
have contributed to its heavy metal contamination. River"
sediments and soils are contaminated with heavy metals. A 1984
Preliminary Assessment documented radioactivity emitted from the
slag pile. Levels of radium 226 were present at up to 3 times the
accepted standard. (Concentrations were not provided in
references.)
Murray Smelter, Hurry City, Utah
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Murray Smelter is an
abandoned lead facility located in Murray City. Several smaller
smelters were in the vicinity prior to the construction of the
Murray Smelter in 1902 by the American Smelting and Refining Co.
(ASARCO).
Environmental Risks and Damages: Approximately 80,000 tons of
waste slag containing heavy metals have been left onsite
following the close of operations in 1949. The overall extent of
surface soil contamination is not currently known. Evaluation of
the site considers only the slag piles and areas of soil
contamination in two nearby mobile home courts. Slag materials
have been documented in soil in nearly all directions from the
site. The slag has been used for railroad ballast, road base,
parking lot gravel, and fill in several areas surrounding the
property. Contaminants emitted from smoke stacks and blowing
contaminated dust is also a concern. Slag has also been found
near Cottonwood Creek, where segments of the creek are used for
fishing. Soil in two, residential areas have found to contain
elevated levels of metals. The contaminants include antimony,
arsenic, barium, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, selenium,
silver, thalium, and zinc. Arsenic and cadmium concentrations
on the residential property have been found to be above the human
health screening concentrations.
22
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
National Zinc Corp., Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Sit* Description/contaminants of Concern: The National Zinc
Corp. (NZC) site is located on a 135-acre property at llth and
Virginia Streets in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. NZC operated a zinc
smelter on this site from 1907 to 1976, when it was aquired by
the Zinc Corporation of America. NZC was also known as
Horsehead, Inc., and St. Joe Mineral.
Environmental Risks and Damages: The NZC had no air emission
controls, allowing emissions to be deposited downwind in various
areas in Bartlesville. Accoring to 1992 EPA reports, lead and
cadmium levels in the top two feet of soil are greater than three
times natural background levels. Although the extent of the area
of contamination has not been completely determined, it includes
contaminated soils at two schools and three day care centers.
Oronogo-Duenveg Mining Belt, Jasper Co.. MO
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Lead and zinc mining
occurred in this area from 1848 until the late 1960's. This site
encompasses 20-square miles and lies within the 2,400 square mile
Tri-State (Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma) Mining District.
Mining activities at the site involved mining crude ores and
milling these ores to produce lead and zinc concentrates.
Horizontal mine shafts, open pits, open vertical shafts, and
tailings piles, containing an estimated 20 to 100 million tons of
mining waste, remain from over 100 years of lead and zinc mining
operations. Primary contaminants of concern at the site include
cadmium, lead and zinc.
Environmental Damages and Risks: All contaminants of concern have
been detected at elevated concentrations in ground water, surface
water, and sediments. Mining pits, shafts, and boreholes may
provide conduits by which contaminants migrate from the shallow
to the deeper aquifer. Approximately 1,500 people obtain drinking
water from private wells within 3 miles of the site. Ground
water samples collected in November 1988 contained concentrations
of lead and cadmium that exceed EPA proposed Maximum
Contamination Levels. In addition, a municipal water supply well
within the site was abandoned in 1972 due to high concentrations
of dissolved solids. Downstream sediment samples contained
elevated levels of contaminants. Three surface water bodies which
serve to drain area tailings piles contained elevated
concentrations of contaminants. A 1977 report prepared by USGS
found that average concentrations of contaminants exceeded
recommended drinking water standards.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: EPA and PRPs are in the process
23
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
of negotiations for planning the Rl/FS. Field activities for the
Rl/FS are scheduled to begin the final quarter 1991. A ROD is
expected in 1993.
Palmerton zinc, Palmerton, PA
Sit* Description/Contaminants of Concern: The site consists of
two primary zinc smelters that have produced zinc and other
metals from 1898 through 1987. The second smelter operated from
1911 to 1980 and was the main source of air pollutants
(concentrated zinc sulfide ores). A cinder waste pile from the
production facilities is 2.5 miles long, 500 to 1,000 feet wide
and 100 feet high, containing 28.3' million tons of waste
material. Contaminants of concern include cadmium, lead, and
zinc.
Environmental Damages and Risks: The site is divided into four
.operable units. OU1 is a defoliated 2,000 acre site on the north
facing slope of Blue Mountain. Maximum levels of cadmium measured
in surface soil samples are up to 2,600 times the expected
background level. The source of elevated levels of zinc and
cadmium in ground water is believed to be from leachate
originating from the Cinder Bank pile, OU2. Surface water
contamination may originate from East Plant effluent, or from
ground water. Significant fish kills occurred in sampling
stations in a stretch of the Aquashicola Creek that receives
Cinder Bank runoff. OU3 is in the Rl/FS study phase, and OU4 will
enter the Rl/FS Study stage in 1991.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: Remedial actions include
restricting direct contact with defoliated areas and with Cinder
Bank, reducing volume of run-on and run-off, reducing
contamination of runoff, collecting and treating leachate,
reducing windborne emissions, and reducing particulate erosion.
The estimated cost of these actions is $8.4 million.
Tar Creek, Ottawa Co., OK/Cherokee Co., KS
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Lead and zinc were
mined at the site from 1904 until the mid 1960's. The Tar Creek
site is a lead/zinc mining site encompassing approximately 40
square miles. After lead-zinc mining operations ceased, the mines
flooded with both ground and surface waters. Due to the pyritic
nature of the limestone formation mined, flooding has resulted in
the generation of acid mine drainage. The acidic drainage and the
heavy metals mobilized by the AMD are constituents of concern.
Numerous tailings piles consisting primarily of limestone and
chert also exist on-site.
24
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Environmental Damages and Risks: The underlying Roubidoux
aquifer, serving approximately 21,000 people, was found to be
contaminated due to inadequate casings that allowed mine water to
migrate into the aquifer. Acute surface water problems in Tar
Creek exist as well, as evidenced by high mortality rate of most
biota. Heavy metals increase downstream as pH decreases. Risk to
human health is from dermal exposure since Tar Creek is used for
recreational purposes, including swimming.
Date/Type/Cost* of Remediation: Remedial actions include well
plugging to the Roubidoux aquifer, surface water diversions to
prevent runoff from mine shafts, and ground-water monitoring.
Cost of remediation was estimated at $4.32 million + $8,000/year
for O&M.
LITHIUM
Foot* Mineral Company, PA.
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: The Foote Mineral Co.
site covers an area of 79 acres in east Whiteland Township. The
site borders conrail tracks to the northwest and a church farm
school property on the west. Located on site are three unlined
settling ponds , a burn pit, two quarries, and an area where
containers of lithium arsenite were buried. 50 ft. of a 65 ft.
quarry is filled with 120 million Ibs. of process waste material.
60 tons of calcium aluminum silicate were disposed of in the
quarry. Since 1941 operations at the site have included the
production of lithium chemicals and processing of a variety of
ores including spodumene, lepidolite, magnetite, chromite,
colemanite, manganese, and zirconium. Other activities include:
processing of lithium metal; production of lithium bromite,
chloride, and flouride chemical; manufacturer of prefused fluxes.
Contaminants of concern are lithium, chromium, arsenic, antimony,
VOCs, and other organics.
Environmental Damages and Risks: The media impacted by
contamination include soil, surface water, and ground water.
During the 1988 ground water sampling period concentrations of
lithium were as high as 57,200 ug/1 to 118,000 ug/1. Inorganic
contaminants include arsenic, hexavalent chromium, and antimony.
Surface water sampling conducted in 1984 revealed concentrations
of lithium from 300 ug/1 to 800 ug/1. Samples taken from area
wells show inorganic contaminants like chromium (18 ppb), boron
(200 ppb), and lithium (390 ppb). Health effects related to the
exposure of lithium or boron include: gastrointestinal system
damage, central nervous system damage, kidney damage, reduced
fetal body weight, and gonadal damage.
25
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Date/Type/Cost of Remediation: Costs estimates of possible
remediation tactics range from $3.7 million to more than $13.3
million. .Costs estimations do not include remediation of ground
water. As of 1992, Cyprus Mineral Co. has excavated and treated
15,000 sq. yds. of soil using a bioremedial technique.
MERCURY
Sulphur Bank Mercury, Lmk* CO., OL
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Located in Lake County,
CA; this site was mined for sulphur and mercury from 1865 through
1957 and encompasses 120 acres of mine tailings, waste rock, a
partially dismantled mill facility, and an open, unlined, and
unstabilized mine- pit covering approximately 23 acres. 1983 and
1984 samples of site wastes measured mercury concentrations
ranging from L to 6Z4. rag/kg. The tailings and waste rock, piles
are steeply sloped and Tine approximately 2, QgQ feet of shoreline
to Clear Lake. Contaminants- of concern: include mercury and
arsenic-.
Environmental. Damages and Risksr Biota, surface water, and
sediments in the vicinity of the site have been contaminated wittr
mercury. Arsenic was found in surface water mine discharges. The
mine pit, called Herman Impoundment, has water levels several
feet above the surface of Clear Lake and has overflowed into the
lake during storm events, dumping acidic water with high
concentrations of sulfate, sodium, chloride, boron, and ammonia
into the lake. Ground water contamination has been detected at
both oil and off-site wells. Seepage from the Herman Impoundment
migrates toward Clear Lake. The levels- of mercury in the fish
from the lake led the state to issue an advisory against eating
the fish. A critical, habitat for three endangered wildlife
species, the peregrine falcon, the southern bald eagle, and the
.yellow billed cuckoo, is located less than 1/4 mile from the
site.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: No remedial actions have been
taken to date under CERCLA; however, actions have been taken by
PRP to control sources of mercury contamination from waste piles
and the Herman Impoundment. No cost information was available.
MULTIPLE SECTORS
California Gulch, Leadville, COT
* "i
Site r>oanT-4pHrm/rv.ni-atn-t«ant-a of. Concernt Gold, silver, lead,
26
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
zinc and copper mining began in the 1850's and continued through
1986. The study area encompasses approximately 15 square miles in
the upper Arkansas River Valley. The entire area is contaminated
with metals, their primary source being acid mine drainage from
the Yak Tunnel into California Gulch. Ranges of metal
constituents in the Yak Tunnel discharge, measured in ppb,
include: cadmium (195-520); copper (731-5,730); lead (9-117); and
zinc (50,100-101,000).
Environmental Damages and Risks: Yak Tunnel discharges have had
the greatest impact on surface water in the area, (California
Gulch and the Arkansas River). California Gulch has received a
combined total of 210 tons per year of cadmium, lead, copper,
manganese, iron, and zinc, since the early 1980's. Heavy metal
migration through surface water is a source of ground water and
sediments contamination. California Gulch also collects run-off
from several other gulches. Some of this run-off flows through
local town storm drains and city streets. The Arkansas River,
which receives water from the California Gulch, has been
classified for fishery, public water supply, recreation, and
livestock watering use.
Data/Type/Costs of Remediation: Remedial Investigation began in
1984. A ROD addressing the first OU was signed in March 1988, and
implemented a remedy to decrease the discharge of contaminated
water from the Yak Tunnel. The cost of remediation is $12 million
in addition to $460,307 O&M/year.
Eagle Mine, Oilman, CO
site Description/Contaminants of concern: zinc mining activities
operated from 1905-1931 and from 1941-1977. Zinc ores were
roasted on-site until 1919. Copper and silver mining continued
until 1984. Mining activities began in 1870 and contributed to
five major sources of contamination at the site, including: acid
mine water forming in the underground workings of Eagle Mine; two
tailings ponds covering over 107 acres; tailings along 20 to 25
acres of pipeline corridor and in a wetlands area (Rex Flats);
five roaster piles covering approximately 10 acres; and twelve
waste rock piles covering an estimated 93 acres. Contaminants of
concern: antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead,
manganese', nickel, silver, thallium, uranium, and zinc.
Environmental Damages and Risks: The Eagle River is the major
surface water resource affected by contamination by metals
including cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc. Over the last 100
years zinc miners have deposited about 7 million tons of mine
wastes and mine tailings along the Eagle River. The mining
conditions and waste formed acids which leached toxic metals into
27
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
surrounding surface water and ground water, other sources of
metal contamination of sediments in the surface water are the
roaster piles, Rock Creek, the old tailings/Rex Flats area, and
the new tailings pond. Ground water contamination was identified
in unconsolidated units adjacent to the old and new tailings
ponds, and in the flooded abandoned mine workings. On-site soils
are contaminated with heavy metals and the tailings ponds are
sources of wind blown contamination.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: The Remedial Investigation was
completed in 1985. References do not indicate when investigations
began at the site. No cost information was available at the time
of the report.
Iron Mountain Mine, Redding, CA
Sit* Description/Contaminants of Concern: The site is a 4,400
acre area used for mining and processing gold, silver, copper,
zinc, and pyrite from 1865 to 1963. Processing of copper and
silver was conducted at a smelter located near the confluence of
Spring Creek and the Sacramento River from 1896 to 1907. Copper
and pyrite ore tailings generated from a copper flotation mill
between 1914 and 1919 were disposed approximately 2 miles east of
the Old Mine and Number 8 Mine. Approximately 2.6 million tons of
ore were mined for gold and silver between 1929 and 1942.
Tailings generated.by this mining were disposed adjacent to
Slickrock Creek. Other copper and zinc deposits were mined from
1942 to 1956, and a copper-zinc flotation plant operated from
1943 to 1947. Contaminants of concern include acid mine drainage,
cadmium, copper, zinc.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Acid mine drainage leaching from
underground mine workings draining the massive sulfide ore body
and tailings piles on the site has caused contamination of the
Spring Creek watershed. Low pH and heavy metal contamination have
caused the virtual elimination of aquatic life in Slick Rock
Creek, Boulder Creek, and a section of Spring Creek. Since 1940
there have been numerous fish kills in the Sacramento River. The
National Marine Fisheries Service took action to list the Winter
Run Chinook Salmon as an endangered species.
Date/Type/Coats of Remediation: The Spring Creek Debris Dam was
constructed in 1963 to act as a sediment basin and to control
AMD. Cementation plants were constructed in 1940 and 1977 to
recover copper from AMD. In February 1989, EPA constructed an
emergency lime neutralization plant to reduce metal discharges
from the site by 50%. A 1986 ROD authorized additional remedial
actions. The cost was estimated at $68.1 million.
28
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Richardson Flat Tailings, Summit, Utah
Sit* Description/Contaminants of Concern: The Richardson Tailings
site is approximately 1,160 acres in size. This site was
originally occupied by two other mining operations which left
behind tailings. Park City Ventures and Noranda Mining INC.
operated mining facilities on properties they leased from United
Park City Mines. The constituents of concern in the tailings
consist of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, selenium, and zinc.
Environmental Damages and Risks: A tailings pile located just
west of a tailings pond on the bank of Silver Creek, discharged
into an on-site diversion ditch and into Silver Creek from 1989
to 1990. About 300 acres of pasture is irrigated by water from
this creek. Silver Creek has been classified as a cold water
fishery by the state and is bordered by wetlands. An estimated
4,500 people live within 4 miles of the site. The site is being
addressed in two stages: initial actions and a long term
remedial phase. The site has been fenced in and some of the
tailings has been covered with top soil.
Sharon Steel Corp.(Midvale smelter), Salt Lake, Utah
Site Description/Contaminations Concern: The Sharon Steel Corp.
site is a former milling and smelting operation in Midvale.
Sulfide concentrates of lead, copper, zinc, and other metals were
extracted from the ore during milling operations. The operation
accumulated 10 million tons of mine tailings on the site.
Contaminants of concern are arsenic, iron, manganese, and zinc.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Nearby residents were using the
windblown tailings in children's sand boxes and domestic gardens.
Arsenic was found in the ground water beneath the site. About
8,000 people live within a mile of the site. A deep aquifer
underlying the site is a source of drinking water for the Salt
Lake City area.
Smeltertown, Chaffee Co., Colorado
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: The Smeltertown site
has been used to remove molten slag for 18 years. Slag being
extracted from the furnaces were dumped in a bluff near the
Arkansas River. Companies who previously operated this site
left smelter slag. The property contains elevated levels of
heavy metals.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Contaminants such as sludge
were worked into the soil. Shallow soil was contaminated with
29
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
smelter stack emissions and spilled ore. The ground water and
air was contaminated with metals and creosote. Metals were found
in the Arkansas River down stream from where Kemmit Spring
discharges into the river. An estimated 3,700 people obtain
drinking water from public and private wells within 4 miles of
the site. 5,200 people live within 4 miles of the site and the
river is used for fishing. EPA investigated in 1992 to find the
best 'alternative for clean up at the site.
Smuggler Mountain, Pitkin Co., CO
Site Description/Contaminants of concern: Silver, lead and zinc
mining began in the late 1880's and early 1990's and continued,
along with processing operations, through the 1960's. The site is
situated within the city of Aspen and includes a 110 acre area of
waste rock, tailings, and slag containing high levels of lead and
cadmium. An estimated 2.4 million cubic yards of waste material ..
was generated by years of silver, lead and zinc mining, milling
and smelting operations. These wastes have been dispersed over
the years due to the establishment of the reprocessing facility
in the 1960's and by subsequent residential development.
Contaminants of concern include lead, cadmium, and zinc as well
as arsenic, barium, copper, manganese, silver and mercury. The
site was placed on the NPL in May 1986. (Residents living in
contaminated areas are against remediation efforts).
Environmental Damages and Risks: Soil is the primary contaminated
media though contaminants have also been detected in ground and
surface water. Soil sample analyses measured levels of lead over
EPA's action level of 1,000 ppm. 1983 soil samples taken down
slope from the tailings piles also indicated elevated levels of
arsenic, barium, cadmium, copper, lead, manganese, and zinc. A
geometric mean of lead in 3,300 soil samples collected in 1990
was 6,577 ppm. Surface water samples for metals fell within
Federal and State standards. Potential ground water problems were
indicated with elevated levels of cadmium, zinc, uranium and
gross alpha found in private wells sampled between 1983 and 1986.
Air samples indicated elevated levels of contaminants of concern
compared to background. Development in the Aspen area has taken
place directly over waste piles, and mine waste has been dozed
into permanent berms of contaminated soil.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: There are two operable units at
this site. Remedial actions for OUI include on-site repository,
cleanup of residential properties and at Hunter Creek and
Centennial Condos, and institutional controls. For OU2,
remediation will entail mine reclamation and ground water
remediation. The estimated cost is $7.2 million.
30
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Tax-Tin Corp./ Texas city, TX
sit* Description/Contaminants of Concern: The Tex Tin Corporation
is an active secondary copper smelting facility that was
originally a primary tin smelting operation during World War II.
The site encompasses approximately 175 acres and includes a
saline lake used primarily for recreational fishing and crabbing.
The site consists of five waste water treatment ponds, gypsum
slurry ponds, a pond containing 19 million gallons of highly
acidic ferric chloride waste, an area of iron sludge contaminated
with herbicides, tin and copper slag piles, about 20,000 drums of
spent catalyst, and a licensed land fill containing low level
radioactive waste. Presence of heavy metals such as arsenic, tin,
lead, and nickel in on-site surface and ground waters and in off-
site ambient air prompted this site's selection to the NPL.
Environmental Damages and Risks: A principal concern at this site
is that heavy-metal laden surface waters serve as a contamination
pathway to the Chicot aquifer, and drainage into Galveston say.
Ground water, surface water and soil sampling has detected
various metals including antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium,
chromium, copper, lead, etc. Groundwater samples taken down
gradient of the acid ponds measured contaminant concentrations at
significantly bigger levels than up gradient samples. The Texas
Water Quality Board found that out-falls and the acid pond were
discharging to leaking discharge dikes, permitting contaminated
water to enter area surface waters. Soil samples measured
elevated levels of antimony, arsenic, copper, and lead. A
Preliminary Health Assessment identified potential human routes
of exposure through inhalation and incidental ingestion of
airborne particles of site emissions.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: Construction of a deep well for
injection of acid pond contents was completed and 4,000 drums
containing radioactive material were removed from the site. No
cost information was available.
Triumph Mine Tailings Piles., Triumph, Idaho
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: The site consists of
two large tailings piles along the south side of the East Fork
Road. Now inactive, the mine is located north of the East Fork
Road. From 1882 until 1957, the Triumph Mine processed ore rich
in silver, zinc, and lead. Processing included crushing,
grinding, and flotation operations. The slurry remaining from
the flotation process was pumped to the upper pile from 1882 to
1930, and to the lower pile from 1930 to 1957.
31
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Environmental Risks and Damages: EPA investigations conducted in
1991 and 1992, have revealed elevated levels of heavy metals in
the tailings piles and former mine areas. These metals such as
lead and arsenic, have migrated into residential soil, ambient
air, and nearby wetlands. Lead has also been detected above
federal drinking water standards in one of the two community
wells on two occasions during spring months. Some local
residents who were screened for lead in the bloodstream and
arsenic in urine, tested positive.
PHOSPHATE
Eastern Michaud Flats/ Poeatella, ID
Sit* Description/Contaminants of Concern: The FMC processing
plant began operations in 1949 and is currently active. The site
includes two facilities, FMC and Simplot, located on Eastern
Michaud Flats. The FMC property has a total of 18 waste ponds,
eight of which are unlined and contain a total of 10,527,846
cubic feet of waste. In addition to the ponds, the FMC facility
also includes a landfill, two slag piles and a ferrophos pile.
On-site runoff is discharged to the Portneuf River. Simplot's
facility includes two gypsum stacks, an unlined liquid gypsum
pond, an unlined cooling pond and three lined wastewater
treatment ponds containing elevated levels of fluoride, chloride,
selenium, sodium, and silica. (The volume of waste in Simplot's
ponds is not discussed in references.)
Environmental Damages and Risks: Sediment from unlined ponds at
the FMC facility contained elevated levels of arsenic, cadmium,
chloride, chromium, copper, fluoride, lead, potassium, selenium,
silica, vanadium, and zinc. Contaminated sediments from these
ponds are the probable source of contamination to groundwater.
Ground water is used to irrigate approximately 2,000 acres of
forage crops within 3 miles of the site. All local restaurant's
were condemned in 1976 due to contamination from arsenic. In
1984, arsenic and selenium were detected in FMC's monitoring
wells screened in the confined aquifer. According to the Remedial
Project Manager for the site, 7 of the 8 unlined ponds/ have been
lined. Groundwater is the only exposure route that has been
investigated.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: A groundwater monitoring study
was conducted in 1972 and 1973 that showed levels of arsenic,
lead and cadmium above the Federal Primary Drinking Standards. As
of April 1991, no RI/FS had been initiated. No information is
32
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
available regarding cost of remediation.
Monsanto (Soda Springs Plant), Soda Springs/ ID
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: This site encompasses
530 acres and includes an operating elemental phosphorus plant
that produces elemental phosphorus used to manufacture phosphoric
acid. Also included on-site are various waste management units
including: a slag pile, effluent discharge stream, sewage
evaporation ponds, effluent settling pond, coke and quartzite
slurry pond, old underflow ponds, seal water pond, phossy water
surge pond and on-site landfills. Contaminants of concern
include: cadmium, arsenic, manganese, nickel, selenium,
potassium, vanadium, sodium, zinc, fluoride, sulfate, and
phosphorus.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Of four hydrostratigraphic
zones of ground water under the site, two basalt zones that
transmit large quantities of water contain the most elevated
concentrations of the contaminants of concern. Sources of
groundwater contamination include the' Underflow Solids Pond, the
Northwest Pond and the Hydroclarifier. Cadmium levels detected at
781 ug/1 significantly exceeded Primary Federal Drinking water
Standards for cadmium (10 ug/1). Air and soils have not been
evaluated at this site to date. The processed waste, previously
stored in unlined ponds or impoundments, has been pinpointed as a
source of contamination to ground water.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: PRPs are currently developing an
RI/FS work plan. An Administrative Order signed 3/91 initiated
that effort. The ATSDR released a draft Preliminary Health
Assessment for public comment, due July 1991. No information
regarding costs of remediation was available.
stauffer Chemical Co., Tarpon Springs/ PI.
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Stauffer Chemical Co.
is located in an industrialized area between Anclote Boulevard
and the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs, about 1.6 miles east of
the Gulf of Mexico. Stauffer purchased the 160 acre facility
from Victor Chemical Works in 1960. From 1950 to 1981, the
facility manufactured elemental phosphorus from phosphate ore.
Environmental Damages and Risks: A system of seven unlined
lagoons, about 600 feet from the Anclote River received
discharges of waste scrubber liquid and phosphorus water, as well
as overflow from a calcium silicate slag pit. At some time, two
33
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
of the lagoons were dredged, and the dredged material, composed
of calcium sulfate/sulfite, calcium silicate, calcium fluoride,
phosphate sand, and calcined phosphate dust, was placed in two
piles approximately 40 feet from the Anclote River.
Other on site disposal activities included the dumping of
furnace dust in an isolated pond and the burial of 900 drums of
calcined phosphate sand consisting of 20% elemental phosphorus.
Over 500,000 tons of chemical process waste were disposed of on
site between 1950 and 1979. The site is underlain by a surficial
aquifer composed primarily of sand .and the Floridian Aquifer
composed of lime stone.
Onsite monitoring wells into both aquifers are contaminated
with barium, chromium, lead, vanadium, zinc, copper, and arsenic,
according to EPA tests conducted in 1988 and 1989. The 1989
tests found these metals in the onsite waste piles. An estimated
8500 people in the Tarpon Springs area received drinking water
from 23 public wells and three private wells located within 4
miles of the site. Because of the depth of the aquifers, all
drinking water wells within 4 miles of the site are potential
targets.
TITANIUM
U.S. Titanium/ Nelson Co., VA
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Titanium dioxide
pigment production began in 1931 and continued until the early
1980's. The U.S. Titanium Site encompasses roughly 175 acres of a
former titanium dioxide manufacturing plant. Operations at the
site from 1944 to 1971 generated approximately 80,000 cubic yards
of copper as waste. This waste was stored on-site as stockpile
for later sale as commercial product, but was never sold. In
December 1980, the State ordered these stockpiled wastes to be
buried on-site. An attempt to contain runoff from this stockpiled
waste prior to burial included installation of a temporary copper
as leachate collection system. Leachate was found to contain high
concentrations of toxic metals, including arsenic and cadmium.
Surface waters indicated high sulfate concentrations and low pH.
Metals, sulfate, and high acidity contaminate the ground water.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Highest metals concentrations in
soils measured at the site occurred in samples collected from the
copper as pile, which revealed very high levels of iron.
Generally, metal levels tended to be on the higher end of the
normal range in uncontaminated soils. Soils, surface water and
ground water have low pH, or high acidity, as determined from
several surface and ground water samples from the site. High
acidity results in mobilization of metals in water. Several
34
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
metals were in violation of established water-quality criteria.
Ferrous sulfate is highly acidic, and storm run off from the site
waste piles contributed to the six major fish kills in the Piney
and Tye Rivers.
Coats of Remediation: A sedimentation pond was installed to
address water quality problems from the site. As mentioned
earlier, a temporary copper as leachate collection system was
designed. The goal of remedial action is to control risks posed
by acidic discharge. The total cost was estimated to be
$5.9 million.
TUNGSTEN
Li Tungsten Corporation/ NY.
Sit* Description/contaminants of Concern: The site covers 26
acres in Long Island, New York along the north bank of the Glen
Cove Creek. From the early 1940's to 1985 tungsten ores and
concentrates were imported mainly from China, South America, and
Canada, and were smelted for production of tungsten carbide
powder, tungsten wire, and welding rods. There are 7 wastes
piles that contain about 8,325 cubic yards of solid wastes. On
the site exists 3 concrete oil recovery sumps, 2 unlined settling
ponds referred to as mud holes, and a lined settling pond known
as a mud pond. Storage buildings are also on site. Contaminants
of concern are VOC's, heavy metals, and fuel oil constituents.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Major sources of contamination
include: waste piles; tanks stored outside of buildings;
structurally deficient buildings; radioactive wastes and slag
stored inside buildings; and other disposal areas such as the
surface impoundments, including the fuel impoundment. Because
waste piles are uncovered, there is potential for particulate
contaminants to migrate freely. The pits don't have impermeable
covers to prevent infiltration of storm water. Media impacted by
contaminants are soil, ground water, and surface water. Samples
of surface water reveal high concentrations of calcium (499,000
ug/1), magnesium (175,000 ug/1), potassium (49,000 ug/1), and
sodium (136,000 ug/1).
Costs of Remediation: Nine remedial actions to be undertaken by
GCDC were identified in the Administrative Consent Order EPA
filed. The interim actions required by the order, and the
actions voluntarily initiated by GCDC were completed between
7/21/89 and 4/4/90. The actual cost had not been estimated.
35
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
URANIUM, THORIUM, VANADIUM
Austin Avenue Radiation Site, Delaware Co., Pennsylvania
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: The disposal of
radioactive tailings generated by the W.L. Cummings Radium
Processing Co. resulted in 31 different properties being
contaminated with radium, radon, and asbestos.
Emrironmantiti! Damage*; and Rtrtarc The Austin Avenue Radiation Site
consists of 31 contaminated properties located in Landsdowne
Borough, East Landsdowne Borough, Upper Darby Township, Aldan
Borough, and Darby Borough. Radium tailings resulting from the
plant's operation were mixed with materials used to construct
buildings. Radium, radon, and asbestos are present in buildings
and other structures* located" oit contaminated- properties. Risks
to human health include direct contact with or ingest;ion of
SOlJjds . '
Glen Ridge, Mr>r»t-f»r»-t y/w^tr ni-»rrji»> and, TT..S-. p«rf< rmr &&•
Site P^gcripti-OTt/ Con ***"""* •"»"**» of Concerns Beginning in '
radium was extracted from carnotite ores at the- US Radium site.
This practice ceased" in 1926, when this form of processing was no
longer profitable. The Montclair/West Orange and Glen Ridge NPL
sites are noncontiguous sites contaminated with radioactive waste
suspected- to have originated from the U.S. Radium site, a former
radium^ prt>fcessiftg plant. The U.S. Radium site consists of the
processing facility area, adjacent properties, and a number of
potential satellite properties that may have been associated with
radium extraction* production/ or application. The Montclair
study area covers approximately 100 acres and includes 366
properties. The West Orange study area covers about: 20 acres, and
75 properties. The Glen Ridge site includes 306 properties —
Environmental Damage*' and: Riskat^SoiLl samples-obtained- from -the.----
U.S. Radiunt: site, measured high- levels of radium^-226, radon-222,
and its decay products, and radon progeny, that increased with
depth. All; three study areas contained "hot spots" of radioactive
contamination with levels of radium ranging from 1 to 4,545
pCi/g-. Radioactive decay of radium 226 into radon gas is the
leading cause of increased levels of radon gas in- residential
property basements . Elevated, levels of radionuclides were found
in sediments in storm sewers, however, levels measured in the-
ground water did not exceed the drinking- water limit of. 5 pCi/1.
Date/Type/Costa of p«ym«H4«fr.'Tt> Remediation of. the U.S. Radium
36
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
facility site has been initiated by evacuating and fencing off
the area. The entire remediation plan will provide clean-up of
soils at several hundred contaminated properties, over a 10 year
period, at an estimated cost of $253 million.
Homestake Mill, Cibola, MM
Sit* Description/Contaminants of Concern: Uranium processing
began at this site in 1958 and continued to operate until June
1990, when it was placed on "standby" status. The site consists
of a uranium beneficiation mill and two tailings embankments
containing 17 million cubic yards, and covering approximately 175
acres. The mill tailings are composed of uranium depleted fine
and coarse sand and slimes. The site has three Operable Units
(OU's): 1) tailings seepage of contaminated aquifers,
(remediation, being conducted by NRC); 2) long term tailings
stabilization, surface reclamation, and site closure (remediation
being conducted by NRC); 3) radon in neighboring subdivisions
(remediation under EPA). The contaminant of concern is radon.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Environmental concerns at the
site involve potential or actual releases of hazardous substances
to air, ground water, and soil. However, no relationship was
found between indoor radon levels and proximity of residents to
the mill. Contaminated soil at the site was located within
Homestake's restricted area and cleaned up prior to March 1989.
The 1990 sampling of monitoring wells measured uranium and
thorium concentrations that exceeded 100 and 230 ppm,
respectively.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: Remediation at OU1 involves
Homestake providing an alternative water supply to nearby
residences. OU2 is being addressed by NRC under Mill tailings
regulations, and will concentrate on long-term stabilization of
the tailings and closure of the tailings-disposal area. The RI
addressed OU3 and determined that the uranium mill and tailings
embankment did not contribute significant radon levels. No
alternatives were addressed.
Kerr McGee [1) Kress Creek, 2) Reed-Keppler Park/ 3) Residential
Area's, 4) Sewage Treatment Plant], West Chicago, IL
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Thorium processing at
the Kerr McGee facility began in the 1930's and ended in the mid
1970's. These four sites were affected by wastes generated at the
former Kerr-McGee thorium processing plant. (The Kerr McGee
facility is not an NPL site.) The facility generated wastes such
as radioactive monazite ore, tailings, and unspecified process
37
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
wastes. The four sites have sources of contamination such as
destination of plant runoff, process wastes used as fill, and
wind-blown dust.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Contamination of soils was found
at 3 of the 4 sites. No data was available for the residential
areas. Air sampling found exposures to gamma radiation exceeding
background levels at 3 of the 4 sites. No data was available on'
Kress Creek. No surface water sampling data results were
available.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: In 1976, some contaminated
material was removed from a tennis court to a fenced area. In
1985, and in 1986 Kerr McGee voluntarily removed material from
the sewage treatment plant to the Kerr McGee plant area where it
remains today. No costs or descriptions of other remedial actions
were provided in the references.
Kerr Mcoee chemical Corp., Soda Springs, ID
i
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: The Lindsay Light and
Chemical Company established a mill in West Chicago for
extracting thorium and non-radioactive elements from monazite and
other ores. During World War II the mill was used for the
manufacture of gas light mantles, mesothorium, and
hydrofloricacid during. Ownership of the facility changed from
Lindsay to American Potash and Chemical in 1958 and to Kerr-McGee
Chemical Corp. in 1967. The primary activity at Kerr-McGee was
the processing of ores containing thorium, radium, uranium, rare
earths, and heavy metals. The site includes an active vanadium
pentoxide production facility, three tailings ponds, scrubber
tailings and a scrubber pond, two stockpiles, and two settling
ponds. A 1988 Site Inspection found on-site waste ponds storing
hazardous substances. Concentrations of arsenic, copper, nickel,
potassium, silver, sodium, vanadium, chloride, phosphate, and
sulfate all exceeded background concentrations in ground water
monitoring wells.
Environmental Damages and Risks: There are thorium mill tailings
on the west bank of the Dupage River. The shallow aquifer is
contaminated with hazardous constituents released by the Kerr-
McGee facility. There is concern that degradation of ground water
quality down gradient of the site may adversely impact irrigation
and industrial water supply sources. References do not indicate
if surface water sampling has occurred but they do indicate that
topography in the area of the site inhibits contaminant migration
via surface water.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: Remedial action alternatives have
38
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
not yet been investigated, and potential costs for remediation
have not been estimated. Field investigations at the site are
underway.
Lincoln Park/ Cannon City/ CO
Sit* Description/Contaminants of Concern: The Lincoln Park site
processed uranium ore into yellow cake from 1958 until 1986. The
site covers approximately 1.4 square miles and consists of two
inactive mills, a partially reclaimed tailings pond disposal
area, and an inactive tailings pond disposal area. Sources of
contamination include the uranium ore stockpile, tailings, and
raffinate; contaminated soils and ground water; leaks from the
old tailings ponds; and suspected leaks from the new impoundment
area. Contaminants of concern include radium, nickel, molybdenum,
cobalt, copper, arsenic, zinc, lead, and cadmium.
Environmental Damages and Riskss Soils and rocks in the 65 acre
old tailings ponds area have been contaminated with uranium,
molybdenum, radium-226, and heavy metals. Particles have also
contaminated on-site and off-site soils. Air transport of
wind-dispersed particles from the main and secondary
impoundments, the old tailings pond area, the ore stockpile and
ore handling areas, and from the yellowcake dryer, represents the
major mechanism for off-site soils contamination. Ground water
contamination beneath the old tailings area has been found at
depths greater than 150 feet below the water table. Four surface
water pathways for solutes from the site have been identified.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: On-site investigations began in
1988 following entry of the Consent Decree. The 1988 Remedial
Action Plan includes comprehensive actions such as installation
of a leak collection system to intercept impoundment run-off,
removal of contaminated soils, minimizing air transport of
particles from impoundments, and construction of a hydrologic
barrier to remedy on-site and off-site contamination. No cost
estimates were available.
Monticello Mill Site, San Juan Co., UT
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Uranium and vanadium
milling operations were active at this site from 1942 until 1960.
This 78 acre site is an abandoned uranium/vanadium mill
containing 1.8 million cubic yards of tailings and contaminated
soils located in a tailings impoundment, and an additional
100,000 cubic yards located in the mill area. Tailings and
contaminated soils contain elevated levels of both radioactive
and non-radioactive contaminants of concern including: products
39
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
of the uranium 238-decay cycle, arsenic, cadmium, chromium,
copper, lead, mercury molybdenum, nickel, selenium, vanadium, and
zinc. The site has been separated into three Operable Units. OU1
consists of the mill tailings, OU2 encompasses the peripheral
properties, and OU3 focuses on contaminated ground and surface
water.
Environmental Damages and Risks: The site includes four tailings
impoundments. Tailings began to migrate as dunes soon after
operations ceased, and erosion of the tailings by water became a
problem. Surface soil has been contaminated by tailings, ore
residue, tailings-pond overflow, emissions from the roaster
stack, and erosion of tailings piles by wind and water. Ground
water monitoring from 1984 to 1986 recorded elevated levels of
contaminants in the alluvial aquifer downstream from the tailings
piles with radium detected at 44 pCi/1, uranium at 12.8 mg/1 and
arsenic at 0.19 mg/1. Tailings-pond seeps and overflows
discharged to Montezuma Creek throughout operation of the
tailings impoundments. Surface water sampling performed from 1984
to 1986 indicated increases in contaminants moving downstream
from the tailings piles. Air monitoring during those same years
indicated elevated radon emissions over each of the four tailings
piles.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: The selected remedy for OU1 is
stabilization of the tailings piles, with an estimated cost of
$42.3 million. OU2 includes contaminated materials that will be
excavated from peripheral properties with an estimated cost of
$12.6 to $18.5 million. A separate ROD for OU3 will be prepared
following completion of the Rl/FS. The cost for this is presently
undetermined.
Monticello Rad. Contaminated Properties, San Juan Co., UT
Site Description/contaminants of Concern: This site is associated
with, and adjacent to the Monticello Mill NPL Site. Tailings from
the milling process, which contained high concentrations of
residual radionuclides and metals, were stored at the Mill site
in tailings ponds. Approximately 135,000 tons of tailings were
removed from the tailings ponds and used in local residential
construction projects. Properties contaminated with radionuclides
from construction material or from wind eroded tailings deposited
on properties are labeled "Monticello Vicinity Properties'*. The
primary contaminants of concern include thorium-230, radium 226,
and radon 222.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Human health risks associated
with exposure to the contaminants are external whole-body gamma
exposure, and ingestion of wind-blown tailings and dust. An
40
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
estimated 400 residences have been contaminated with radioactive
mill wastes from ore processing operations near the town.
Contaminated dust from the mill tailings pile has been blown into
the city. Tailings from the mill site have been used as
construction material/ back fill, and as sand mix in concrete.
These uses have resulted in the radioactive contamination of
numerous properties within Monticello. About 1,900 people live
in the town of Montezuma. Maximum levels of contaminants
detected in area soils include: radium at 23,000 pCi/g; and
uranium 238 at 24,000 pCi/g.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: DOE began clean-up of the
properties in 1984. A ROD was signed in 1989, selecting a remedy
that consisted of excavation, removal, and relocation of uranium
mill tailings to the east tailings pile at the Monticello Mill
site. The estimated cost was $60,000 per property, for 114
properties. An additional 106 properties have been added to the
remediation list in April 1991. -
ST. Louis Airport/ Hazelvood Interim Storage/Futura Coatings/ St.
Louis, MO
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Storage of uranium ore
processing residues began in 1946. The site encompasses 33 acres
and consists of three areas used to store residues from off-site
uranium processing: the St. Louis Airport; the Hazelwood Interim
, Storage Area .5 mile north of the airport; and the Futura
Coatings company property, adjacent to the Hazelwood property.
DOE has authority to conduct all remedial actions, while EPA has
oversight authority. Contaminants of concern include uranium,
thorium, radium, and radon.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Historic management practices
resulted in contamination of soils at the site. Ongoing
monitoring of ground water is performed at the site by DOE and
indicates contamination by subsurface soils. Available documents
provide results of air and surface water monitoring but do not
offer any conclusions with respect to levels of contaminants
measured.
Date/type/Costs of Remediation: 13,000 cubic yards of
contaminated soil from Hazelwood was excavated and stockpiled on
the property in 1979. As of 1986 two piles of contaminated soil,
32,000 cubic yards, were located at the Hazelwood area. A total
of 4,100 tons of contaminated material was stored at the airport
location. The total cost of remediating all three areas is
projected to be $107.5 million.
41
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
United Nuclear Corp./ Gallup, NM
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: The United Nuclear
Corp. Churchrock Site is an inactive uranium mill and
tailings-disposal site that contains approximately 3.5 million
tons of acidic tailings in a 100-acre tailings disposal site.
Contaminated tailings seepage has impacted ground water. In July
1979, a dam in the tailings disposal area breached releasing 93
million gallons of tailings to the Rio Puerco River. Complex
ground water flow patterns exist at this site due to numerous
fractures and fissures present in the bedrock units. Contaminants
of concern include: arsenic, cadmium, lead, molybdenum, cobalt,
manganese, chromium, and radionuclides.
Environmental Damages and Risks: A dam breach releasing about 23
million gallons of tailing and pond water caused the
contamination of three aquifers. With the cessation of mining,
natural drainage patterns resumed, decreasing the volume of water
that could potentially infiltrate into ground water. 1985 levels
of contaminants measured in an alluvial plume included: nitrate
(> 300 mg/1)/sulfate ( > 8000 mg/1); selenium (0.4 mg/1);
manganese (20 mg/1); molybdenum (0.28 mg/1); cadmium (0.125
mg/1). Arsenic was found in on-site Zone 1 and 3 wells up to 2.5
mg/1, above the 0.5 mg/1 drinking water standard. Gross alpha
levels above 15 pCi/1 were found throughout the site and in all
aquifers of concern. Human health risks associated with 1985
levels of arsenic and radionuclides are increased cancer risks.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: The 1979 release of tailings and
pond water was "cleaned up" by UNC. Attempts to neutralize the
tailings were conducted between 1979 and 1982. Contaminated
ground water was removed by pumping for treatment and
evaporation. UNC will plan remedial actions to address source
control and on-site surface reclamation. The cost of the ground
water remedy is estimated at $17 million over a 10 year period.
Uravan Uranium, Uravan, CO
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Radium milling and
extraction operations began, in 1915. The plant was expanded to
include vanadium recovery in 1935 and began this process in 1936.
It operated as a uranium facility in the late 1940's. In 1984
Union Carbide formed a subsidiary, Umetco, which now owns and
operates the facility. During the course of its operations, the
mill generated and disposed of millions of cubic yards of liquid
and solid wastes containing radioactive materials, metals and
inorganics. There is uncontrolled release of radon from the
tailings piles, seepage of contaminated liquids into soils and
ground water, and concern over the risk of large waste areas and
42
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
their impacts to public health and environment.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Ground water contamination is
evident at various areas at the site, soil contamination exhibits
an inverse relationship to distance from the mill. Aluminum and
silver concentrations in surface water downstream from the site
were found to be above Colorado Surface Water Standards.
Contaminated soils are also believed to be entering the aquatic
system and increasing contaminant load. Radon gas emanates from
the eroding tailings piles. Uravan is one of the more complex
radiation sites in the country, with heavy metals, residual
salts, and radionuclide contamination of ground water and surface
water.
Date/Type/Costs Of Remediation: Removal of all contaminated
solids, placement of these solids in secure repositories, and
stabilization of tailings piles is estimated to cost
approximately $40 million.
W.R. Grace, Wayne, N.J.
site Description/Contaminants of Concern: Beginning in 1948,
thorium and rare earths were extracted from monozite ore, until
1971. The W.R. Grace site consists of 6.5 acres containing
approximately 100,000 cubic yards of waste. 70,000 cubic yards of
the waste containing almost 76 tons of thorium, was buried
on-site. Another 38,500 cubic yards of waste is stored in an
on-site pile. Thorium and rare earth elements were extracted from
monazite sands for about 22 years. From 1975 to 1983, the site
was licensed for storage until a permanent waste disposal site
was established. Contaminants of concern include thorium and its
decay products, radium-226, uranium and its decay products, and
radon. This site is included In DOE's Formerly Utilized Site
Remedial Action Plan.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Elevated levels of radiation
were detected in 1981 and 1982 aerial surveys. Off-site
contamination of ground water, surface water, soil and sediments
with thorium, radium and uranium was found during 1982 and 1983
radiological surveys.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: From 1985 to 1987 waste was
removed from nearby properties to an on-site storage pile. The
cost of removal from this site and two other DOE FUSRAP sites in
N.J. is estimated to be $210 million.
ZIRCONIUM
43
-------
SWB INTERNAL DRAFT DOCUMENT: DO NOT CIRCULATE
Teledyne Wan Clung/ Albany, OR
Site Description/Contaminants of Concern: This is an active site
that has been manufacturing primary and mill product zirconium
and hafnium for approximately 30 years. The process generates
wastes such as radioactive chlorinator residues, ignitable MIBK
still bottoms, magnesium chlorides, smokehouse residues and slag
wastes. The site consists of two areas, the Plant site and the
Farm site, encompassing a total of roughly 225 acres. TWCA has
been cited for numerous NPDES permit violations and was cited in
1986 for violations of State hazardous waste management rules.
Environmental Damages and Risks: Ground water sampling indicated
levels of heavy metals that exceeded Federal Primary Drinking
Water Standards. Maximum concentrations for chloride, iron,
manganese, sulfate, and TDS exceeded Federal Secondary Drinking
Water Standards. Low levels of volatile and semi-volatile organic
compounds are found in surface waters on and around the site.
Results of sediment sampling performed in 1989 as part of the
remedial investigation is not yet available to the public,
however, TWCA used the sludge from wastewater treatment processes
as a soil amendment on the Farm site. Air monitoring generally
indicates that air emissions are considered an unimportant
pathway for radionuclide transport.
Date/Type/Costs of Remediation: A ROD for OU1 was finalized in
1989 to expedite removal and solidification of the sludge and
transport to an off-site solid waste disposal site at an
estimated cost of $10.7 million.
44
-------
|