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llahan Mine
Community Update
*~The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is beginning a Remedial Investigation (Rl) at the Callahan
Mine Superfund site in Brooksville, Maine. The purpose of this study is to identify the nature and extent of
contamination in the groundwater, soil, surface water, sediments, air and fish/shellfish. EPA is conducting this
study in cooperation with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (ME DEP). This comprehensive field
investigation will begin in November 2004 and is expected to be completed by December 2005.
November, 2004
Site Background
The Caliahan Mine Superfund site is
located approximately 1,000 feet east-
southeast of Harborside Village in the town
of Brooksville, Hancock County, Maine.
The site is the former location of a
zinc/copper open pit mine that was
approximately 600-1,000 feet in diameter
and 320 feet deep. The mining operations
were conducted adjacent to and beneath
Goose Pond, a tidal estuary. The site
encompasses approximately 150 acres
and is located in a coastal, rural setting on
the Cape Rosier peninsula. The property
abuts Goose Pond to the east, and private
properties to the west, south, and north.
The mine was operated by the Callahan
Mining Corporation between 1968 and
1972. When mining operations ceased, the
open pit mine was flooded by opening a
dam at Goose Falls. The remains of the
mine's operations buildings, a tailings
pond, and large waste piles (waste rock
piles) remain on the site (see map on page
2).
Studies conducted by state and federal
agencies to initially assess the
environmental impact of mining operations
indicated that there were elevated levels of
cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc in Goose
Cove sediments, in on-site soils as well as
SDMS DocID 000213131
in the shellfish. Based on an evaluation of
these studies, EPA placed the Callahan
Mine site on the Superfund List in
September, 2002.
Current and Future Activities
EPA has gathered and reviewed existing
documentation and information regarding
site conditions and past mining operations.
This information was compiled to develop a
conceptual site model and a detailed work
plan to fully investigate the nature and
extent of contamination. In 2003 and 2004
ME DEP sampled private drinking water
wells near the site and found elevated
levels of metals in four wells. As a result of
these findings, ME DEP has offered to
provide bottled water to the affected
residents.
EPA's upcoming field investigation to
assess the contamination at the site will
include:
A collection and analysis of soil and air
samples;
A collection of fish, shellfish, surface
water and sediment samples;
A installation and sampling of
groundwater monitoring wells;
A a residential water sampling
program; and
A a wetlands and wildlife survey.
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Using the information collected above, a
human health and ecological risk
assessment will be developed to assess
the potential hazards the contamination
poses, as well as to identify potential
cleanup measures that might be
warranted.
The field investigation will be conducted in
two phases. The first phase will begin in
early November and will extend into late
December of 2004. The second and final
phase will begin in the spring of 2005 and
is planned to be completed by December
of 2005.
WARNING:
During the field investigation, site workers
will be moving heavy equipment on and off
the site. While EPA will take measures to
restrict public access, residents are urged
to help in this effort by warning children
and others not to enter the former mine
site work areas. EPA will make every effort
to minimize disturbance to residents during
this investigation and would like to thank
you for your cooperation.
INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:
Internet users may access current site
information at:
http://www.epa. qov/superfund/sites/npl/m
e.htm#statelist
Site information can also be found at:
Brooksville Free Public Library
1 Town House Road
Brooksville, Maine 04617
(207) 326-4560
EPA Records Center
One Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
617-918-1318
CALLAHAN MINE SUPERFUND SITE
For More Information Contact:
Leslie McVickar, USEPA
EPA Remedial Project Manager
(617)-918-1374 or 1-888-372-7341
ex.81374
mcvickar.leslie@epa.gov
Pam Harting-Barrat, USEPA
Community Relations
(617)918-1318 or 1-888-372-7341 ex.81318
hartinq-barrat.pamela@epa.gov
Naji Akladiss, Maine DEP
Project Manager
(207) 287-7709
Naji.N.Akladdis@maine.gov
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