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U.S. EPA Region 6
El Paso County Metals Site
Timeline of Events
May 2003

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in cooperation with the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality, the Texas Department of Health, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR), the New Mexico Environment Department, the New Mexico Department of Health, and
county and local health agencies plan the following site activities over the next several months to address public
health and the environmental problems in El Paso, Texas and Sunland Park, New Mexico. Any significant
changes to this schedule will be communicated to local officials and residents. Officials from EPA met with
area Homeowners Associations on October 21, 2002; conducted site open houses in November 2002; and,
continue to participate in frequent conference calls with Homeowners Associations to provide further
information on the following site activities:
November 15, 2002: EPA in the field to start removal action on residential properties of highest risk.
November 2002: EPA began removal and cleanup of soils on properties with highest levels of
contamination. Announced public availability sessions for mid-November.
November 12-14, 2002: Conducted three public availability sessions for residents at local schools.
Late November 2002: Completed sampling, analysis and validation of the 1,300 properties, and
property owners notified of results.
December 2002: EPA continues site area removal activities on properties. Initiates bi-weekly update
calls with Homeowners Associations.
April 2003: Removal activities started on San Marcos Street.
Spring 2003: Complete sampling, analysis, and validation of the recent 2,000 properties; residents
notified.
Early Summer 2003: Speciation report to be completed to determine possible sources of contamination.
Early Summer 2003: Bioavailability study completed and results assessed.
July 2003: Agencies conduct community open houses to discuss results and implications of studies.
Spring 2003: Complete phase 1 soils removal action. Evaluation and decision made by agencies if
further and more extensive cleanup is required.
Early Fall 2003: In consultation with State of Texas, evaluation of whether site should be proposed to
National Priorities List (NPL).
Ongoing: Health consultations developed as necessary. (ATSDR in agreement with EPA's phased
cleanup approach.)

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