RE-Powering America's Land: EastHeiena, Montana Evaluating the Feasibility of Siting Renewable Energy Production on Potentially Contaminated Land Feasibility Studies to RE-Power Communities The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's RE-Powering America's Land initiative encourages renewable energy development on current and formerly contaminated land and mine sites when it is aligned with the community's vision for the site. EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are collaborating on a project to evaluate the feasibility of siting renewable energy production on potentially contaminated sites.This effort pairs EPA's expertise on contaminated sites with NREL's expertise in renewable energy. The feasibility studies will provide site owners and communities with a realistic and achievable plan for putting renewable energy on a given site. Site Description From 1888 until 2001, the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) operated a lead and zinc smelter in East Helena, Montana. The ASARCO site was added to EPA's Superfund National Priorities List in 1983 due to extensive soil and groundwater contamination. The bankruptcy reorganization of ASARCO in 2009 placed more than 1,500 acres into the hands of the Montana Environmental Trust Group (METG), which is responsible primarily for remediating the 130-acre plant site and the groundwater contamination that has migrated to the City of East Helena. Community Goals Given current site conditions, renewable energy development may be the only viable reuse for these properties. The large size of the property, adjacent utilities, and its location near forest and farmland give the site potential for siting of a biorefinery, biopower, or geothermal facility on the former plant site in East Helena. After more than 100 years of smelting history, redevelopment with renewable energy could redefine the character of the community of East Helena, creating jobs and taxable value for future generations. Feasibility Study: Biopower or Geothermal EPA and NREL are collaborating to conduct a study on the potential for biopower or geothermal potential on the ASARCO Superfund Site. The feasibility study will evaluate the technical and economic opportunities and challenges at the site. It will: ¦ Provide a preliminary analysis of the viability of the site; ¦ Assess biopower or geothermal resource potential; ¦ Identify possible facility type, size, and location; and ¦ Review the economics of the proposed facility. ASARCO Superfund Site East Helena, Montana Site Facts: Site type: Superfund Renewable technology: Biopower or Geothermal Contacts: EPA Region 8 Timothy Rehder rehder.timothy@epa.gov (303)312-6293 EPA Headquarters Lura Matthews matthews.lura@epa.gov (202) 566-2539 www.epa.gov/renewableenergyland National Renewable Energy Lab Gail Mosey gail.mosey@nrel.gov (303) 384-7356 www.nrel.gov The information presented in this fact sheet comes from the proposal; EPA cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. Therefore, activities described in this fact sheet are subject to change. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/renewableenergyland or contact deanenergy@epa.gov &EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response November 2011 ------- |