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EPA Proposes Three Missouri Sites for Federal Cleanup Priorities List

Release Date: 09/19/2007
Contact Information: Dianna Whitaker, (913) 551-7598, [email protected]

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Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., Sept. 19, 2007) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced its proposal to add three Washington County, Mo., sites to the federal Superfund National Priorities List.

They are the Washington County Lead District-Potosi Site, the Washington County Lead District-Old Mines Site, and the Washington County Lead District-Richwoods Site. Washington County is in Missouri's Old Lead Belt. Mining activities in Washington County have contributed to elevated levels of lead in soil and ground water in this area. A National Priorities listing notifies the public that EPA believes a site requires further study and possible cleanup under EPA's Superfund program.

EPA Region 7 Administrator John Askew said, "Adding these three sites to the National Priorities List makes federal resources available to help protect Missouri residents from high concentrations of lead in soil and drinking water."

Listing the Washington County sites guarantees the public an opportunity to participate in cleanup decisions. Affected communities are also eligible for technical assistance grants from the EPA to help understand technical documents and to promote community involvement at the sites. The comment period for this proposal is open from September 19 to November 19, 2007.

The EPA Headquarters Docket maintains documents which support the Agency's proposal to add these sites to the National Priorities List. These materials can be accessed electronically by going to www.regulations.gov and following the online instructions for submitting comments.