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Ceremony Begins Cleveland Mill Cleanup

Release Date: 7/22/1997
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

     Federal, state and local officials stirred up dirt just north of Silver City today. The dirt was scooped in ceremonial shovelfuls as part of the mid-morning ceremony marking the beginning of cleanup at the abandoned Cleveland Mill mine and mill.

     The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) worked together to clean this property under the national Superfund program. Established by the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, Superfund is our country's program for cleaning uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.

     "For many citizens, EPA's Superfund program is their only protection from the health hazards of toxic wastes. Metals leaching from the tailings on this property have contaminated surface water and have threatened area drinking water. More than 1,200 people draw drinking water from wells within three miles of this property," EPA's
Superfund Director Myron Knudson said.

     The site, located at the headwaters of Little Walnut Creek, is contaminated with the waste from nearly half a century of mining operations. Arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc have been found on the property at levels which pose health risks to humans.

     Silver City Mayor J.P. Jones said, "It's been great working with EPA on this cleanup. Project Manager Kathleen Aisling did a tremendous job keeping everyone on track and working together. The project is a wonderful example of how local, state and federal governments, along with private industry, can work together."

     Cleanup should take 9 to 12 months. Tailings and contaminated soil will be consolidated on the property and covered with an impenetrable cap to prevent leaching. New plantings will prevent erosion.

     NMED Director Mark Weidler said, "It appears to be a good solution, both environmentally and economically. We support the plan."

     Mr. Knudson praised Mining Remedial Recovery Company, Bayard Mining and Viacom for their support. "I don't get to thank potentially responsible parties often enough. These companies' cooperation is an excellent example of the Superfund program at its best, when everyone works together to develop common sense approaches to cleanups," he said.

     The three companies are paying for the cleanup, saving taxpayers about $6.2 million, according to EPA estimates.

     Mayor Jones said, "With the tremendous growth Silver City has experienced in the past year, it is more important than ever that this property be cleaned.The cleanup will help ensure that area families have safe, clean drinking water. With today's ceremony, we are on the road to recovery."