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Southwest Jefferson County (Mo.) Mining Site Added to EPA's Superfund National Priorities List for Cleanup

Release Date: 09/23/2009
Contact Information: Chris Whitley, (913) 551-7394, whitley.christopher@epa.gov; Dianna Whitaker, (913) 551-7598, whitaker.dianna@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., Sept. 23, 2009) - EPA Region 7 today announced its decision to place the Southwest Jefferson County Mining Site on the federal Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL is a list of the nation's hazardous waste sites with the highest priority for cleanup. These sites are eligible for extensive, long-term response action money authorized by Congress under the Superfund program.

Mining activities in Jefferson County, Mo., have contributed to elevated levels of lead in soil, ground and surface water in this area. Some county residents have also unknowingly purchased lead-contaminated soil for property and landscaping improvements. Since last summer, EPA has been excavating soil at residences with the highest levels of contamination.

EPA Region 7 Acting Administrator William Rice said, "Adding this site to the National Priorities List ensures that additional resources will be available to protect Jefferson County residents from high concentrations of lead in soil and drinking water."

EPA wants to help affected communities understand the technical information related to these sites. EPA's Technical Assistance Grant Program provides up to $50,000 for a qualified citizens' group to hire independent technical advisors. The advisors can help citizens interpret complex environmental data, understand site hazards, and critique various cleanup technologies. For additional information about the Technical Assistance Grant Program, contact Dianna Whitaker at 913-551-7598 or whitaker.dianna@epa.gov.