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Fact Sheet
August 2009
EPA to Host Public Meeting, Leadwood Mine Tailings Superfund Site, Leadwood, Missouri
INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 will hold a public meeting to share updated information about the Leadwood Mine Tailings Superfund Site. The meeting is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2009, in the cafeteria at the West County High School in Park Hills, Mo.
PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday, August 13, 2009
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
West County High School
Cafeteria
768 Highway M
Park Hills, Missouri
Since meeting with you on June 25, 2009, EPA has undertaken the following actions:
- Amended EPA's 2006 Unilateral Administrative Order (UAO) with The Doe Run Resources Corporation to include immediate steps to improve environmental procedures and practices at the Leadwood Site.
- Assigned additional EPA personnel to be on-site to increase Agency oversight of Doe Run environmental activities.
- Placed the amended UAO at the local repository (St. Francois County Health Center, Park Hills, Mo.) for public viewing.
BACKGROUND
The Leadwood Mine Tailings Superfund Site is one of six major mine waste areas located in a region known as the Old Lead Belt. Historical mining activities were conducted in this region for the greater part of 70 years, leaving behind tailings and chat containing elevated levels of lead and zinc that pose a threat to human health and the environment.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Lead is a toxic metal that is harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Children are more sensitive to lead than adults and can develop lifelong learning disabilities and behavioral problems from lead exposure. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should also avoid exposure to lead to protect their children. Lead poisoning can cause negative health effects in infants and young children including, but not limited to:
- Slowed physical growth
- Hearing problems
- Nervous system damage
- Learning disabilities
- Hyperactivity and other behavioral problems
- Decreased intelligence
Lead exposure and its effects can be reduced by the following actions:
- Washing hands after playing outside and before meals;
- Vacuuming often and dusting with a damp cloth;
- Eating a diet high in calcium and iron.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD
The administrative record is the official record for the site and contains site reports and other documents such as the amended Unilateral Order, used to determine the appropriate actions to take at the site. The administrative order for the Leadwood Mine Tailings Superfund Site is available for review at the following locations:
St. Francois County Health Center
1025 West Main Street
Park Hills, Missouri
EPA Region 7
Records Center
901 North 5th Street
Kansas City, Kansas
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact:
Debbie Kring
Community Involvement Coordinator
Office of Public Affairs
U.S. EPA - Region 7
901 North 5th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 551-7725 or
Toll Free @ 1-800-223-0425
E-mail: kring.debbie@epa.gov
EPA Region 7 is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the public meeting, please notify the EPA Reasonable Accommodations Coordinator, Sharon Nible at (1-800-223-0425), or by e-mail @ nible.sharon@epa.gov at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. Speech or hearing impaired individuals should e-mail or call using the local relay service.