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Superfund Program Implements the Recovery Act
Eureka Mills
City of Eureka, UtahSite Description
The approximately 680-acre Eureka Mills site is located in the East Tintic Mountains, approximately 80 miles southwest of Salt Lake City in Juab County, UT. The town of Eureka is part of the historic Tintic Mining District and was founded in 1870 upon the discovery of a high-grade mineralized outcrop containing silver and lead, as well as other minerals including gold, copper and arsenic. The area was extensively mined until 1958. Large waste rock piles and mining waste material are located immediately adjacent to residences and businesses. Mining activities distributed mine waste around Eureka by means such as transport along rail lines and milling operations. Some of the mine waste material was used for urban construction in Eureka. Wind and water erosion also contributed to spreading mine wastes within the town. EPA has determined that, while several metals are contaminants of concern, lead is the primary contaminant based on current and future health risks.
Cleanup Activities to Date
EPA listed the site on the National Priorities List in 2002. During 2001-2002, EPA conducted emergency removal action work that cleaned up 72 residential properties where contaminated soils with elevated lead levels were determined to pose the highest risk to children. In 2003, EPA completed the long-term cleanup work plan and began work that same year. To date, 454 residential cleanups have been completed at the site. EPA's project manager routinely updates the Eureka City Council at their regularly scheduled meetings. In addition, fact sheets are distributed when needed to report a noteworthy issue to the community. Also, information is advertised in the Nebo Reporter as needed.
Recovery Act Project Activity
EPA will use the more than $25 million in Recovery Act funds allocated to this site to speed up, by one year, the cleanup of mine waste and residential areas. Specific work to be performed includes the stabilization and capping of three large mine waste areas, construction of drainage control features to contain contaminated runoff so that cleaned up areas are not re-contaminated, and the cleanup of the lead-contaminated soils at approximately 160 residential properties.
To find out more about:
- This Superfund site, go to: http://epa.gov/region8/superfund/ut/eureka/index.html;
- The Recovery Act and:
- Superfund go to: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/eparecovery/index.html;
- EPA, go to: http://www.epa.gov/recovery; and
- The United States, go to: http://www.recovery.gov.