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Fact Sheet
May 2008
EPA Announces Public Availability Meeting, Franklin County Lead Superfund Site, Franklin County, Missouri
INTRODUCTION
EPA Region 7 is hosting a public availability meeting on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at St. Clair High School in St. Clair, Missouri. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the local community with information about the Franklin County Lead Superfund Site. During the meeting, representatives from the EPA, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and federal, state and local health agencies will be available to answer questions from the public.
SITE BACKGROUND
Significant mining activities began around 1830 in southern Franklin County. Virginia, Valle, Skewes, Casswell, Thomas and Northumberland Mines all produced lead in Franklin County. Eight lead smelters are also known to have operated in this county. These mining and smelting activities may have contributed to elevated levels of lead in soil or ground water at residential properties in the county.
In late 2006, EPA began collecting soil and water samples from residential properties located near mining and mine-waste disposal areas in Franklin County. The soil and water samples were analyzed for the presence of lead and other heavy metals. A more focused sampling effort is planned for this spring.
PUBLIC AVAILABILITY MEETING
You are invited to attend an EPA public availability meeting to learn more about the Franklin County Lead Site. The meeting is scheduled:
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
St. Clair High School
1015 High School Drive
St. Clair, Missouri
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 behavior problems from lead exposure. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should also avoid exposure to lead to protect their children.
Lead poisoning can cause these health effects in infants and young children:
- Slowed physical growth.
- Hearing problems.
- Nervous system damage.
- Learning difficulties.
- Behavior problems including hyperactivity.
- Decreased intelligence.
Lead exposure and its effects can be reduced by
- Washing hands after playing outside and before meals.
- Vacuuming often and dusting with a damp cloth to help remove dust that might have lead in it.
- Eating a diet high in calcium and iron and low in fat.
BLOOD LEAD TESTING
The only way to know if your child has elevated blood lead levels is to have his or her blood tested. EPA encourages parents to have their children tested for lead exposure.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD
EPA has compiled the administrative record for the site. The administrative record includes reports such as the approved Action Memorandum which authorizes Agency funding for site sampling and response activities.
The administrative record may be reviewed during normal business hours at the following locations:
St. Clair Public Library
570 South Main Street
St. Clair, Mo.
EPA Region 7
901 North 5th Street
Kansas City, Kan.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact:
Dianna Whitaker
Community Involvement Coordinator
EPA Region 7
901 North 5th Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
913-551-7598, Toll-free 1-800-223-0425
E-mail: whitaker.dianna@epa.gov
Heath Smith
On-Scene Coordinator
EPA Region 7
St. Louis Office
212 Little Bussen Drive
Fenton, Missouri 63026
636-326-4726
E-mail: smith.heath@epa.gov
