CHEROKEE COUNTY TRUSTEE COUNCIL

August 13, 2004 

Contacts:  Leo Henning, Kansas Department of Health and Environment,
                    785-296-1914 
                  John Miesner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
                    785-539-3474, ext. 103 

PUBLIC COMMENT REQUESTED ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT PLAN FOR CHEROKEE COUNTY SUPERFUND SITE 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Kansas Field Office, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are asking for public review and comment of the Phase I Damage Assessment Plan for the Cherokee County Superfund Site.  The Damage Assessment Plan outlines the procedures to be used to evaluate potential injuries to natural resources.  If injuries are identified, the agencies may pursue compensation to restore, replace, or acquire the equivalent of the injured natural resources and their services.

Cherokee County, Kansas, is part of the Tri-State Mining District, which was mined extensively for cadmium, lead and zinc for more than a century.  As a consequence of these mining and mine-related activities, large amounts of metals were released into the Cherokee County environment.  Cadmium, lead, and zinc are potentially toxic to a wide variety of organisms, including birds, mammals, fish, mussels, plants, and other biota.

Copies of the Damage Assessment Plan are available at the Public Libraries in Columbus, KS, Galena, KS, Baxter Springs, KS, Joplin, MO, and Miami, OK, and on the internet at:

http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/nrda/CherokeeCounty.htm. 

The Public Review period begins August 13, 2004 and will extend to September 13, 2004.  Comments may be mailed to Mr. Leo Henning, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 410, Topeka, KS  66612-1367. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Our mission is, working with others, to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. 

Kansas Department of Health and Environment 

To optimize the promotion and protection of the health of Kansans through efficient and effective public health programs and services and through preservation, protection, and remediation of natural resources of the environment. 

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks 

As the public guardian of the natural resources of this state and servant of the people, the mission of the Department of Wildlife and Parks is to:Conserve and enhance Kansas’ natural heritage, its wildlife and its habitats to assure future generations the benefits of the state’s diverse, living resources;Provide the public with opportunities for use and appreciation of the natural resources of Kansas, consistent with the conservation of those resources;Inform the public of the status of the natural resources of Kansas to promote understanding and gain assistance in achieving this mission.