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EPA Proposes Cleanup Plan for the Elizabeth Mine Superfund Site in Strafford and Thetford, Vermont

Release Date: 03/08/2002
Contact Information: Alice Kaufman, EPA Community Affairs, (617) 918-1064

Boston– The United States Environmental Protection Agency today announced a proposal to cleanup the Elizabeth Mine Superfund Site in Strafford and Thetford, Vermont that will minimize the adverse impacts of acid mine drainage (AMD) into the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc River. The cleanup proposal includes plans to:

• Divert clean surface water and groundwater flow around the tailing piles (TP-1, TP-2, and TP-3).
  
• Capture and treat the AMD flowing from TP-3 using a combination of natural treatment systems.
  
• Capture and treat the AMD flowing from seeps along the toe of TP-1 using a combination of natural treatment systems.
  
• Preserve a portion (up to 100%) of the copper waste rock and copperas heap leaching piles adjacent to the North Open Cut (TP-3) (three preservation options presented).
  
• Cover two tailings piles (TP-1 and TP-2) with a multibarrier system that will limit infiltration.

Over the past two years, EPA engaged in ongoing dialogue with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, the Vermont State Historic Preservation Office and the Elizabeth Mine Community Advisory Group (EMCAG). The EMCAG is a ten member group of local officials and residents whose input has significantly affected EPA's cleanup proposal.

"This site represents a unique challenge given the significant environmental impacts and the importance of the historic resource," said Robert W. Varney, EPA New England regional administrator. "The concerns and comments we heard from the local stakeholders played a major role in developing a cleanup proposal that provides the best balance of environmental protection and historic preservation. We will continue to work closely with the community and state through all phases of the cleanup."

Christopher Recchia, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), said: "The VT DEC supports the direction that EPA is taking with the proposed remediation at the Elizabeth Mine to improve surface water quality, particularly the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc River. The VT DEC appreciates the commitment and effort of EPA and the local communities in working with us to arrive at a cleanup approach that takes into account the historic significance of the mine and yet addresses the water quality issues caused by the mine. We look forward to the completion of the proposed remediation design and to continue working closely with the stakeholders ."

Rod Maclay, chair of the Elizabeth Mine Community Advisory Group said: "The Elizabeth Mine Community Advisory Group is very pleased with EPA's cleanup alternatives. EPA has done a remarkable job in responding to our concerns. We hope that the state of Vermont will follow through with its promise to try to preserve the historic resources at the site, and look forward to continuing to work with EPA as the cleanup proceeds."

On a track parallel to the cleanup investigation, EPA conducted an assessment of the historic significance of the mine and concluded that the site is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. EPA has evaluated measures to avoid or minimize impacts to historic features of the site in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act and will enter into a memorandum of agreement with appropriate parties to ensure protection of these historic resources.

Public Meetings
To learn more about the cleanup proposal, EPA will hold public informational sessions:

• Wednesday March 13th, 2002, at 7:00 pm at Barrett Hall in South Strafford, VT
  
• Thursday March 14th-, 2002, at 7:00 pm at Parish Players Hall in Thetford, VT,

Should you have specific needs or questions about the facility or transportation, please contact Ed Hathaway at 1-888-372-7341 ext. 81372.

The public may also provide written comments to EPA via email at [email protected]
or via U.S. Mail to:

Ed Hathaway-HBT
EPA New England
1 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02114-2023

The 30 day public comment period will be open from March 15th to April 15th, 2002.
Ed Hathaway and Bill Lovely may be reached toll free at: 1-888-372-7341 ext. 81372 or
ext. 81240.

For more information on the Elizabeth Mine, visit our website at: https://www.epa.gov/region1/superfund/sites/elizmine/