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EPA ISSUES UNILATERAL ORDER TO DOE RUN FOR CLEANUP AT ELVINS MINE TAILINGS SITE, PARK HILLS, MO.

Release Date: 03/23/2005
Contact Information:

Environmental News
Debbie Kring
(913) 551-7003
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 23, 2005

EPA ISSUES UNILATERAL ORDER TO DOE RUN FOR CLEANUP AT ELVINS MINE TAILINGS SITE, PARK HILLS, MO.

EPA has issued a unilateral order to the Doe Run Co. of St. Louis, compelling the company to perform cleanup activities at the Elvins Mine Tailings Site in Park Hills, Mo.

Contaminated mine waste, commonly referred to as tailings or chat, has been carried off site by wind and storm-water runoff for many years, resulting in lead and zinc contamination of many surrounding residential properties and the Flat River.

Exposure of young children to lead can cause irreversible damage to the brain and central nervous system, resulting in impaired growth development, lower IQ levels, and behavioral problems.

Doe Run is required by the order to regrade the chat and tailings piles to increase stability and to cover the piles with rock and soil. Air monitoring and surface runoff sampling will also be conducted. The order requires work to be completed within 12 months of the time EPA approves a work plan.

Missouri has issued fish consumption warnings because of elevated lead levels found in several species in the Flat River.

All information pertaining to this site can be found at the following information repositories, as well as at EPA in Kansas City, Kan.

• St. Francois County. Health Dept., 1025 W. Main, Park Hills, Mo.
• Desloge Public Library, 209 N. Desloge Drive, Desloge, Mo.