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Fact Sheet
May 2006
Public Meetings and Administrative Record Announcement - Washington County Lead District - Potosi, Old Mines & Richwoods Area Sites
INTRODUCTION
EPA Region 7 and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) are hosting public meetings on June 7 and June 8, 2006, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., to update the local community about progress at the Washington County Lead District – Potosi, Old Mines and Richwoods Area Superfund Sites in Washington County, Missouri.
EPA also invites public comment on the Administrative Records established for the Potosi, Old Mines and Richwoods Area Sites. Further information about the public comment period and location of the Administrative Records is provided below.
SITE SAMPLING PROGRESS
In the summer of 2005, MDNR collected numerous soil samples from residential yards located in lead and barite mining areas in Washington County. MDNR also collected water samples from private drinking water wells. The soil and water samples were analyzed for the presence of lead and other heavy metals. Since October 2005, EPA has also collected soil and water samples from properties located in Washington County. EPA uses sampling results to determine which lead-contaminated properties will be prioritized for cleanup.
SOIL REMOVAL PRIORITIES
Sampling results which detect lead in soil at levels of 1,200 parts per
million (ppm) or greater are deemed higher risk to residents. These properties
receive priority for excavation during the current removal action. Properties
with lead at levels above 400 ppm where a child with elevated blood lead
resides are the highest priority for cleanup.
SITE CLEANUP PROGRESS
EPA is currently providing bottled water to homes where the lead and cadmium levels exceeded EPA’s drinking water standards.
EPA has not begun yard soil cleanups at properties where lead contamination exceeds 1,200 ppm. Before yard cleanups can begin, EPA must find an acceptable location to place contaminated yard soils removed during excavations. EPA is currently seeking an appropriate location for these wastes. EPA will report on this yard waste issue during the public meetings on June 7-8, 2006.
BLOOD LEAD TESTING
The only way to know if your child has elevated blood lead levels is to have his or her blood tested. Free blood lead screening tests will be available at both public meetings. These will be finger-stick tests. You will know the results of the test the same evening.
Children between six months and six years of age are at greatest risk for lead poisoning. EPA encourages parents to have their children tested for lead exposure.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Children are more sensitive to lead than adults and can develop lifelong learning disabilities or behavioral problems because of lead exposure. Health effects in children include:
- Slowed physical growth;
- Hearing problems;
- Nervous system damage;
- Learning difficulties;
- Behavior problems including hyperactivity; and
- Decreased intelligence (I.Q.) scores.
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; and
- Eating a diet high in calcium and iron and low in fat.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS
EPA issued Action Memoranda for the three Washington County Sites to address contaminated drinking water and properties with lead contamination above 1,200 ppm, or above 400 ppm where a child with elevated blood lead levels resides.
EPA has compiled the Administrative Records for the Washington County Lead District—Potosi, Old Mines and Richwoods Area Sites. The Administrative Record is the official site record and contains reports such as the approved Action Memorandum for each site.
The Administrative Records for the Potosi and Old Mines Area Sites are available and may be reviewed during normal business hours at the following location:
Washington County Library
235 East High Street
Potosi, Missouri
The Administrative Record for the Richwoods Area Site is available and
may be reviewed during normal business hours at the following location:
Richwoods R-VII Elementary School
10788 State Highway A
Richwoods, Missouri
The Administrative Records for the three Washington County Lead District Sites may also be reviewed at the EPA Region 7 Records Center, 901 N. 5th Street, Kansas City, Kansas.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The public is invited to comment on the Administrative Records for the Washington County Lead District—Potosi, Old Mines and Richwoods Area Sites. The 30-day public comment period runs from June 1-30, 2006. Written comments must be postmarked or mailed electronically no later than June 30, 2006, to Dianna Whitaker at the street and/or email addresses given below. EPA will prepare a written response to significant comments submitted during the public comment period. The responsiveness summary will be included in the administrative record.
_______________________________
You Are Invited to Attend One of Two Public Meetings
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Potosi High School
Gymnasium
1 Trojan Drive
Potosi, Missouri
Thursday, June 8, 2006
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Richwoods R-VII Elementary School
Cafeteria/Multipurpose Room
10788 State Hwy A
Richwoods, Missouri
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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
913-551-7003, Toll-free 1-800-223-0425
E-mail: whitaker.dianna@epa.gov
