Annapolis Lead Mine
Annapolis, Missouri

Site Description

The Annapolis Lead Mine is located approximately one mile outside of Annapolis, Missouri, in a rural/residential area. The mining activities at the site, which occurred from 1919-1940, included ore excavation, crushing and concentrating. Prior to being shipped for processing, the concentrated metals were stored onsite. Contamination from the former mine operation has been found in the town of Annapolis' soil, while mine runoff has affected nearby creeks. To clean up the site, EPA has divided it into three areas. One area is approximately 200 acres in size and includes the historic tailings pile and mine area. A second area consists of approximately 20 miles of stream that include parts of both Big Creek and the Sutton Branch Creek. The third area covers soil in the town of Annapolis.

Current Site Status and Cleanup Actions to Date

• EPA started short-term cleanup activity in 2004 to identify, consolidate and stabilize the lead-contaminated mine waste on the site.  The action lessened the chance that people would be exposed to lead through contact with the soil.  It also lowered the possibility that the tailings would be moved by runoff, wind or human activity. 
• In 2005, EPA issued a Record of Decision (ROD) that laid out the longer-term plan for cleaning up the 200-acre area of the site that includes the tailings pile and mine area. These activities included excavating creek sediment in pockets so that the habitat was only disturbed in those areas where excavation was essential.  Sediments were then placed in existing onsite areas already containing waste and covered with soil caps.  EPA then planted a site-specific seed mix on the caps. 
• EPA signed RODs for the other two parts of the site in 2007.  Based on a study of the 20-mile stream portion of the site, EPA determined that no action was necessary to protect human health and the environment.  After investigating the third part of the site, soil in the town of Annapolis, EPA found that only one driveway in the town needed to be cleaned up.  This cleanup occurred at the same time that EPA was cleaning up the tailings pile and mine area.
• EPA and the State of Missouri will monitor the site regularly to make sure the remedy is working.

Current Funding Status

• EPA obligated approximately $500,000 for cleanup activities at this site in Fiscal Year 2007.

For more information about this site, please to go to the Annapolis Lead Mine Site Fact Sheet available on the Region 7 Superfund web page.