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NPL Site Narrative for Central City-Clear Creek
CENTRAL CITY-CLEAR CREEK
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Federal Register Notice: September 8, 1983Conditions at listing (July 1982): The Central City-Clear Creek Site is in Gilpin County in north central Colorado. It consists of a limited number of abandoned gold mines near Central City and the Argo Tunnel in Idaho Springs. Completed in 1904, the 4-mile tunnel drains ground water from 30 or more inactive mines. Acid drainage containing heavy metals (cadmium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, and zinc) flows from the mines near Central City and the tunnel into Clear Creek, an important source of industrial, recreational, agricultural, and drinking water. In May 1980, a large discharge ("blow-out") from the tunnel affected downstream users. Wells supplying drinking water are also contaminated.
Status (July 1983): EPA plans to spend about $75,000 to conduct (1) a remedial investigation to determine the quality, quantity, and seasonal variations of flows from the mines and tunnel and (2) a feasibility study to identify alternatives for treating or preventing the continuous discharge and for preventing blow-outs. The work is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 1985.
For more information about the hazardous substances identified in this narrative summary, including general information regarding the effects of exposure to these substances on human health, please see the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) ToxFAQs. ATSDR ToxFAQs can be found on the Internet at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html or by telephone at 1-888-42-ATSDR or 1-888-422-8737.