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NPL Site Narrative for Mouat Industries
MOUAT INDUSTRIES
Columbus, Montana
Federal Register Notice: June 10, 1986Conditions at proposal (October 15, 1984): The Mouat Industries Site is near Columbus, Stillwater County, Montana. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the site was leased to Mouat Industries for the processing of chromium ore to high-grade sodium dichromate. The process produced wastes containing sodium chromate and sodium dichromate. In 1973, the Anaconda Minerals Co. removed the waste pile and treated the area to remove hexavalent chromium remaining in the soil. Anaconda performed this work in exchange for Mouat Industries' mineral rights at another location. In early 1975, gravel was imported and placed on the site to a depth of 6 inches to 3 feet. By late 1976, yellow mineral deposits containing chromium were evident on top of the ground.
Hexavalent chromium is present in soils on-site, as well as in ground water and surface water both on- and off-site, according to analyses conducted by EPA and Anaconda. EPA has also detected elevated concentrations of arsenic in surface water sediments downstream of the site. An estimated 270 people draw drinking water from private wells within 3 miles of the site.
Ownership history of the site is now being investigated.
Status (June 10, 1986): EPA recently visited the site to determine the need for an immediate removal.
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.