East Helena asarco clean up cms report community meeting

• TOM KUGLIN tom.kuglin@helenair.com
• Apr 9, 2018 II
The trust controls both the smelter site and Asarco-owned lands in the area. Contamination includes arsenic and selenium at the site, as well as groundwater plumes.

In the years since the settlement and ahead of the corrective measures study detailing the final cleanup plan, contractors have analyzed contamination and performed “interim measures” addressing pollution. These interim measures include capping the site to stop storm water from spreading contamination.

The draft corrective measures study provides alternatives for the final cleanup that the public can weigh in on.

“The meeting will provide the public with an important opportunity to learn about and comment on the CMS Report,” according to a news release. “The open house will feature informational exhibits about cleanup, redevelopment and community programs and activities.”

The public meeting will include a brief presentation on the CMS Report followed by oral public comment. Formal public comment will be recorded and EPA will respond to comments received during the public comment period in the final corrective measures study report.

Written comments may be given to EPA at the public meeting or sent to: Betsy Burns; EPA Region 8 Montana Office; 10 W. 15th St.; Suite 3200; Helena, MT 59626. They may be emailed to: burns.betsy@epa.gov. The public comment period for the CMS report ends on May 29 at 5 p.m.

Reporter Tom Kuglin can be reached at 447-4076 @IR_TomKuglin

East Helena independent, published for fair use