EPA proposes cleanup plan for Sulphur Bank Mine Superfund site in California
Historic mining contaminated the property with unhealthy levels of mercury, arsenic and antimony.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its preferred cleanup plan for the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine Superfund site and is inviting the public to review and comment on the plan. The plan proposes cleaning up significant portions of the site in Clearlake Oaks, Calif., specifically the mine area, the sovereign territory of the Elem Indian Colony Tribe, and contaminated soils in the residential area to the southwest of the site.
“This proposed plan is the first step needed to reduce mercury levels in Clear Lake and address contaminated soil. These efforts will enhance public health and environmental safeguards, and advance environmental justice in the area,” says EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA is committed to continuing to work with the Elem Indian Colony, the greater Clear Lake community and the Tribal nations as we develop a plan to clean up the Sulphur Bank site. We look forward to hearing the community’s feedback on our proposed plan.”