The EPA proposes new lead cleanup level for Butte

The EPA proposes new lead cleanup level for Butte

The EPA will host an open house on 10/29 and a formal public meeting on 11/18

October 16, 2024

BUTTE, Mont. (October 16, 2024) -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces the completion of a Proposed Plan detailing changes to the existing residential cleanup level for lead (Pb) and the Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (BPSOU) boundary. The plan proposes a new cleanup level of 175 parts per million (ppm) lead in soil and interior dust, replacing the current level of 1,200 ppm, expands the BPSOU boundary by approximately 3,637 acres to include an additional 7,253 homes, and extends the timeframe to complete residential cleanups. The release of the Proposed Plan initiates a 60-day public comment period on the proposed remedy changes, which runs from October 16 through December 16, 2024.

Cleanup at the BPSOU under the existing remedy is ongoing and will continue during this period of proposed change.

"Today marks a significant milestone in the effort to reduce lead exposure and enhance the lives of all who call Butte home," said EPA Region 8 Regional Administrator, KC Becker. "The modified cleanup actions associated with this proposal reflect EPA's responsiveness to updated health science. I'm proud to say Butte is among the first in the country to receive an updated lead cleanup level after national guidance changed earlier in 2024. The EPA remains committed to serving the people of Butte and protecting human health and the environment."

"I am pleased that the EPA has officially proposed to lower the lead action level and believe this significant change will not only safeguard our community but will also ensure a more robust cleanup process moving forward," said Butte Silver Bow Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher. "My administration has consistently advocated for a more protective lead action level, and we have worked diligently to push for this new, lower level, which reflects our commitment to the well-being of our residents and the integrity of our natural surroundings. I look forward to working closely with all agencies on this more comprehensive and effective cleanup strategy and together we will create a healthier and safer environment for all."

The proposed changes modify the existing remedy outlined in 2006 Record of Decision (ROD)(as modified by the 2011 Explanation of Significant Differences [ESD] and the 2020 ROD Amendment [RODA]). Properties within the current BPSOU boundary where a residential cleanup has already been conducted will be reassessed to determine if additional cleanup is required under the proposed new cleanup level. Properties that were previously sampled but did not warrant cleanup, based on the existing cleanup level, will be reassessed to determine if cleanup is required. Mandatory sampling and evaluation for potential cleanups at residential properties within the expanded BPSOU boundary will take additional time to complete.

In January 2024, EPA updated national soil lead guidancefor Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, or Superfund) sites and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) corrective action facilities. The guidance, last updated in 1994, reflects an evolved understanding of the potential harms of even low levels of lead exposure across a lifespan, such as cognitive effects and hypertension. Lower target blood-lead levels for children were selected based on this understanding, resulting in lowered screening levels for lead in residential soils at CERCLA and RCRA sites nationwide. These screening levels, along with site-specific information, are considered in developing and selecting protective cleanup levels. Butte is among the first in the nation to receive a proposed updated cleanup level.

Residences with the most vulnerable populations, including those with young children and pregnant and nursing mothers, are currently prioritized under existing cleanup protocols and will continue to be prioritized in the design and implementation of the proposed modified remedy described in the Proposed Plan.

An Open House to learn more about the proposed changes will be held on Tuesday, October 29 from 6-7:30 pm at the Copper Lounge at the Student Union Building at Montana Tech (1300 W. Park St., Butte, MT). A formal public meeting where verbal public comments can be submitted for the record will be held on Monday, November 18 from 6-7:30 pm at the Copper Lounge. Additionally, Remedial Project Managers will be available for two office hours sessions (October 22 and December 5) from noon to 2:00 pm at the CTEC offices at 27 W Park St, Butte, MT.

While verbal public comments can only be submitted at the formal public meeting, written public comments will be accepted throughout the public comment period-at the Open House, at office hours, and submitted via email to [email protected]or U.S. mail through December 16, 2024.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ATTN: Butte Superfund Site Team
10 W 15^th St, Suite 3200
Helena, MT
59626

The Proposed Plan is available for review on the Butte website, as is a fact sheet explaining the needed changes. The supporting Administrative Record is also available for review.

These documents will also be available for review at the library at Montana Tech (1300 W Park St, Butte, MT) and at the EPA's Helena office (10 W 15^thSt, Suite 3200, Helena, MT).

Contact: Mackenzie Meter ([email protected])