Public Comments Sought on Clean-Up Proposal for Mines in the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area
Release Date: Dec 3, 2012
Contact(s): Grady McMahan 503-854-4200, Media Contact: Jennifer Velez 503-298-8190
The Detroit Ranger District is seeking comments on a proposal for clean-up activities at the Ruth and Morning Star mining sites. This project is part of an ongoing program in the Forest Service to address impacts associated with abandoned and inactive mine sites on National Forest lands.
The Ruth and Morning Star mine sites are located approximately 2 miles east of Jaw Bone Flats, a historic mining camp in the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area. The mines were active until the late 1980’s, producing lead and zinc ore.
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, proposed clean-up activities are designed to minimize risks to human health and the environment from contamination associated with hazardous substances found at the site. An analysis determined that waste rock and soil at the former mine sites contain lead and other hazardous substances. These substances could enter nearby streams and rivers, especially during periods of heavy rain and flooding.
“This clean-up project will allow us to reduce the threat of hazardous substances being released into Battle Axe Creek, Ruth Creek, and Blue Jay Creek,” said Grady McMahan, District Ranger for the Detroit Ranger District. “These hazardous substances could pose a potential health threat to aquatic ecosystems in the area.”
The Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis (EE/CA) describes options for dealing with the site and identifies a preferred alternative for isolating and removing contaminated materials. Recommended activities include moving and covering contaminated piles of waste rock, placing boulders for bank and channel stabilization, and monitoring water quality.
The EE/CA can be viewed online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/willamette/ruth-morningstar-mines.
Copies of the documents are also available for review at the Detroit Ranger District, located at 44125 North Santiam Highway SE in Detroit, OR, and the Willamette National Forest Supervisor’s Office, located at 3106 Pierce Parkway in Springfield, OR.
The Forest Service will accept written comments regarding the proposal up to 45 days after this notice. Comments can be mailed to Lyn Medley at HC 73 Box 320, Mill City, OR 97360, or emailed to lmedley@fs.fed.us.
Please contact Grady McMahan, District Ranger for the Detroit Ranger District, for additional information; phone (503)854-4200 or email gmcmahan@fs.fed.us.
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