CLEARLAKE OAKS The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is beginning work this week to remove mine waste from beneath homes and roadways at the Elem Indian Colony residential area adjacent to the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine.
Crews will be working through October excavating approximately 20,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil and transporting it to a secure area on the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine property.
Traffic will be impacted on Sulphur Bank Drive, Bradley Mine Road and a small stretch of Highway 20 east of Clearlake Oaks.
The EPA will implement a traffic control plan to assure public safety and minimize traffic delays. Dust will be controlled at the excavation sites. Soil will be tested throughout the excavation work to monitor the cleanup. Contaminated soil will be hauled directly back to the mine site.
EPA officials reported Monday they will only transport clean soil on public roadways.
