LAKE COUNTY ? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is distributing up to $5 million in stimulus money for the Sulfur Bank Mercury Mine Superfund clean-up site.
Maziar Movassaghi, acting director of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, said, “I applaud U.S. EPA”s investment in the clean-up of the Sulfur Bank Mercury Mine Superfund Site. The Department has been involved in improving the public health and environment of this area for more than 15 years. These stimulus dollars will provide green jobs and improved environmental protections for Clear Lake.”
The mine, initially utilized to extract sulfur, was once one of the largest producers of mercury in California.
It has been inactive since 1957. Since that time, toxic metals have seeped into local creeks and water areas, impacting local fish populations and ecosystems.
“The cleanup of Sulfur Bank Mercury Mine will be welcome news for the Lake County area,” Movassaghi added. The stimulus money will bring dozens of jobs to an area with a current unemployment rate of approximately 15 percent. And the cleanup will make noteworthy upgrading to the local environment by improving the groundwater and ecosystems in an area with critical habitats for endangered wildlife species.”
One specific area that the Department of Toxic Substances Control has been concerned with is the removal and clean up of an access road (BIA 120) to the Elem Indian Colony. The department has determined that the road was made with contaminated mine waste.
This additional Superfund money will expedite the cleanup process, protect the health of the residents of the Indian Colony, and safeguard dozens of green jobs.
Movassaghi reported that the Department of Toxic Substances Control will continue to work with the U.S. EPA to ensure that cleanups meet California”s stringent environmental standards, which are considered amongst the highest in the world.
