Environmental
The site poses a significant risk
to the environment due to the presence of high concentrations of arsenic and lead
in the tailings pile, surrounding areas, and wash on public land. These
contaminants can cause significant risk to wildlife and plants in the area.
Water from the tailings pile collects in accessible ponds for wildlife to drink
and significant soil leaching affects plant health.
The private mine adjacent to the site further increases
these risks by contributing to contaminant migration and surface water runoff,
primarily affecting the wash and hot spot areas. This migration was evident
throughout the site and contamination increases closer to the private land and
tailings pile.
Economic
The current contamination of the
site has several economic implications for local businesses and the community. Contamination
of the public land may deter tourists and ATV enthusiasts from using the
heavily trafficked trails. This may lead to losses for businesses reliant on
tourist housing or ATV rentals. The health impacts for people exposed to the
Lead and Arsenic contamination can result in increased healthcare costs for
individuals that may experience exposure affects.
Social
Contamination at the site can
potentially affect the overall health of the local community from recreational
exposure. Remediating the public land would also make the region more
visually appealing and increase the sense of community pride among people who
live nearby. Remediation would decrease, if not eliminate, the site's dangers,
thereby increasing public health and well-being for visitors and neighboring
residents. A No Action alternative at the site would enable offsite
contaminants migration to continue, endangering ecosystems and increasing
exposure to recreational users/private land workers.
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