EPA R7 conducted an Emergency Removal Action at the Oronogo-Duenweg Mining Belt site (Site) near Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri, May 23 - July 1, 2022. This response action addressed seven residential properties referred to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS). An assessment of these properties performed by the EPA Remedial Program (March – May 2022) identified elevated lead soil concentrations and confirmed the presence of sensitive populations.
The Site is divided into five Operable Units (OUs) for cleanup activities. The Removal Action was administratively within OU3 of the Site. The objective of this removal action was to reduce the risk and/or prevent the exposure of sensitive populations through inhalation, dermal contact, and/or ingestion to lead and/or other heavy metals present in the soil at the Site. The removal / risk reduction actions, involved the excavation and removal of lead-contaminated soil exceeding the RML of 400 mg/kg, and outreach activities (education and EBL testing) conducted by the local health department.
A total of 1,261 cubic yards of lead-contaminated soil was removed from seven residences and transported to the site repository. Following excavation, restoration activities were completed at the properties and final site closeouts were performed. No additional work is currently planned for the Site.
