HomeMy Public PortalAboutAB 23-116 Cinnabar Mine Discussion
McCALL CITY COUNCIL 216 East Park Street
AGENDA BILL McCall, Idaho 83638
Number AB 23-116
Meeting Date June 8, 2023
AGENDA ITEM INFORMATION
SUBJECT:
Environmental Protection Agency Presentation and Discussion on the Cinnabar Mine Site
Department Approvals
Initials
Originator
or
Supporter
Mayor / Council
City Manager
Clerk
Originator
Treasurer
Community Development
Police Department
Public Works
Golf Course
COST IMPACT:
Parks and Recreation
FUNDING SOURCE:
Airport
Library
TIMELINE:
Information Systems
Grant Coordinator
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Cinnabar Mine, located approximately 15 miles from Yellow Pine in the Payette National Forest, is a former mercury mine that is a significant source of mercury contamination in the
area. Elevated concentrations of mercury have been found in surface water, sediment, and fish in the effected watershed, which includes popular fishing destinations for tribal members
and non-tribal recreational fishers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a site assessment in 2017 to understand how mercury is migrating throughout the environment,
and the agency has completed three partial cleanup actions at the site (in 1996, 1998, and 2004). However, to address site contamination comprehensively, a more complex, large-scale
resource intensive investigation and analysis of cleanup options that preserve the natural environment while removing or mitigating the migration of contaminations is required. Due
to the scale of such an effort, EPA is considering placing the Site on the National Priorities List (NPL), using the Comprehensive Environmental Compensation and Liability Act (also
known as Superfund) to obtain the necessary funding and authority to address sources of contamination.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
None – Presentation only
RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE
ACTION