HomeMy Public PortalAboutAB 23-219 Cinnabar Mine Letter to EPA
McCALL CITY COUNCIL 216 East Park Street
AGENDA BILL McCall, Idaho 83638
Number AB 23-219
Meeting Date November 9, 2023
AGENDA ITEM INFORMATION
SUBJECT:
Request to Approve Comment Letter to Environmental Protection Agency regarding Cinnabar Mine Site Placement on National Priorities List (NPL)
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:
On June 8, 2023 Council received a presentation by staff from the EPA regarding The Cinnabar Mine, located approximately 15 miles from Yellow Pine in the Payette National Forest, which
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.
Attached is a draft comment letter for Council to review for submission to the EPA.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Provide feedback to staff on letter and direct the City Manager to prepare a final letter for the Mayor’s signature and submission to the EPA.
RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE
ACTION