HomeMy WebLinkAboutbocc.res.124.1984 � _ �:
' a,r
� _ � )�:l i '� ti�l S.� .PJ A �✓�;..
t, '��'{ rt� � � 1� •
�� �S k `f �Y ��b�.'};�'1� 'n�t-,: 1 .:4 � i�U� �1 -F� �tF r�� *�' l'C���v ��^.r f rr k�3` f++ �
7 � �� ,c}f.y'�_��{�'��. .�J�'��l�'�'t'..l°91R.�Y`iw�in:':'';..t,a� �'�h�rtlt 4.Sr.k',{'i?�,�'�,%L��td'�ct..,.,.a�fr..ts .r_ ..1....._.
t^'.._..
�
�
� RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY �
COMMISSIONERS OF PITRIN COQNTY, COLORADO, '
REGARDING THE INCLQSION OF THE SMQGGLER
, j MOUNTAIN AREA ON THE SIIPERFUND NATIONAL �
PRIORITY LIST i.`
� -
,,, _} :;
RESOLOTION 84 - lz4 -.-
�K.
'
_' ' 'i
.,'lJ,.' .' ,..
`��:y>" WHEREAS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency
;;� issued notice on October 13, 1989, that an as-yet undefined tract
- of land northeast of the City of Aspen in the Smuc�gler Mountain
�'" area has been placed on the r7ational Psiority List for possible
'�h,-
designation as a Hazardous i-7aste Site eligible for Superfund
� _-'i
�' assistance, and; �
-:M:- ' WHEREAS, Pitkin County and other interested parties '
_ ;:,:�
'�_�'�. �'1 have been aware for several years of the potential health hazards
�_;'•,':�
� resulting from the presence of mine tailings containing high levels
`,� of heavy metal contanination in this area, and;
i ! '
• "j WBEREAS, it is the goal of Pitkin County wozking with ,-^�
,.� Y
,� �?� appropriate state and 2oca1 a9encies, to identify the degree and
� _j location o£ any health hazards and to mitigate those hazards in a
�- t
; manner �ahich best combines safety, cost-effectiveness, efficiency
�. .. a
,:`,':� and convenience to local residents, and;
��>` WHEREAS, Pitkin County is working coopexatively with other
+":•t..: .,
S�°��:�.� local parties, has taken positive steps to addcess health concerns
I:.:"
'-i
� through scientific study, publ.ic education and mitigation proqrams, ;
,;;
�,
and; ?��
.� A .
� ,::� WHEREAS, the EPA's inclusion of the Smuggler Mountain P>
� ,•� �� :
°� area on the Superfund tlational Priority List has caused confusion,
f 'I uncertaint �
J y, and hardship among local government aqencies,
�' financial institutions, businesses, property owners and residents,
�:;.';;;`:� �..
%�'::� and; .
''�`�::l�� .
��r WHEREAS, there is evidence to suggest that the EPA's
�:;�f-"^;�
•�-'r
�`�.�:`.'i:
�,,:;;„� methods and pcocedures Lor evaluating the hazard level associated
��l ,�
��--�1 e�ith the Smuggler Mountain Site were incomplete, inaccurate or
,
-.e='i;;.1� .
�� :� othertaise improper:
` � .'i
TAEBEFORE, LET IT SE AEREBY RESOLVED that the Pitkin
�j::.,;,f�
�zA",_� ].
��Ni`�'':;�
c,{
y%;;,:i
k -_!
�R:��
�':i:�
y�?Y.n.�;u ,
z'�Y'�
�=�` -
�.-`
. - �:
'1=:. -
, �
. . ..._S�tn.t^�..de":i <Y�... 3:Wi. - . . -+ ..-.. .'.lvw�v`�' a�r�rh�nl4rf'�.-.�ro.ws .... _�ri _.......w. .•- p
p•,
i '
': j ,
� Caunty Board of Commissioners respectfully requests that the EPA
postpone final Superfund designation of the Smuggler t+lountain Site
� pendin9 a complete and comprehensive reevaluation of relevant
baseline data with the objective of revising the S3azard Rating
.� , System Report of the Smuggler Ftountain Site using only wmplete, F:'.
- �,,,
- : ; verifiable, current and relevant baseline data with special t;r�>
�,� ; attention to the following:
.�:-._....I
-. , 1) groundwater hazard evaluation based on verified
`'±_:'� `,., crell-water sources within or directly adjacent to the
'���'',�:-'•.� Smuggler 67ountain area. �
;::<�.::`;-',
`� ;j 2) groundwater hazard evaluation which accounts far
�`__•_ ._� local geological conditions, acquifer configuration and
� � �
� :.� naturally-occurring mineralization,
3) qroundk�ater and surface water hazard evaluation �
r'�
� : f
� ;, �,; which is determined according to unquestionable testing
q'..-�:�.:��:.. .
`- .� � methods and unambiguous findings.
�`� 4) Air hazard evaluation which takes into account the
r �
�# data available from the most current air samples
1 .�1
', ;. ia 5) Air hazard evaluation which shows conclusively that �
� ±� �
'�� airborne pollutants violate established Federal standards �
� .., :i ,'�
,j or otherwise present a significant public risk.
� � i
1 6) direct contact hazacd evaluation �ahich takes into
, _'- r:� account the development and zeclamation work which has
S.µ��'�
' :� been performed in the Smuggler ttounkain area since the
•` • -t initial baseline date collectian,
-�i
U ,; �;� The Board further cespectfully requests that the public � ;
� .
} �>.
comment period for the Smuggler Mountain site listing be extended
' to allow for review and response to the reevaluation data as �
ti..... � .
�.-. :=.j :i
� ,'; ',� noted above and for the following further zeasons:
� �r 1) It is the o i y g
�=�s�a,�,,,:,.,;% p'nion of the IIoard that an dan er(s) to
.�.,:.:,_�.�
� Y JSI
;�'}z� � human health and safety arising from the Smugqler �
�-..f ; tAOUntain Site are significantly less than those arising
yn,� ..- ,
�,,,_� i from other sites on the Dlational Priorzty List. Consid-
� j ,'' ering the importance of a clean and safe environment �
�� .: '
ti, :
� 2
H ,�-' ;
� `i
�4r N
f'�x �! .
�pC,.�i r': �.�';
i M���%..r "�"�
����:.���' �',f�
f:ir'"
.�_+' '
i�r
' � ' ��
<:�
p ��5�� � �� � ` i X!� � _��rs��»� � ' '4S� r ..
� �r�4 . � Sql � ..� t i .-.'..�Ll
: � � �Y3,�,,,���ljr'* r�{� `r� �,�i+ �� a .!i 4 �! ''f f v�c'� 1i �fi ,r � �r. �� zr
,.y.�,y� yp ��'{{ �} r ) �:�3�'_�. ���yp(;
,z...J..r {;lFtd�_�k�'��?��{'����+.�� .�i.����G�l�.,,..,v �.�aW+iS,+rxeex�:/u�' �t:iw.��' yi�vcxniR .� _L'�:-'l3.di'>. .
`'
l
;
to the local economy it is critical that no Superfund
designation be made �ahich might be based on faulty �
, data or analysis, hasty decision making, or uncritical
P
''�` ` adherence to a timetable which may not allow for �.: :
� . .
informed public input.
Iy
2 the Count is in eneral a reement with the Analysis �s-'T'
;,���:;-, ) Y 9 9
• �:'_`` .
= of the Proposed Hazard Rating System Score for the ,
Smuggler biountain Site prepared by Centennial Paitners,
;'='F_'=.`; Inc., which calls into question the data, methods and
- criteria applied to the Smugqler Mountain Site. An
;':y':,:
;�',�_,'"?;: extension of the public comment period will allow for a
thorough evaluation of both this report and the EPA-
� ` , compiled Hazard Rating System Score which would assure �;
, .
- -.�'_i all pacties that any further designations are made on a
�---:. ,
';;'`_�.i
�r_-. .� ,i sound, objective and defensible scientific basis.
;; 3) The County contends that a iully informed and
� 4,,^! responsible comment on the EPA's proposed actions can
y� ` 1 not be made in the absence of certain data not presently �"*s,
� ,
� •"w� available, including those refecences noted in the -
� ;� EPA-compiled Hazard Rating System Report and a Potentially `"'
� °<°a Responsible Parties List, currently scheduled for
':'�
- "' January 16 release. �
��:'"�=;;'� 4) The County is committed to a hazard-assessment and
`' mitigation effort for this site to be undertaken in
t� cooperation with the State of Colorado and other .
_.J f ,
4 .,j interested parties. An extension of the public comment 3:`
r _� r
''j+ period would allow for a chorough evaluation of hoo� �,,.
� ��.�7 Y.� .
i this effort might coordinate and cooperate with that of �:,
E '� k;;:
� the EPA so as to maximiae efficiency and effectiveness. �:
t � _;
i
�.�����1
,�`y:�,�':::_;;i The County hereby further respectfully requests that,
���;� .
��� Y�.� alternatively to the above-requested actions, the EPA remove the
zw`
i .; Smuggler plountain site ftom consideration for Superfund designation �
�� :,�
�'� on the grounds that available data does not show a public health
�,ti �
-ts+`'�<.� risk of a magnitude which r�ould justify such an action.
�
�+�,,,,�„:'j in addition, based on recent discussions with the State
�*•iy`` ,l 3
�s. ��
�' �.`�
�; �
i i�`.r�
�.;"xi'.�t..
!Hr`-• •'�1
:y..
. , . � ,�
r:�.::;;:" � � ,
:rc
- ��,
� ,�^t -r: ssa''�}s'7'� � ->
. . � � • °���t�t���r�5�,�� wS.,�'i '` Fi, -�',�,� i: ej6't`"�`tivey,vg.
�(y .Y7'�"' Y � t�L� ry \•.
.y p r, y. . ;l 1 �s ! w. G. �`- a a, r�
..+v�a.3l�bA'�e:�. . _ _ . ���.,:e:.�'m�.xe.. �+iled}�'G�ee���"'d„'i]4Y�' :':st�tYi+��le+4e..�.....:� ��1GNL�
�' ..
k .
':;1
: +
• � .
���.��
� ot Colorado, the County is committed to a joint effort with the
Colorado Department of Natural Resources and the Colorado Department
of Health, in lieu of the EPA listing, to specifically:
" {a) complete an assessment of the site � �
(b) prepare a remedial program v�ith specific timelines ,�
�-:"�
,,F .:ti (c) implement such a program � �:;
r €:.:
��"�°���>�� (dj monitor the site on a regulac basis !
:•,<�-
:�::��:i
'",�'=:'._� RESOLVED THIS lOTH DAY OF DECEMBER, 1984 '
b-�-%i :'.J .
`�'t,;•,`;.'�
�::ti°l:c;w:-:� r.
�*ti -.,� , f.
.Lrns!.�•..:.-�
'__T`�..__..�
1
:r '
�c�.;,.
'; BOARD OF COONTY COI9MISSIONERS ��
- ?"�;�.;.,j OF PITRIN COUNT7C, COLORADO
;:� /�,�
��`•�'-;:) By: W `
� ,;,� Mi hael Ri s1ey, Chairman
. iJ r ;'.�
':j A S .��1
s, _y
r:.;:;...;,, �
lp,.'•�^ 'yF"
S ;� Lew Scanlan r
� ;;� Deputy County Clerk �
� xJ ,,
APPROVED AS TO FORtl: *
�'y�``��
i ?° ��
`��� Thomas Fenton Smith
,.,,_..'"� County Attorney
i� .� �
� ;; �
Tr `i �,
� ;F�
�:
t�
���4�F�T�,�,���4�
�"�ti�
SYHST
���
��;'�
�� `:
�'�Q i;�•i ,
.�
w-;�,.,
�� n
1 K� �
i
��w`,�����ti,.� 4
oio °-'7
,�w.?:� .
h ,
r�^1 r/.�.. .
1.�, �4�n�
1''A.• ,;S"�
F:.e,`.:::�.�,fi... . .
f�::�
•.ii'�' ,:.✓
� . „ � . �
,�,� . ,
� -;�.�
t'' r '
,...
�yy,�T'a1� -� t .t��`r � ti y ti 3�`i�`s s,�4
"�3T'a�'t ���h+ �y{�M.' �K� . ,{�'.+.� w .� taJ�ye.l4 * + ��.4� � �._.ySr+ �t �
..'.��`.r+..u.�_."1�����'.` -ay"i� � � - i7{�. .��.L' •.tlt Y^.��Efti��3 �Yi...��'�t�L7�I��F °� � nx�~ Y`i'�+.l�Y i13���7.ri Y .
_4�.�.s._b.....��.r__,_.::':f+'��+.:.,�,�-.-;.
;�. �'= -
./ ��
7'�
, .y, , ' i
;. .'.. :; r' / ^-
s: `, .l. c �`.'- � o"":.L "i �'" Y: `'
4
r �� /�
� .. �/ :�:yLe.:S.'Vdi�T�V�i49�rypJ��et-�;�C�C "'^'°"`C. ���f�'cif�4.. 2.• .�N� '4. �.t�en.J
_ ----- _ - 5Ub c.,�st m_��n •��� c����
� aspen, color_ido �16'11
:.,:-_
' Dec^mb�r 11, 1984
t.
r John Welles
,s.;; ;- Regional Administrator
1860 Lincoln Str�At
- Denver, Co 80295
!;�?" - Dear Mr_ Nelles: �
i:::1�5.:.:;�.��'
' Enclos�d pleas� find a formal resolution pass�d by the
`��:>��y'�`°� ' Pitkin County Board of Commissionsrs on Decemb�r 10, 1984
�rF.q.:,:.;:.:�:•;
concerning the proposed listing of the Smuggler Mountain
>r:;;� '.:,t``� sit� on the National Priority List.
The Resolution states our deep concern over the accaracy ;j
and approach used by the EPA in proposing the site; and the
- :�F�: ., j confusion, uncertainty, and hardship the List has caused
.i among lo�al governmsntal agencies, finan�ial institutions,
i
businesses, property ownars and residents.
�..
.� The resolution urges that th4 EPA, at minimum, postpone
the Smugglar d4signation until a mors complete and compre-
- hensive evaluation can take pZac4. The Board of County
i '' Commissioners emphasiz._ their belief that the health and
° �;,::,:.:( y
�;;;....;.;,...; safaty issues are significantly less than what has be�n }
, i present�d by the EPA. The data, m°thods, and criteria must
; "' • � be qu�sLion�d f urther before an appropriate decision can
F '� be mada. �
4� �.i
j The County is fully prepar=d to continue its corrective
� �� work on the Smuggler site. Based on recent discussions -
�. with the State of Colorado, ws conclude that there is an
'�-� exceZ2ent opportunity to proceed with this work under th�
auspices of a joint state/local. nftort. That effort would ,f
make appropriat� assesm�nts, prepare and �xecute a remedial
k ;;`'-^�� plan (with appropriat� d�adlines), and monitor any ongoing -
i � impacts associated the site.
.;==��
"� We urg= pour car�ful r�visw of this resolution.
�.;I �.
� - .� Sinc�r, ly.
i i ��/ k:
j� p;
X+ � I /�/!/ ��i�j Z�../ t`
Mi^h el Ki�sy s:
' Cha'rman, Board of Coun y Commissioners �;
i i
�... _:,i Ena:mm '
� ; 1 i
r
'�$',,�'� 777
�G�1�-
.�_�.,;,��
�+.?�����ir� . � . � ' ,
�{��y'�,w_�X J•1 . , . • .
4K..� :.
}I4��Y'�;�` �, • . .
K
ti j?,5:�'e : . ;
��A'�tr�'..�„
.f...,,��. �..�:, . .
t�, ,
�.t� +
u'1
y�?k'i
.tk',,,! ,(
�,a" ;
�r;- .,�
;
��';�'
�,,,:-:,�:�
���:°•`.�.�
�,�"�tir'it�.�
-�,r`q!;:.,
��;.cc__ '•.i:� .
S'�'-:
<s.