HomeMy WebLinkAboutSmuggler Superfund - Pitkin Invite Ltr to EPA 1983March 14, 1983
M -r. John Wardell
Air and Waste Management
Division
Environmental Protection
Agency - Region 8
1.860 Lincoln St.
Denver CO 80295
506 east main sr-reet
aspen, colorado E31S11
Dear Mr. Wardell:
As the legacy of a turn -of -the -century boom and bust miming town,
the Easterly section of the town of Aspen stands littered with.
abandoned mines and tailing piles. More recently with the growth
of the skiing and tourist industry, residential development has
expanded into this area and housing has hbsen built
usinpragressed the tailings
for foundations and site grading.
As one was aware of the potential hazard that existed with the contami-
nated soil until very recently
our
local
concentrationstofnleadanalyzed
soil samples and discovered abnormally high
cadmium and other toxic substances.
This past year, Pitkin County acquired a'26 acre site at
the base housing
Smuggler Mountain for the purpose of constructing a public
project for local employees. 1e sitartals containInmli-htof
fthese
the findings
piles as well as the abandoned mine p
in these soil tests, there is a great concern on our part about the
suitability of this site in particular, and the public health aspects
of the area in general.
We have retained the firm oofCtheeminalegUentrand designconduct
drainagefurther
tests on the water quality ate and treat the contami-
plan for the smuggler Mountain Area to segreg with a developer to
nated water. In addition, we are g cominlexon the site, and as
construct a 267 unit public housing P
he will be responsible for cas to say, theccosC Of the
part of that development
on-site soil. contamination prauite.higheandsonly deals with the site
these corrective measures is quite.
previously developed
specific problems, leaving the adjacent lands and p Y
lands untreated.
i,.
f .5
March 14, 1983
Mr. John Wardell
Page Two
To this end, please accept this letter as'a request by Pitkin County
for assistance in the correction of this problem. We would appreciate
any help or guidance that may be available at this -point in time and
would like the opportunity to submit a formal application for funding
eligibility.
Attached are copies of preliminary reports and soil tests conducted by
the Colorado Department of Health and Mr. David Boon of Colorado State
University. In addition, you will find reproductions of site photographs
showing the location of the site relative
present conditions that exist on the Countto the City of Aspen and the
y property. As your staff
reviews this information, should any questions arise or should additional
data be needed please contact Pat Dobie, our County Engineer.
We wish to thank you and your agency for this opportunity and would
greatly appreciate any possible assistance.
F
ly)dsen
, Board of County COMMissioners
ounty, Colorado
CM:sb*
Encls.
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