Site Plain EPA Superfund sites near you, in plain language

EPA Superfund Site

CHEROKEE COUNTY

KS | EPA ID KSD980741862

Human exposure is NOT currently under control

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of April 2025, the Cherokee County Superfund site is considered 'Current Human Exposure Not Under Control' because residents and recreational users of the mine waste areas and impacted surface water can be exposed through direct contact to lead, zinc, and cadmium contaminated soils and sediments. The planned activities to address these pathways are continuation of ongoing remediation of heavy metals contaminated soils and sediments. EPA has done numerous removal and remedial actions on the Site, both fund-lead and PRP-lead. Remedial actions began in the Galena sub-site in 1990. Ongoing work is being conducted in the Baxter Springs and Treece subsites. Future work is planned for the Tar Creek watershed, the inactive rail lines throughout the site, cooperative agreement with the Quapaw Nation, and residential yards sampling throughout the site. HE is expected to be under control by December 31st 2030 and Long-Term Human Health Protection is expected to be achieved by December 31st 2030.

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Data limitations: Proximity to a Superfund site boundary does not mean your property is contaminated. EPA site boundaries show the area designated for cleanup, not the full extent of contamination. Groundwater plumes can extend beyond site boundaries. This tool shows publicly available EPA federal data. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by EPA, and is not a substitute for a professional environmental assessment.

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