EPA Superfund site
MADISON COUNTY MINES
Human exposure is NOT currently under control
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.
About this site's exposure pathways
As of June 2026, the Madison County Mines site is considered 'Current Human Exposure Not Under Control' (HENC). Residential yard soils with lead levels at or above 400 parts per million (ppm) that have not been remediated still pose a risk to residents at the site. Some private drinking water wells exceed the site-specific action level of 15 micrograms per liter (μg/L) for lead. Exposures are reasonably anticipated and may be occurring through ingestion of contaminated drinking water and incidental ingestion and inhalation of soil and dust. Human Exposure Under Control (HEUC) is not anticipated to be met until 2045, when all contaminated yards and private drinking water wells have been addressed at the site. Lead-contaminated residential yard cleanups began in 2000. In 2011, a Record of Decision (ROD) was finalized for Residential Operable Unit 3. To date, over 5,000 properties have been sampled and approximately 2,160 properties have been remediated for high levels of lead in soil. Several private wells have been identified to have high levels of lead and are provided bottled water, and/or point-of-use (POU) treatment systems. Several mine waste piles have been addressed and others are in the Remedial Investigation phase to be addressed. Some creek, river and lake sediments and floodplains are still contaminated. The EPA is developing a watershed model for the Little Saint Francis River as part of the RI activities to support long-term remedial action for the overall watershed. A Health Education Program and a Voluntary Institutional Controls Program (VICP) are in place through cooperative agreements with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The Madison County Health Department (MCHD) manages these programs to raise public awareness of the presence of lead and its impact on human health and the environment. The Madison County Health Department also offers free lead testing for children. Through the VICP, the MCHD monitors the Missouri One Call (utilities locating service) database so staff members can educate individuals planning to dig in areas where contaminated soil may be present. When contaminated soil is identified, people can safely dispose of it at EPA's soil disposal repositories. In general, lead exposure and its effects can be reduced by following these steps:
• Contact EPA about testing your residential yard or private well.
• Get your child tested for lead poisoning, even if he or she seems healthy.
• Wash hands after playing outside and before meals, especially children’s hands.
• Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to not track in lead from soil.
• Clean floors, window frames, windowsills, and other surfaces weekly. Use a mop or sponge with warm water and general all-purpose cleaner.