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EPA Superfund Site

ORE KNOB MINE

NC | EPA ID NCN000409895

Exposure status: insufficient data

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of August 2023, there is insufficient data to determine the human exposure status at the Ore Knob mine site. The former copper mine, which operated from the 1850s to 1962, has contaminated the drinking water for many residences surrounding the site. Homes in the local community had tap water contaminated with high concentrations of metals and acid (manganese, iron, cobalt, acidity). EPA has installed whole house filter units and provided bottled water to residents with known contaminated well water. The extent of the impacted wells is still being investigated across the various operable units at the site which address mine tailing, surface water, groundwater and soil. A Record of Decision for surface water is planned for FY 2024. EPA has prepared a Community Involvement Plan, and provides updates and other information about the site through regular meetings with the community.

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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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