Mining activities in Jasper County began in the mid-1800s in conjunction with mining in a much larger region known as the Tri-State Mining District. When this removal action was initiated, the Site was located adjacent to the Oronogo-Duenweg Mining Belt site which was listed on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1990. Multiple remedial and removal actions addressing mine waste and residential yard cleanups have been conducted at the Oronogo-Duenweg Mining Belt site.
Between 2005 and 2012, the EPA conducted extensive groundwater sampling throughout the Site. In 2008, a time-critical removal action was initiated to address private drinking water wells potentially impacted by mining activities. This removal action was completed in 2013, and a total of 110 point-of-use carbon filtration systems were installed as part of the removal action.
In March 2022, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) began referring residential properties with sensitive populations in Jasper County to the EPA for lead soil assessments.
From August-November 2022, EPA's Site Assessment and Removal Programs conducted sampling at 37 of the referred properties. The remaining 15 properties either refused access, could not be reached, or were not eligible for assessment/removal. EPA conducted removal of lead-impacted soil at 23 properties.
The Carthage City and Eastern Jasper County site is now closed, and any further assessment and removal activities will be conducted as part of the Oronogo-Duenweg Mining Belt site.
