Public Safety · Jackson, CA
EPA Removing Toxic Soil from Argonaut Heights Homes in Jackson
The EPA, joined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California DTSC, City of Jackson, and Regional Water Quality Control Board, toured the Argonaut Mine Superfund Site on Tuesday, October 6, announcing residential cleanup targeting arsenic, lead, and mercury contamination in Jackson's Argonaut Heights area. The $25 million federally funded project will remove an estimated 50,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil to a depth of two feet from properties on Spunn Road, Argonaut Lane, Buena Vista Drive, Stark Lane, and Westview Drive, at zero cost to residents or the city. Of 92 residences tested at occupants' request, 38 were determined for cleanup; as of October 8, three were completed with two in progress. The EPA updated its arsenic action level from 100 mg/kg to 8.6 mg/kg based on current health-risk science. Residents in the study area are advised during active work to avoid bare-skin contact with soil, keep windows and doors closed, and remove footwear outside.