The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a Proposed Plan to revise the residential cleanup level for lead in Butte, Montana. The new proposal suggests reducing the acceptable lead level in soil and interior dust from 1,200 parts per million (ppm) to 175 ppm. Additionally, the plan proposes expanding the Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (BPSOU) boundary by approximately 3,637 acres to include an additional 7,253 homes.
A public comment period on these proposed changes will run from October 16 through December 16, 2024. During this time, cleanup efforts under the current remedy will continue.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the effort to reduce lead exposure and enhance the lives of all who call Butte home,” stated EPA Region 8 Regional Administrator KC Becker. She emphasized that Butte is among the first communities nationwide to receive an updated lead cleanup level following new national guidance earlier this year.
Butte Silver Bow Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher expressed support for the EPA's proposal: “I am pleased that the EPA has officially proposed to lower the lead action level and believe this significant change will not only safeguard our community but will also ensure a more robust cleanup process moving forward.”
The changes are part of a modification to remedies outlined in past Records of Decision (ROD), including those from 2006, with updates in 2011 and 2020. Properties within existing BPSOU boundaries that have already undergone cleanup may be reassessed under these new standards.
In January 2024, EPA revised its national soil lead guidance for Superfund sites and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act facilities based on updated health science about low-level lead exposure risks such as cognitive effects and hypertension.
Priority for cleanup remains focused on residences with vulnerable populations like young children and pregnant or nursing mothers.
To inform residents about these developments, an Open House is scheduled for October 29 at Montana Tech's Copper Lounge. A formal public meeting where verbal comments can be submitted is set for November 18 at the same location. Written comments can be submitted via email or U.S. mail until December 16.
The Proposed Plan and supporting documents are available online and at designated local locations including Montana Tech's library and EPA’s Helena office.
For further inquiries, contact Mackenzie Meter at meter.mackenzie@epa.gov.
