Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 are set to host an open house on November 14, 2024, in Neosho, Missouri. The event will focus on providing updates regarding the Newton County Mine Tailings Superfund Site and discussing the EPA's updated residential soil lead guidance.
The new guidance, which was released in January 2024, has lowered the screening level for residential properties from 400 parts per million (ppm) to 200 ppm. This change is aimed at aiding EPA site teams in making informed cleanup decisions that protect nearby communities. However, it is important to note that these screening levels are not cleanup standards. "While this update will help EPA site teams make site-specific cleanup decisions to protect nearby communities," a spokesperson explained, "EPA makes cleanup decisions specific to each site, using site-specific factors including risk factors and community input that can vary from site to site."
The open house is scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with an official presentation starting at 6:30 p.m., at the Lampo Community Center located at 500 E. Spring Street in Neosho. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about ongoing cleanup efforts, community involvement processes related to Superfund sites, and can also register for residential yard and private well water lead testing.
Further information can be found on the Newton County Mine Tailings Superfund Site Profile page and related public notices.
