STUDY NUMBER ; 6.1 



ORGANIZATION ; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 



TITLE OF STUDY ; Anaconda Smelter Superfund Studies 



CONTACT ( S ) ; Mike Bishop - Project Manager - 449-5414 



Eric Finke, Environmental Protection Agency, Helena 

 - 449-5414 



OBJECTIVE : Identify the nature and extent of heavy metal con- 

 tamination in the Anaconda area, evaluate risks to public health 

 and the environment and present alternatives to correct the prob- 

 lem. 



DURATION ; 1983 - Indefinite 



CURRENT STATUS ; The Anaconda Smelter and surrounding area, in- 

 cluding the Opportunity Treatment Ponds, was designated as a 

 Superfund site in December, 1982. Throughout 1983, the Anaconda 

 Minerals Company (AMC) and their consultants conducted studies 

 of contaminants at the site. In October, 1984, AMC agreed to 

 carry out a complete Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study 

 (RI/FS) of the area with EPA. Sources, pathways and the extent 

 of heavy metal contamination will be identified and alternative(s) 

 for cleanup prescribed. 



Due to the complexity of the site, the final work plan for 

 the Anaconda Smelter RI/FS includes several "focused" remedial 

 investigations within the overall plan, including studies of 

 the beryllium disposal areas on Weather Hill and at the B2 portion 

 of the Opportunity Ponds, the granulated slag pile, the flue 

 dust disposal and/or storage areas, the Arbiter Plant, and the 

 "Smelter Hill" investigation. 



As part of the total Remedial Investigation, the Center 

 for Disease Control conducted a urinary arsenic study in the 

 Anaconda area. This study determined that children residing 

 in the small community of Mill Creek had elevated urinary arsenic 

 levels. 



The Anaconda Minerals Company issued the Mill Creek Remedial 

 Investigation/Feasibility Study in December, 1986. Twelve al- 

 ternatives for solving the Mill Creek contamination problems 

 were considered in the investigation. The EPA prepared an adden- 

 dum to the RI/FS. Public comments were received until January, 

 1987. 



PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS 



Mill Creek Remedial Investigation Report. Prepared by the Ana- 



34 



