EPA R7 has completed a Time-Critical Removal Action at the Oronogo-Duenweg Mining Belt site (Site) near Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri, in January 2025. The response action addressed forty-five (45) residential properties referred to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS). An assessment of these properties performed by the EPA Remedial Program in FY2023 identified elevated lead soil concentrations and confirmed the presence of sensitive populations.
The Site is divided into five Operable Units (OUs) for cleanup activities. The Time-Critical Removal Action took place administratively within OU3 of the Site. The objective of the removal action is to reduce the risk and/or prevent the exposure of sensitive populations through inhalation, dermal contact, and/or ingestion to lead and/or other heavy metals present in the soil at the Site. The removal / risk reduction actions involved the excavation and removal of approximately 2910 cubic yards of lead-contaminated soil exceeding the RML of 200 mg/kg in FY2024. No further removal actions are being taken for this site at this time. Further updates to the site will be undertaken as deemed necessary.
