PERMFILE52755

• Permit No: M1995097
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 5/6/1997
• Doc Name: FAX COVER
• From: A CAMPBELL
• To: HARRY P
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

05/06/97 15:17 FAX [phone] CDPfiE ll.4ZMAT • X005
identified concentrations of lead as high as 46,000 parts per million (ppm), well above EPA's
cleanup level of 1,000 ppm. Elevated levels of Cadmium were also found in the soils of the site.
The sources of the lead and cadmium are the waste rock and tailings (mine wastes) from
mines on Smuggler Mountain. These wastes aze exposed, covered or mixed with native soils
across the site.
OUI is approximately 300 acres and lies on the northeastern edge of the town of Aspen.
OU2 is approximately 25 acres and lies on the a upward slope of Smuggler
Mountain, just north of OUI. Three mine waste dumps, an estimated 22,000 cubic yazds of mine
wastes, are located on the mine site. Future mining activities on OU2 are expected to produce as
much as 2,100 cubic yards of additional waste rock per year. These wastes will be placed on the
existing dumps. The mine site dumps can accommodate the projected quantities of waste for the
projected life of the mine without significantly changing the character of the dumps.
B. Health Risks
The contan+ina„ts of concern at the Smuggler site are primarily lead and cadmium, in soils.
Lead and Cadmium are hazardous substances within the meaning of CERCLA section 101(14),
42 U.S.C. § 9604(14). Potential and/or actual routes of exposure are direct ingestion of
contaminated soils and inhalation of wind blown dust.
There are no surface water sources on or flowing through the area. Nor are there any
significant gullies entering or leaving the area. Thus, there is little opportunity for exposure to
potentially contaminated runoff. Additionally, there are no known threatened or endangered
wildlife or plant species inhabiting the site. There is also no record of groundwater
contamination on site.
C. Previous Investigations
A number of investigations have been undertaken at the site. An EPA Field Investigation
Team sampled the site in 1983. This study was the result of a request by Pitkin County to
characterize any human or environmental threat posed by abandoned mine tailings in the northeast
quarter of the Aspen townsite.
Another study was sponsored by Western Slope Development Company on behalf of the
Hunter Creek Conominiums, and a plan for surface covering and revcgetation was developed for
the areas surrounding the development (1985). Similar studies were conducted by other
condominium developments in the area. In July 1985, discussions were held between a number of
potentially responsible parties and EPA These discussions culminated in the signing of a Consent

PAGE No. 3