FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2000
Contact:
Doug Bacon, UDEQ Project Manager, (801) 536-4282
Eva Hoffman, EPA Project Manager, 1-800-227-8917 x6764
Louie Cononelos, Kennecott, (801) 252-3103
David Ovard, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, (801) 565-8903
The public is invited to comment on a proposal to clean up contaminated ground water in the southwestern Jordan Valley area. Groundwater was contaminated by historic mining activities in the Oquirrh Mountains. Several plumes were formed as a result. The impacted area is part of the Kennecott South Zone and generally underlies portions of West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton, and Herriman cities and unincorporated areas of southwest Salt Lake County. The public is invited to comment on the proposal. Public comment period runs from Aug. 1 to Aug. 30, 2000. An open house will be held Aug. 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. at UDEQ, 168 N. 1950 West, Room 101, Salt Lake City. A brief presentation on the proposal will be given at 4, 5, 6, and 7 p.m. A public hearing will be held Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. at the West Jordan City Council Chambers, 8000 S. Redwood Rd.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality have announced a "pump and treat" scenario as the Preferred Alternative in a proposed plan released publicly. The agencies have determined that it is necessary to remove the contaminated water from the aquifer to prevent it from spreading. The water will be treated then made available as a public drinking water source. The agencies have been working closely with Kennecott, the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, and the state and local water interests to develop the plan. The process is being administered under Superfund law and a Natural Resource Damage Claim settlement awarded to the State.
For a copy of the proposed plan, please contact Renette Anderson, UDEQ Community Relations, at (801) 536-4478.