A new agreement will help remove lead contamination from yards and roads in Rico, Colorado, as Atlantic Richfield Co. undertakes a voluntary cleanup effort to avoid federal intervention.
Michael Booth reports for The Colorado Sun.
In short:
- Atlantic Richfield, a subsidiary of BP America, agreed to remove lead-contaminated soil and resurface lead-tainted roads in Rico, Colorado, preventing EPA-mandated cleanup.
- Local officials will retain oversight of the project, allowing Rico to set remediation standards to meet community needs while preserving the town’s scenic character.
- The cleanup will include retesting some previously cleared properties and new areas to meet updated soil lead levels set by recent agreements.
Key quote:
“We’re happy to see stakeholders joining together to voluntarily address historic soil contamination in a way that meets the needs of the town and its residents .”
— Tracie White, CDPHE hazardous waste division director
Why this matters:
Lead contamination from historic mining poses long-term health risks, particularly in small communities like Rico. This settlement empowers local oversight and quicker remediation, potentially offering a model for addressing legacy pollution in other former mining regions.
Related: EPA's mismanagement at Pensacola Superfund site leads to continued contamination
