Arsenic Mine In Putnam Added To EPA National Priority List

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — The area around the old arsenic mine in Kent has been added to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s National Priorities List.

It presents a significant threat to public health and/or the environment, New York State environmental officials said. SEE: EPA: Move Some Residents Near Kent Arsenic Mine

The Arsenic Mine Site includes a former mine that was operated intermittently from the mid-1800s through 1918 to extract arsenic for manufacturing products, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Decades later, houses were built on properties around and downslope from the former mine. Arsenic-contaminated soils are found on the residential properties.

Residents with private drinking water supply wells contaminated by arsenic at the site are currently using treatment systems or bottled water.

The EPA's plan is to move residents and demolish the properties. Relocation would include federal financial and logistical support. Residents would be assisted in the relocation process, including identifying and moving into replacement residences.

To date, EPA officials have met one-on-one with residents and government partners and repaired a drinking water system where the potable water well had been compromised. The agency continues to monitor their drinking water supplies to ensure that treatment systems continue to be effective. Also, to reduce the potential for short-term exposure to elevated levels of arsenic in the soil, EPA installed barriers to contaminated soil in high-use areas and tried to reduce tracking of arsenic-contaminated soil indoors by removing or replacing dirt at the affected properties in gardens and areas used by pets and livestock.