The Loflin Gold Mine Site is located about one mile south of US Highway 64 on Loflin Hill Road near Trinity Township, about 10 miles west of Asheboro, North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) Superfund Section identified the Site during efforts to prioritize 328 known abandoned gold mines in the state. The mine lies in a mineral district know to have ore containing arsenic. Since the mine’s abandonment, a portion of the area has been developed with residential properties. The arsenic in soils associated with the ore deposits at the Site is naturally occurring, but the potential availability to arsenic through the soil exposure pathway has been enhanced by excavation, crushing and treatment and disposal of mine waste materials and tailings, as well as residential development.
The mine operated intermittently from the mid-1800's to approximately 1910, then reportedly operated again during the 1930's. Early production at the mine probably entailed crushing of ore followed by concentration in simple rockers or sluices, followed by amalgamation with mercury. Evidence of mining activity at the site consists of excavated banks, collapsed underground workings, tailings piles and prospect pits and trenches.
Currently, several trailer parks and single-family residences exist either on or adjacent to the mine. Evidence suggests that any surficial expression of mine workings, tailings or naturally occurring ore may have been leveled, cut and filled or scattered during site development.
OSC was referred this site in November 2003.
In August 2004, OSC mobed to the site with START to take samples at residences not included in the original sampling. These results are still pending.
OSC, START, and ERRS mobed to the site on 10/18/2004. Work began at 1234 Loflin Hill Rd. on 10/19/2004 and the residents in the home began temporary relocation on 10/21/2004. During this reporting period, ERRS located (by hand) utilities at the property, hand dug around the base of the home, uncovered the septic tank and began excavation around the home.
Two public availability sessions took place on 10/21/2004.
The Removal Action at the 5 affected residences will involve a combination of excavation and capping with a barrier of clean soil of up to 2 feet. Residents will be relocated while activities are conducted at their residence.
Excavation will continue on the property at 1234 Lofin Hill Road, followed by backfill/capping and restoration of the yard.
The land on this property is very rocky and may be difficult to excavate. Work must be completed on this property by 11/19/2004 so that residents will be back in their homes for Thanksgiving.
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