The U.S. EPA (EPA) Region 7 was notified on May 31, 2018 that there were two locations along a Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) rail spur in Park Hills, MO where a recent flash flood event washed out ballast material beneath the rail line. The rail bed material included a substantial quantity of lead-mine waste which contains high concentrations of lead and is considered a CERCLA hazardous substance as defined in section 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. § 9601(14). This lead-contaminated mine waste impacted downgradient private property and entered a tributary to the Flat River.
On Friday, June 1, 2018, UPRR inspected both locations and voluntarily deployed response contractors on Saturday, June 2nd to begin cleanup operations.
