The Cherokee Zinc - Weir Smelter site is a residential lead (Pb) site based in Weir, Kansas,
where historic smelting operations were conducted. The site was listed on Superfund's National Priorities List (NPL) in September 2021.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 removal
program was referred four residential properties with maximum lead ranging
from 2,100 to 800 milligrams per kilogram identified as priority properties due to elevated lead levels and the presence of sensitive populations.
On July 21, 2025, EPA Region 7 removal program mobilized contractors to the site and broke
ground on the project. Excavation and restoration work is expected to continue through September 2025.
Waste was disposed of at the Williams Diversified Materials (Early
Bird) repository located in Baxter Springs, Kansas. Based on the activities completed, no additional EPA removal activities are planned to address the four residential properties. EPA Region 7's remedial program will continue its work through the Superfund process remediating the Cherokee Zinc - Weir Smelter site.
