EPA has issued an interim cleanup plan (an interim Record of Decision, or IROD) which addressed contamination and related risks to people and the environment. This IROD can be found here .
| City | Ashe County |
|---|---|
| County | Ashe County |
| State | North Carolina |
| Coordinates | 36.41001, -81.32461 |
Ore Knob Mine is a federal Superfund site in North Carolina. The Superfund program, created by Congress in 1980, addresses sites where hazardous substances have been released or threaten release into the environment. EPA scores potential sites using the Hazard Ranking System; those that score high enough are placed on the National Priorities List.
Current status: Remedy selected. EPA has selected a cleanup remedy but construction has not yet begun. The remedy selection process involves a feasibility study, public comment period, and a Record of Decision documenting the chosen approach.
EPA has identified 7 contaminants of concern at this site, including aluminum, cadmium, copper. Contamination has been detected in surface water, sediment, soil.
If you live near this site and have health concerns, your state health department can provide site-specific guidance. EPA maintains a community involvement program for most NPL sites, and site documents — including the Record of Decision, five-year reviews, and public health assessments — are typically available through EPA's Superfund site profile.