Tougher Site Cleanup Highlights Industry Fears Over EPA’s Soil-Lead Guide

EPA is strengthening soil-lead cleanup levels at a Montana Superfund site, highlighting industry fears that the agency’s retroactive application of its tougher new soil-lead screening levels could drive reopening of cleanups at previously remediated sites, and create “a practical and financial nightmare.” EPA on Jan. 26 released a final document justifying its decision to strengthen soil cleanup levels at the East Helena, MT, Superfund site, which includes a former lead and zinc smelter, as well as surrounding residential, agricultural and...