DENVER—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is conducting an emergency removal of about 6,000 gallons of hazardous liquids from Elizabeth Mining and Development Inc. in Montrose County.
The EPA said Tuesday that conditions at the site are a “substantial threat” to public health and the environment. The property sits on the floodplain of the Uncompahgre River and is within a quarter-mile of homes.
The company reclaimed rare metals from catalytic converters. Waste byproducts stored there include lead, chromium and corrosives like sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, the EPA said.
In 2006, the Colorado health department served the company with a compliance order citing it for violating hazardous waste regulations and requiring corrective action.
Last year, owner Steven Casebolt pleaded guilty to three counts of violating the Colorado Hazardous Waste Act. The company was fined $405,000.
EPA officials said they would look at whether the agency can recover cleanup costs from EMDI and whether other action against the company is warranted.
