Recent News/Updates:
- Sept 11th, 2024: In reply to the James Whitaker petition, effective immediately, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will cease soil sampling and community engagement activities in the Gilmore townsite. They will no longer request access for sampling private properties or provide ongoing information about contamination cleanup unless directly requested by property owners.
- On August 12, 2024, the Lemhi County Commissioners sent a letter and petition to the IDEQ/EPA.
- On July 22, 2024, James Whitaker presented a petition opposing EPA/IDEQ actions, signed by 42 individuals, to the Lemhi County Commissioners during their meeting.
- On July 22nd – 23rd, 2024 the EPA, in coordination with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), conducted a “Removal Action” to apply magnesium chloride dust suppressant to the dirt roads in the Gilmore townsite.
The Short Version:
Over the past few years, the EPA and Idaho DEQ have been requesting Gilmore property owners to sign a waiver allowing their land to be tested for toxic minerals such as lead and arsenic. Understandably, this has caused concern among many of the Gilmore, Idaho property owners.
These activities are related to a couple of EPA Superfund programs.
This page was created to keep everyone informed about the ongoing activities of the EPA and IDEQ. If you have any questions or suggestions, please email Jon Waraas at Jon@Waraas.Com.
The Long Version:
The Gilmore, Idaho area is involved with two separate EPA Superfund programs. The first program, “Gilmore Patented Mining Claim”, was closed in 2010. The second program, “Gilmore Mine Waste Piles”, is currently “active” and in the “site inspection (SI)” phase.
It’s important to note that the “Gilmore Mine Waste Piles” site is not considered an official “Superfund site” until it is placed on the National Priorities List (NPL). Currently, it is being assessed under the Superfund program, with the status set to “site inspection (SI)”. Neither of Gilmore’s two Superfund programs are currently, nor have they ever been, on the NPL.
Notable Links:
Idaho DEQ – Gilmore, Idaho Superfund Webpage
Brief Mining History in Gilmore
Gilmore, Idaho, was established as a mining town in the late 1800s, following the discovery of silver and lead in the nearby area. The town quickly grew, reaching a peak population of around 600 residents, who were primarily involved in the mining industry. The central operation in Gilmore was the Gilmore Mine, which produced silver and lead, along with other minerals such as copper, zinc, and gold.
Mining activities continued robustly until the early 20th century, but by 1927, a catastrophic explosion and fire at the power plant, coupled with the economic downturn of the Great Depression, led to the town’s decline. By the early 1950s, Gilmore was largely abandoned, leaving behind a ghost town and significant environmental impacts from the mining operations.
Environmental Impact and Contamination
Large-scale mining and milling operations in Gilmore produced substantial waste materials, including tailings, waste rock, and processed ore. These operations ceased by the 1950s, but the remnants of mining activities have left the area contaminated with high levels of lead and arsenic. Over time, these contaminants have dispersed through human activities, wind, and water, posing ongoing environmental and health risks.
Brief History of EPA/IDEQ Activities in the Gilmore, Idaho Area
Starting in 2010, the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and the Idaho DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) began soil and air sampling around the Gilmore area as part of the now-closed Gilmore Patented Mining Claim program.
Additional soil and air samples were collected in 2016 and 2017 with the cooperation of some private landowners.
However, it wasn’t until 2022-2023 that EPA/IDEQ activities significantly increased. During this period, they conducted further soil and air testing, held meetings to discuss lead and arsenic data, and applied a dust suppressant to the dirt roads around the town to minimize dust.
These efforts are related to the active “Gilmore Mine Waste Piles” program, which, although active, has not yet been placed on the NPL.
Below is a detailed timeline of recent EPA/IDEQ events in the Gilmore, Idaho area:
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ), in cooperation with the EPA, conducted two investigations at the Gilmore Site in 2016 and 2017. These investigations revealed significant levels of lead and arsenic in both the mine waste and surrounding soils.
Key Findings:
- Mine Waste Concentrations:
- Lead: 41,200 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg)
- Arsenic: 818 mg/kg
- Soil Concentrations in the Townsite and Surrounding Areas:
- Lead: 29,500 mg/kg
- Arsenic: 484 mg/kg
The levels of lead found in the soil were significantly higher than the EPA’s residential removal management level (RML) for lead, which is set at 400 mg/kg.
Additionally, in 2017, the EPA conducted ambient air monitoring in the Townsite. This monitoring detected lead concentrations as high as 0.435 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m³).
In 2023, the EPA and IDEQ requested permission from property owners to test their land, resulting in additional testing on some private properties.
In June 2023, the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) released a Health Consultation on heavy metal contamination in the Gilmore area. The report identified health risks from lead-contaminated soils and provided recommendations for environmental agencies, residents, and visitors.
The 2023 ATSDR Health Consultation Gilmore, Idaho Evaluation of Lead in Soil:
In August 2023, the EPA conducted an Emergency Removal Action to address contaminated right-of-ways within the Townsite. They applied Magnesium-Chloride (Mag-Chloride) as a dust suppressant along approximately 3 miles of dirt roads, each averaging 12 feet in width. This treatment is expected to control dust for the remainder of the recreational field season at Gilmore (2-3 months) or possibly longer. Dust from these right-of-ways is a significant source of ongoing exposure to lead and arsenic. The total cost was roughly $40,021.45.
EPA 2023 Action Memorandum for the Gilmore Mine Waste Piles Emergency Response Site:
On May 20th, 2024, the EPA, in collaboration with the IDEQ, reapplied Magnesium-Chloride (Mag-Chloride) as a dust suppressant along approximately 3 miles of dirt roads within and around the Gilmore townsite. Due to recent heavy rains, they were able to apply the Mag-Chloride directly without the need to water the roads down first, saving an entire day of work.
On June 22nd, 2024, rancher James Whittaker, who owns a significant portion of the Gilmore Townsite, organized a meeting near the old General Store in Gilmore. The gathering included local property owners and focused on recent actions by the EPA and IDEQ. During the meeting, an anti-EPA/IDEQ petition was created and signed by approximately 25-30 residents.
On July 22nd, 2024, James Whitaker presented the signed anti-EPA/IDEQ Superfund petition to the Lemhi County Commissioners during one of their meetings.
The anti-IDEQ/EPA petition signed by 42 individual – most of them landowners in Gilmore, Idaho:
On July 22nd – 23rd, the EPA, in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), will undertake a “Removal Action” to mitigate dust in the Gilmore townsite. This operation involves the application of magnesium chloride, a dust suppressant, to approximately 3 miles of dirt roads in and around the area. The use of magnesium chloride is expected to significantly reduce the spread of hazardous dust containing lead and arsenic, thereby minimizing health risks for local residents and visitors. This action is part of ongoing efforts to address environmental contamination in the Gilmore area.
On August 12th, 2024, the Lemhi County Commissioners forwarded a petition to the IDEQ/EPA, expressing concerns about potential actions at the historic Gilmore townsite. The petition, signed by local residents, opposes National Priority Listing, soil removal, and dust suppression efforts. The Commissioners highlighted their review and transmission of the petition for DEQ consideration, underscoring their support for the local community’s interests. They also suggested that DEQ should consider the petitioners’ wishes, communicate local resistance to federal and state agencies, continue providing technical support to landowners, and update the community on potential actions. The letter emphasized ongoing communication between the County and DEQ regarding Gilmore activities.
Below is the letter dated August 12, 2024 from the Lemhi County Commissioners to the IDEQ, which also included the anti-IDEQ/EPA petition.
On September 11, 2024, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) responded to the August 12 letter from the Lemhi County Commissioners, which included a citizen petition regarding the Gilmore townsite. IDEQ outlined a detailed response, addressing each concern raised by the Commissioners:
- Petitioners’ Wishes: IDEQ will cease sampling in public spaces at Gilmore, will not seek access to private properties for sampling, and will halt the distribution of cleanup information, unless requested by property owners.
- Local Resistance to NPL Actions: IDEQ has communicated the local opposition to the National Priorities List (NPL) actions to various agencies, including the EPA, and has decided to discontinue participation in public outreach events like “Soil Shops.”
- Support to Individual Landowners: IDEQ remains open to providing technical support to individual landowners in Gilmore concerned about metal contamination, directing them to contact the IDEQ office in Idaho Falls.
- Informational Kiosks: Support will be provided for the establishment of informational kiosks on state or BLM managed lands detailing Gilmore’s history and contamination threats.
- Regular Updates: IDEQ commits to regularly updating Lemhi County on any potential actions considered by relevant agencies, maintaining open communication to benefit the county’s residents.
IDEQ emphasizes continued dialogue and is open to further communication with Lemhi County to address any additional concerns.
Below is the Sept 11th, 2024 IDEQ letter stating they will cease some operations in Gilmore:
Understanding the EPA Superfund Process at Gilmore, Idaho
The Gilmore Mine Waste Piles site in Idaho is currently undergoing assessment under the EPA’s Superfund program, a rigorous, multi-step process designed to identify and remediate hazardous waste sites. The site is in the Site Assessment phase, a critical stage where data and information are collected to determine if the site qualifies for inclusion on the National Priorities List (NPL). Only sites on the NPL are formally recognized as “Superfund” sites, which are eligible for further investigations and subsequent cleanup actions.
Site Assessment Phase
During the Site Assessment phase, the EPA collects samples to evaluate the levels of lead, arsenic, and other metals present. This data helps determine whether the site should be placed on the NPL. Last summer (2023), and in previous years (2016 & 2017), samples were taken from Gilmore to assess its eligibility. Additionally, property owners received information on metal contamination levels on their lands.
National Priorities List (NPL) Consideration
Even if a site is eligible, it does not automatically get placed on the NPL. The EPA follows a federal rulemaking process to propose and finalize NPL sites. Moreover, the EPA seeks the concurrence of state governors regarding the inclusion of a site on the NPL.
Below is a photo of the Superfund process. Gilmore is currently in the “Site Inspection” phase, highlighted by the yellow star.
Current Status Of The Gilmore, Idaho Superfund
In the case of Gilmore, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has indicated it does not currently support proposing the site for NPL designation. This decision stems from a lack of local support for the proposal by the local property owners.
Opposition to the EPA Superfund
Some local property owners and stakeholders in Gilmore, Idaho, oppose the EPA Superfund initiative. If you share these concerns, it is recommended to contact James Whittaker (contact information to be provided soon). Additionally, you can reach out to the Lemhi County Commissioners, as their support is crucial for the Superfund process.
Supporters of the EPA Superfund
Residents and stakeholders in Gilmore who are concerned about the cleanup can express their interest and concerns to the DEQ. Dean Ehlert, the Assessment & Compliance Bureau Chief at DEQ, is a key contact for this process. Community feedback is crucial in shaping the state’s stance on NPL proposals.
- Contact Information for Dean Ehlert:
- Address: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, 1410 N Hilton Street, Boise, ID 83706
- Phone: 208-373-0416
- Email: dean.ehlert@deq.idaho.gov
Additional Superfund Information
There are two main Superfund sites in the Gilmore area under consideration:
- Gilmore Mine Waste Piles (IDN001002156): Currently in the site inspection (SI) phase, involving sampling and data collection.
- Gilmore Patented Mining Claim (IDN001003013): Assessed in 2010, with no further action deemed necessary.
For more detailed information about the EPA’s Superfund program, the site assessment process, and the NPL, you can visit the following links: