EPA does ‘emergency’ cleanup in Montrose County

By The AP
Tuesday, July 27, 2010

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 today 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. The EPA says waste byproducts stored there include lead, chromium and corrosives like sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid.

Last year the owner Steven Casebolt pleaded guilty to three counts of violating the Colorado Hazardous Waste Act. The company was fined $405,000.