New Updates to the ASARCO Smelter Site Website
{www.RecastingTheSmelter.com}

The Texas Custodial Trust is committed to the remediation of the Site and to working with the surrounding community and stakeholders. As part of our stakeholder outreach efforts we are dedicated to maintaining a website that has the most current and up-to-date site information. Please note that there have been new website updates and some new site activities. These include:

1. Facility Demolition Update

   Facility demolition began in April 2011 and is expected to take up to 12 months. Over the next few months, asset recovery operations will be ongoing concurrent with demolition activities. The two largest concrete stacks are scheduled to be demolished at the end of site-wide demolition, likely in the first quarter 2012. Additional details and notifications regarding demolition of the stacks will be provided via the project website (www.recastingthesmelter.com) nearer to the time of stack demolition.

2. Live Webcam is Now Available

   There is a live webcam available for the public to view Site activities. This webcam can be viewed on the homepage of www.recastingthesmelter.com.

3. Demolition Sequence

   The Trust has created visuals of the various phases of upcoming demolition. To view the demolition sequence online, please click here.

4. Agency Approval of the Final Remedial Action Work Plan (RAWP)

   The Site Trustee received agency approval on the Final Remedial Action Work Plan. Click here to view the Final RAWP.

5. Asset Sales

   We are continuing to market all Site assets. Recently there have been sales for the Oxygen Plant and copper matte and scrap lead for nearly $11MM. View the Press Releases for these assets. Any money generated by the sale of scrap materials goes directly to fund cleanup and remedial action of the Site. Please view the ‘Assets’ tab of the website for a specific list of items that have been sold.

6. Site Tour for City Officials

   The Site Trustee recently hosted Representative Byrd and Representative Ortega on the Site this past month. With them were two local government managers from New Zealand who were in town to specifically to see how El Paso is addressing environmental and sustainability issues.

7. Site Documentary by a Local Historian

   Jackson Polk, a local documentarian, radio host and historian, has been filming the El Paso smelter demolition project. Mr. Polk is with Capstone Productions and is creating a documentary for The El Paso County Historical Commission and The El Paso County Historical Society.

8. Site Visit by the El Paso Historical Commission

   The El Paso Historical Commission was on Site to review any additional items that they would want preserved prior to demolition. The Trust is agreeable to this and is working with the Commission to preserve these various items.

9. Community Scholars Webcasts

   The Community Scholars Group has created various webcasts regarding the Former ASARCO Smelter Site. Please click here to view these webcast episodes.

10. Recent News

    Local publications, including The El Paso Times, have recently written a number of articles on the Site. Such articles include the preservation of select structures and the recent start of demolition. Additionally, click here to view all recent news articles on the Site.

Thank you for your interest in the website. We appreciate your blog posts and are working to answer any questions in a timely manner.