The following is an email from Heather McMurray to the Site Trustee, Roberto Puga. Mr. Puga’s response is bolded.
Hello, Mr. Puga,
Have you seen this EPWU data taken at two sample sites (2006) – one being the old Asarco bridge where storm water from the Asarco site would flow into the canal around the posts at the old bridge.
Mercury and strontium showed high values.
We do not know what strontium isotopes were involved. Other chemicals also showed high values.
Heather McMurray
Roberto Puga’s response:
Dear Ms. McMurray,
Thank you for your continued interest in the ASARCO project.
The concentrations of mercury and strontium in the water and soil samples attached to your e-mail were compared to the EPA drinking water standards and the TCEQ total soil combined standards for both residential and commercial properties. The sample concentrations of strontium and mercury do not exceed the referenced standards.
The concentrations of lead and arsenic are the two chemicals in the soil samples that do exceed commercial standards. However, that is not surprising since lead and arsenic are the main constituents of concern that are driving the remedial response. The lead and arsenic around the storm water ponds will be addressed as part of the environmental remedial actions taken at the site.
Regards,
Roberto Puga