New Updates to the ASARCO Smelter Site Website

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. Supplemental Remedial Investigation (RI) Report
   The Supplemental RI Report, which summarizes all previous site investigations and characterizes the impacts to the Site, has been completed. The document was submitted to TCEQ and EPA on November 12, 2013. A copy of this document can be found here.
2. Category I Landfill – Cell 4 and Interim Channel Construction

   The Category I landfill – Cell 4 lining system and subgrade have been completed and approved by TCEQ and EPA to accept onsite Category I material. Excavation and placement of Category I material from on-site soil removal areas have begun (webcam view). Copies of the approved Construction Quality Assurance plans and approval letter from TCEQ are available here.

   The landfill capacity is approximately 190,000 cubic yards. An engineered cover will be placed over the filled cell to encapsulate the impacted material. Drainage improvements and erosion prevention measures will be installed as filling of the cell is completed. The final cover will be designed to blend into the surrounding landscape. It is estimated that it will take approximately 12 months to fill and cover the landfill. During landfill filling, dust concentrations will be monitored around the landfill in accordance with a monitoring plan approved by TCEQ to document that filling operations comply with applicable requirements which are protective of human health and the environment.

3. Permeable Reactive Barrier (Field Demonstration)

   Two permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) were installed in Parker Brothers Arroyo as part of a field demonstration activity to show the technology is viable at the Site. The locations selected were PRB-1 (located in the eastern most portion of Parker Brothers Arroyo), and PRB-2 (located to the west of PRB-1 where the bedrock narrows in the historical channel bottom).

   Findings from this field demonstration will be used to evaluate and predict their long-term performance in Parker Brothers Arroyo and determine if the installations are sufficient as constructed or if augmentations are needed. Click here to view the PRB Report.

4. Facility Demolition Completion
   Facility demolition was effectively completed with the demolition of the Power House structure. This concludes a major task at the Site.
5. Recent News
   Local publications have recently written a number of articles on the Site. Click here to view the recent Channel 4 interview with the Trustee. 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.