HAWTHORNE RD-1.2 M FROM DIV.RD
The 240-acre Kaiser Aluminum Mead Works site is an aluminum reduction facility located near Mead, Washington. From 1942 until 1978, pot linings were disposed of in the northwestern section of the plant property. The pots were soaked with water to loosen the linings for removal before disposal. In 1978, cyanide and fluoride were detected in several private drinking water wells northwest of the site. Cyanide and fluoride have contaminated an aquifer that supplies water to the Little Spokane River. The contamination is believed to have originated from past activities at the site. In 1978, Kaiser discontinued the practices of pot soaking and discharging effluent to wastewater treatment ponds but the spent potliner pile is still on site. From 1980 to 1990, Kaiser stored new pot linings on the site in a specially-built building. In 1990, Kaiser began shipping pot linings to an off-site hazardous waste landfill. The closest residences are located about one-half mile northwest of the plant. Approximately 5,500 people are served by the local water system. Cyanide and fluoride were detected in soils and the upper portion of the groundwater aquifer underlying the site. On-site leachate contains fluoride and cyanide. Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through state, and potentially responsible parties' actions.
1,363 |
People living within a 1 mile radius |
$37,632 |
Average Income |
538 |
Occupied homes |
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