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National Park Service Proposing To Remove Hazardous Wastes From Death Valley

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By Compiled From N... - November 20th, 2021

Gold Hill Mill, Death Valley National Park/NPS, Neal Nurmi

Hazardous wastes from an old mining operation in Death Valley National Park should be removed, and the National Park Service is seeking comment on their plan to do just that.

The mercury amalgamation mill at Gold Hill Mill was in use from the 1930s through the 1950s in Warm Springs Canyon in the southern end of the park. The mill site includes a well-preserved mill and arrastra. It is easily visited via the unpaved Warm Springs Road and is near a perennial stream. 

Environmental analysis shows high levels of arsenic, lead, mercury, zinc, and antimony in the waste piles and the soils at the mill’s foundation. The site can pose a health risk for people who visit repeatedly or spend more than a passing amount of time there. It provides a greater risk to wildlife, exceeding wildlife’s safe exposures to lead by 130 times, zinc by 202 times, and antimony by 327 times. 

The Park Service proposes to remove about 50 cubic yards of contaminated soils from the mill foundation and waste piles. The materials would be disposed of in an appropriately licensed landfill. If this action is selected, more detailed design will be necessary to minimize risk of impacts to historic structures, such as the mill.   

Public comments are being taken through December 26, 2021. To learn more about the project, or to comment, visit parkplanning.nps.gov/GoldHill. 

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