High Levels of Heavy Metals Found at Site in Jo Daviess County

Illinois health officials are urging those who live near an abandoned mine site in rural Jo Daviess County, located off of Blackjack Road, to check in with their healthcare providers about potential exposure to toxic soil.

Per WIFR, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) acknowledged a public health assessment of the Bautsch-Gray Mine Site, about four miles southeast of Galena, revealed potential health concerns related to heavy metals at the site. The mine operated from 1927 to 1979, and produced waste called "tailings." Tailings are known to contain toxic heavy metals, such as: arsenic, cadmium, lead, manganese, and zinc.

Key Findings Announced by the IDPH:

The findings add that the aforementioned tailings were left in a pile on the mine site property, and have since affected surrounding woods, a former settling pond, and overland flow route, Smallpox Creek, and a residential community west of the site. Here are some additional findings, per WIFR:

Exposure to lead in the tailings and soil at and near the tailings pile could pose health risks to those who access the areas frequently. Lead exposure can cause a number of health issues, including learning and memory problems, increased blood pressure and kidney damage
Lead exposure could have posed a health risk to adults and children who lived at a residential property near the site before contaminated soil was removed. Lead can be particularly harmful to children and can cause significant delays and other health issues
People living at homes near the site may also be exposed to arsenic and manganese in the soil, which can also lead to health concerns
Heavy metals are present elsewhere at the site, but aren’t believed to pose any health risk - per WIFR

What to Do in the Meantime:

Those who reside in close proximity to the mine site are advised to discuss blood lead testing with their doctor, and also take the following precautions:

Wash your hands after working with soil
Taking your shoes off before going inside
Washing work clothes separately
Regular cleaning to keep dust from accumulating

Members of the public can submit comments or questions related to the public health assessment amidst an ongoing 60-day public comment period, which runs until August 14th. IDPH will respond to all comments, and commenters' names won't be made public. You can submit those to: DPH.TOX@illinois.gov

Furthermore, the state health department will host a public open house on Thursday, July 16th at Galena City Hall at 101 Green Street in Galena from 4pm - 7:30pm. Find out more information on toxic heavy metals found at a former mine site in Jo Daviess County on WIFR's website. You can also review some of the findings of the recent assessment of the land here.