News Releases - 2000

Illinois EPA Warns Public About Risks Related To Lead Tailings

Springfield, Ill.—"Lead tailings from mining activities are not safe to use for fill", said Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Tom Skinner. This statement resulted after hearing reports that individuals, and some communities, were hauling lead tailings away to use them to backfill materials in construction areas and for other purposes.

Of particular concern to officials in the Illinois EPA Rockford Regional office is the Bautsch-Grey Mine, located near Galena, in Illinois, near the Wisconsin and Iowa state borders. "We have received calls from excavators and other citizens reporting that people are using these tailings for personal or commercial use. We are even aware of a village official in the area that was using it. We want everyone to know, this is not clean fill; it is not safe to use," said Skinner. Illinois EPA

The tailings at the mine have been analyzed and revealed high levels of lead, arsenic and zinc. It looks similar to limestone; however, is does not meet the definition of clean fill according to Section 3.78a of the Environmental Protection Act, so it cannot be legally used as fill. It is a waste product that is regulated by the Illinois EPA.

There are health risks related to the contaminants in lead tailings. Exposure to lead can effect the central nervous system, kidneys and immune system. Lead exposure is particularly dangerous to young and unborn children potentially leading to premature births, smaller babies, decreased mental ability, learning difficulties and reduced growth.

Arsenic exposure may result in gastrointestinal irritation, with symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Arsenic exposure may also cause adverse effects on the nervous system and skin. Breathing inorganic arsenic increases the risk of lung cancer. Ingesting inorganic arsenic increases the risk of skin cancer and tumors of the bladder, kidney, liver and lung.

Although zinc is an essential element in our diet, ingesting or breathing large amounts of zinc can also be harmful. Breathing large amounts of zinc (as dust or fumes) can cause short-term illness called metal fume fever. Consuming large amounts of zinc over a short period of time can cause stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. Consuming zinc for a longer period of time may cause anemia, damage to the pancreas, nervous system effects, and lower the levels of "good" cholesterol in the body. In addition, zinc levels in soil above those needed for maximal plant growth may produce toxic effects on plants.

The Bautsch-Grey Mine was an active lead mine, but it has been closed for several years. The site has recently been referred to the Illinois EPA for evaluation. At this time, however, no seal order has been issued and there are no physical barriers to prevent public entry to the site.