WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, U.S. Senator Sam Brownback and Representative Lynn Jenkins today urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use a portion of the $10-25 million allocated for top soil contamination in Cherokee County to address the more critical problem of subsidence that endangers residents of Treece, Kansas on a daily basis.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has determined the cost of a business and residential property buyout and relocation would be $3.5 million. KDHE would administer the relocation and the State of Kansas will contribute $500,000.

The following is the text of the letter the members sent to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson:

"It was recently brought to our attention that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to invest $10 million to $25 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in Cherokee County, Kansas. We appreciate the financial assistance from your agency to this region of Kansas.

"Cherokee County and specifically the Baxter Springs Subsite, which includes the town of Treece, has soil and water contaminated with cadmium, lead and zinc. Since this area was listed on the National Priorities List in 1983, the EPA has restored nearly 1,100 acres of mining-impacted land and reduced blood lead levels of children by 43 percent. These results are to be celebrated. However, subsidence is presently the greatest threat in Treece.

"Less than one mile from Treece sits Pitcher, Oklahoma which is experiencing similar challenges. In addressing the situation in Pitcher, EPA Region 6 provided funding to expedite the buyout and relocation of residents. We strongly encourage EPA Region 7 to utilize the ARRA funding to assist with relocating citizens of Treece.

"While removing contaminated soil is to be commended, this action does not offer a long-term solution to an area affected by subsidence. Unfortunately, it is unlikely many areas of the Cherokee County Superfund Site will be returned to productive use. The most accountable and transparent action would be to relocate the town of Treece to an area suitable for raising families, expanding businesses and living a healthy life. Again, we strongly encourage the EPA to assist in this endeavor."

Treece, population 140, is located in Cherokee County, which encompasses 115 square miles of former mining areas dating back to the early 1900s. At one time it contained the richest lead and zinc ore production in the world. Mining operations in Cherokee County stopped in 1970, but the effects of over 60 years of mining can be seen for miles around in the form of mountains of milling waste. Below these mountains and in surrounding areas are enormous holes and hidden shafts that represent a daily threat to the safety of Treece residents and are the source of the subsidence.

S:\Press\News Releases\2009\treece.epa.letter.pr.wpd