2003
EPA Superfund Designation of Captain Jack
What to know:
By 2003, Captain Jack Mill was listed on the EPA’s National Priorities List (NPL) because the water in Left Hand Creek continued to show impacts of acid mine drainage and the public were concerned about impacts to health, safety, and the environment. In 1999, the EPA approached the Towns of Ward and Jamestown about the possibility of large areas near or in the towns being added to the NPL to fund necessary mine cleanup activities. Many area residents had serious concerns about having such a large area near their homes declared a Superfund site. To address this concern, a community-based task force (led by Boulder County) was created to explore alternatives to listing the large area. An important recommendation by the task force was for the formation of a continuing grass-roots watershed protection group, the Left Hand Watershed Oversight Group. This group eventually became the Left Hand Watershed Center.
Timeline of the Superfund Remedial Process. By 2003, Captain Jack Mill’s Assessment phase was completed, resulting in an NPL listing.
Source: EPA.
For A Community Guide to EPA’s Superfund Program click Here.
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1861
Mining Begins in the Ward District
Mining activity began in 1861 following the discovery of gold... -
Late 1800s
Water Quality Issues Reported
Water quality issues were likely occurring since mining began in... -
1896
Captain Jack Mill Construction
Approximately 12 mines were operated in the headwaters area of... -
1992
Captain Jack Mine Closure
After nearly a century of activity under multiple owners at... -
2003
EPA Superfund Designation of Captain Jack
By 2003, Captain Jack Mill was listed on the EPA’s... -
2008
Record of Decision Issued
In 2008, Captain Jack Mill Superfund site completed a final... -
2013
Surface Remediation Completed
The surface remediation occurred from 2011 to 2013. This work... -
2015
Sub-Surface Remediation Began
The Subsurface Remediation began in late 2015. This work aims... -
2018
Emergency Release and Fish Kill Occurred
In October 2018, Left Hand Creek landowners reported a fish... -
2020
Sub-Surface Remediation Continued
After the emergency release and resulting fish kill, the sub-surface... - Future