The Environmental Protection Agency has created a plan to restore the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine Superfund site in Clearlake Oaks, California. Clear Lake is very contaminated with high levels of mercury, and the soil in and around the mine site is contaminated. Some of this land is the territory of the Elem Indian Colony Tribe and other native tribes. The EPA is working closely with these tribes and communities to ensure that everyone affected by this plan has approved it. They are holding a zoom meeting on Wednesday, January 25 to inform the community of updates and information on this clean up, and to open up a space for people to ask questions and make suggestions.
This is a significant cause because this contamination is very unhealthy and concerning for the people living in Clearlake Oaks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is doing a great job creating this plan and consulting the Clearlake community, which is very important because this is their land. Areas like these are often overlooked, but it is crucial to restore this land for the health and well-being of its residents.
I agree that the wishes of American Indian tribes are often ignored when it comes to management of their own land, so I think it is great that the government is communicating with tribes in this case. Do you know when the lake was contaminated? I also wonder who contaminated the lake and if they were held accountable.
I agree that the concern for the people living in Clearlake Oaks is becoming unhealthy. And I like that the EPA is doing a great job and working with tribes in the U.S