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June 17, 2001 .: "-T

Dear Ed, I am writing this letter on behalf of the Citizens for a Sensible

Solution because we are sincerely interested in finding a solution to the Elizabeth Mine. We strongly believe that this site as well as those at Ely and Pike Hill, have the potential for being a model in remediation efforts. At the same time we believe the only way this can work is that if we size it proportional to the problem, and highlight both the historic aspects of these sites as well as innovative solutions.

While we would like to be a part of these efforts, we have to say that there is no way that we can back the alternatives first presented by the EPA. Enclosed are copies of petitions that indicate serious reservation by our community as well. Should push come to shove we do all in our power to oppose a solution that is out of scale to the problem.

We do believe there is a way to avoid this potential confrontation. Enclosed are our response to the Alternatives Report. Frankly while 3C is quite a stretch and more than we feel comfortable with, we would be willing to proceed with this as a first step. TP1 and TP2 could in themselves serve as a test for how well a minimum soil cover (that could gradually be improved or added to can work). Further testing over the next few years could determine if more work was needed under the Remedial Program. While some aspects of our community would feel that even this is too much, We believe we could mobilize broad support for a solution along these lines.

A key to making this a model is the tie in with educational institutions in the region. While 3C is primarily an engineered solution , some of the smaller problems , including Ely, could explore the more innovative biological concepts put forth by Gaia and others. Highlighting the history of one of our nations oldest and longest mining districts in a way that is accessible to both the public and educational research complements the efforts to heal these sites.

Ed, we strongly believe that this approach would also help get the funding needed to actually complete the project. We do not want to overstate it but as you know, our group has considerable connections and influence. We would greatly prefer to put the tremendous amount of time and energy we have into working towards a solution instead of organizing opposition. From our meeting with Scott Johnston, we came away with the commitment that this project was not being driven by the availability of money with no match in the NTCRA phase but by the desire to do the bestpossible and to work with the community .

Please, let me know your thoughts in this regard.tests'

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Response to Alternatives Report

The Elizabeth Mine Site is currently involved in a two phase EPA program to improve the quality of the water in the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc River. The first phase is a Non-Time Critical Removal Action (NTCRA). The second phase is the Remedial program.

The NTCRA program is designed as a fast track approach to alleviate a immediate problem in way that is compatible with a long term solution carried out through the remedial process. NTCRA is designed to last no more than two years and cost no more than 2 million dollars (though there appears to be some flexibility in this regard). NTCRA is designed to be a interim step, not necessarily a final solution. It is for this reason that a Remedial process is included in the Elizabeth Mine Site clean-up efforts.

In looking at the alternative that have been proposed it is clear that the first phase of the 2C option, now known as 3C would go a long way to improving the water quality of the West Branch. This would include removal of material from TP3 outside the oldest Copperas heap leaching piles and treating the run off with a passive treatment system. On TP1 and TP2 there would be slope reinforcement, diversion channel, toe drain and passive treatment systems and then stabilizing the surface with six inches of soil. In many ways it makes sense to stop here and test to see how effective these very significant steps are at improving the water quality in the West Branch before going any further. Different ways of adding organic matter to the soil, through composting or use of animals could be carried out while the remedial investigations continued. It is quite possible that this first phase might be enough and the second step , a 10 million dollar low permeability cap, unnecessary. If it was found to be needed it could be designed to scale and implemented under the Remedial program.

While a phased approach to the problem poses the risk of having to do more later at a slightly higher in the Remedial phase, it also allows for the very real possibility of a solution at 1/2 the cost, potentially tens of thousands less truck loads of material, and less impact on the environment Even if more needed to be done, having the time for testing, and seeing the effectiveness of actions taken, would allow for the design of future action to be based on actual data rather than speculation. This could well lead to reduced cost even if more action was needed.

In speaking with Agency for Natural Resources Secretary Scott Johnston, he made it clear that the State was not trying to front load the project (due to the absence of any State share of funds for the NTCRA phase and a 10% State match needed for Remedial action). He made it clear that the State was interested in the best possible solution and was committed to working with the community . Having been involved in

scaling back the initial EPA proposal regarding the Pine Street Barge Canal in Burlington, he said that he was not opposed to finding a smaller solution that would bring the river up to acceptable standards and encouraged further efforts and investigations.

It is in this spirit that the above suggestions are made.

sincerely, _.

John Freitag, Citizens for a Sensible Solution

PETITION

To the Federal, State and Local Agencies Engaged in the Cleanup of the Elizabeth Mine Superftind Site.

WHEREAS the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is about to begin its design of the first and largest phase of its cleanup at the Elizabeth Mine Site. This first phase is mainly intended to control acid drainage from "tailings piles" at the site, which adversely affects water quality, according to EPA reports, in about three miles of the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc; and

WHEREAS the design alternatives that have been presented to the community all may require importing tens of thousands of truckloads of fill material to the site, or destruction of historic features of this nationally important, two-hundred-year old site, and would cost upwards of twenty million dollars for this first phase alone,

THEREFORE, in view of the modest benefits of to be gained from this first phase of the cleanup, and the absence of any imminent threat to human health from the water of the West Branch, we the undersigned residents of Strafford and South Stratford strongly urge that EPA's plans reflect our concerns, as follows:

*

1. The overall cost and impact of the cleanup should be in proportion to the small rural community in which it is carried out, and the modest environmental benefits to be gained.

2. The two-hundred year history of this nationally important site, which is also an important part of our community's history and identity, should be respected and preserved;

3. Truck traffic through our historic villages should be avoided, and truck traffic into the site should be held to an absolute minimum;

Name Date

tfri*- Si

[Prepared for the Strafford community by Citi/ens for A Sensible Solution; John Freitag, President.

PETITION

To the Federal. State and Local Agencies Engaged in the Cleanup of the Elizabeth Mine Supenund bi'e. j

WHEREAS the United Slates Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is about to begin its desi^.i of t rc first and largest phase of its cleanup at the Elizabeth Mine Site. This first phase is mainly inteaaed to cou.rc' acid drainage from "tailings piles1' at the site, which adversely affects water quality, according to EPA reports, in abo-tt three miles of the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc: and

WHEREAS the design alternatives that have been presented to the community all may require unpcnmg tens of thousands of trackloads of fill material to the site, or destruction of historic features of this nationally important. r>vo-hundred-year old site, and would cost upwards of twenty million dollars fcr this firrt phase alone.

THEREFORE, in view of the modest benefits of to be gained from this first phase of the cleanup, and the absence of any imminent threat to human health from the water of the West Branch, we the undersigned residents of Straffora and South Strafford strongly urge that EPA's plans reflect our concerns, as follows:

1. The overall cost and impact of the cleanup should be in proportion to the small rural community in which it is carried out and the modest environmental benefits to be gained.

2. The two-hundred year history of this nationally important site, which is also an important part of our cornmunity's history and identity, should be respected and preserved;

3. Truck traffic through our historic villages should be avoided, and truck traffic into the site should be held to an absolute minimum,

Name Address Date

krafford community by Citizens for a Sensible Solution; John Freilag, President.

PETITION

To the Federal. State and Local Agencies Engaged in the Cleanup of the Elizabeth Jvtine Superfund Site.

WHEREAS the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is about to begin its design of the first and largest phase of its cleanup at the Elizabeth Mine Site. This first phase is mainly intended to control acid drainage from "tailings piles" at the site, which adversely affects water quality, according to EPA reports, in about three miles of the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc; and

WHEREAS the design alternatives that have been presented to the community all may require importing tens of thousands of truckloads of fill material to the site, or destruction of historic features of this nationally important, two-hundred-year old site, and would cost upwards of twenty million dollars for this first phase alone,

THEREFORE, in view of the modest benefits of to be gained from this first phase of the cleanup, and the absence of any imminent threat to human health from the water of the West Branch, we the undersigned residents of Strafford and South Strafford strongly urge that EPA's plans reflect our concerns, as follows:

1. The overall cost and impact of the cleanup should be in proportion to the small rural community in which it is carried out, and the modest environmental benefits to be gained.

2. The two-hundred year history of this nationally important site, which is also an important part of our community's history and identity, should be respected and preserved;

3. Truck traffic through our historic villages should be avoided, and truck traffic into the site should be held to an absolute minimum;

Name Address Date

>f?repared for the StrafFord community by Citizens for a Sensible Solution: John Freitag, President.

PETITION

To the Federal, State and Local Agencies Engaged in the Cleanup of the Elizabeth Mine Superfund Site.

WHEREAS the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is about to begin its design of the first and largest phase of its cleanup at the Elizabeth Mine Site. This first phase is mainly intended to control acid drainage from "tailings piles" at the site, which adversely affects water quality, according to EPA reports, in about three miles of the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc; and

WHEREAS the design alternatives that have been presented to the community all may require importing tens of thousands of truckloads of fill material to the site, or destruction of historic features of this nationally important, two-hundred-year old site, and would cost upwards of twenty million dollars for this first phase alone,

THEREFORE, in view of the modest benefits of to be gained from this first phase of the cleanup, and the absence of any imminent threat to human health from the water of the West Branch, we the undersigned residents of Strafford and South Strafford strongly urge that EPA's plans reflect our concerns, as follows:

1. The overall cost and impact of the cleanup should be in proportion to the small rural community in which it is carried out, and the modest environmental benefits to be gained.

2. The two-hundred year history of this nationally important site, which is also an important part of our community's history and identity, should be respected and preserved;

3. Truck traffic through our historic villages should be avoided, and truck traffic into the site should be held to an absolute minimum;

Address Date

s.&-'Wt«/ ' e.

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[Prepared for the Strafford communitv bv Citi?ens for a Sensible Solution; John Frcit::g, President.!

PETITION

To the Federal. State and Local Agencies Engaged in the Cleanup of the Elizabeth Mine Superfund Site.

WHEREAS the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is about to begin its design of the first and largest phase of its cleanup at the Elizabeth Mine Site. This first phase is mainly intended to control acid drainage from "tailings piles" at the site, which adversely affects water quality, according to EPA reports, in about three miles of the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc; and

WHEREAS the design alternatives that have been presented to the community all may require importing tens of thousands of truckloads of fill material to the site, or destruction of historic features of this nationally important two-hundred-year old site, and would cost upwards of twenty million dollars for this first phase alone,

THEREFORE, in view of the modest benefits of to be gained from this first phase of the cleanup, and the absence of any imminent threat to human health from the water of the West Branch, we the undersigned residents of Strafford and South Strafford strongly urge that EPA's plans reflect our concerns, as follows:

1. The overall cost and impact of the cleanup should be in proportion to the small rural community in which it is carried out, and the modest environmental benefits to be gained.

2. The two-hundred year history of this nationally important site, which is also an important part of our community's history and identity, should be respected and preserved;

3. Truck traffic through our historic villages should be avoided, and truck traffic into the site should be held to an absolute minimum;

/—\\ame Address Date

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[Prepared for the Strafford comiaurutv Ijy Citizens for a Sensible Solution: John Fic'tag. President.]

PETITION

To the Federal. State and Local Agencies Engaged in the Cleanup of the Elizabeth Mine Superfund.Site.

WHEREAS the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is about to begin its design of the first and largest phase of its cleanup at the Elizabeth Mine Site. This first phase is mainly intended to control acid drainage from "tailings piles" at the site, which adversely affects water quality, according to EPA reports, in about three miles of the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc: and

WHEREAS the design alternatives that have been presented to the community all may require importing tens of thousands of truckloads of fill material to the site, or destruction of historic features of this nationally important, two-hundred-year old site, and would cost upwards of twenty million dollars for this first phase alone,

THEREFORE, in view of the modest benefits of to be gained from this first phase of the cleanup, and the absence of any imminent threat to human health from the water of the West Branch, we the undersigned residents of Strafford and South Strafford strongly urge that EPA's plans reflect our concerns, as follows:

1. The overall cost and impact of the cleanup should be in proportion to the small rural community in which It is carried out, and the modest environmental benefits to be gained.

2. The two-hundred year history of this nationally important site, which is also an important part of our community's history and identity, should be respected and preserved;

3. Truck traffic through our historic villages should be avoided, and truck traffic into the site should be held to an absolute minimum;

Address Date

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e StrafFord communitv by Citizens for a Sensible Solution; John £reitag, President.

PETITION

To the Federal. State and Local Agencies Engaged in the Cleanup of the Elizabeth Mine Superfund Site.

WHEREAS the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is about to begin its design of the £ist and largest phase of its cleanup at the Elizabeth Mine Site. This first phase is mainly intended to control acid drainage from "railings piles" at the site, which adversely affects water quality, according to EPA reports, in about three miles of the \Vest Branch of the Ompompanoosuc: and

WHEREAS the design alternatives that have been presented to the community all may require importing tens of thousands of truckloads of fill material to the site, or destruction of historic features of this nationally important, two-hundred-year old site, and would cost upwards of twenty million dollars for this first phase aione,

THEREFORE, in view of the modest benefits of to be gained from this first phase of the cleanup, and the absence of any imminent threat to human health from the water of the West Branch, we the undersigned residents of Strafford and South Strafford strongly urge that EPA's plans reflect oiir concerns, as follows:

1. The overall cost and impact of the cleanup should be in proportion to the small rural community in which it is carried out, and the modest environmental benefits to be gained.

2. The two-hundred year history of this nationally important site, which is also an important part of our community's history and identity, should be respected and preserved;

3. Truck traffic through our historic villages should be avoided, and truck traffic into the site should be held to an absolute minimum;

Name Address Date

. SkWnS

5ftk

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pared forthe-^ffrafford commumt;. bv Citizens'for afSensible Solution; John Freitag, President

7

PETITION

To the Federal. State and Local Agencies Engaged in the Cleanup of the Elizabeth Mine Superfund Site.

WHEREAS the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is about to begin its design of the first and largest phase of its cleanup at the Elizabeth Mine Site. This first phase is mainly intended to control and drainage from "tailings piles" at the site, which adversely affects water quality, according to EPA reports, in about three miles of the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc: and

WHEREAS the design alternatives that have been presented to the community all may require importing tens of thousands of truckJoads of fill material to the site, or destruction of historic features of this nationally important, rwo-hundred-year old site, and would cost upwards of twenty million dollars for this first phase alone,

THEREFORE, in view of the modest benefits of to be gained from this first phase of the cleanup, and the absence of any imminent threat to human health from the water of the West Branch, we the undersigned residents of Strafford and South Strafford strongly urge that EPA's plans reflect our concerns, as follows:

1. The overall cost and impact of the cleanup should be in proportion to the small rural community in which it is carried out, and the modest environmental benefits to be gained.

2. The two-hundred year history of this nationally important site, which is also an important part of our community's history and identity, should be respected and preserved;

3. Truck traffic through our historic villages should be avoided, and truck traffic into the site should be held to an absolute minimum-

Address Date

[Prepared for the Strafford comrni^iirv' by Citizens for a SensibfelioluUon; John Freitag, President.]

PETITION

To the Federal. State and Local Agencies Engaged in the Cleanup of the Elizabeth Mine Superfund Site.

WHEREAS the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is about to begin its design of the first and largest phase of its cleanup at the Elizabeth Mine Site. This first phase is mainly intended to control acid drainage from "tailings piles" at the site, which adversely affects water quality, according to EPA reports, in about three miles of the West Branch of the Omporapanoosuc: and

WHEREAS the design alternatives that have been presented to the community all may require importing tens of thousands of truckloads of fill material to the site, or destruction of historic features of this nationally important, rwo-hundred-year old site, and would cost upwards of twenty million dollars for this first phase alone,

THEREFORE, in view of the modest benefits of to be gained from this first phase of the cleanup, and the absence of any imminent threat to human health from the water of the West Branch, we the undersigned residents of Stratford and South Strafford strongly urge that EPA's plans reflect our concerns, as follows:

1. The overall cost and impact of the cleanup should be in proportion to the small rural community in which it is carried out, and the modest environmental benefits to be gained.

2. The two-hundred year history of this nationally important site, which is also an important part of our community's history and identity, should be respected and preserved;

3. Truck traffic through our historic villages should be avoided, and truck traffic into the site should be held to an absolute minimum*

Name Address Date

M/ , \/T

[Prepared (or the Strafford community by Citizens for a Sensible Solution; John Freitag, President.]

PETITION

To the Federal, State and Local Agencies Engaged in the Cleanup of the Elizabeth Mine Superfund Site.

WHEREAS the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is about to begin its design of the first and largest phase of its cleanup at the Elizabeth Mine Site. This first phase is mainly intended to control acid drainage from "tailings piles" at the site, which adversely affects water quality, according to EPA reports, in about three miles of the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc; and

WHEREAS the design alternatives that have been presented to the community all max require importing tens of thousands of truckloads of fill material to the site, or destruction of historic features of this nationally important, two-hundred-year old site, and would cost upwards of twenty million dollars for this first phase alone,

THEREFORE, in view of the modest benefits of to be gained from this first phase of the cleanup, and the absence of any imminent threat to human health from the water of the West Branch, we the undersigned residents of Strafford and South Strafforistrongly urge that EPA's plans reflect our concerns, as follows:

1. Truck traffic through our historic villages should be avoided, and truck traffic into the site should be held to an absolute minimum;

2. The two-hundred year history of this nationally important site, which is also an important part of our community's history and identity, should be respected and preserved;

3. The overall cost and impact of the cleanup should be in proportion to the small rural community in which it is carried out, and the modest environmental benefits to be gained

Name Address Date

LIU—. VT <

kx 102­7*­

[Prepared for the Strafford community by Citizens for a Sensible Solution; John Freitag, President.]

PETITION

To the Federal. State and Local Agencies Engaged in the Cleanup of the Elizabeth Mine Superfund Site.

WHEREAS the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is about to begin its design of the first and largest phase of its cleanup at the Elizabeth iMine Site. This first phase is mainly intended to control acid drainage from "tailings piles" at the site, which adversely affects water quality, according to EPA reports, in about three miles of the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc: and

WHEREAS the design alternatives that have been presented to the community all may require importing tens of thousands of truckloads of fill material to the site, or destruction of historic features of this nationally important two-huudred-year old site, and would cost upwards of twenty million dollars for this first phase alone,

THEREFORE, in view of the modest benefits of to be gained from this first phase of the cleanup, and the absence of any imminent threat to human health from the water of the West Branch, we the undersigned residents of Strafford and South Strafford strongly urge that EPA's plans reflect our concerns, as follows:

1. The overall cost and impact of the cleanup should be in proportion to the small rural community in whicfi it is carried out, and the modest environmental benefits to be gained.

2. The two-hundred year history of this nationally important site, which is also an important part of our community's history and identity, should be respected and preserved;

3. Truck traffic through our historic villages should be avoided, and truck traffic into the site should be held to an absolute minimum-

Name Address Date

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v [Prepared for the Strafford community by Citizens for a Sensible Solution; John Freitag, President.

PETITION

To the Federal, Slate and Local Agencies Engaged in the Cleanup of the Elizabeth Mine Superfund Site.

WHEREAS the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is about to begin its design of the first and largest phase of its cleanup at the Elizabeth Mine Site. This first phase is mainly intended to control acid drainage from "tailings piles" at the site, which adversely affects water quality, according to EPA reports, in about three miles of the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc; and

WHEREAS the design alternatives that have been presented to the community all may require importing tens of thousands of truckloads of fill material to the site, or destruction of historic features of this nationally important two-hundred-year old site, and would cost upwards of twenty million dollars for this first phase alone,

THEREFORE, in view of the modest benefits of to be gained from this first phase of the cleanup, and the absence of any imminent threat to human health from the water of the West Branch, we the undersigned residents of Strafford and South Strafford strongly urge that EPA's plans reflect our concerns, as follows:

1. The overall cost and impact of the cleanup should be in proportion to the small rural community in which it is carried out, and the modest environmental benefits to be gained.

2. The two-hundred year history of this nationally important site, which is also an important part of our community's history and identity, should be respected and preserved;

3. Truck traffic through our historic villages should be avoided, and truck traffic into the site should be held to an absolute minimum;

Name Address Date

</t hi

5 ­

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Ol/C-Q^

" [ P r e p a r e d for the Straffbrd community by Citizens for a Sensible Solution; John Freitag, President

PETITION

To the Federal. State and Local Agencies Engaged in the Cleanup of the Elizabeth Mine Superfund Site.

WHEREAS the United States Environmental Protection Ageacy (EPA) is about to begin its design of the first and largest phase of its cleanup at the Elizabeth Mine Site. This first phase is mainly intended to control acid drainage from "tailings piles" at the site, which adversely affects water quality, according to EPA reports, in about three miles of the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc: and

WHEREAS the design alternatives that have been presented to the community all may require importing tens of thousands of truckloads of fill material to the site, or destruction of historic features of this nationally important, two-hundred-year old site, and would cost upwards of twenty million dollars for this first phase alone,

THEREFORE, in view of the modest benefits of to be gained from this first phase of the cleanup, and the absence of any imminent threat to human health from the water of the West Branch, we the undersigned residents of Strafford and South Strafford strongly urge that EPA's plans reflect our concerns, as follows:

1. The overall cost and impact of the cleanup should be in proportion to the small rural community in which it is carried out, and the modest environmental benefits to be gained.

2. The two-hundred year history of this nationally important site, which is also an important part of our community's history and identity, should be respected and preserved;

3. Truck traffic through our historic villages should be avoided, and truck traffic into the site should be held to an absolute minimum;

Name Address Date

6 fa

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[Prepared for the Strafford community by Citizens for a Sensible Solution; John Freitag, President.]