Contaminated soil removal to begin at Treasure Mountain Dec. 17

Treasure Mountain Junior High School. Photo: Alex Aberman

The contaminated soil is known to contain lead and arsenic

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City School District announced last week that the process to remove contaminated soil from the grounds of Treasure Mountain Junior High School will take place Dec. 17-29.

During this time students will be off campus for holiday break, and access to all school grounds, including the parking lot, will be prohibited to all except members of the removal crews.

“We know it might be an inconvenience, but we appreciate your understanding and cooperation,” said a statement from PCSD. “Please make the necessary arrangements, as there will be no access to TMJH or surrounding grounds during this time.”

Although lead and arsenic occur naturally in soil throughout Utah, the arsenic and lead levels in the soil piles outside TMJH became more concentrated as a by-product of mining in Park City. Other similar contaminated piles of soil are mostly capped, and sit below many areas throughout the city.

“Some of the contaminant soils we are dealing with are from Treasure Mountain Junior High School and some are from other school district locations, such as next door at McPolin Elementary School,” said a question-and-answer sheet from PCSD. “The soils were excavated by a subcontractor to the PCSD and placed north of Treasure Mountain Junior High School with the intent of becoming a visual barrier.”