In the mid-1990s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required Asarco to start cleanup work in the Ruston/North Tacoma Study Area under the Superfund program. Their work focused on the areas most affected by the former Asarco smelter. The former Asarco smelter site, also known as the Tacoma smelter, was one of the first Superfund sites in the nation. Under EPA's oversight, Asarco sampled soil at 3,570 properties in Ruston and North Tacoma and replaced soil at 2,436 of those properties. The EPA's work focused on the areas closest to the former smelter. Properties qualified for soil work when they had arsenic levels over 230 parts per million. The start of cleanup raised interest in cleaning up arsenic and lead contamination beyond EPA’s cleanup area. Early studies from before 1987 looked at soil in yards, play fields, forests, and other areas. However, many of the studies had few samples and only covered small areas. In 1999, Ecology began working with local health departments on a series of studies to find the full extent of smelter contamination.

LINK --- Plume Contamination Field

LINK --- Asarco Stack Demolition Tacoma

Mobile Shrine Air Generator for relationship work with the home of the former Asarco Smelter. Rocks, trash, sand, whatever you can find on top of the fans. Play is the way, break some wind and blow the plume, baby.