The Annapolis Lead Mine (ALM) is an inactive lead mine located approximately 1 mile east and 3/8 mile north of Annapolis, Iron County, Missouri. The total area of the former mine facility is approximately 50 acres. Lead-bearing ore was mined from ALM sporadically from approximately 1920 through 1940. According to production figures for a portion of the mine's operational history, over 1 million tons of mining wastes were generated. The mining wastes, composed of overburden and milling residue, contain heavy metals. The primary metals of concern are lead, cadmium, zinc, and arsenic. The site is being proposed to the NPL because elevated levels of heavy metals, particularly lead, have been found throughout the site. In addition, elevated concentrations of site-related hazardous substances have been detected in surface water bodies located downstream from the site and pose a threat to recreational fisheries and wetlands in the area.
The former mining facility is composed of derelict buildings used during the mining operation, most of which only have foundations remaining. One structure, however, was used as a single family residence. The dominant feature on the site is a chat/tailings pile that occupies approximately 10 acres in the southern portion of the former mining facility. The material in the pile is highly erodible, which has resulted in steep-sided features with an outwash area that fans westward to Sutton Branch Creek. The property is divided among several landowners.
Source: US EPA Superfund National Priorities List.
[url]http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/nar1716.htm[/url]