ASARCO Cleaning Up In Anapra

ANAPRA, N.M. – Residents in the Anapra area are waking up to some cleaner yardsbecause ASARCO has begun cleaning up lead and arsenic contamination.

The New Mexico Environmental Department says the soil was contaminated by the copper smelter. Long time residents like Jose Melendez, who have lived there for 25 years, say they’re happy something is finally being done.

“It’s good because they’re doing away with the contamination, but there is still a lot more to do.” As far as what is being cleaned up,ASARCO released this statement: “The clean up is being conducted under the direct supervision of the EPA. The material being removed and disposed of is not classified as hazardous waste and scientific studies show that there is not an imminent health impact to the community.”

The $200,000 dollar project should be complete by the end ofSeptember, 2007.