Douglas County
This site spans 76 acres on Silver Butte in Douglas County, about 25 miles south of Roseburg. Mining activities, taken place since 1910, have released heavy metals to the headwaters of Middle Creek and the south fork of Middle creek. Most recently the mine was in operation extracting ore from 1990-1993 by Formosa Explorations.
The mine continues to contaminate these waterways, where stream habitat has been severely affected. In 2007, Formosa Mine was added to the Federal Superfund program's National Priority List (NPL), mainly due to the environmental degradation.
The Environmental Health Assessment Program (EHAP) released a report examining the health effects of drinking water near the mine. The report concludes that the drinking or bathing in the water downstream from the mine, is a health hazard to recreational users who may use it in this way. The water has a very high acid content, so even getting it on your skin should be avoided.
Click here for the full report. (pdf)
Public Comment Period:
EHAP will take public comments until August 1st. For those wishing to comment on the report, submit your comments via email to: ehap.info@state.or.us.
How did EHAP become involved at Formosa Mine?
EHAP is in a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), which is mandated to complete a Public Health Assessment at superfund sites, within one year of being listed. EHAP carries out ATSDR's mandate in Oregon.
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