"The levels of lead in the tissue of fish found below the tailings site were seven to 10 times the acceptable levels," Fitzgerald said. "We still have five significant sites up there."

The remaining sites are now owned by Dick Bass and Snowbird Corporation, who are partnering with the forest service and Trout Unlimited to finish the cleanup involving the Globe Mine and Pacific Mine.

Bass said the effort fits into the mission of Snowbird, which is to respect the environment.

Bob Bonard, Snowbird general manager, said there were mine dumps in the resort area when Snowbird was started and it's a natural step to start reclaiming Mineral Basin on the other side of the mountain.

Fitzgerald said the reclamation work in the American Fork Canyon for all 11 sites can be done for just under $2 million and finished by the summer of 2005, a job that will benefit 1.2 million people who recreate in the canyon, the thousands of residents downstream and the fish.

"It's a good example of what reasonably can be done," he said.

---

E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com