Deal reached in Eureka

The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a settlement with the principal mining company in the small west desert town of Eureka.

According to documents filed Wednesday in Utah's U.S. District Court, Chief Consolidated Mining Company conducted mining operations in Eureka between 1909 and 1957. The operations left behind hazardous waste, mainly lead, that pose a health risk to Eureka residents, the filing states.

A 2000 study showed that one in four Eureka children had abnormally high levels of lead in their blood.

The federal government has been conducting cleanup operations in the area for several years, focusing on the isolation and containment of lead-laced soil and piles of contaminated waste rock.

Though mining operations have long since ceased and CCMC has few assets to provide financial aid for the cleanup, the company still owns land in the area. Under the terms of the agreement, CCMC will allow the Environmental Protection Agency complete access to its property, and any water or materials discovered there, during the cleanup efforts.