Local Issues: Soil Contamination - ASARCO

From 1899 to 1997, ASARCO (formerly the American Smelting and Refining Company) operated one of the largest lead refineries in the world at the corner of 5th and Douglas St. in Omaha, on the banks of the Missouri River. During this time the operation discharged toxic levels of lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals into the city’s air, the Missouri River and the ground in and around the 23-acre site. After its closure, the plant was demolished, the site was “capped,” and a public park was installed. These pages provides information on the problems caused by the ASARCO site and the efforts to address them.

Picture post card of the American Smelting and “Roofing” (actually Refining) Co., Omaha, Nebraska, from 1915. Found in an antique shop in Oklahoma by Rick Galusha.

Additional historical images are available at the Omaha Public Library’s Early Omaha: Gateway to the West site.

Updates

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Archives

An Alternative ASARCO Plan

Alarming Toxic Sediments in Missouri River

The Problems With ASARCO

Daub’s ASARCO Plan - Cleanup or Coverup?

Where Are Our Leaders?

Governor Requests Omaha Superfund Designation - February 2002

Update on Omaha Lead Superfund Site - March 2004

ASARCO Public Forum Draws Standing Room Only Crowd - October 1997

Suggesting a Better ASARCO Plan

Biggest Environmental Issue Facing Omaha: ASARCO

City Council Finally Gets Daub’s ASARCO Proposal - April 1998