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Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 2:47 AM

NDEP to host public meeting to provide project status update on Anaconda copper mine site cleanup

NDEP to host public meeting to provide project status update on Anaconda copper mine site cleanup
The Anaconda Copper Mine on Sept. 11, 2019. (David Calvert/The Nevada Independent)

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection is hosting a public meeting to share updates on Anaconda Copper Mine Site cleanup activities. The meeting will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the City of Yerington, Public Works Building (Building B), located at 14 East Goldfield Avenue (known locally as Joe Parr Way).

Re-grading and capping closure work comprising 360 acres of the Arimetco Heap Leach Pads and affected peripheral areas was completed in September 2022, in addition to construction of five new ponds for the containment and storage of HLP drain down fluid completed in August 2020. These actions comprise the bulk of the Phase 1 cleanup work at Anaconda.

The next phase of site cleanup encompasses the northern operable units, which include the former ACMS evaporation ponds, processing area, tailings piles, Wabuska Drain, and site-wide groundwater. Final evaluations of potential risk to human health and the environment are expected to be completed by mid-year 2023, and the subsequent draft feasibility study (FS) is expected to be submitted during the first half of 2024. The FS, which evaluates cleanup options, will inform the choice of a CERCLA-protective, holistic, and comprehensive cleanup remedy for these areas under ROD 2 (slated for 2025).

Anaconda site cleanup construction activities are currently on track to be complete by 2029, with necessary operation, maintenance, and monitoring activities continuing thereafter. For more information about the Anaconda Copper Mine Site cleanup project, please visit https://ndep.nv.gov/land/abandoned-mine-lands/anaconda-home. A meeting agenda and informational bulletin will be posted one week prior to the public meeting. Copies of the agenda and bulletin will also be available at the public meeting on Dec. 15.


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Comment author: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster Comment author: Sheena Nash Comment text: After the trivia night is over, I would love for you to print the questions. I grew up in Fernley and would be interested to see how many answers I know. The coin is beautiful. Congrats on 25 years as a city! Comment publication date: 6/22/26, 1:38 PM Comment source: City of Fernley planning 25th anniversary celebration with three days of community events C Comment author: Carl C. Hagen Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion. Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp