This site was removed from EPA's National Priorities List (NPL) in 1988

Location

The Mountain View Mobile Homes Estates (MVMHE) Superfund site is located on the east side of the town of Globe in Gila County, Arizona. The 17-acre mobile home subdivision was developed in 1973 at the site of the Metate Asbestos Corporation Asbestos Mill. The property is owned by the state of Arizona.

Contaminants of Concern

Air and soil on the site was contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos mill tailings were used as primary landfill material before the site was partially covered with topsoil.

Public Health Impact

On November 30, 1979, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) sent residents a letter apprising them of the health hazard and recommending they take immediate measures to minimize their personal exposure risk. Prior to site cleanup, area residents who came in direct contact with or accidentally ingested the asbestos-containing soil may have been at risk. In addition, inhaling asbestos fibers posed a potential for adverse health effects. Approximately 100 to 130 people lived in the mobile home park. Direct contact by children is the greatest concern because their life expectancy exceeds the prolonged latency periods for asbestos related disease.  The Center for Disease Control's Chronic Exposure Division stated in a memorandum in August 1981: "Both human and animal studies have shown that chrysotile asbestos, the form present in Globe, is fibrogenic and carcinogenic."

Site Hydrogeology

The site is located in the Gila River drainage basin and surface water drains to the San Carlos River. Groundwater is not currently used on site but the regional Gila Conglomerate Aquifer is the primary source of water in the area. The site is not considered a threat to groundwater resources, so no hydrogeologic investigation has been conducted.

Action Taken

On May 16, 1983, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a public meeting located in Globe, Gila County, Arizona to present the feasibility study (FS) report, answer questions, and take public comment. Approximately 125-140 people were in attendance. Written comments received on the remedial investigation (RI) and FS supported permanent relocation as the only way to effectively mitigate the human threat. In 2010, community input was solicited as part of the 2010 five year review (FYR) report.

Status

Annual inspections and inspections following inclement weather continue to be conducted along with regular mowing, brush removal, and routine maintenance. EPA has finalized an Explanation of Significance Difference (ESD) to the Record of Decision (ROD) making the institutional controls imposed be ADEQ’s Declaration of Environmental Use Restriction (DEUR) part of the final remedy for the Site. A Five Year Review conducted in early 2015 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, EPA, and ADEQ determined that the site remedy continues to be protective of human health and the environment.