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In the heart of Las Vegas, a long-dormant industrial site is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The old Three Kids Mine, once a hub of manganese production, has left behind a legacy of toxic metals and asbestos, posing a significant threat to the surrounding community. But now, a comprehensive cleanup effort is underway, paving the way for a new era of residential development and environmental restoration.

Reclaiming a Contaminated Past, Securing a Sustainable Future

Tackling the Toxic Burden

The Three Kids Mine, operational from 1917 to 1961, has left behind a troubling legacy. Toxic metals and asbestos have permeated the site, posing a grave risk to the local environment and the health of nearby residents. The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has taken on the daunting task of remediating this contaminated landscape, employing the rigorous EPA Superfund cleanup process to ensure the highest level of scrutiny and safety.Asbestos, a known carcinogen, has been a primary concern. "That asbestos is actually not being placed into the pits," explains Alan Pineda, the NDEP official overseeing the cleanup. "It is being taken off-site to a landfill." This meticulous approach ensures that the hazardous material is safely contained and removed from the site, minimizing the risk of exposure.

Dust Control and Environmental Monitoring

Blowing dust has been a major concern for the neighboring communities, and the NDEP has implemented a comprehensive system to mitigate this threat. "Water trucks are constantly spraying the site to keep dust down, and there are air monitors throughout," Pineda reveals. These air quality monitoring stations, strategically placed around the perimeter of the site, provide real-time data to ensure that contaminants do not escape the boundaries of the cleanup area.The NDEP's commitment to transparency is evident in their efforts to make the air quality data publicly accessible. "You can look at the data for the air quality monitors here: NDEP – Three Kids Mine," Pineda encourages, empowering the community to stay informed about the progress and safety of the cleanup.

Restoring the Land, Reclaiming the Future

As the cleanup progresses, the NDEP is taking a comprehensive approach to restoring the land. The tailings ponds, where materials from the old mine were once dumped, are now the focus of excavation efforts. "Excavation of those is underway, I would say they are about 70 percent cleaned up," Pineda reports.The excavated materials are being returned to their original source, a process that will ultimately lead to the site being covered with 10 feet of native soil. "Once that material is put back in the pits, the site is going to be covered with ten feet of native soil," Pineda explains, outlining the plan to create a stable and secure foundation for future development.

A New Era of Residential Growth

The cleanup of the Three Kids Mine is not just about restoring the land; it's about paving the way for a new era of residential growth in Las Vegas. "We are very excited that the mill site is finally being cleaned up," Pineda shares, "it has been sitting here dormant for years."The ambitious plan calls for the construction of up to 3,000 homes on the reclaimed land, a testament to the NDEP's vision for transforming this once-contaminated site into a thriving residential community. While the cleanup process is expected to continue through 2026, the first of these new homes could be built as early as the end of next year, signaling a new chapter in the history of this once-neglected area.As the cleanup progresses, the NDEP remains vigilant, with Pineda stating that the agency is on-site at least once a week, ensuring that the highest standards of safety and environmental protection are maintained. The community's concerns are also being addressed, with Pineda providing a direct line of communication for residents to voice their questions and issues.The transformation of the Three Kids Mine is a testament to the power of environmental remediation and the commitment of the NDEP to safeguarding the health and well-being of the Las Vegas community. As the cleanup continues, the promise of a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant future for this once-troubled site is steadily becoming a reality.