UPDATED: Transformation of Former Smelter in East Helena, Montana, Wins Prestigious Phoenix Award for Brownfields Redevelopment

Pictured (from left to right) are Mary Hollow (Executive Director, Prickly Pear Land Trust), Jacob Kuntz (Executive Director, Helena Area Habitat for Humanity), Kelly Harris (Mayor, City of East Helena), Cynthia Brooks (Managing Principal, Montana Environmental Trust Group [METG]), Jennifer Roberts (Director of Financial Affairs, METG), and Max Greenblum (Senior Assistant Regional Counsel, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] Region 8)

This press release was updated August 20, 2025, to clarify that the Phoenix Awards for brownfields redevelopment are not administered by EPA.

CHICAGO, IL (August 20, 2025) – The transformation of a former lead smelter and surrounding land in East Helena, Montana, has earned the prestigious Phoenix Award for excellence in brownfields redevelopment. The cleanup and revitalization of the former ASARCO smelter site received the 2025 Phoenix Award for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 8 on August 7 at the National Brownfields Conference hosted by EPA and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) in Chicago.

A century of lead smelting by ASARCO contaminated soil and groundwater and left behind a 16-million-ton slag pile. Since the ASARCO bankruptcy settlement created the Montana Environmental Custodial Trust in 2009, Montana Environmental Trust Group (METG), as trustee, has remediated the former smelter and facilitated reuse of most of the ±2,000 acres of contaminated land in collaboration with its project partners and East Helena stakeholders, with the support, guidance, and approval of EPA. See the project fact sheet.

Former ASARCO lands have been successfully redeveloped into two public schools, a 319-home subdivision, a 322-acre park and trails, a county search-and-rescue facility, a 26,000-square-foot store, a manufacturing plant expansion, and a new rodeo arena. Another 5,500 homes, more parks, and additional commercial, office, light industrial, and retail uses are planned. See East Helena redevelopment.

Rebirth of the former smelter site and former ASARCO lands in East Helena is the result of the shared vision, commitment, professionalism, and leadership of the core team of project partners, including METG, EPA Region 8, the City of East Helena, East Helena Public Schools, Prickly Pear Land Trust, Helena Area Habitat for Humanity, and Oakland Companies. Trust cultivated over 15 years of community engagement has also been key to redevelopment success.

“The transformation of the former ASARCO smelter site in East Helena is a testament to what’s possible when local leadership, community vision, and federal partnership come together,” said EPA Region 8 Administrator Cyrus Western. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our partners at METG, the City of East Helena, and many other organizations, most of the 2,000 acres of once-contaminated land has been cleaned up and put to good use, bringing jobs, strengthening the local economy and creating new opportunities for families and businesses. This Phoenix Award is a well-deserved recognition of the community’s long-term vision and commitment to economic renewal.”

“METG is profoundly grateful to its project partners and honored to be recognized for our contribution to revitalizing a 2,000-acre site and the renewal of East Helena,” said Cynthia Brooks, managing principal of Montana Environmental Trust Group (METG), the trustee that has cleaned up the smelter and facilitated site redevelopment. “METG inherited contamination from 100 years of lead smelting. Under EPA leadership, METG has substantially remediated the former smelter, with dramatic improvements in groundwater quality and more than one half the cleanup funds still available for additional work. The cleanup results and close collaboration with our project partners have helped transform hundreds of former ASARCO acres into community assets, dubbed ‘The Miracle of East Helena’ by one member of our team. East Helena exemplifies the strength and value of public-private partnerships.”

“The environmental cleanup revitalized the former smelter lands. Now we’re seeing tremendous growth and a renewed sense of community,” said East Helena Mayor Kelly Harris, whose father and uncles worked at the ASARCO smelter that operated for over a century and fostered generations of blue-collar workers and their families. “The teamwork, the effort, and the care that have gone into every step of this transformation has been amazing.”

“East Helena is an incredible community, and everyone – from the mayor and council members to the superintendent of schools and business leaders – works hard together selflessly to make their corner of the world better for future generations,” said Mary Hollow, executive director of Prickly Pear Land Trust. “The community built a roadmap for what they wanted with good jobs, homes, trails, parks, and connectivity. Prickly Pear Land Trust helped turn that vision into reality by opening two parks in East Helena. The community now enjoys more than 300 acres of open space plus trails, wildlife, and education programs at The Grove and Prickly Pear Park.”

“I am so excited about the future of East Helena,” said Dan Rispens, East Helena Schools Superintendent. “This partnership has been a benefit to our students and district residents. Our top-notch facilities are serving the community well and will continue to do so for years to come. The reclaimed ASARCO properties helped us with construction of two new schools for a very low cost. And this ongoing partnership continues to amaze me in the way it is enhancing quality of life for our students and all East Helena residents.”

“This recognition affirms the incredible transformation taking place in East Helena,” said Jacob Kuntz, executive director of Helena Area Habitat for Humanity. “Our Rose Hills neighborhood represents not only the environmental renewal of a once-contaminated site, but also a bold vision for affordable, inclusive homeownership in Montana. We’re proud to be part of a community-driven effort, with these strong partners, that is creating a vibrant place where families can thrive.”

“The Oakland Companies is proud to be part of this exciting revitalization of nearly 2,000 acres,” said Landy Leep, vice president of Oakland & Companies, Inc. “Our role in this revitalization began in 2018, when we purchased 100 acres from METG – in the heart of East Helena – for the Highland Meadows subdivision. The success of Highland Meadows was made possible by teamwork with the City of East Helena, EPA, and METG. In less than 10 years, Oakland helped transform a brownfield property into a thriving neighborhood with hundreds calling Highland Meadows home. In 2022, the Oakland further strengthened its commitment to East Helena by purchasing over 750 acres of brownfield land from METG for the mixed-use, Prickly Pear Estates project. Working with Cynthia Brooks of METG, we are remediating the entire 750-acre parcel, with a large percentage to be remediated to residential standards. Besides single-family homes, Prickly Pear Estates will contain light industrial and commercial uses and multi-family residential areas.”

The former ASARCO smelter site was chosen as the Phoenix Award winner for EPA Region 8, which includes the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, and 28 Tribal Nations. The Phoenix Award is presented to projects from each of the 10 EPA regions, as well as projects that have special community impact.

“Your team and nomination exemplify excellence in brownfield redevelopment,” Emily Sparks, Program Director, Thriving Communities, ICMA, wrote in July 2025 to METG’s Brooks. “The projects nominated this year are especially impressive, and a testament to the impact of transforming a site into a significant community asset.”

About Cleanup of former ASARCO smelter site

Corrective measures implemented by METG at the 776-acre RCRA site included moving 1.25 miles of Prickly Pear Creek away from the slag pile to reduce groundwater contamination, and remediating the floodplain, wetlands, and habitat the revitalized creek now meanders through. More than 60 smelter structures were demolished, tons of waste stored in a corrective action management unit or under a 62-acre evapotranspiration cover system, and contaminant source areas removed. METG is pursuing removal and recycling of unfumed slag before implementing the final corrective measure—grading and capping the slag pile—that will address the remaining source of selenium loading to groundwater. Read more at the project fact sheet.

About EPA Region 8

EPA Region 8 serves six states and 28 Tribal Nations in the western United States. EPA is the lead agency overseeing cleanup efforts at the former smelter site and in the nearby community of East Helena. EPA works closely with METG, nonprofits, and partners at the state and local levels as cleanup and redevelopment efforts progress in East Helena. The site team is based out of Helena, MT. CONTACT: Mackenzie Meter, Community Involvement Coordinator, Meter.Mackenzie@epa.gov, 406-970-5806

About Montana Environmental Trust Group (METG)

As the court-appointed trustee of the Montana Environmental Custodial Trust, METG is responsible for remediating and facilitating beneficial, community-supported reuse of former ASARCO lands in East Helena, under EPA oversight and for the benefit of the United States and the State of Montana. The project has received national and international engineering awards and the EPA Excellence in Site Reuse Award. METG’s parent company is Greenfield Environmental Trust Group, Inc. (Greenfield). CONTACT: Cynthia Brooks, METG Managing Principal and Greenfield President, cb@g-etg.com, 617-448-9762

About City of East Helena

East Helena, Montana, is a small, friendly town with a strong sense of community and a rich mining history. Located five miles east of Helena, the State capital, East Helena grew around the former ASARCO lead smelter that operated for over a century and fostered generations of blue-collar workers and their families. While the smelter is gone, East Helena retains its unique character and offers a mix of recreational opportunities and community events and traditions that date back decades. With a population of 2,264, East Helena is now one of Montana’s fastest-growing cities. CONTACT: Kelly Harris, Mayor, kharris@easthelenamt.us, 406-438-1031

About East Helena Public Schools

East Helena Public Schools (EHPS) operates three elementary, one middle, and one high school with a student population of more than 1,950 annually. The district strives to maintain strong connections between teachers and parents, maintaining a “small town feel” in one of the largest Class A districts in the state. As one of Montana’s newest high schools, East Helena High School is the pride of the community and continues to grow and expand offerings for academics as well as athletics and activities. CONTACT: Dan Rispens, Superintendent, drispens@ehps.k12.mt.us, 406-227-7700

About Prickly Pear Land Trust

Prickly Pear Land Trust connects land and people in west-central Montana. The land trust partnered with the East Helena community to envision and develop parks and trails on the former ASARCO lands. PPLT and the East Helena school district have created an outdoor education program that connects students with the landscapes that shape their community. CONTACT: Mary Hollow, Executive Director, mary@pricklypearlt.org, 406-240-4907

About Helena Area Habitat for Humanity

Helena Area Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, community, and hope. Since its founding in 1992, the organization has built 83 homes and completed 38 repairs, helping to create stable and affordable housing in the region. Its work focuses on three key areas: homeownership, home repair, and operation of the Helena ReStore. Helena Area Habitat for Humanity is also developing the Rose Hills neighborhood, an innovative mixed-income neighborhood in East Helena. Designed to redefine what a Montana neighborhood can be, Rose Hills is more than a housing development. With 46 acres of parks, trails, and green space, a vibrant town center, and sustainable, community-driven design, it is a place to belong. CONTACT: Jacob Kuntz, Executive Director, jacobk@helenahabitat.org, 406-531-6578

About Oakland Companies

For 50 years, The Oakland Companies has provided housing across the western United States. Guided by founder Gary Oakland, the organization’s goal is to create communities of quality, uniqueness and value. Utilizing the latest design concepts, The Oakland Companies’ master planned communities are among the region’s finest. The Oakland Companies plan, create, build, and sell residential communities consisting of building sites for site-built homes that also feature recreational amenities, streets, and utility infrastructures. CONTACT: Landy Leep, Vice President, LLeep@oaklandcompanies.com, 406-591-2447

About Phoenix Awards

Created in 1997 to honor individuals and groups working to solve the environmental challenge of transforming blighted and contaminated areas into productive new uses, the Phoenix Awards “reflect the progression of brownfield redevelopment over the past 20+ years by recognizing extraordinary practitioners and projects. Today, brownfields redevelopment is an established practice area with expertise and organizations from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors across the country. The awards recognize exemplary practitioners and projects that are creating jobs, economic opportunity, and stronger communities,” according to https://gobrownfields.org/2025-phoenix-awards/.

2024 METG Reappointment Framework Report, Oct 2024

The Montana Environmental Trust Group (METG) Reappointment Framework Report, submitted to METG’s beneficiaries October 1, 2024, is available here.

Results of East Helena Slag Community Survey, Feb 2025

METG distributed and shared a community survey about the recycling and capping work at the East Helena slag pile in December 2024. As of February 2025, there have been approximately 50 responses. See a summary of responses here.

The survey can still be filled out online via SurveyMonkey.

Thank you for providing your valuable input!

2024 Updates about Cleanup, Groundwater Quality, and Redevelopment Progress at Former Smelter Site in East Helena to Be Shared at Public Meeting Nov. 6 and Drop-in Session Nov. 7

EAST HELENA, MT (October 30, 2024) – The community is invited to a public meeting November 6 and a drop-in information session November 7 to learn about the status of the cleanup, groundwater quality, and redevelopment at the former ASARCO East Helena Smelter Site. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Montana Environmental Trust Group (METG), Trustee of the Montana Environmental Custodial Trust, are hosting the meeting and drop-in session.

Public Meeting
Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 6:30–8 p.m., in person and virtual
METG Office, 324 Manlove Avenue

 Join meeting online or by phone
Use this Zoom link or https://tinyurl.com/METGmeetings

Call 646-876-9923. Use meeting ID 946 584 8922 and passcode 664564. 

Drop-in Information Session
Thursday, November 7, 2024, 11 a.m.3 p.m., in person only
METG Office, 324 Manlove Avenue

Refreshments will be available at the meeting and the drop-in session.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

MAPS: Download East Helena maps of METG lands, redevelopment projects, and land sales effective 10-30-2024. See map information below.

This figure shows some of the major redevelopment projects completed (or substantially finished, in the case of Highland Meadows subdivision) so far on former ASARCO lands in East Helena. METG is responsible for the remediation and safe, beneficial reuse of the lands.

SITE BACKGROUND
More than a century of lead smelting left extensive contamination in soil and groundwater at the former ASARCO smelter in East Helena (Site). Soils contaminated with lead, arsenic, and other metals posed a threat to people, migratory birds and other direct-contact receptors. Precipitation leached contaminants from smelter soils into groundwater, and mobilized surface soil contaminants into stormwater runoff. Surface waters from Prickly Pear Creek and two manmade lakes raised groundwater levels under the Site, pushing groundwater through impacted soils and adding contaminants to groundwater, resulting in plumes of arsenic and selenium migrating off-site.

METG
In 2009, the Montana Environmental Custodial Trust was created as part of the ASARCO bankruptcy settlement, with the Montana Environmental Trust Group, LLC (METG) appointed Trustee. METG is responsible for remediating former ASARCO lands in East Helena and facilitating their safe reuse, under EPA oversight and for the benefit of the United States and State of Montana. Greenfield Environmental Trust Group, Inc. is the parent company of METG.

CLEANUP
METG has been managing remedial actions that have included replacing dilapidated smelter buildings with a 62-acre vegetated, sustainable evapotranspiration cover—one of the nation’s largest of its type. Relocating Prickly Pear Creek away from the former smelter and slag pile and draining manmade lakes have lowered groundwater levels at the Site. These corrective measures, together with the excavation of tons of highly contaminated soil, have reduced arsenic and selenium concentrations in groundwater by more than 50 percent since 2016. The new floodplain mitigates downstream flooding and, along with enhanced wetlands, supports diverse wildlife.

This figure shows former ASARCO lands south of Highway 12 that METG has sold, donated, or transferred for beneficial, community-supported reuses. Only 20 acres remain available for sale: see Parcel 2 at corner of Highway 12 and Highway 518.

REDEVELOPMENT
METG has been facilitating the sale and the safe, productive, community-supported redevelopment of approximately 2,000 former ASARCO acres in East Helena. Of that acreage, 1,663 acres have been sold or donated as of October 30, 2024.

So far, redevelopments completed to date include: 2 public schools (Prickly Pear Elementary School and East Helena High School); a community health center; the 26,000-square-foot Town Pump store; significant portions of the 319-home Highland Meadows subdivision; the 8-mile-long Greenway Trail; an intermodal transportation center; an expanded manufacturing center; the new East Helena Valley Rodeo Association rodeo arena; and improved City of East Helena infrastructure. See Redevelopment Projects Implemented to Date on Former ASARCO–METG Lands.

Developments proposed for other sold land include: 2 mixed-use projects that include more than 3,257 new homes (including affordable and low-income housing); a new rail-serviced, light industrial center; a new office building and warehouse; a 70-acre commercial center expected to include restaurants, full-service grocery, banks, and other retail; and parks and open space. Additionally, 136 acres currently under contract are proposed for development as ±1,712 mixed-income housing units, commercial and industrial (incubator) uses, a new elementary school, and parks and open space. Only 20 former ASARCO acres remain available for sale in East Helena. See Current and Former METG Lands South of Highway 12.

Saving Historic Cabin in East Helena

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Community Invited to Hear Cleanup and Redevelopment Updates at EPA and METG Public Meeting about Former ASARCO East Helena Smelter Site Nov. 15

PHOTOS: Visit  East Helena Site Photos and Map 11-2023 to download a map of METG land sales in East Helena, and photos of the slag pile, restored wetlands and floodplain along Prickly Pear Creek, and redevelopment of former ASARCO lands.

INTERVIEWS: METG Managing Principal Cindy Brooks is available for phone interviews on Mon., Nov. 13 (12 noon–5 p.m. MT) and Tues., Nov. 14 (after 2 p.m. MT); and for in-person interviews at the former Smelter Site (METG modular office, 324 Manlove Avenue) on Wed., Nov. 15, 1–4 p.m. MT. For scheduling assistance, contact Christine Amrhine, 540-846-3163, ca@g-etg.com.

A map of METG’s East Helena land sales as of November 2023

EAST HELENA, MT (November 10, 2023) – The Montana Environmental Trust Group, Trustee of the Montana Environmental Custodial Trust, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public meeting to share updates about the cleanup status and redevelopment progress at the former ASARCO East Helena Smelter Site on Wednesday, November 15.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 – 6 p.m.
WHERE: METG Office, 324 Manlove Avenue, East Helena

The community will have the opportunity to hear updates and ask questions about various topics such as:

  • Site cleanup: METG will provide an update on groundwater quality improvements. Also, the removal of up to 2 million tons of unfumed slag from the 16-million-ton slag pile and its shipment for recycling to South Korea continued in 2023. See Rail cars and slag pile and Slag pile. Restoration of wetlands and floodplain along Prickly Pear Creek was finished in 2023, marking completion of one of the last cleanup actions at the Site. See Prickly Pear Creek restored wetlands and floodplain.
  • Redevelopment: In 2023, METG sold ±900 acres of former ASARCO lands to 4 purchasers for future uses that include an office building, a light-manufacturing center, a warehouse, hundreds of single- and multi-family homes, shopping areas, and parks. In all, ±1,663 former ASARCO acres have been sold or donated by METG (see East Helena land sales map 11-9-2023) for such projects as East Helena High School (see EH High School and EH High School), Prickly Pear Elementary School (see Prickly Pear Elementary School and Prickly Pear Elementary School), the Town Pump mixed-use development (see Town Pump), the Highland Meadows residential subdivision (see Highland Meadows residential subdivision), expanded manufacturing, and the 322-acre Prickly Pear Creek Greenway. METG’s project partners, including Prickly Pear Land Trust, Habitat for Humanity, and Oakland Companies, will share redevelopment progress and plans at the meeting.

Other meeting topics will include: EPA’s residential yard cleanup activities, and Lewis & Clark Public Health’s Lead Education and Assistance Program (LEAP).

The public meeting will start with a presentation, and a question-and-answer period will follow. Light refreshments will be provided.

JOIN VIRTUALLY:

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

SITE BACKGROUND:

More than a century of lead smelting extensively contaminated soil and groundwater at the former ASARCO Smelter Site in East Helena (Site). Soils contaminated with lead, arsenic and other metals posed a threat to people, migratory birds and other organisms that could come into contact with the soil. Precipitation leached through contaminated soils, releasing contaminants into groundwater and stormwater runoff. Surface waters from Prickly Pear Creek and two manmade lakes raised groundwater levels under the former plant and slag pile, driving groundwater through impacted soils and adding contaminants to groundwater that resulted in plumes of arsenic and selenium migrating off-site.

MONTANA ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST GROUP:

In 2009, the Montana Environmental Custodial Trust was created as part of the ASARCO bankruptcy settlement, and the Montana Environmental Trust Group, LLC (METG) was appointed Trustee. METG is responsible for remediating the former ASARCO Smelter Site and surrounding East Helena lands and facilitating safe reuse, under U.S. EPA oversight and for the benefit of the United States and State of Montana. METG has been managing remedial actions that have included construction of a 62-acre sustainable cover system—the nation’s largest of its type—and excavating tons of contaminated material, and relocating Prickly Pear Creek. Greenfield Environmental Trust Group, Inc. is the parent company of METG.

Media Contact: Christine Amrhine, Montana Environmental Trust Group, LLC (METG), 540-846-3163, ca@g-etg.com

Invitation to Nov. 15, 2023 Public Meeting

Notice & Invitation
East Helena Smelter Site Public Meeting

November 15, 2023, 6:00 p.m.
METG Office – 325 Manlove Ave.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Montana Environmental Trust Group (METG), Trustee of the Montana Environmental Custodial Trust, are hosting a public meeting on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. MT. EPA, METG and their project partners will review cleanup and reuse progress and plans at the former ASARCO Smelter Site in East Helena, Montana. The meeting will provide the public an important opportunity to learn and ask questions about remediation and redevelopment of the former ASARCO lands in East Helena.

See the flyer here.

ATTEND MEETING IN-PERSON AT METG OFFICE
325 Manlove Ave., East Helena, Montana
See directions below.

JOIN MEETING BY ZOOM OR PHONE
Click here to join online by Zoom
Use meeting ID 946 584 8922 and passcode B8U7EX
Or call 646-876-9923 and use meeting ID 946 584 8922 and passcode 664564

Directions to METG Office
Manlove Ave is near the former ASARCO Smelter Site. It is located south of Highway 12 and parallel to the Highway and the railroad tracks. Manlove Ave. intersects Highway 282 across from American Chemet.

  • From Helena, take Highway 12 east. Go right onto Highway 282 South. Take first right onto Manlove Ave.
  • From Townsend, take Highway 12 west.  Go left onto Highway 282 South.  Take first right onto Manlove Ave.
  • From Montana City, take Highway 282 north.  Go left onto Manlove Ave. (last street before Highway 12).

Look for the green modular building with the METG logo on the left!

Questions?
Please contact Christine Amrhine at 540-846-3163 or ca@g-etg.com or
Anna Novikova at 267-799-3842 or an@g-etg.com

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: U.S. EPA and METG to Hold Public Meeting about Former ASARCO Smelter Site in East Helena December 13

EAST HELENA, MT (December 8, 2022) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Montana Environmental Trust Group (METG), Trustee of the Montana Environmental Custodial Trust, will host a public meeting on Tuesday, December 13 at 6 p.m. to discuss cleanup and redevelopment progress and plans at the former ASARCO East Helena Smelter Site (the Site).

The meeting will provide the community an opportunity to hear updates and ask questions about various topics including:

  • Remediation and restoration of an 80-acre parcel along Prickly Pear Creek (east of Wylie Drive) was recently completed to enhance migratory bird habitat and pave the way for opening the Greenway Trail. See photos 1 and 2.
  • The removal of the temporary bypass channel used to relocate Prickly Pear Creek was substantially completed in 2022 as part of the last remaining cleanup measures at the Site. See photos 3 and 4.
  • The removal and shipment of unfumed slag from the 16-million-ton slag pile for recycling in South Korea continued in 2022 and will be followed by grading and capping of the slag pile as part of final corrective measures to address groundwater contamination. See photos 5, 6 and 7.
  • The sale of more than 900 acres of former ASARCO lands is now in the planning stages, and is expected to culminate with the transfer of at least 880 acres in 2023. See photo (map) 8. So far, 777 acres formerly owned by ASARCO have already been sold or donated for public and private projects, including two public schools, a mixed-used development, a subdivision, expanded manufacturing, and the 322-acre Greenway Trail.

Visit East Helena 2022 photos to find photos of: the recent remediation and restoration of an 80-acre parcel along Prickly Pear Creek near Prickly Pear Elementary School; recent construction near Prickly Pear Creek, including removal of the Temporary Bypass Channel and bridge at the Site; and the ongoing slag removal project.

WHEN:
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 – 6 p.m.

WHERE:
METG Office, 324 Manlove Avenue, East Helena

The public meeting will start with a presentation, and a question-and-answer period will follow. Refreshments will be provided.

JOIN VIRTUALLY:

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

SITE BACKGROUND:
More than a century of lead smelting left extensive contamination in soil and groundwater at the former ASARCO Smelter Site in East Helena (the Site). Soils contaminated with lead, arsenic and other metals posed a threat to people, migratory birds and other organisms that could come into contact with the soil. Precipitation leached contaminants from smelter soils into groundwater and mobilized surface soil contaminants into stormwater runoff. Surface waters from Prickly Pear Creek and two manmade lakes raised groundwater levels under the former smelter and slag pile, driving groundwater through impacted soils and adding contaminants to groundwater that resulted in plumes of arsenic and selenium migrating off-site.

MONTANA ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST GROUP:
The Montana Environmental Custodial Trust (Custodial Trust) was established in 2009 as part of the ASARCO bankruptcy settlement, and the Montana Environmental Trust Group, LLC (METG) was appointed Trustee of the Custodial Trust. METG is responsible for remediating and facilitating safe reuse of the former ASARCO Smelter and surrounding East Helena lands under the oversight of EPA and for the benefit of the United States and the State of Montana.

Contamination at the former smelter has largely been addressed during the last 11 years, as METG has managed remedial actions that have included construction of a 62-acre sustainable cover system—the largest of its type in the country—and excavation of tons of contaminated material. Moving Prickly Pear Creek away from the smelter and the slag pile and draining the manmade lakes have lowered groundwater levels under the former plant.  These measures dramatically reduced the volume of groundwater flowing through contaminated soils, preventing its contamination. Groundwater contamination has been further reduced by removing select areas of highly contaminated soils that were a source of contamination to groundwater.

Greenfield Environmental Trust Group, Inc. is the parent company of METG.

Media Contact: Christine Amrhine, Montana Environmental Trust Group, LLC (METG), 540-846-3163, ca@g-etg.com

 

Invitation to Dec. 13, 2022 Public Meeting

Notice & Invitation
East Helena Smelter Site Public Meeting

Tuesday, December 13, 2022, 6:00 p.m.
METG Office – 325 Manlove Ave.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Montana Environmental Trust Group (METG), Trustee of the Montana Environmental Custodial Trust, are hosting a public meeting on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. MT.  EPA and METG representatives will review cleanup and redevelopment progress and plans at the former ASARCO Smelter Site in East Helena, Montana. The meeting will provide the public an important opportunity to learn and ask questions about remediation and restoration along Prickly Pear Creek, the East Helena slag removal project, and property development activities.

Download the flyer here.

ATTEND MEETING IN-PERSON AT METG OFFICE

325 Manlove Ave., East Helena, Montana
See directions below.

JOIN MEETING BY ZOOM OR PHONE

Click here to join online by Zoom
Use meeting ID 946 584 8922 and passcode B8U7EX
Or call 646-876-9923
Use meeting ID 946 584 8922 and passcode 664564

Directions to METG Office

Manlove Ave. is near the former ASARCO Smelter Site.  It is located south of Highway 12 and parallel to the Highway and the railroad tracks.  Manlove Ave. intersects Highway 282 across from American Chemet.

  • From Helena, take Highway 12 east. Go right onto Highway 282 South. Take first right onto Manlove Ave.
  • From Townsend, take Highway 12 west. Go left onto Highway 282 South. Take first right onto Manlove Ave.
  • From Montana City, take Highway 282 north. Go left onto Manlove Ave. (last street before Highway 12).

Look for the green modular building with the METG logo on the left!

Questions? Please contact us.

Christine Amrhine – 540-846-3163 or ca@g-etg.com
Anna Novikova – 267-799-3842 or an@g-etg.com
Mark Rhodes (Hydrometrics) – MRHODES@hydrometrics.com

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: EPA and METG to Hold Virtual Public Meeting about Former ASARCO East Helena Smelter Facility, Dec. 8

On-site overland conveyor for the unfumed slag reprocessing project at the former ASARCO East Helena Smelter Facility.

East Helena, MT (December 2, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the MontanaEnvironmental Trust Group (METG), Trustee of the Montana Environmental Custodial Trust, will host a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 to update the community on cleanup and redevelopment progress at the former ASARCO East Helena Smelter Facility.

The meeting will provide the public with an important opportunity to hear updates and ask questions about improvements in groundwater quality, water infrastructure projects, remediation and restoration of areas along Prickly Pear Creek, the East Helena slag removal project, and property development activities.

Who:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The Montana Environmental Trust Group, LLC (METG), Trustee of the Montana Environmental Custodial Trust (the Custodial Trust)

When:
Wednesday, December 8, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mountain Time

Where:
Due to COVID-19, the meeting will be held virtually on Zoom and by phone.

Join Online:Use this Zoom linkor enter http://tinyurl.com/EastHelenaMeeting into your browser

Join by Phone:Call 646-876-9923Enter meeting ID 816 5567 5621# and passcode 781655#

Please see the notice linked here for more information on joining the virtual meeting.

For More Information

About the Montana Environmental Trust Group

The Montana Environmental Trust Group, LLC (METG) is trustee of the Montana Environmental Custodial Trust (the Custodial Trust), which was established in 2009 as part of the global ASARCO bankruptcy settlement.

METG, as trustee of the Custodial Trust, has responsibility for owning, administering and remediating two federal and two state hazardous waste sites in Montana: the 2,000-acre East Helena RCRA Corrective Action and Superfund Site as well as mine-scarred lands at the Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex/Mike Horse Mine, the Black Pine Mine and the Iron Mountain/Flat Creek mining area. In 2009, the Custodial Trust received $138 million to remediate and facilitate reuse of the four Montana sites that were previously owned by ASARCO. The Custodial Trust has been managing remedial actions that have included construction of a sustainable cover system—the largest of its type in the country—and excavation of tons of contaminated material, as well as relocation of Prickly Pear Creek.

The Custodial Trust’s primary role is to protect human health and the environment in partnership with its beneficiaries—the United States (acting through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of Interior) and the State of Montana (acting through the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the Montana Department of Justice, Natural Resource Damage Program)—and with community stakeholders.

Greenfield Environmental Trust Group, Inc. is the parent company of METG.

Media Contact: Christine Amrhine, Montana Environmental Trust Group, LLC (METG), Trustee of the Montana Environmental Custodial Trust (Custodial Trust), 540-846-3163, ca@g-etg.com