The Mesa De Oro subdivision in Sutter Creek received a clean bill from the state Department of Toxic Substances Control this month, concluding the arsenic remedy that began in 1994.

DTSC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found arsenic in the soil of the residential properties located in Sutter Creek, specifically Gold Strike Court, Bryson Drive, Foothill Drive and Vista Court, which began a maintenance agreement that was completed this month. Protective measures included placing a 1- to 2-foot clean soil cap on the properties that overlined the mine tailings. Homes that had existing landscaping did not have any soil removed from their homes, and existing barriers such as driveways, walkways and foundations were left in place.

The contaminated soils are the result of historic mining operations from the Central Eureka Mine. Several different companies have owned the property. Currently, Honeywell Inc. retains ownership and will be responsible to maintain the slope cap.

The control and maintenance agreement was formed by the city and DTSC to protect residents from the levels of arsenic that are beneath the cap and could pose a risk.

Questions can be referred to DTSC project manager Tami Trearse at (916) 255-3747 or ttrease@dtsc.ca.gov, DTSC public participation specialist Nathan Schumacher at (800) 495-5651, (916) 255-3650 or nschumac@dtsc.ca.gov. DTSC documents can be reviewed at www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public.