EPA Announces Record of Decision Amendment to Implement Stricter Lead Cleanup Level and Expand Lead Soil Testing to Thousands of Additional Properties in Butte

BUTTE, Mont. (Sept. 21, 2026) -- Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a Record of Decision Amendment (RODA) that dramatically lowers the existing residential soil-lead cleanup level in the Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (BPSOU) from 1,200 parts per million (ppm) to 456 ppm. The action also expands the Residential Metals Abatement Program (RMAP) area by approximately 3,627 acres, qualifying over 7,000 more properties for assessment and, if needed, cleanup.  

The new decision marks a major step forward in Butte’s Superfund cleanup and illustrates the Trump EPA’s commitment to protecting human health and the environment.  

“Today’s announcement is loud and clear: a new chapter is beginning in Butte,” said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. “Since I began this role, I promised that long-overdue progress was a top priority in Butte and at sites across the region. I am proud of the site team and our partners at every level for their hard work to deliver on that promise.” 

“We are encouraged that EPA’s decision regarding BPSOU greatly increases the number of properties eligible for cleanup,” said Montana Department of Environmental Quality Director Sonja Nowakowski. “We appreciated participating in the thorough review process and will work with EPA to ensure the work done in Butte is protective.” 

The amendment follows a public process that began June 1, when EPA released a proposed plan to lower the cleanup level, expand the BPSOU, and complete cleanup activities within 15 years. After a 30-day public comment period, a public meeting, and review of public input, EPA finalized the RODA.  

The 2026 RODA modifies the Selected Remedy outlined in the 2006 Record of Decision (ROD) (which was later modified by the 2011 Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) and the 2020 ROD Amendment (2020 RODA)).  Under the Selected Remedy, properties are divided into decision units (e.g., front yard, back yard, play area, driveway, etc.), sampled, and any decision units that exceed 456 ppm will be excavated, removed, and replaced with clean fill. Properties previously sampled but not warranting cleanup under the former 1,200 ppm cleanup level will be reevaluated to determine if cleanup is needed. Sampling, evaluation, and any necessary cleanup of residential properties within the expanded RMAP area is anticipated to take approximately 15 years from 2026.  

Residential yard cleanups are one part of the broader, ongoing Superfund cleanup in Butte. Additional projects are also addressing contaminated stormwater, protecting surface water quality, and reducing risks to people and the environment. Residents can expect to see construction crews at the Diggings East area this fall, with additional corridor projects expected in coming field seasons. Cleanups of lead contaminated soil on residential properties and other high impact areas, combined with the education and action of individuals, communities and government partners, have proven to be an effective part of the Agency’s overall strategy of providing layers of protection to reduce blood-lead levels in children. 

EPA will continue to keep the community informed of site updates and progress through our newsletters, website, and other outreach. 

Background 

In October 2025, EPA released the Residential Soil Lead Directive for CERCLA Sites and RCRA Hazardous Waste Cleanup Facilities (2025 Lead Directive). The 2025 Lead Directive streamlined response actions by setting a single regional screening level of 200 ppm and a single target blood-lead level of 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL), enabling faster decisions that are built to quickly address risks posed by lead in residential soil and interior dust. The 2025 Lead Directive evaluates and incorporates site-specific conditions to develop and select protective cleanup levels, which will help accelerate cleanups and deliver health and environmental protections to communities.   

Cleanups of lead-contaminated soil on residential properties and other high impact areas, combined with the education and action of individuals, communities and government partners, have proven to be an effective part of the Agency’s overall strategy for reducing blood-lead levels in children. The updated approach outlined in this Directive formalizes the use of these layers of protection to encourage early response in areas of greatest concern and to leverage the expertise and resources of state and local partners for long-term protection that provides greater certainty to communities and other stakeholders.