Three Kids Mine:
Revitalizing a Neglected Historic Site
Once part of the backbone of America’s defense efforts, the former Three Kids Mine and Mill in Henderson, Nevada has been abandoned for decades. Left behind were more than 1,100 acres of open pits, holding tanks and waste materials – such as diesel fuel, metals, chemicals, waste rock, among other contaminants. Over the years, trespassers have left additional waste and graffiti at the site, as well. Thanks to a public private partnership, a robust cleanup is underway to carefully and effectively remediate these issues and make the site safe for future residents and the surrounding community.
Cleanup Status
Under the careful oversight of the Nevada Division of Environmental Projection (NDEP), the cleanup began in May 2024 and is anticipated to be completed by Fall 2025. Key milestones include:
Dust Control and Air Monitoring
There are 15-18 water support vehicles, 15 stationary water cannons and 3-1,100 gallon per minute industrial water pumps used daily to mitigate dust. Air quality is monitored 24/7 with air sampling devices positioned both upwind and downwind of the project area. These devices collect real-time data and provide real-time alerts if action levels are exceeded. The Perimeter Air Monitoring Plan includes specific response procedures such as adjusting or pausing work, additional watering, or other mitigation efforts.
Perimeter air monitoring reports are submitted daily to NDEP by the Certified Environmental Manager. The report includes wind speed and direction, weather, site activities, action levels, and response to action level exceedances.
Communications
NDEP is the lead agency overseeing the cleanup of the former Three Kids Mine site. You can stay informed by visiting their website. There you will find site clean up documents, including air monitoring reports, inspection reports, progress reports, as well as community update mailers and frequently asked questions.
Contact Us
Email our team for additional information on this project.
