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Toxic levels of heavy metals found at abandoned mine site in Jo Daviess County JO DAVIESS COUNTY, Ill.(WIFR) - State health officials urge those who live near an abandoned mine site in rural Jo Daviess County to talk with their health care providers about potential exposure to contaminated soil.The Illinois Department of Public Health says a public health assessment released June 15, 2026, details potential health concerns related to heavy metals at the Bautsch-Gray Mine site, about four miles southeast of Galena.IDPH says the mine operated from 1927 to 1979 and produced mine waste called “tailings.” Tailings contain toxic heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, manganese and zinc.The tailings were left in a pile on the property and have since affected the surrounding wooded areas, a former settling pond, an overland flow route, Smallpox Creek and a residential property to the west of the mining site.In its report, IDPH announced the following key findings: - Exposure to lead in the tailings and soil at and near the tailings pile could pose health risks to those who access the areas frequently.Lead exposure can cause a number of health issues, including learning and memory problems, increased blood pressure and kidney damage - Lead exposure could have posed a health risk to adults and children who lived at a residential property near the site before contaminated soil was removed.Lead can be particularly harmful to children and can cause significant delays and other health issues - People living at homes near the site may also be exposed to arsenic and manganese in the soil, which can also lead to health concerns - Heavy metals are present elsewhere at the site, but aren’t believed to pose any health risk Health officials say people who access the site and surrounding areas should discuss blood lead testing with their doctor.People in the area should also follow best practices for reducing exposure including: - Wash your hands after working with soil - Taking your shoes off before going inside - Washing work clothes separately - Regular cleaning to keep dust from accumulating With the release of the report, a 60-day public comment period will run until August 14, 2026.During this time, members of the public can submit comments or questions related to the public health assessment.IDPH says it will respond to all comments in an updated version of the report.Commenters’ names won’t be included.Comments can be submitted to DPH.TOX@illinois.gov.The state health department will also host a public open house from 4-7:30 p.m.Thursday, July 16, at Galena City Hall, 101 Green Street in Galena.During the meeting, the public will be able to talk with IDPH environmental health staffers and ask questions about the site.IDPH released the following fact sheet about the contaminated property: The full 93-page public health assessment can be viewed below: Copyright 2026 WIFR.All rights reserved.