Utah is home to 12 sites on the EPA’s National Priorities List. The EPA’s National Priorities List currently includes 12 active NPL sites in Utah, with 24 total entries when proposed and deleted sites are included. The most hazardous site has an HRS score of 59.18 out of a maximum of 100. 3 additional sites are proposed for the NPL and awaiting final listing. 9 sites have been cleaned up and removed from the list. The interactive map below shows all NPL sites in Utah – click any marker for site details, HRS score, and a link to the EPA’s site profile.
Superfund Statistics for Utah
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Active NPL Sites | 12 |
| Proposed NPL Sites | 3 |
| Deleted (cleaned up) | 9 |
| Total NPL Entries | 24 |
| Highest HRS Score | 59.18 |
| Average HRS Score (active) | 48.9 |
| EPA Region | Region 8 |
Highest-Risk Superfund Sites in Utah
The table below lists the active NPL sites in Utah sorted by Hazard Ranking System (HRS) score. The HRS is a 0-100 scale used by the EPA to assess the potential threat to human health and the environment. Sites scoring 28.50 or above qualify for NPL listing.
| Site Name | City / County | HRS Score | EPA ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Magnesium | Tooele County, Tooele | 59.18 | UTN000802704 |
| Portland Cement (Kiln Dust 2 & 3) | Salt Lake City, Salt Lake | 54.40 | UTD980718670 |
| Tooele Army Depot (North Area) | Tooele, Tooele | 53.95 | UT3213820894 |
| Jacobs Smelter | Stockton, Tooele | 50.00 | UT0002391472 |
| Bountiful/Woods Cross 5th South PCE Plume | Bountiful, Woods Cross, Davis | 50.00 | UT0001119296 |
| Five Points PCE Plume | Woods Cross, Davis | 50.00 | UTN000802654 |
| 700 South 1600 East PCE Plume | Salt Lake City, Salt Lake | 50.00 | UTD981548985 |
| Hill Air Force Base | Ogden, Davis, Weber | 49.94 | UT0571724350 |
| Wasatch Chemical Co. (Lot 6) | Salt Lake City, Salt Lake | 49.91 | UTD000716399 |
| Ogden Defense Depot (DLA) | Ogden, Weber | 45.10 | UT9210020922 |
| Utah Power & Light/American Barrel Co. | Salt Lake City, Salt Lake | 37.93 | UTD980667240 |
| Monticello Mill Tailings (USDOE) | Monticello, San Juan | 35.86 | UT3890090035 |
Superfund Cleanup Progress in Utah
Utah has made measurable progress on Superfund cleanup: 9 sites have been fully remediated and removed from the National Priorities List. The remaining 12 active sites are at various stages of investigation and cleanup. EPA cleanup timelines vary widely depending on contamination type, site complexity, and the availability of responsible parties to fund remediation.
About the Superfund Program in EPA Region 8
The Superfund program, formally known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), gives the EPA authority to clean up contaminated sites that pose risks to public health or the environment. Sites are assessed using the Hazard Ranking System (HRS) – a score of 28.50 or above triggers NPL listing and formal cleanup proceedings. Utah falls under EPA Region 8, which coordinates Superfund investigations, cleanups, and community engagement for the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Superfund sites are in Utah?
Utah has 12 active sites on the EPA National Priorities List, plus 3 proposed sites awaiting final listing. Including sites that have been cleaned up and removed, the total NPL count for Utah is 24.
What is the most contaminated Superfund site in Utah?
Based on HRS score, the highest-risk active Superfund site in Utah is U.S. Magnesium near Tooele County, with an HRS score of 59.18. The HRS score reflects the site’s potential to harm human health or the environment through groundwater, surface water, soil, or air pathways.
How does the EPA decide which sites go on the Superfund list?
The EPA uses the Hazard Ranking System to score sites based on the likelihood of a release, the characteristics of the waste, and the people or environments that could be affected. Sites scoring 28.50 or higher are eligible for the National Priorities List. Once listed, sites become eligible for federally funded cleanup or enforcement against responsible parties under CERCLA.
Superfund Sites in Nearby States
Explore Superfund data for states bordering Utah: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming. For a national overview, see the US Superfund Sites map.
