In it’s hay day, the Pioneer Reduction Works on Hollow Way in Nevada City was a beehive of activity as workers  processed ore to extract gold.  The plant, located on just under 2 acres along Highway 49  north of the Gold Flat Exit, was in operation from 1858 to 1928.  Waste resulting from the site activities resulted in a release of metals, including arsenic, into groundwater and the site has been a local eye sore for several years with a chain link fence and warning signs advising of hazardous wastes along Hollow Way Street.

Nevada County Health Director Wesley Nicks says his department has been advised that the site is scheduled to be cleaned up by the owner and the Regional Water Quality Control Board.

click to hear Wesley Nicks

The actual clean up work should take just a few days, then, Nicks says the property could be approved for future use.