Mill City, Mono County, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mill City
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Former settlement
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Ruins of stamp mill flywheel
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 Mill City
Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Mono County |
| Elevation | 8,320 ft (2,536 m) |
Mill City was once a small community in Mono County, California. It was located high up in the mountains, about 8.5 miles (13.7 km) west-northwest of Mount Morrison. It sat at an elevation of 8,320 feet (2,536 meters).
Contents
What Was Mill City?
Mill City was a place where people worked with gold. Today, you can still see parts of an old gold processing plant called a "stamp mill." This mill was used by the Mammoth Mining Company.
Remains of the Past
At the site, you can find a huge metal wheel and stone bases from the old stamp mill. These are the most noticeable things left. You can also find old house foundations. These are hidden among the pine trees on a hill above where the mill used to be.
Environmental Concerns at Mill City
The land where Mill City once stood is now owned by the United States Forest Service. For many years, the Forest Service allowed people to lease parts of the land for recreational cabins.
Water Contamination
In 2012, tests showed a problem with the water in Mammoth Creek. The water was contaminated with mercury. This mercury came from the old stamp mill. Mercury was used long ago to help separate gold from the rock it was found in. However, the mercury was not properly removed from the waste left behind by the mining process.
Other Harmful Substances
Later investigations found other harmful substances in the soil and water. These included antimony, arsenic, and lead. The contamination had spread over a large area, about 5 acres (2 hectares).
Impact on Cabin Owners
Because of these dangerous substances, the Forest Service found that the risk to people staying in the cabins was high. By 2019, the cabin owners had to leave their homes. The Forest Service would only let them return if the site was cleaned up. In 2022, the permits for the cabins were officially canceled.
