LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Construction of model homes has begun near the site of the former Three Kids Mine as environmental cleanup work continues at the 1,000-acre development area near Lake Las Vegas.
The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection is overseeing the ongoing remediation of the site, where magnesium mining took place from 1917 to the 1960s. The cleanup has transformed a deep mining pit and surrounding area into buildable land for what will eventually become 3,000 homes.
Cleanup progress and timeline
Alan Pineda with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection said the cleanup is happening in phases. All asbestos was removed from the site by February 2025, and containment of mine tailings and impacted soil was completed in June 2025.
The former Hydro Pit has been backfilled and an impermeable liner with two feet of native soil was placed on top during the fourth quarter of 2025. A thick layer of soil will eventually cover any land that was once disturbed.
“We are going to take 10 feet of clean soil and cover the 400 acres of disturbed mine site,” Pineda said.
Construction restrictions and monitoring
Construction of model homes in areas outside the impacted zone started in December 2025. Construction of homes within impacted areas will not be allowed until after cleanup is complete.
The primary contaminants at the site include metals such as lead, arsenic and manganese. While not designated as a superfund site, officials are using the superfund process for remediation.
Remaining work
Cleanup of demolished concrete is mostly complete, with remaining subsurface concrete removal expected by fall 2026. Waste rock reclamation, which started in July 2024, is scheduled for completion by March 2028.
Concerns
The project sits directly across Lake Mead Parkway from Lake Las Vegas, where neighbors have expressed concerns about blowing toxic dust during cleanup operations.
NDEP has established air monitors around the perimeter and receives daily air monitoring reports. The agency inspects the site at least once per week and mails updates to nearby residents every six months. Here is their full response to FOX5’s questions.
- Can you please update me on the status of the project in terms of NDEP’s role?
NDEP is the lead agency overseeing the environmental cleanup of the Three Kids Mine.
- NDEP reviews technical site assessment reports.
- NDEP inspects the site at least once per week.
- NDEP reviews perimeter air monitoring daily reports.
- NDEP reviews quarterly and annual progress reports.
- NDEP mails a letter and fact sheet to residents in nearby communities every six months to keep them informed of cleanup progress.
- Is cleanup complete/ still on going? What has been completed/ what’s next?
- Cleanup of asbestos was completed in February 2025.
- Containment of tailings and impacted soil was completed in June 2025.
- Cleanup of demolished concrete is mostly complete. Future removal of remaining subsurface concrete is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
- Waste rock reclamation started in July 2024 and is scheduled to be completed by March 2028.
- The former Hydro Pit has been backfilled with excavated tailings, waste rock, and soil. Installation of an impermeable liner and a two-foot minimum native soil cover over the backfilled pit was completed during the fourth quarter of 2025.
- Backfilling of the former Hulin Pit with waste rock was completed in October 2025.
- Backfilling of the A-B Pit with waste rock and demolished concrete is ongoing.
Next steps include continuing waste rock reclamation and placement of native soil cover material, and preparing reports documenting completion of cleanup activities as the phased cleanup approach continues.
- How long will NDEP keep on site monitoring?
NDEP will continue monitoring until site cleanup has been completed. NDEP’s oversight activities have been identified above in response to the first question.
- Do developers have the “okay” to build throughout the area or just in certain locations?
Construction of model homes in Development Area 1 (outside the impacted area) started in December 2025. Construction of homes in sub-areas within the boundary of the formerly impacted area will not be allowed until after cleanup of that sub-area has been completed and NDEP has reviewed the corresponding report.
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