REGION VIII HAS REFERRED THIS ACTION UNDER SECTION 107(A) OF CERCLA TO RECOVER APPROXIMATELY $303,000 IN PAST RESPONSE COSTS AND ANY FUTURE COSTS INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE MOTHERLODE SITE IN EAST HELENA, MONTANA. EPA UN- DERTOOK A REMOVAL ACTION IN OCTOBER 1984 TO ADDRESS THE RELEASE OF CYANIDE DUE TO A FIRE AT THE MOTHERLODE FILM STRIPPING/SILVER RECLAMATION FACILITY IN EAST HELENA. EPA IS NOW SEEKING TO RECOVER ITS PAST AND FUTURE RESPONSE COSTS FROM MICHAEL T. AND SHIRLEY P. CHOVANAK, THE FACILITY OWNERS.