Utah DEQ Nonpoint source Mgmt Plan for Abandoned Mines in UTAH020508

8/14/2019 Utah DEQ Nonpoint source Mgmt Plan for Abandoned Mines in UTAH020508

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Utah Department of Environmental Quality

Division of Water Quality

NONPOINT SOURCE MANAGEMENTPLAN FOR ABANDONED MINES IN UTAH

February 2008


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We wish to acknowledge the federal, state, and local agencies who havegenerously provided the assistance and resources necessary to complete thisproject. In addition, numerous people have contributed invaluable expertise

and insight into mines and nonpoint source related issues in Utah.

Kris Jensen US EPA Region VIIICarol Russell US EPA Region VIIISteve Bubnick US EPA Region VIIIDavid Rathke US EPA Region VIIIJay Silvernale US EPA Region VIIITerry Snyder BLM Utah State OfficeMartha Manderbach USDA Forest Service-R4Briant A. Kimball US Geological SurveyCharles Condrat Wasatch-Cache National ForestMary Ann Wright Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining

Mark Mesch Utah Division of Oil, Gas and MiningChris Rohrer Utah Division of Oil, Gas and MiningKen Wyatt Utah Division of Oil, Gas and MiningBill Bradwisch Utah Division of Wildlife ResourcesMike Reichert Utah Division of Water QualityHarry Judd Utah Division of Water QualityKeith Eagan Utah Division of Water QualitySteve Jensen Salt Lake County; Public Works DepartmentNatalie Rees Salt Lake County; Public Works DepartmentJuliette Lucy Utah Geological SurveyTom Ward Salt Lake City Public UtilitiesKeith Hanson Salt Lake County Service Area #3

David Litvin Utah Mining AssociationTed Fitzgerald Trout UnlimitedKerry Gee United Park City MinesKelly Payne Kennecott Utah CopperJim Baker Snowbird Ski CorporationAl Tunbridge Alta Ski Lifts Corporation

We are deeply indebted to Chris Rohrer of the Division of Oil, Gas and Miningfor his diligence and insight in regard to Best Management Practices, MikeReichert for his guidance and oversight of this plan, Kris Jensen for her

thoughtful insights and assistance, and to Steve Jensen for chairing theTechnical Advisory Committee.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Nonpoint Source Management Plan for Abandoned Mines in Utah

Acknowledgements


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I. Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1Potential Effects ........................................................................................................................... 2Pollution from Uranium Mines ...................................................................................................... 2

Implementation of Control Strategies .......................................................................................... 3Examples of 319 Funded Projects ............................................................................................... 3Follow-up Monitoring ................................................................................................................... 3Mining Technical Advisory Committee ......................................................................................... 4

II. Environmental Setting................................................................................................................. 5Mine Location ............................................................................................................................. 5Geology ...................................................................................................................................... 5

Precious and Base Metals ...................................................................................................... 5Phosphate ............................................................................................................................... 6Black Shale ............................................................................................................................. 6

Precipitation ................................................................................................................................ 6Rivers and Streams .................................................................................................................... 6Elevation and Topography .......................................................................................................... 7Land Use Ownership .................................................................................................................. 7Vegetation ................................................................................................................................... 7Geographic Information System ................................................................................................ 7

III. Utahs approach to nonpoint control for abandoned mines ...................................................... 20Identification of impacted streams ............................................................................................ 20

Preliminary Information Gathering ...................................................................................... 22Stream and mine discharge characterization ...................................................................... 22Mine/groundwater sources and pathways .......................................................................... 23Mine waste characterization ............................................................................................... 23

Setting goals for nonpoint source mine projects ....................................................................... 24Establishing strategies .............................................................................................................. 24

IV. Best Management Practices ..................................................................................................... 25Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 25Areas of Concern ...................................................................................................................... 25Purposes of Best Management Practices................................................................................. 26BMPs for Control of Acid Rock Drainage .................................................................................. 28

Diversion ............................................................................................................................. 28Removal .............................................................................................................................. 28Isolation ............................................................................................................................... 29Manipulation of Water Chemistry ........................................................................................ 29Treatment of Water to reduce/remove contaminants .......................................................... 29

BMPs for Control of Radiological Problems .............................................................................. 31BMPs for Control of Sediment and Erosion .............................................................................. 32BMP Planning and Design ........................................................................................................ 33

BMP References ....................................................................................................................... 33Sources of Current BMP Research Information ....................................................................... 34

V. Priorities and Geographic Perspective ..................................................................................... 36Targeting Tools ......................................................................................................................... 36State Water Quality Limited Waters .......................................................................................... 36Source Water Protection Program ............................................................................................ 37Public Involvement/Watershed Approach ................................................................................. 37

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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VI. Goals and Objectives ................................................................................................................ 39Goal 1Watershed reconnaissance studies ............................................................................ 39Goal 2Protect surface and groundwater ............................................................................... 40

Goal 3Build long term partnerships ....................................................................................... 41Goal 4Educate and inform .................................................................................................... 42Table of Milestone Dates .......................................................................................................... 43

VII. Implementation ........................................................................................................................ 45Federal and State Initiatives .................................................................................................... 45Reclamation Projects Funded by DOGM ................................................................................. 45CERCLA .................................................................................................................................. 46Clean Water Act ....................................................................................................................... 47Good Samaritan Legislation .................................................................................................... 47Voluntary Clean-up Program ................................................................................................... 48Implementation Milestones ...................................................................................................... 48Authorities and Jurisdiction ...................................................................................................... 49

United States Environmental Protection Agency ........................................................... 49National Forest Service ................................................................................................. 51Utah Bureau of Land Management ............................................................................... 53United States Geological Survey ................................................................................... 55Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining ............................................................................. 56Utah Geological Survey ................................................................................................. 58Utah Division of Water Quality ....................................................................................... 60Salt Lake County ........................................................................................................... 63Salt Lake City Corporation ............................................................................................. 64

Non-profit organizations .................................................................................................... 65Trout Unlimited .............................................................................................................. 65

VIII. Monitoring and Evaluation ..................................................................................................... 66IX. Information needs and strategies........................................................................................... 66

X. References ............................................................................................................................. 67XI. Glossary of Terms .................................................................................................................. 69

Appendix A ___ DOGMs Mine Inventory ......................................................................................... 77Appendix B ___ Water Quality Standards ........................................................................................ 79Appendix C __ Technical Action Committee Members .................................................................. 85Appendix D __ Factors contributing to QAPP and SAPs ............................................................... 87Appendix E ___ Users Guide for Utah CWA 319 Water Quality Proposals .................................... 89Appendix F ___ Contact Information for Utahs Watershed Coordinators ....................................... 91Appendix G __ List of Acronyms .................................................................................................... 93Appendix H __ Sites of most pressing concern .............................................................................. 95Appendix I __ Comments and Responsiveness Summary ........................................................... 96

TABLE OF CONTENTSContinued

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Figure 1 Columbus-Rexall acid mine drainage, Alta, UT ..................................................................1Figure 2 Bog Mine in Mineral Basin of American Fork Canyon, Utah County, UT.. .........................2Figure 3 Blackbird Mine near Salmon, ID .........................................................................................3

Figure 4 Mine near Gold Hill in western Tooele County, UT .............................................................5Figure 5 Mine waste pile in Alta, UT ................................................................................................6Figure 6 Griffon Mine, after reclamation, near Ely, Nevada on Humboldt-Toiyabe NF.....................6Figure 7 Abandoned mine in Sheeprock Mountains south of Vernon in Tooele County, UT ...........7Figure 8 Mine waste rock site in Sheeprock Mountains ...................................................................7Figure 9 Utah Mining Districts ...........................................................................................................8Figure 10 Known Mineral Occurrences .............................................................................................9Figure 11 Shafts, adits, and prospect symbols ...............................................................................10Figure 12 Utahs Geology ...............................................................................................................11Figure 13 Areas of Geologic Concern.............................................................................................12Figure 14 Average Annual Precipitation .........................................................................................13Figure 15 Major and minor waterbodies in Utah .............................................................................14Figure 16 Utah Stream Assessment 2004 ......................................................................................15Figure 17 Utah Lake Assessment 2004 ..........................................................................................16Figure 18 Distribution of Elevation in Utah ......................................................................................17Figure 19 Land Ownership in Utah .................................................................................................18Figure 20 Dominant vegetation types in Utah .................................................................................19Figure 21 Pond near Goldminers Daughter and Little Cottonwood Creek, Alta, UT ......................20Figure 22 Cell outlet of Alta fen pilot project ...................................................................................20Figure 23 Systematic approach to mine reclamation in Utah .........................................................21Figure 24 Organic carbon discharge, Alta Fen pilot project ............................................................22Figure 25 Runoff from Blackbird Mine near Salmon, ID. ...............................................................23Figure 26 Snowmelt near Little Cottonwood Creek Alta, Utah........................................................23Figure 27 Pacific Mill site, American Fork Canyon, UT. Leachate from mine waste .....................24Figure 28 Pacific Mill site, American Fork Canyon, UT. Mine drainage .........................................24Figure 29 Media placement over straw layer in Alta Fen pilot project ............................................25Figure 30 Constructed repository in American Fork Canyon, UT ...................................................26

Figure 31 Waste rock from Pacific Mine, American Fork Canyon, UT ............................................27Figure 32 Mine tailing dredge and haul operations in Cement Creek Animas Basin, CO .............. 28Figure 33 Griffon Mine and Mill site, near Ely, Nevada, before reclamation. ..................................29Figure 34 Bully Boy mine in Piute County, UT ................................................................................30Figure 35 Sawtooth Mill near Ketchum Idaho .................................................................................30Figure 36 Waste rock dumps at Blackbird Mine, Salmon, Idaho. ...................................................31Figure 37 Waste rock from Pacific Mine, American Fork Canyon, UT ............................................32Figure 38 Recreational ATV riding on waste rock pile of Dutchman Mine ......................................32Figure 39 Griffon Mine and Mill site, near Ely, Nevada, after reclamation. .....................................33Figure 40 Millsite during reclamation in American Fork Canyon, Utah County, UT ........................ 35Figure 41 Historic Ball Mill Animas Basin, CO. ...............................................................................36Figure 42 Watersheds in Utah ........................................................................................................38Figure 43 Cement Creek, Animas Basin, CO .................................................................................39

Figure 44 Dutchman Flat Repository, American Fork Canyon, UT. ................................................40Figure 45 Mountain Bluebell wetland in Honeycomb Canyon, UT..................................................41Figure 46 Emma Mining District, Alta, UT .......................................................................................42Figure 47 Dutchman Flats site in American Fork Canyon, Utah County, UT ..................................46Figure 48 Livingston Mill near Stanley Idaho .................................................................................. 47Figure 49 Adit mine drainage at Lower Colorado adit, near Markleville, California. .......................47Figure 50 Historic Ball Mill in Animas Basin, CO ............................................................................48Figure 51 Historic mining town site Alta, UT ...................................................................................50

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FIGURES

Figures



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Figure 52 Mine waste site near Sheeprock Mountains in Tooele County, UT ................................51Figure 53 Albion Basin in Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT ...............................................................56Figure 54 Natural Alta re-vegetation of fen pilot project..................................................................59Figure 55 Completed pond and slope re-vegetation of Alta Fen project.........................................66Figure 56 Columbus-Rexall drainage acid mine drainage, Alta, UT. ..............................................66

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Figures



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I. INTRODUCTION

The Nonpoint Source Management Plan forAbandoned Mines in Utah is partially adaptedfrom the plan used by the State of Colorado. Thefollowing topics are addressed in this plan: 1)

background information in regard to NPSpollution from abandoned mines in Utah, 2)Utahs environmental setting, 3) Utahs approachto nonpoint control for abandoned mines, 4) bestmanagement practices, 5) priorities andgeographic perspective, 6) goals and objectives,and 7) implementation.

The primary objective of this document is tooutline a systematic approach for bothidentification and cleanup of surface andgroundwater from abandoned metal mine sites inthe state of Utah. This document will not

address pollution from abandoned coal mines.With approval of the Nonpoint SourceManagement Plan for Abandoned Mines in Utahby the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),the state will become eligible to utilize CWASection 319 funds for cleanup of abandonedmines. However, no project will be implemented,through the 319 program, without the consent ofthe property owner.

Mines are typically divided into three (3)categories: active, abandoned, and inactive. Forthe purposes of this document, abandoned minesites are defined as mined facilities or sites wherethere is no current mining activity and there is noidentifiable owner, operator, or responsible party(40 CFR 122, CERCLA 107). Although this planspecifically addresses abandoned mines, bestmanagement practices identified in this documentmay also be applied to other mine sites.

Mines and mining districts in Utah have greathistorical significance. Therefore, clean-up and/or remediation will attempt to maintain the historicfabric of the site whenever possible.

Abandoned mine sites present some of the most

difficult challenges to water quality improvementin Utah, and the nation. This is due to the natureof the pollutants, and also to the difficultadministrative, regulatory, and legal challengesinvolved with controlling the sources of pollutants,since neither water nor pollutants observe

jurisdictional boundaries. Without intervention,most of these sites will not be returned to their

2 Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, unlike pollution fromindustrial and sewage treatment plants, comes from manydiffuse sources. NPS pollution is caused by rainfall orsnowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoffmoves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-madepollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands,coastal waters, and even our underground sources of drinkingwater. These pollutants include: 1)Excess fertilizers,

herbicides, and insecticides from agricultural lands andresidential areas; 2)Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals fromurban runoff and energy production; 3)Sediment fromimproperly managed construction sites, crop and forest lands,and eroding streambanks; 4) Salt from irrigation practices andacid drainage from abandoned mines; 5) Bacteria andnutrients from livestock, pet wastes, and faulty septicsystems;6) Atmospheric deposition and hydromodification are alsosources of nonpoint source pollution.

pre-impact state. Natural processes alone willtake decades or centuries to restore drasticallydisturbed mine sites, if restoration occurs at all.In addition, complications exist due to the lackof a Potentially Responsible Party2 (PRP) thatis inherent in the definition of an abandoned

mine. Another complication is the remotelocation, high altitude and minimal infrastructurethat often accompanies abandoned hardrockmining sites.

Given this setting, it is important to seeksolutions that rely upon technologies that arepractical for the locations and monetaryresources available; and therefore, thenonpoint source mining program relies uponhydrologic controls and passive treatmenttechnologies. Current treatment methods thatmay greatly reduce nonpoint source pollutionproblems associated with abandoned mines areoutlined in the Best Management Practicessection of this document.

Introduction

Figure 1. Columbus-Rexall acid minedrainage, Alta, UT.


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According to the Utah Division of Oil, Gas andMining (DOGM), between 17,000 and 20,000abandoned mines exist in the State. Mining-related nonpoint source (NPS) pollution fromabandoned mines in Utah is widespread anddiverse and contributes to the impairment of

numerous streams throughout the State. Undersection 303(d) of the Clean Water Act, states,territories, and authorized tribes are required todevelop lists of impaired waters on a biennialbasis. Impaired waters are those water bodiesthat do not meet water quality standards set bytheir beneficial use designation even after pointsource limits have been met.

Beneficial use can be explained simply as therole a governmenteither local or nationalchooses to have a water body fulfill. Therefore,section 303(d) requires that the state, territory, ortribe establish priority rankings for waters on thelists and develop Total Maximum Daily Loads(TMDLs) for these waters. A TMDL is essentiallya calculation of the maximum amount of apollutant that a waterbody can receive and stillmeet water quality standards. Becauseabandoned mine-related pollution is considerednonpoint source, CWA Section 319 funding maybe sought to clean-up and restore these impairedwater bodies. A users guide to the applicationand funding process for 319 monies is provided inAppendix G.

As an example of water body impairments due to

abandoned mine-related sources, a scopingstudy conducted by the Western Governors'Association Mine Waste Task Force reported thatUtah has 25,020 acres affected by abandonedmines, with an associated 83 miles of polluted

Figure 2. Bog Mine in Mineral Basin of AmericanFork Canyon, Utah County, UT

streams (Durkin and Herrmann, 1994). Notably,most of the known mining-related NPS pollution inUtah results from abandoned metal mines. Minedrainage from abandoned coal mines is generallyalkaline due to low-sulfur coals and abundantcarbonate. As a result, coal mine drainage is

relatively minor in comparison with abandonedmetal mines. Additionally, cleanup of abandonedcoal mines is currently being conducted underexisting programs.

Potential Effects of Abandoned Mines

Pollution from hard-rock precious metal, basemetal, and iron mining is created by digging up andmoving tons of rock and soil and then separatingthe valuable metal from the rock through chemicaltreatment or smelting of the crushed material. Thisprocess usually generates large amounts of waste,the disposal of which can create several problems:

1. Heavy metal contamination can reduce soil

productivity or sterilize the soil altogether.

The absence of vegetation can make the site

more susceptible to runoff, soil erosion, and

potentially unstable ground.

2. Acid drainage containing acidity, iron,manganese, aluminum, and iron hydroxide andsulfuric acid can enter waterways and watersupplies.

3. Alkaline runoff, high in salts and sediments,also occurs.

4. Blown dust and mine wastes are a source of airpollution.

5. Ruptures of dams, ponds, and impoundmentscan flood adjacent lands and dischargepollutants into waterways (Buck and Gerard,2001).

Pollution From Uranium Mines

Abandoned uranium ore mines present uniquechallenges. In order to extract uranium, mills crushlarge quantities of rock and separate out theuranium. Stands of radioactive sand and slimes(referred to as mine wastes) are a byproduct of this

Introduction


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Figure 34. Blackbird Mine (a cobalt mine onthe Salmon-Challis NF), near Salmon, ID.

Figure 3. Blackbird Mine (a cobalt mine on theSalmon-Challis NF) near Salmon, ID.

extraction and remain radioactive for hundreds ofthousands of years. By 1978, the U.S.Government Accounting Office recorded 140million tons of on-site mine waste piles at twenty-two abandoned and sixteen operational mills in theWest. Continued production resulted in the addition

of six to ten tons of mine waste per year (Grahameand Sisk, 2002).

Accidental releases of mine waste solutions intowatercourses and runoff of rainwater from minewaste piles contribute to the contamination ofsurface water. The 40-year-old Atlas mill minewaste pile at Moab, Utah, located 750 feet from theColorado River, covers 130 acres and leaks onaverage 57,000 gallons per day of contaminatedfluids into the river (Grahame and Sisk, 2002). Theradioactive isotopes that are released in the miningand milling process are slowly making their waydownriver into the sediments and major surfacewater reservoirs of Lake Powell and Lake Mead.

Seepage from mine waste ponds and directinjection of wastes into the subsurface contribute toground water contamination. Wells that tap intothese aquifers provide much of the drinking andirrigation water for the arid Colorado Plateau andthe Great Basin.

Mine waste piles threaten air quality in variousways. Radioactive dust from the piles is dispersedby wind. The piles produce radon gas, a deadlysubstance that has caused a f ive-fold increase in

lung cancer among uranium miners. The use ofmine waste as building and landfill materials waswidespread throughout the 1950s and 1960s(Grahame and Sisk, 2002).

Implementation of Control StrategiesIn response to the numerous effects of abandonedmine-related nonpoint source pollution, anappropriate control strategy should be identifiedand implemented. Examples of control strategyoptions are outlined in the Best ManagementPractices section of this document. Once a controlstrategy is determined for an affected stream

segment, the next step is to determine how best toimplement those activities to attain the goals. Anumber of regulatory, nonregulatory, voluntary, andincentive based approaches and programs areavailable for abandoned mine sites. These choicesrange from voluntary clean up efforts conducted bylandowners, to issuance of various types ofdischarge permits, to Clean Water Act (CWA)Section 319 nonpoint source program grant

assistance, to removal actions under the

Comprehensive Environmental ResponseCompensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).

The implementation of the strategies maycombine these various program elements, oremploy a limited number of these options,depending upon the needs and complexity of aparticular stream segment or abandoned miningsite.

Examples of 319 Funded ProjectsA handful of 319 funded projects are currentlyunderway in Utah. As part of the TMDL for Little

Cottonwood Creek, a remedial investigation,feasibility study, and implementation of passivemine discharge treatment have been conductedfor the Columbus Rexall Mine drainage.Additionally, 319 monies are being used forabandoned mine related nonpoint sourcereduction in Mineral Basin of American ForkCanyon, and Silver Creek outside of Park City,UT.Follow-up monitoringOnce implementation of the strategies havebegun, it is important to monitor the results of thework performed to determine if the controls

applied to the various sites are effective, andeventually, to monitor the stream segment todetermine if the established goals are beingattained. The time frames for improvements,both on site, and in stream are highly variable,and it is important to recognize that there may bea lag time between the implementation ofcontrols and the realization of results.

Figure 3. Blackbird Mine (a cobalt mine onthe Salmon-Challis NF) nearSalmon, ID.

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Mining Technical Advisory CommitteeThe Mining Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)of the Utah Nonpoint Source Task Force hasoverseen the development of this plan. The TACserves the State as both an advisor and purveyorof technical expertise in abandoned mining issuesand will likely continue in this capacity beyond thedevelopment of this plan. The purpose of thecommittee is to advance efforts to protect andimprove water quality, and facilitate therestoration of its beneficial uses, such asrecreation, water supply, aquatic life andagriculture. The committee consists of non-governmental organizations, federal, state andlocal governments. Government agenciesinclude: the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of LandManagement, U.S. Geological Survey, UtahDivision of Oil, Gas and Mining, Utah Geological

Survey, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, UtahDivision of Water Quality, Salt Lake CountyPublic Works Department, and Salt Lake CityPublic Utilities. Non-governmental entitiesinclude: the Utah Mining Association, TroutUnlimited, United Park City Mines, KennecottUtah Copper, Snowbird Ski Corporation, and AltaSki Lifts Corporation (Appendix F).

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Mine LocationsMining activities have had major impacts onboth the environment and economic

development of Utah. Seventy-fiveeconomically exploited minerals or commoditieshave been identified in Utah. Of these, 14commodities (coal, copper, gold, silver, zinc,beryllium, gilsonite, potash, uranium, iron, lead,molybdenum, phosphate and salt) have madeUtah a major mineral producer both nationallyand internationally (Utah Mining Association,2004). Mining activities have been conductedthroughout the State. The most aeriallyextensive mining districts are located in theColorado Plateau of southeastern Utah (Figure9). Uranium, coal, and potash are the primaryminerals in this area. Silver, gold, andnumerous other precious minerals havehistorically been mined throughout northernUtah in the Wasatch Range and Great Basin(Figure 10). Three great districts, Bingham,Park City and Tintic, are especially notable fortheir size and production. Mercur, Gold Hill,Ophir and San Francisco are other importantdistricts. Numerous abandoned mine sitesasmall number of which impact surface andgroundwater systemsremain throughout theState from both historical and recent activities.In addition, since metal mining operations areconcentrated in areas with significant deposits

of base and precious metals (e.g. gold, silver,lead, zinc and copper), background metalconcentrations, as well as sulfur, arsenic andother potential environmentally harmfulelements tend to also be high in these areas. In

II. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

Figure 4. Mine near Gold Hill in westernTooele County, UT.

addition, shaft, adit, and prospect symbol mineworking location data is available in a digitalformat from the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and

Mining (Figure 11).

GeologyMining-related water contamination is largelycontrolled by the geology of ore deposits andhuman development of the deposits. There areseveral maps and databases which can becombined to delineate areas of concern formining-related water contamination caused bymining of various commodities. Severalexamples follow.Uraniumwas mined extensively in the 1940s to1980s from fluvial Triassic and Jurassicsandstones on the Colorado Plateau. Uranium-ore deposition was governed by ground-watercirculation through ancient buried-streamchannels in these sandstones that containedfossil organic material (Stokes, 1986). Potentialuranium-related water problems can bedelineated by overlaying uranium-mining districtoutlines and mine location point data onto asimplified geologic map which shows outcrops ofthe uranium-bearing sandstones (Figure 13).

Precious and Base MetalsGold, silver, lead, zinc, molybdenum, copper, andiron are typically associated with intrusive rocks

intruded into older, usually Paleozoic, host rockssuch as limestone or sandstone. Theseintrusives may, (1) contain metals (porphyrydeposits), (2) directly mineralize intruded hostrock (contact metamorphic deposits), or (3)mineralize intruded host rock through associatedhot, mineral-laden fluids (hydrothermal deposits).Potential metal deposit-related water problemscan be delineated by overlaying metals miningdistrict outlines and mine location point data ontoa simplified geologic map which shows graniticintrusive bodies (Figure 13).

Environmental Setting


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Figure 6. Griffon Mine, after reclamation, nearEly, Nevada on Humboldt-Toiyabe NF.

Phosphate was deposited in Utah during theMississippian and Permian Periods in restrictedmarine basins with low oxygen content whichallowed organic material to be preserved.Phosphate is mined for the phosphorouscontent but typically contains significant

quantities of uranium and metals like chromium,selenium, vanadium, and others. Idahophosphate producers have experiencedselenium pollution problems adjacent to theirmines. Potential phosphate-related waterproblems can be delineated by overlaying minelocation point data onto a simplified geologicmap which shows outcrops of the phosphate-bearing stratigraphic units (Figure 13).

Black Shales were deposited in deep marinebasins over a very long period of time ending inthe Cretaceous Period. In most instances, thehigh organic content of the shales resulted inthe concentration of metals in the shale;however, not all shales in Utah contain highmetals concentrations. These shale were onlyoccasionally mined as a raw material for claybrick manufacture. Black shale may affectbackground concentrations of metals in miningdistricts. Potential elevated metalconcentrations can be delineated by overlayingmine location point data onto a simplifiedgeologic map which shows outcrops of thecarboniferous shales (Figure 13).

Figure 5. Mine waste pile in Alta, UT.

PrecipitationMean annual precipitation in Utah (Figure 14)varies from less than 5 to over 65 inches peryear. The majority of the western andsoutheastern portions of the State receiveminimal precipitation (less than 10 inches peryear), whereas, the central mountainous regionof the State may receive upwards of 65 inchesannually (Spatial Climate Analysis Service,2000). Mean annual precipitation may be usedas a key component when identifying areas totarget for cleanup of nonpoint source pollutionfrom mining related impacts.

Rivers and Streams

Notably, major waterbodies in Utah are alsoconcentrated in the central and northeasternregions of the state, although, several largerivers are located in the southeastern portion ofthe State (Figure 15). Intermittent flow areasdelineated by light blue linesare foundthroughout Utah. Although some areas receiveminimal precipitation, metals and radioactiveconstituents may infiltrate surface andgroundwater systems statewide throughintermittent flow channels. The location ofthese flow channels may therefore assist in theidentification of remediation sites.

In addition to stream and river locations,existing stream and lake assessment data is avital component of identifying abandoned minesites. The Utah Division of Water Qualitycompiles impairment data annually ( Figure 16and Figure 17), which may be used to prioritizerestoration activities.



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Figure 8. Mine waste rock site in SheeprockMountains south of Vernon in TooeleCounty, UT.

Figure 7. Abandoned mine in SheeprockMountains south of Vernon in TooeleCounty, UT.

Elevation and TopographySimilar to the distribution of precipitation, Utah hasgreat disparity in regard to elevation (Figure 18).Two mountain ranges (Wasatch and Uintah)

dominate Utahs topography. The Wasatchmountain range is north-south-trending. MountNebo, at 11,928 feet (3,636 meters), is located justeast of the town of Nephi, and is the highest peakin the Wasatch Range. Alternately, the Uintahmountain range is east-west-trending and containsKings Peak [13,528 feet (4,124 meters)], which isthe highest peak in Utah (Milligan, 2000). Incontrast, the majority of the western andsoutheastern regions of the State have elevationsless than 4,300 feet (~1,300 meters). Becausesteep slopes may facilitate pollution dispersal, thetopography of the State is extremely valuable whendetermining potentially contaminated sites.

Land Use/OwnershipFederal and State agencies own approximately73% of land in Utah (Loomis, 2002). As can beseen in Figure 19, the Bureau of LandManagement (BLM) manages the majority of landsin the western and eastern regions of the State.Private land is concentrated in the central andnorthcentral regions of the State; National ForestService (NFS) land is also concentrated in thiscentral area. The majority of National Park Service(NPS) land is found in Utahs southeastern desertand several Native American Reservations are

located in the eastern portion of the State. Landownership is a necessary component of anymitigation plan and will be used to determine bothpresent and previous use of land parcelsthroughout Utah.

VegetationDominant vegetation may be a useful surrogatefor both soil and hydrology. Consistent withprecipitation and elevation data, Figure 20 showsthat Herb-Shrub and Grasses/Sedges plantcommunities dominate the western and

southeastern portions of the state; whereas,Conifer-Aspen and Mountain Brush communitiesdominate the central and northeasternmountainous regions.

Geographic Information System (GIS)Statewide mining location, geology, hydrology,elevation, land status, and vegetation data in adigital format may be combined in a GeographicInformation System (GIS) model to aid inidentifying potentially polluted sites.



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Figure 9. Mining districts and type in Utah



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Figure 10. Mining occurrences in Utah



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Figure 11. Shafts, adits, and prospect symbols.



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Figure 12. Utahs Geology



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Figure 13. Areas of Geologic Concern



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Figure 14. Average annual precipitation in Utah 1961-1900



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Figure 15. Major and Minor Waterbodies in Utah.



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Figure 16. Stream Assessment Data for 2004.



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Figure 17. Lake Beneficial Use Assessment2004



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Figure 18. Distribution of Elevation in Utah



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Figure 19. Land Ownership in Utah



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Figure 20. Dominant Vegetation Types in Utah



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III. UTAHS APPROACH TO NONPOINT SOURCE CONTROL FORABANDONED MINE SITES

Utahs mining nonpoint source program isdesigned to address mining water qualityimpacts that are the result of mining activitiesthat occurred previous to the passage of theClean Water Act in 1972. The program takesan iterative approach, in conjunction with theStates Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)program, to the control of these sources. Thisapproach begins with the identification ofstream segments that are impaired due toabandoned mine related sources. The processuses a scientific approach to remediation basedupon the targeting of sources of pollutionthrough the collection of data, setting of goalsfor cleanup, determining clean up strategies,

and use of appropriate regulatory and non-regulatory mechanisms to implement thosestrategies. It also provides follow-up monitoringto determine if the efforts are successful (Figure23).

Figure 21. Pond near Goldminers Daughter andLittle Cottonwood Creek, Alta, UT.

Figure 22. Cell outlet of Alta fen pilot project.

Identification of Mining Impacted StreamsIn Utah, significant work has been done toaddress abandoned mine reclamation. However,minimal stream chemistry information wasavailable for most of these actions. Therefore, inconjunction with the development of TotalMaximum Daily Load (TMDL) Watershed Plans,it is critical to characterize the chemical, physical,and biological health of impacted segments inorder to determine the full impacts of theseactivities and the potential for restoring, orimproving beneficial uses.A systematic program for scientific datacollection, which characterizes pollution sources

and stream health, is the process most statesuse. This information should be gathered prior totaking the next steps and ultimately prescribingactions for the abatement of pollution andpreparation of specific project implementationplans. Metal source characterization alsoprovides data for prioritization of mine sites forcleanup and reclamation. In addition to sourcecharacterization, reconnaissance watershedstudies should include aquatic and biologicalassessment as well as background loadinginvestigations as part of TMDL development.

The following is a general description of thesource characterization process and samplingconsiderations, but does not necessarily describethe exact process the State will always follow.

Utahs Approach to Nonpoint Source Control for Abandoned Mine Sites


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Identify impaired

watersheds

Clean-up goals

identified

Preliminary

background

Develop watershed

reconnaissance

studies as part of TMDLs

Background

loading

Targeted sources, reclamation

options and feasibility cost/benefit

Conduct reclamation project

LocalTMDLS

Federal and State

Land Use

Climate and

geography

Hydrologic

Fluvial

Land Use

Mining history

Geologic setting

and structure

Natural ore deposits

and alteration

Historic preservation

values

Source

characterization Biological

assessment

Use attainabilityMetals sources, fate,transport, and

equilibrium

Figure 23. Systematic Approach to Mine Reclamation in Utah

Water beneficial use

characterization and

water quality goals

Project prioritization and funding

Develop TMDL

plans

Environmental SettingUtahs Approach to Nonpoint Source Control for Abandoned Mine Sites


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Figure 24. Organic carbon discharge, Alta Fenpilot project.

It should be noted that conducting such anextensive investigation requires a large staffeffort as well as funding mechanisms to pay forthe staff, necessary equipment, and laboratorycosts. To begin with, the State of Utah choosesa different approachcoordinating with otheragencies and organizations in identifying known

areas and known sources of pollution.

Preliminary Information Gathering

Watershed assessment begins with gathering awide range of information about the watershed.Factors for consideration include:

- Mining history

- Geologic setting

- Structural setting, climate and geography

- Stream hydrology

- Land ownership

- Hydrologic impacts

- Current land use

- Historic sites

- Ore mineralogy

- Ore deposition

- Alteration mineralogy

- Mining methods

- Beneficial use of water

Stream and Mine Discharge Characterization

SurfaceThe most important characterization tool forstreams and mine discharge is surface watersampling. Stream and mine discharge samples

provide data to isolate the most important pollutantsources in a watershed. For some locations it maybe possible to accomplish this characterizationwith a tracer-injection and synoptic-samplinganalysis. Results can subsequently aid in theprioritization of sites and projects. In order forsample data to be meaningful, the data must beaccurate and reproducible. Sampling plans andprotocols help to assure the accuracy of data bycreating standard procedures for data collectionand management.

Each project requires both Sampling AnalysisPlans (SAP) and Quality Assurance Project Plans

(QAPP) (Appendix F).

Initial Field ReconnaissanceSome of the factors that may be considered in theinitial field reconnaissance studies of streams andmine discharge include:- Accurate locations of all draining adits and

shafts

- Field measurements of pH, conductivity, andtemperature

- Analysis of Total Suspended Solids

- X-Ray Fluorescence investigations

- Flow estimates

- Map flow pathways to streams

- Visual metals indications, precipitates andstaining

- Seasonal flow and chemistry variations

- Tracer study locations and design of program

Fluorescent dye tracing

Ionic tracer methods

Injection and recovery samplinglocations

- Fate and transport modeling



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Mine Waste Rock Characterization

Mine Waste SamplingThe QAP and the SAP for the sampling of minewaste rock are similar to those for surfacewater sampling in that the goal is to assure

accurate and reproducible results. Thedifference between surface water and minewaste samples is the availability and mobility ofmetals. Mine waste may contain high levels ofheavy metals, however the waste may have aminimal impact on water quality if the metalsare not leached from the waste. The chemistryof each waste pile is different and samples canhelp determine the impact that the site has onthe watershed.

Initial Field ReconnaissanceSome of the factors that may be considered inthe initial field reconnaissance studies of minewaste rock include:

- Accurate locations of waste deposits- pH and reactivity of wastes- Gangue minerals and buffering potential- Volume estimates of individual deposits- Visual indications of pollution such as

vegetative stress and oxide staining- Secondary metal oxide formation- Seepage, contact with water and proximity

to streams- Background radioactive constituent

readings

- Stability with respect to erosion and streamencroachment

Figure 25. Runoff from Blackbird Mine (a cobaltmine) on the Salmon-Challis NF, nearSalmon, ID.

Mine/Groundwater Sources and Pathways

Groundwater Source and Pathway StudiesGroundwater source and pathway studiesdetermine the contribution that mine dischargemay have to local groundwater systems, andcan delineate contaminant pathways.Initial Field Reconnaissance

Some of the factors that may be considered inthe initial field reconnaissance studiespreceding mine groundwater sources andpathway sampling include:

- Structural geologic evaluations such asfaults, fractures, and joint systems inaddition to porosity and permeabilityestimates of rock units

- GPS locations of all springs and seeps

- Temperature surveys of adits and springs

- High-flow and low-flow measurements andcomparisons to adit discharges

- Existing well data (upstream anddownstream)

- Tracer injection studies

Figure 26. Snowmelt near Little Cottonwood Creek,Alta, UT.



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IV. BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

IntroductionMining, by its nature, brings un-weathered rockmaterials from the interior of the earth to the

surface. Mining and subsequent processing ofore break the rock into fine particles, vastlyincreasing the surface area available for chemicalreactions with air and water. Underground mineworkings act as wells, collecting ground waterand providing a conduit for water to the surface.Waste rock historically was dumped immediatelydownhill of a mine, an act of expedience that putthe wastes directly in the path of waterdischarged from the mine. If the mine water hadnot already become contaminated in the mine, itwould become contaminated percolating throughthe dump. Clean surface runoff can similarlybecome contaminated by flowing over or throughwaste dumps. This section summarizesmanagement practices that may be employed toaddress impacts from mining activities.

Areas of ConcernLocal geology, surface and groundwaterhydrology, and mining technology (e.g.underground vs. open pit) all affect the degree towhich water quality is diminished by abandonedmines. In Utah, several categories of waterpollution are of particular concern. Acid rockdrainage, heavy metals, radioactivity andsediment are some of these categories.

Acid rock drainage is a problem not only becauseof the effects of the acidity itself on aquatic life,but because metals in the rock are mobilized byacidic conditions. The dissolved metals,depending on concentration, can have acute orchronic toxicity on fish, wildlife, livestock, andhumans.

Sediment eroded from mine sites increases waterturbidity and deposits silt on fish spawning areas,as well as carrying chemical pollutants from themine into headwater streams of use for municipalwater supply.

Acid rock drainage, also known as acid minedrainage (both terms are frequently referred to bytheir acronyms, ARD and AMD) forms when

surface water or shallow groundwater reacts withrock containing sulfide minerals such as pyriteand air to form sulfuric acid. The acid leaches

Figure 25. Media placement over straw layerin Alta Fen Pilot project.

Figure 29. Media placement over straw layer inAlta Fen Pilot Project.

heavy metals from mineralized rock and keeps themetals in solution. Typical metals mobilized byARD are iron, aluminum, manganese, copper,

arsenic, and zinc and to a lesser extent, lead,selenium, silver, and cadmium. These metals arethen dispersed in the water draining from themineralized areas. As ARD gradually neutralizes,the dissolved metals may cause elevated levels ofTotal Dissolved Solids (TDS), which may impactdownstream aquatic and culinary uses. Ironcommonly is one of the metals mobilized by ARD; itprecipitates as an orange or yellow coating onrocks and vegetation in the stream channel. Thisstaining, called yellow boy, is a dramatic visibleindicator that ARD is present in a watercourse.Acid drainage can adversely impact aquatic andhuman health when it contaminates surface waterand groundwater.



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Sediment and colloidal material4 resulting frommining and milling activities can contaminatestreams, rivers, wetlands and other riparianareas. Sediment and colloid loads often containhigh concentrations of heavy metals, radioactive

constituents, or other dissolved solids that candestroy aquatic habitats as well as release metalsand radioactive constituents to the water column.Sediment and colloids at high enough levels inthe water can also affect suitability of the waterfor human uses such as agriculture and drinkingwater.

Figure 30. Constructed repository in AmericanFork Canyon, UT, before placement ofmine waste from Pacific Mill.

4 Sediment and colloids are both solid particlessuspended in the water column. Sediment particles

are held in suspension by the waters motion and willeventually settle out when the water velocity drops.Colloids are so very fine that they are suspended inthe water by Brownian motion and do not settle outby gravity. Although they do not settle out, colloidscan accumulate in sediments when flow is filteredthrough alluvial deposits or when they are taken upby living organisms.

Best management practices5 (BMPs) are thosetechniques proven to effectively reduceenvironmental degradation. Some abandonedmine nonpoint source best management practices,

especially those directed at controlling soil erosionand sediment loss, employ simple, low- techideas. Others require sophisticated engineeringand specialized machinery. Some BMPs costnothing; others can cost millions. Regardless ofcost or complexity, BMPs set the bar forreclamation because they work. BMP manualsgive reclamation planners a toolbox of techniquesto draw from and guidelines for designingreclamation projects.

BMPs provide a standard of comparison forreclamation proposals. Project proposals funded

by the Mining Nonpoint Source ManagementProgram should make use of BMPs to achieve thefollowing goals:

Prevent adverse human health impacts.

Improve habitat conditions for fish andwildlife.

Prevent mine and mill waste sedimentscontaining heavy metals or radioactiveconstituents from entering surface watersto achieve TMDL as applicable.

Manage and control the process of acidwater formation and heavy metalmobilization that may contaminate surfacewater and groundwater.

Enhance the natural beauty and visualquality of a reclaimed area.

Remediation6 of water quality problems originatingat abandoned mines is an evolving, dynamicscience. Ideally, the best in best managementpractice is a moving target. Todays cutting edgeBMP may be tomorrows standard operatingprocedure. Over time, some techniques will provesuccessful and become widely adopted; othersmay not live up to their initial promise and will bediscarded as better techniques come available.BMPs for mining related nonpoint source pollutionin Utah need to address both primary categories ofproblems: acid rock drainage and sediment. Awide range of technologies can be applied to the

Purposes of Best Management Practices



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Figure 31. Mine waste rock from Pacific Mine,American Fork Canyon, UT.

5 A best management practice, often referred to simplyas BMP, is a practice (or combination of practices) thatis determined to be the most effective, practical, eco-nomical, and technologically sophisticated means tobetter manage mining wastes and prevent or reducecontamination of groundwater.

6 Remediation has a specific meaning within the

CERCLA (Superfund) context when applied to con-taminated sites, including mines and mills. It is usedhere in its common, general sense of a treatment orprocess to reduce or eliminate a problem.

remediation of abandoned mined lands.Management of acid rock drainage entailspractices that are more or less unique to minereclamation. Sediment and erosion control at minesites share techniques with BMPs for construction,forestry, and agricultural settings.

Because BMPs change, it is not appropriate in thisdocument to list a cookbook of BMP recipes forevery conceivable abandoned mine problem. Also,because conditions vary so much from mine tomine, and because remediation requires site-specific design, it is beyond the scope of thisdocument to present detailed design specifications.That sort of information is available elsewhere (seethe references at the end of this section).Applicants for grants under the Mining NonpointSource Management Program should make aneffort to reflect the current state of knowledge fornonpoint source remediation.



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technologies are usually not desirable. Passivemethods are generally preferred. No activetreatment BMPs are discussed here.

DiversionDiversion methods keep clean water away from

reactive materials such as mine dumps, minewaste, and ore bodies. At its simplest, diversioncan be a small ditch upslope of a mine dump toroute surface runoff around the dump. Goodquality water flowing from a mine portal onto adump can be diverted in a pipe or channel aroundthe dump instead. Impermeable soil covers orstore release soil caps can be used to preventinfiltration of precipitation into mine waste piles. Amore complex diversion method is sealingunderground rock fractures with grout to preventgroundwater from contacting sulfide mineraldeposits.

RemovalRemoval is a simple way to prevent ARD. Minewastes were sometimes dumped directly intoperennial or intermittent stream channels. Aditdischarges sometimes flow directly onto dumps.Where mine wastes lie in the path of water, thewastes can be excavated and moved to a drylocation. Multiple small waste piles can be moved

and consolidated into a single pile to reduce theeffective area exposed to rainfall and runoff.Wastes should be graded to promote runoff awayfrom the waste rather than infiltration, and minimizeerosion. Once physically removed from contactwith water, the wastes can be further protected withflow barriers to isolate them from water asdiscussed below.

BMPs for Control of Acid Rock Drainage

BMPs to remediate acid drainage and dissolvedmetals generally take one of these approaches:

Divert clean water away from reactivematerials to prevent contamination.

Remove reactive materials from contactwith water.

Isolate reactive materials from surfaceand/or subsurface water to preventcontamination.

Manipulate water chemistry to favordesired conditions.

Treat contaminated water to removecontaminants.

The first three approaches try to preventcontamination from happening; the others try toremove contamination after it has occurred. Thepreventive methods are based on thisoversimplified reaction describing ARD formation:sulfide mineral + water + air = ARD. Bacteriacatalyze the process. Remove any componentfrom the mix and ARD does not form. Thetreatment methods work on a more sophisticatedunderstanding of the suite of chemical reactionsthat cause ARD. Many remediation methods maywork on more than one approach at the sametime.

In general, Utahs Nonpoint Source ManagementPlan favors passive forms of treatment;however, when prevention of ARD by keepingreactive minerals separated from water is not

feasible, methods that reduce or remove acidityand dissolved metals from the water are needed.These methods require a more nuancedunderstanding of ARD chemistry and requiremore sophisticated engineering and technology.ARD treatment technologies are classed asactive or passive treatment. Active treatmentrequires ongoing inputs of energy, labor,

materials, and money to operate and maintain atreatment facility or apparatus. Passivetreatments are designed to be self-sustainingonce started and to operate without externalenergy inputs and with only occasionalmaintenance. Since orphaned or abandonedmines are often remote and most organizationsengaged in mine reclamation cannot commit theresources for long-term water treatment, active

Figure 32. Mine tailing dredge and haul opera-tions in Cement Creek Animas Basin, CO.Figure 32. Mine waste dredge and haul

operations in Cement Creek AnimasBasin, CO. (An example of BMPs forcontrol of Acid Rock Drainage)



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Figure 33. Griffon Mine and Mill site, near Ely,Nevada, before reclamation.

IsolationReactive mine wastes can be isolated from waterby burial or capping. This puts a layer ofuncontaminated inert material over the reactivematerial. The cover layer limits the contact of thewastes with water and air, reducing acidgeneration. The cover shields the wastes fromerosion and can act as a growth medium forvegetation, which provides additional erosioncontrol benefits and aesthetic improvement.Capping or burial can be done with the wastes insituor removed to a disposal site. A cap may beas simple as a layer of local soil obtained onsite, or

it may be a complex, multilayered barrier ofengineered materials, such as compacted clay,synthetic geotextiles, or geomembranes designedto reduce infiltration and subsequent leaching. Thespecific design of the cover layer depends on thecharacteristics of the site and the acid generatingpotential of the wastes. A surface cap is oftensufficient, but some situations may require a linerunder the wastes to completely encapsulate thematerial.

Manipulation of Water ChemistrySeveral passive treatment methods work byintroducing alkalinity into the system to raise the pHof the water. Dissolved metals are less soluble athigher pHs and precipitate out of solution. Somepassive treatment methods take advantage ofbiological processes to alter pH and metalsolubility.

Anoxic Limestone DrainsAnoxic limestonedrains are constructed so that ARD water isdirected through coarse limestone in a sealed,saturated system, such as a plugged adit orclosed trench. Oxygen-free conditions arerequired so that metal hydroxide precipitates do

not form in the drain and coat the limestone,stopping the neutralization action and cloggingpore space. Water leaving the anoxic drain isthen aerated in a settling pond to allow themetals to precipitate.

Oxic Limestone DrainsOxic limestone drainsare an alternative to anoxic drains wheredissolved metal concentrations are low. ARD isallowed to flow over limestone in an open trench.It has the advantage that the consumption oflimestone can be monitored and the trenchrefilled as necessary. Success in the westernUnited States has been limited due to a higheriron and aluminum content in ARD, whichprecipitates and armors the limestone surfaces.These systems are often compromised by highprecipitation events and spring snowmelt runoff.

Aqueous Lime InjectionAqueous lime injectionis a passive method to introduce neutralizingagents into mine drainage. Clean water ispassed through a pond containing an alkalineneutralizing agent such as kiln dust or fly ash.The high pH effluent is mixed with the minedrainage before it enters a settling pond. The pHof the mine drainage is subsequently lowered.

This system depends on having an economicalsource of neutralizing agent available.

Treatment of water to reduce/removecontaminants

Inhibition of Sulfur Oxidizing BacteriaSometypes of bacteria, notably Thiobacillusferroxidans, mediate certain steps of the series ofchemical reactions that convert sulfide mineralsinto sulfuric acid (ARD). By controlling thebacteria, the production of ARD can becontrolled. One method to reduce acid formation

in abandoned coal refuse piles uses a surfactantdetergent in time-release pellets to inhibitbacterial growth.

Sulfate Reducing WetlandsJust as Thiobacillusbacteria play a role in ARD generation and canbe exploited for its control, other types of bacteriaplay a role in ARD neutralization and can be putto work treating ARD. These bacteria use the



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Figure 34. Bully Boy mine in Ohio District ofBullion Canyon, Tushar Mountains,Piute County, UT.

Figure 35. Sawtooth Mill near Ketchum Idaho.

oxygen in the sulfates found in ARD for theirrespiration and in the process reduce the sulfatesto sulfides, which react with dissolved metals inthe water to form insoluble precipitates. Thisbacterial action both raises the pH of the waterand removes metals. A common method of

cultivating bacteria for ARD treatment is thesulfate reducing wetland. These are shallowartificial basins with a gravel and perforated pipesubdrain collection system. On top of this isplaced a thick layer of organic matter (such asmanure, compost, straw, or sawdust) to act as agrowth substrate and source of carbon for thebacteria. ARD in open pit mine impoundmentshas been successfully treated by simply dumpinglarge amounts of molasses (carbon source forbacteria) and methanol (to force the bacterialrespiration to be aerobic) directly into the water.

Oxidation WetlandsUnlike sulfate reducingwetlands, oxidation wetlands reduce ARDthrough oxidation. These wetlands look andfunction like typical natural wetlands. Familiarwetland plants, like cattails, sedges, rushes, andalgae aerate the water and cause metals toprecipitate. The metals adsorb to the plants andaccumulate in the organic sediments.

Institutional ControlsInstitutional controls usephysical barriers and/or land use restrictions toreduce the potential for human exposure toharmful material. Fencing, signage, and roadclosures can discourage visitation to mine sites.

Removal of structures can make a site less

appealing to visit. While institutional controls canreduce human exposure to risk, they do nothing toaddress the source of the contamination or prevent

its spread. Furthermore, they are easilycircumvented and are not totally effective atpreventing exposure. However, institutionalcontrols can be useful tools for mitigating impactsfrom abandoned mines.



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Uranium mines are plentiful in the ColoradoPlateau of southeastern Utah and in otherlocalities, such as near Marysvale. Uranium mayoccur in small quantities in association with other

minerals statewide. Radiation adds anotherdimension to the health and environmentalhazards of abandoned mines and makes uraniuma special case. However, some of the sameBMPs for controlling ARD and sediment areapplicable since control of exposure still hingeson isolation, stabilization, and immobilization. Asa metal, uranium is subject to mobilization inacidic conditions and therefore is also subject toARD control techniques. Erosion controlpractices to stabilize mine waste dumps preventuranium-bearing particles from migrating into theenvironment. Uranium mine reclamation projectsmay have radiation-specific design features (suchas measures to address radon gas emissions andworker safety protocols) but will also usestandard nonpoint source control BMPs.

BMPs for Control of Radiological Problems

BMPs for Control of Sediment and Erosion

Figure 36. Mine waste rock dumps at BlackbirdMine, Salmon, Idaho.

BMPs for control of sediment and erosiongenerally take one of three approaches:

Manage runoffto reduce its quantity andvelocity.

Stabilize fine soil or mine waste particlesin place.

Trap mobilized particles before theyleave the site.

These processes are interrelated. Most erosioncontrol techniques work on more than oneerosion mechanism at the same time. Forinstance, plant leaves reduce the force ofraindrop impact while the roots bind soil particlestogether. Soil surface roughness traps

windblown organic debris (e.g. leaves, seeds)and moisture in the pockets, which aids theestablishment of vegetation.

Construction activities to reclaim mine sites or toimplement ARD remediation BMPs themselvescreate soil disturbance that can cause erosion.Excavation, regrading, and burial of mine dumpsand mill mine waste turn an abandoned mine siteinto an active construction zone with its own setof erosion risks. An area beyond the originalfootprint of the mine site will be disturbed foraccess roads, borrow sites, and disposal sites.Erosion initiated by construction activities packsa double wallop: it depletes soils of nutrients andstructure at the disturbance site and dumpsdeposits of silt at a downstream location. Anyremediation project design needs to incorporateerosion control BMPs for constructiondisturbance as well as for erosion present at themine.

site and dumps deposits of silt at a downstreamlocation. Any remediation project design needsto incorporate erosion control BMPs forconstruction disturbance as well as for erosionpresent at the mine.

Reducing the quantity and velocity of surfacewater runoff reduces the ability of runoff todisplace soil particles and encourages infiltration.Reducing the gradient of slopes reduces runoffvelocity. Surface roughness keeps water in oneplace and encourages infiltration. The scale ofroughness can range from a few inches (trackingwith cleats of crawler-type equipment) to severalfeet (terracing, dozer gouges). Roughness canbe accomplished using standard earthworkequipment (dozers, trackhoes, or hand tools insmall areas) although there are also specialized

pocking and imprinting implements on themarket. Ripping or subsoiling compacted soilsallows water to infiltrate and helps rootpenetration. Mulches attenuate raindrop impactand absorb moisture, releasing it gradually.Mulches include straw (must be certified weed-free), plant wastes (e.g. leaves, wood chips, pineneedles) and a variety of commercial products (e.g. excelsior or coconut fiber blankets and wood



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Figure 37. Mine waste rock from Pacific Mine,American Fork Canyon, UT.

Although there are chemical soil bindersavailable for short-term soil stabilization, thebest way to keep soil in place is to establishvegetation. Vegetation provides a permanent,self-maintaining, soil cover that binds soilparticles in a network of roots.

There are a number of techniques and productsavailable to trap eroded soil and keep it fromleaving a site and entering waterways. Strawbale check dams and fabric silt fences areamong the most familiar. Very large disturbedareas may need sediment ponds. Properinstallation and maintenance of sediment trapstructures are critical, since failure can result in

severe erosion. Sediment traps should be seenonly as temporary measures to bridge the timeuntil vegetation can be established to providelong-term erosion control.

Watershed remediation projects that re-alignstream channels or restore streams that havebeen channelized or filled by mining operationscan have significant implications for erosionsince they result in disturbance within an activestream channel. In the past decade or twothere has been increasing awareness andunderstanding of the geomorphological

principles at work in determining the size,shape, and alignment of natural streamchannels. Stream channel design is movingaway from a traditional civil engineeringapproach (i.e. channel as a simple conduit for adesign flow) towards more holistic andintegrative approaches that incorporatebiological bank stabilization techniques,geomorphic structural controls, etc. BMPs for

Figure 38. Recreational ATV riding occurring onwaste rock pile of Dutchman Mine andMill site in American Fork Canyon,

Utah County, UT.

work in stream channels should recognize thisemerging school of thought, as stream channelrestoration methods are being updated. BMPsfor stream channel construction need to addressmaterial selection, season of operation,temporary diversions, habitat creation, equipmentguidelines, and the experience and qualificationsof contractors and overseers.

Summary of Sediment and Erosion ControlTechniques

Excavation/burial

Reduce runoff

Reduce slope

Terracing

Mulching

Re-vegetation

Check dams

Sediment traps

Stream channel restoration



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The previous discussion of BMPs has given ageneral overview of the range of techniquesavailable for remediation of abandoned mine-related water problems. It has not addressed

detailed design considerations or constructionspecifications. Proper application of BMPconcepts requires analysis and understandingof the site characterization data outlinedpreviously in Part III. It also requires a thoroughunderstanding of the limitations of the BMPs.Not every BMP is appropriate for everysituation.

The best source of assistance for planning andimplementing any BMP will be in the localitywhere the BMPs are used. Local stakeholdergroups and representatives from various natural

resource management agencies, whetherfederal, state or local can assist in developingsite-specific recommendations. Theserecommendations or designs account for thelocal climate, soils and hydrology of the area, aswell as any social or cultural conditions.

Most of the BMPs described here need to bespecifically tailored to a particular site.Considerations such as the dimensions andalignment of diversion ditches, the thicknessand composition of caps to isolate mine wastes,the sizing and design of wetlands, and theselection of plant species to include in a seedmix all depend on the site-specific conditions.Guidelines for these design determinations canbe found in the references listed below.

BMP References

Two publications produced by agencies activelyinvolved in mine reclamation provide anexcellent overview and summary of BMPs inthis field. They are:

The Practical Guide to Reclamation in Utah.2000. Utah Department of Natural Resources,

Division of Oil, Gas & Mining. This 163-pagepublication is only available electronically. It isavailable online and can be downloaded as apdf-format file (7.6 Mb) at:

ftp://ogm.utah.gov/PUB/MINES/Coal_Related/RecMan/Reclamation_Manual.pdf

BMP Planning and Design

Figure 39. Griffon Mine and Mill site, near Ely,Nevada, after reclamation.

Best Practices in Abandoned Mine LandReclamation: The Remediation of Past Mining

Practices. 2002. Colorado Departm en t ofNatural Resources, Division of Minerals andGeology. This 42-page book is available in print oronline and can be downloaded as a pdf-format file(1.0 Mb) at: www.mining.state.co.us/bmp.pdf

Mines and ski areas often occur in similar areaswith comparable challenges for reclamation (highelevation, poor soils, short growing seasons, steepslopes). The following publication, althoughoriented towards ski areas, has many BMPsdirectly applicable to abandoned mine situations,particularly with regards to construction erosioncontrols and revegetation.

Ski Area BMPs (Best Management Practices):Guidelines for Planning, Erosion Control, andReclamation. 2001. USDA Forest Service,Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This 35 pagebook is available online and can be downloaded asa pdf-format file (42 kb) at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/publications/pubs/screen_SkiBMPs.pdf



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Several organizations of professionals and groups involved in mine reclamation and waterresources hold conferences to present the latest developments in their fields. Papers cover boththeoretical developments and on-the-ground applications. Proceedings may be difficult for thegeneral public to find, as distribution is often limited to conference participants and a few academiclibraries, but they are the best place to find the newest science. It may take years for developmentsin this field to make their way to wider interest publications. Articles may be obtained by contactingthe sponsoring organization or using online search engines.

National Association of Abandoned Mine LandPrograms (NAAMLP)Organization of 26 state and tribal governmentagencies that conduct abandoned minereclamation under the authority of the SurfaceMining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977(SMCRA). Sponsors an annual conference.No permanent mailing address (associationadministration rotates annually among memberorganizations).E-mail: [email protected]/~naamlp/

High Altitude Revegetation CommitteeDepartment of Soil and Crop SciencesColorado State UniversityFort Collins, CO 80523(970) 484-4999www.highaltitudereveg.comSponsors an annual symposium and summerfield tour. The focus is on revegetation ofdisturbed lands in high altitude environments

(short growing seasons, harsh conditions, poorsoils, steep slopes).

American Water Resources Association4 West Federal StreetP.O. Box 1626Middleburg, VA 20118-1626(540) 687-8390(540) 687-8395 faxE-mail: [email protected]/index.htmlwww.awra.org/proceedings/proceedings.html

Sources of Current BMP Research Information

American Society for Mining and Reclamation(ASMR)3134 Montavesta RoadLexington, KY 40502(859) 335-6529(859) 335-6529 faxE-mail: [email protected]://ces.ca.uky.edu/asmr/Index.htmSponsors an annual conference on mined landreclamation and produces proceedings andother publications. Known as the AmericanSociety for Surface Mining and Reclamation(ASSMR) prior to 2001.http://ces.ca.uky.edu/asmr/Annual%20Conferences.htm

Reclamation Research UnitMontana State University - BozemanDepartment of Land Resources andEnvironmental SciencesCollege of Agriculture106 Linfield Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717

(406) 994-4821(406) 994-4876 faxwww.montana.edu/reclamation/index.htmlThe Reclamation Research Unit conductsresearch into remediation of drasticallydisturbed lands (particularly coal surfacemining, but also other mining) and sponsors anannual symposium on reclamation. Symposiumproceedings and other technical publicationsare available (see www.montana.edu/reclamation/publications.htm)

International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage (ICARD)ICARD is a leading venue for the presentation of research on ARD. It is held every three years. It issponsored by different organizations each time and has no permanent home address, eitherphysically or on the Internet. Additional information can be found through online search engines or atthe ICARD page on the INAP website: http://www.inap.com.au/Icard.htm



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Serials/JournalsJournal of the American Water ResourcesAssociation

American Water Resources Association4 West Federal StreetP.O. Box 1626Middleburg, VA 20118-1626(540) 687-8390www.awra.org/jawra/index.htmlBimonthly peer-reviewed journal of originalarticles on all water resources-related subjects.Known as Water Resources Bulletin prior to1997.

Land and Water: The Magazine of NaturalResource Management and Restoration

P.O. Box 1197Fort Dodge, IA 50501(515) 576-3191www.landandwater.comBimonthly magazine for contractors, engineers,architects, and government officials working innatural resources fields, with an emphasis onsoil and water conservation practices.

Sources of Current BMP Research InformationContinued

Figure 40. Millsite during reclamation inAmerican Fork Canyon, Utah county,UT.

Other Sources of InformationAcid Rock Drainage at Enviromine.Website created by Chris Mills and Andy

Robertson in May, 1997. This website providesan excellent technical overview of acid rockdrainage accessible to a general audience. Thesite explains ARD chemistry, predictive models,treatment, and has an extensive list ofreferences.http://technology.infomine.com/enviromine/ard/home.htm

Soil and Water Conservation PracticesHandbook. 1988. U.S.D.A. Forest ServiceRegions 1 and 4, Forest Service Manual2509.22.

This U.S. Forest Service handbook addressingconservation practices is currently being revisedand updated. Chapter 10 (Soil And WaterConservation Practices Documentation) of thishandbook outlines a large number of soilconservation and erosion control practices thatare applicable to mine reclamation. Thisdocument is available online and can bedownloaded as a txt-format text file at:http://www.fs.fe

Utah DEQ Nonpoint source Mgmt Plan for Abandoned Mines in UTAH020508

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Transcript of Utah DEQ Nonpoint source Mgmt Plan for Abandoned Mines in UTAH020508