Mining Waste and Watershed Protection
Members of our team helped Newmont Mining secure public acceptance and regulatory approval for a unique remediation plan for historic mining properties in Southwest Colorado.
The Challenge: Newmont Mining purchased several historic mining properties in Southwest Colorado in the 1980s. It also inherited liability for thousands of tons of historic mine waste near the high visibility tourist areas of Ouray, Silverton, and Telluride. The on-site waste remediation plan was approved on a trial basis, which effectively protected water quality in the San Juan Basin. The trial remediation plan secured permanent approval, which saved the company millions of dollars on waste removal and disposal.
The Solution: Newmont Mining's team of environmental engineers pioneered a new cap composed of special vegetation, rock, and clay to cover massive mounds of mine tailings that were leaching acid into nearby groundwater, rivers and streams for decades. The caps were designed to eliminate surface water from contacting the acidic mine waste, which would effectively protect water quality in the area.
Our team helped position the plan as the most environmentally responsible way to deal with historic mining waste, which also would safeguard human health. We developed a stakeholder communication plan to engage leaders and residents of impacted communities in the watershed areas. The problem and the proposed solution were explained in detail. In addition, the pros and cons of all alternative remediation options also were unveiled. The proposed plan was positioned as the most immediate and effective way to handle the challenge. It also was positioned as the least disruptive alternative to the peaceful way of life in these tourist communities. However, if future water monitoring revealed that the caps were not effective, the company committed to remove the caps and the waste.
The Result: The engineering design earned tremendous support from stakeholders. Regulatory approval followed quickly. The caps were installed, complete with monitoring wells throughout the area.
Our team developed interpretive signage to help visitors to the area and understand the importance of the project and the significance of the historic mining district. Ongoing monitoring proved that the caps worked to eliminate water from contacting the mine waste, which eliminated acidic runoff into streams and rivers. State regulators approved the remediation plan permanently.
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