Abandoned Mine Reclamation

LGS staff managed site characterization and restoration design for historic abandoned copper mine located in Sierra Nevada Mountains for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. Our staff worked in conjunction with CRWQB to evaluate existing acid mine drainage, develop remediation alternatives including wetlands treatment of copper and zinc-rich waters, and prevent discharge to adjacent streams. Preliminary design criteria and costs were developed for a landfill, capped waste pile, vegetated waste pile, mine backfilling, constructed wetlands, and chemical precipitation remedial options.