2015

Sub-Surface Remediation Began

What to know:

The Subsurface Remediation began in late 2015. This work aims to reduce the negative impacts of acid mine drainage (AMD) using novel remediation techniques that will require no long-term operations. The work focused on treatment within the inner mine workings at the Big Five Tunnel and initially included (1.) installing a bulkhead to fill the inner mine workings with mine pool water in order to reduce toxic acid mine generation and prevent fresh surrounding ground water from entering the mine workings and becoming toxic, (2.) treating mine pool water by recirculating it through caustic material (e.g. crushed limestone) to improve water quality prior to discharging to the creek, and (3.) implementing a regulated discharge through a flow-through valve after inner mine water levels and good water quality was achieved.

The focal area of the sub-surface remediation from above ground. Dotted green line shows how inner mine workings extend beyond the Peak to Peak Highway. Along line are drilled boreholes, installed for monitoring water quality within the mine.

The focal area of the sub-surface remediation from above ground. Dotted green line shows how inner mine workings extend beyond the Peak to Peak Highway. Along line are drilled boreholes, installed for monitoring water quality within the mine.

Inner mine workings with highlighted components in green: Left Hand Creek, the Big Five Adit, the Bulkhead, Crushed Limestone, Recirculation piping, CDOT ROW 2 (a monitoring borehole), and the Ore Stockpile. The mine shaft then goes on to connect with other mine workings.

Inner mine workings with highlighted components in green: Left Hand Creek, the Big Five Adit, the Bulkhead, Crushed Limestone, Recirculation piping, CDOT ROW 2 (a monitoring borehole), and the Ore Stockpile. The mine shaft then goes on to connect with other mine workings.

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