The Desired Future
What’s Next?
What to know:
The long-term end goal of the sub-surface remediation is to have a low maintenance, passive treatment system in place that treats acid mine drainage enough to achieve aquatic life standards where mine discharge enters Left Hand Creek. However, the interim water quality goals while the remediation activities are being tested and implemented are to maintain historic conditions prior to the work. This means that there may be impaired sections of the creek during remediation activities. For this reason, the Left Hand Watershed Center is working closely with the EPA, CDPHE, and their contractors to monitor water quality and ensure that we understand and are prepared to respond to the impacts of the activities on downstream water quality.
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1861
Mining Begins in the Ward District
Mining activity began in 1861 following the discovery of gold... -
Late 1800s
Water Quality Issues Reported
Water quality issues were likely occurring since mining began in... -
1896
Captain Jack Mill Construction
Approximately 12 mines were operated in the headwaters area of... -
1992
Captain Jack Mine Closure
After nearly a century of activity under multiple owners at... -
2003
EPA Superfund Designation of Captain Jack
By 2003, Captain Jack Mill was listed on the EPA’s... -
2008
Record of Decision Issued
In 2008, Captain Jack Mill Superfund site completed a final... -
2013
Surface Remediation Completed
The surface remediation occurred from 2011 to 2013. This work... -
2015
Sub-Surface Remediation Began
The Subsurface Remediation began in late 2015. This work aims... -
2018
Emergency Release and Fish Kill Occurred
In October 2018, Left Hand Creek landowners reported a fish... -
2020
Sub-Surface Remediation Continued
After the emergency release and resulting fish kill, the sub-surface... - Future