The main goal of this project is to provide a science-based approach for screening legacy mine land (LML) sites for remediation and identifying watersheds where relatively low-cost restoration efforts may yield substantial improvements to stream water quality. We are combing analysis of multiple existing regional data coverages with focused field studies to develop a protocol that land managers can use to screen LML sites at multiple scales and efficiently evaluate the potential value of performing limited site remediation.
Science Issue and Relevance
There are tens of thousands of abandoned mines and prospects in the western U.S., many of which have continuing harmful effects on the environment. Currently, prioritization of these LML sites for receiving the limited funds available for remediation is often driven by geopolitical factors, with little or no systematic evaluation of the scientific factors dictating the probability of meeting desired clean-up goals.
Applying an integrated science-based approach in decision-making process about where and how to remediate mine sites may increase chances for remediation success, and help avoid investments in watersheds where such efforts are unlikely to succeed due to high natural background or other factors. The USGS has under-utilized datasets that could be valuable for evaluating LML sites and prioritizing sites for future modest restoration efforts.
Methods to Address Issue
This project includes two tasks representing a two-stage approach for screening LML sites for remediation at different scales.
Task 1: GIS-based screening techniques. The objective of this task is to assemble and interpret databases relevant to past mining and current environmental conditions in a GIS model covering central Colorado. Key databases include: (a) the new USGS USMIN database to identify all mine-related features; (b) USGS NWIS database, USEPA Storet database, and USGS Central Colorado Assessment Project database for stream water chemistry; (c) USGS hydrothermal alteration mapping from hyperspectral ASTER satellite data for the abundance of exposed sulfide minerals. The GIS model will be analyzed to identify "yellow-light" sites where stream metal concentrations only moderately exceed regulatory levels and apparent mining-related sources are few and well defined.
Task 2: Field characterization of candidate sites. The objective of this task is to develop straightforward sampling regimes for application at candidate "yellow-light" sites identified through Task 1 to provide more specific information on stream water chemical conditions and potential metal sources. A reconnaissance level sampling program will be initially applied at a set of candidate sites, followed by a more comprehensive sampling program performed at 1-2 priority sites selected based on the reconnaissance data. Field characterization methods will include stream tracer dilution studies, stream habitat quality evaluation, solids sampling for chemistry, and surface water and groundwater sample for chemistry, multiple isotopic tracers, and age.
Below are other science projects we collaborate with.
USMIN Mineral Deposit Database
Processes Controlling Fate and Transport of Metals Associated with Legacy Mining
Below are data releases associated with this project.
Strontium isotopic data from the Mount Emmons-Redwell area, Crested Butte, Colorado
Whole rock major, minor, and trace element geochemistry of the upper part of the Mount Emmons-Redwell porphyry molybdenum (Climax-type) deposit, Redwell Basin, Crested Butte, Colorado
Stream discharge, sodium, bromide, and specific conductance data for stream and hyporheic zone samples affected by injection of sodium bromide tracer, Leavenworth Creek, Clear Creek County, Colorado, August 2012
Water quality and discharge data from draining mine tunnels near Silverton, Colorado 1993-2015
Water quality and discharge data from draining mine tunnels near Silverton, Colorado 1993-2015
Digital map of iron sulfate minerals, other mineral groups, and vegetation of the western United States derived from automated analysis of Landsat 8 satellite data
Digital map of iron sulfate minerals, other mineral groups, and vegetation of the San Juan Mountains, Colorado, and Four Corners Region derived from automated analysis of Landsat 8 satellite data
Trace metals in water and biota in and near headwater streams in the Colorado Mineral Belt
Geochemistry and Environmental Tracer Data for Groundwater, Stream Water, and Ferricrete Samples from Handcart Gulch, Colorado
Improved Automated Identification and Mapping of Iron Sulfate Minerals, Other Mineral Groups, and Vegetation using Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager Data, San Juan Mountains, Colorado, and Four Corners Region
Below are publications associated with this project.
Incorporating streambank wells in stream mass loading studies to more effectively identify sources of solutes in stream water
Quantification of metal loading using tracer dilution and instantaneous synoptic sampling and importance of diel cycling in Leavenworth Creek, Clear Creek County, Colorado, 2012
Regional occurrence of aqueous tungsten and relations with antimony, arsenic and molybdenum concentrations (Sardinia, Italy)
Variation in metal concentrations across a large contamination gradient is reflected in stream but not linked riparian food webs
Variation in metal concentrations across a large contamination gradient is reflected in stream but not linked riparian food webs
Water-quality change following remediation using structural bulkheads in abandoned draining mines, upper Arkansas River and upper Animas River, Colorado USA
Using stream-side groundwater discharge for geochemical exploration in mountainous terrain
- Overview
The main goal of this project is to provide a science-based approach for screening legacy mine land (LML) sites for remediation and identifying watersheds where relatively low-cost restoration efforts may yield substantial improvements to stream water quality. We are combing analysis of multiple existing regional data coverages with focused field studies to develop a protocol that land managers can use to screen LML sites at multiple scales and efficiently evaluate the potential value of performing limited site remediation.
Draining portal of the abandoned Stewart Mine in McNasser Gulch, Sawatch Range, Colorado. Science Issue and Relevance
There are tens of thousands of abandoned mines and prospects in the western U.S., many of which have continuing harmful effects on the environment. Currently, prioritization of these LML sites for receiving the limited funds available for remediation is often driven by geopolitical factors, with little or no systematic evaluation of the scientific factors dictating the probability of meeting desired clean-up goals.
Applying an integrated science-based approach in decision-making process about where and how to remediate mine sites may increase chances for remediation success, and help avoid investments in watersheds where such efforts are unlikely to succeed due to high natural background or other factors. The USGS has under-utilized datasets that could be valuable for evaluating LML sites and prioritizing sites for future modest restoration efforts.
Methods to Address Issue
This project includes two tasks representing a two-stage approach for screening LML sites for remediation at different scales.
Task 1: GIS-based screening techniques. The objective of this task is to assemble and interpret databases relevant to past mining and current environmental conditions in a GIS model covering central Colorado. Key databases include: (a) the new USGS USMIN database to identify all mine-related features; (b) USGS NWIS database, USEPA Storet database, and USGS Central Colorado Assessment Project database for stream water chemistry; (c) USGS hydrothermal alteration mapping from hyperspectral ASTER satellite data for the abundance of exposed sulfide minerals. The GIS model will be analyzed to identify "yellow-light" sites where stream metal concentrations only moderately exceed regulatory levels and apparent mining-related sources are few and well defined.
Task 2: Field characterization of candidate sites. The objective of this task is to develop straightforward sampling regimes for application at candidate "yellow-light" sites identified through Task 1 to provide more specific information on stream water chemical conditions and potential metal sources. A reconnaissance level sampling program will be initially applied at a set of candidate sites, followed by a more comprehensive sampling program performed at 1-2 priority sites selected based on the reconnaissance data. Field characterization methods will include stream tracer dilution studies, stream habitat quality evaluation, solids sampling for chemistry, and surface water and groundwater sample for chemistry, multiple isotopic tracers, and age.
- Science
Below are other science projects we collaborate with.
USMIN Mineral Deposit Database
Our objective is to develop a national-scale, geospatial database that is the authoritative source of the most important mines, mineral deposits, and mineral districts of the United States.Processes Controlling Fate and Transport of Metals Associated with Legacy Mining
The project goal is to investigate best approaches to integrating conceptual, (bio)geochemical, hydrological, and toxicological models to improve prediction of metal mobility and remediation at legacy mine land (LML) sites. - Data
Below are data releases associated with this project.
Strontium isotopic data from the Mount Emmons-Redwell area, Crested Butte, Colorado
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release contains strontium isotopic data from water and rock samples collected between 2000 and 2019 from the Mount Emmons area, central Colorado. The data include strontium isotopic compositions, 87Sr/86Sr, for surface- and groundwater samples collected from streams, springs, draining mines, piezometers, and drill holes and for leachates of rock samples colWhole rock major, minor, and trace element geochemistry of the upper part of the Mount Emmons-Redwell porphyry molybdenum (Climax-type) deposit, Redwell Basin, Crested Butte, Colorado
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides whole rock major, minor, and trace element geochemical data from the fluorine-rich Mount Emmons-Redwell porphyry molybdenum (Climax-type) deposit (Mt. Emmons-Redwell deposit), located approximately 5.6 km (3.5 mi) northwest of Crested Butte, Colorado. The Mt. Emmons-Redwell deposit partly underlies Redwell Basin on the northwest flank of MouStream discharge, sodium, bromide, and specific conductance data for stream and hyporheic zone samples affected by injection of sodium bromide tracer, Leavenworth Creek, Clear Creek County, Colorado, August 2012
Leavenworth Creek, a tributary of South Clear Creek and Clear Creek near Georgetown, Colorado contains copper, lead, and zinc concentrations that are near to or exceed aquatic life standards. The creek drains the Argentine mining district where mining was active primarily in the early 1900s. In the summer of 2012, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducted a metal-loading study using tracer dilutWater quality and discharge data from draining mine tunnels near Silverton, Colorado 1993-2015
The American Tunnel, the Black Hawk mine, the Gold King mine, the Mogul mine, and the Red and Bonita mine are located in the Cement Creek watershed, tributary to the upper Animas River near Silverton, Colorado. All five sites have tunnels that drain groundwater from abandoned underground mine workings to the surface. This draining water has elevated concentrations of metals and degrades water qualWater quality and discharge data from draining mine tunnels near Silverton, Colorado 1993-2015
The American Tunnel, the Black Hawk mine, the Gold King mine, the Mogul mine, and the Red and Bonita mine are located in the Cement Creek watershed, tributary to the upper Animas River near Silverton, Colorado. All five sites have tunnels that drain groundwater from abandoned underground mine workings to the surface. This draining water has elevated concentrations of metals and degrades water qualDigital map of iron sulfate minerals, other mineral groups, and vegetation of the western United States derived from automated analysis of Landsat 8 satellite data
Multispectral remote sensing data acquired by Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) sensor were analyzed using an automated technique to generate surficial mineralogy and vegetation maps of the conterminous western United States. Six spectral indices (e.g. band-ratios), highlighting distinct spectral absorptions, were developed to aid in the identification of mineral groups in exposed rocks, soiDigital map of iron sulfate minerals, other mineral groups, and vegetation of the San Juan Mountains, Colorado, and Four Corners Region derived from automated analysis of Landsat 8 satellite data
Multispectral remote sensing data acquired by the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) sensor were analyzed using a new, automated technique to generate a map of exposed mineral and vegetation groups in the western San Juan Mountains, Colorado and the Four Corners Region of the United States (Rockwell and others, 2021). Spectral index (e.g. band-ratio) results were combined into displayed minerTrace metals in water and biota in and near headwater streams in the Colorado Mineral Belt
This data release includes sampling location data, field-collected water chemistry data, cation and anion concentration data for water and tissues of submerged aquatic vegetation, aquatic insect larvae, adult aquatic insects and riparian spiders from 35 first- and second-order sub-alpine streams that ranged over several orders of magnitude in metal concentrations but were similar in elevation, geoGeochemistry and Environmental Tracer Data for Groundwater, Stream Water, and Ferricrete Samples from Handcart Gulch, Colorado
This data release is part of a study examining the use of near-stream groundwater discharge as a tool for Geochemical Exploration. Handcart Gulch is an unmined alpine watershed in Montezuma Mining District in the Colorado Front Range. The streambed is cemented by deep ferricrete deposits. Stream water, groundwater, and ferricrete samples were collected and analyzed to constrain the location of a p - Maps
Improved Automated Identification and Mapping of Iron Sulfate Minerals, Other Mineral Groups, and Vegetation using Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager Data, San Juan Mountains, Colorado, and Four Corners Region
Multispectral remote sensing data acquired by the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) sensor were analyzed using a new, automated technique to generate a map of exposed mineral and vegetation groups in the western San Juan Mountains, Colo., and the Four Corners Region of the United States. Band ratio results were combined into displayed mineral and vegetation groups using Boolean algebra. New - Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Incorporating streambank wells in stream mass loading studies to more effectively identify sources of solutes in stream water
Stream synoptic sampling studies that include flow estimates derived from the stream tracer dilution method are now commonly performed to identify sources and processes controlling solute transport to streams. However, a limitation of this mass-loading approach is its inability to identify the side of the stream on which a source is located in the common case where loading is largely from groundwaAuthorsAndrew H. Manning, Robert L. Runkel, Jean Morrison, Richard Wanty, Katherine Walton-DayQuantification of metal loading using tracer dilution and instantaneous synoptic sampling and importance of diel cycling in Leavenworth Creek, Clear Creek County, Colorado, 2012
Leavenworth Creek, a tributary of South Clear Creek and Clear Creek near Georgetown, Colorado, contains copper, lead, and zinc at concentrations close to or in excess of aquatic-life standards. In the summer of 2012, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, conducted monitoring toAuthorsKatherine Walton-Day, Robert L. Runkel, Christin D. Smith, Briant A. KimballRegional occurrence of aqueous tungsten and relations with antimony, arsenic and molybdenum concentrations (Sardinia, Italy)
Tungsten (W) is rarely found in natural waters, yet it can be introduced into the food chain and cause potentially toxic effects. Uptake of W by plants and vegetables, or trace presence of W in drinking water are possible vectors for ingestion of W by humans. The latter is recognized as a possible cause of lymphatic leukemia. Increased uses of W might result in a degradation of water resources, wiAuthorsRosa Cidu, Riccardo Biddau, Franco Frau, Richard Wanty, Stefano NaitzaVariation in metal concentrations across a large contamination gradient is reflected in stream but not linked riparian food webs
Aquatic insects link food web dynamics across freshwater-terrestrial boundaries and subsidize terrestrial consumer populations. Contaminants that accumulate in larval aquatic insects and are retained across metamorphosis can increase dietary exposure for riparian insectivores. To better understand potential exposure of terrestrial insectivores to aquatically-derived trace metals, metal concentratiAuthorsJohanna M. Kraus, Richard Wanty, Travis S. Schmidt, David Walters, Ruth E. WolfVariation in metal concentrations across a large contamination gradient is reflected in stream but not linked riparian food webs
Aquatic insects link food web dynamics across freshwater-terrestrial boundaries and subsidize terrestrial consumer populations. Contaminants that accumulate in larval aquatic insects and are retained across metamorphosis can increase dietary exposure for riparian insectivores. To better understand potential exposure of terrestrial insectivores to aquatically-derived trace metals, metal concentratiAuthorsJohanna M. Kraus, Richard Wanty, Travis S. Schmidt, David Walters, Ruth E. WolfWater-quality change following remediation using structural bulkheads in abandoned draining mines, upper Arkansas River and upper Animas River, Colorado USA
Water-quality effects after remediating abandoned draining mine tunnels using structural bulkheads were examined in two study areas in Colorado, USA. A bulkhead was installed in the Dinero mine tunnel in 2009 to improve water quality in Lake Fork Creek, a tributary to the upper Arkansas River. Although bulkhead installation improved pH, and manganese and zinc concentrations and loads at the DineroAuthorsKatherine Walton-Day, Alisa Mast, Robert L. RunkelUsing stream-side groundwater discharge for geochemical exploration in mountainous terrain
Groundwater chemistry has been predominantly used in geochemical exploration studies to identify mineralized targets concealed under transported cover in areas with gentle topography. Another potentially valuable ap-plication that has received little attention is using groundwater chemistry to identify deposits concealed within mountain ridges. A number of geochemical exploration studies have emplAuthorsAndrew H. Manning, Jean Morrison, Richard Wanty, Christopher T. Mills