Metesh, John J.; Oravetz, Steve ; Hargrave, Phyllis A.. 2000. Using Recharge Control to Reduce Mine Adit Discharges: A Preliminary Investigation. 0071 2804. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Missoula Technology and Development Center. 10 p.
Describes a preliminary investigation to determine whether adit discharges in some abandoned mines in Montana can be reduced or eliminated by reducing groundwater flow into the mine workings (recharge control). The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology identified 336 sites associated with National Forests or Bureau of Land Management Resource Areas in Montana where one or more adits discharged water at least part of the year. Only 127 of the sites were on Federal land. A total of 141 discharges were sampled. Sixty-three of the discharges exceeded one or more of six water-quality criteria. About 47 of those 63 discharges might be reduced or eliminated with recharge control. Adits that are good candidates for recharge control are those near a drainage divide. Two mines merit further investigation for recharge control: the Vindicator Mine on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in southwestern Montana and the Beatrice Mine on the Helena National Forest southwest of Helena, MT. additional information on both mines will be needed before a comprehensive plan for recharge control can be completed.
Keywords: hazmat, mined land, passive treatments, remediation