Sunset Mine and Mill Reclamation

Sunset Mine is an abandoned copper mine with metals contamination from onsite milling operations. Herrera worked with the USDA Forest Service to identify any data gaps in previous work that was done to characterize waste and develop site-specific cleanup levels. Following sampling activities and development of cleanup levels, we prepared a removal action design that included plans, specifications, and a cost estimate. Included in the design were removal of waste and offsite disposal, regrading the site, a bioswale for adit discharge, and site revegetation. The bioswale included a series of check dams that used organic media to bind dissolved metals that may be in the adit discharge. Herrera is working with the Forest Service and Trout Unlimited to find and secure funding for the removal action.