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Historic Mine Sites
Historic mine sites are a part of Colorado’s mountain heritage. In
many cases, EnviroGroup assessments have shown that only minor restoration is required to
allow redevelopment of mining properties for residential, resort, or commercial uses,
while still ensuring that both the environment and site users are well protected. When
combined with an approved Voluntary Cleanup Plan or No Further Action
determination from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE),
mine site restoration can lead to higher sale prices and peace of mind.
EnviroGroup Experience
- Two decades experience in mine and smelter site investigation and cleanup.
- Experts in lead, arsenic, and other heavy metal contamination.
- Focus on low cost solutions, including vegetation, capping, and soil amendments.
- Extensive experience with Colorado’s voluntary cleanup program.
EnviroGroup Advantage
- Proper assessments often show little risk associated with historic mining waste
rock and tailings.
- Institutional controls, such as covenants or deed restrictions, may minimize or
eliminate the need for cleanup.
- Voluntary Cleanup program approvals may result in higher sale prices and lower
liabilities (always seek the advice of an environmental attorney when evaluating liabilities).
Historic Mine Site Project Descriptions
Creede, CO
EnviroGroup is helping a prospective buyer acquire and develop property near Creede,
CO that is partly covered by tailings from nearby, historic mining operations. Our
investigations showed that metals in the tailings were unlikely to impact groundwater
and that low cost soil caps and drainage controls would allow commercial development
of the property. Grading plans and cap designs are currently being prepared as part
of a Voluntary Cleanup application, and the State of Colorado has committed to fund
50% of the cleanup under the state Brownfields program.
Breckenridge, CO
Residential and commercial development of historic gold and lead mining property is
proceeding in Breckenridge, CO following waste rock and tailings management plans
developed by EnviroGroup. Cost saving strategies included realistic lead action
levels, use of waste rock to backfill open shafts and to construct landscaping
features, and drainage controls to prevent impacts to wetlands. The plan was reviewed
by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources for consistency with state abandoned
mine program practices.
Nederland, CO
Historic mine features are being preserved by the owner of a property near Nederland, CO
while allowing residential use, following a Voluntary Cleanup plan developed by
EnviroGroup. The plan includes institutional controls and limited capping of waste
rock to protect site users, while minimizing costs and maintaining the historic mine
features. The State of Colorado has agreed to fund 50% of the cleanup under the state
Brownfields program. |
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Services |
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- Phase 1 site assessments
- Voluntary Cleanup Program
- Lead and arsenic action levels
- Waste rock management
- Acid mine drainage control
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