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Physical Solutions for Acid Mine Drainage at Remote Sites
Primary Issue Addressed: Acid Drainage/Water Treatment
Secondary Issues Addressed: Sustainability, Trace Metal Removal
Project Site: Susie/Valley Forge Mine in Rimini, Montana
Collaborating Entities: MSE Technology Applications, Inc. (MSE), Montana Tech of the University of Montana, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region VIII, Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), CDM Federal Programs Corporation (RACs VIII prime contractor, Landowners and Citizens of Rimini.
Cost Share: EPA Region 8 is opening the Susie mine and building a room to house the system inside. In addition, EPA Region 8 is taking care of the land access agreements and most of the permitting issues. Estimated in-kind services provided are $300,000.
Project Description
The Physical Solutions for Acid Mine Drainage at Remote Sites Project will demonstrate a low maintenance technology to reduce metals in mine drainages at remote sites. The project will also evaluate alternative energy sources to monitor and control the system.
Status
CDM Federal Programs has awarded the subcontract to open the Susie Mine and install a room to house the MSE proposed technology to remove arsenic and various heavy metals. During the week of August 15, 2005, the subcontractor opened the face of the adit. During a meeting on August 18, 2005, with EPA Region VIII, MDEQ, CDM, and MSE, it was decided to stabilize the entrance and winds and then identify an appropriate area inside the mine to make a room to house the treatment process. Budgetary issued were also discussed, and it was determined that the opening and building of the room inside the mine could possibly be completed in September 2005.
MSE has completed the treatment process design and is waiting for the final footprint of the room to finalize equipment layout and design. The estimated time for completion of the Susie Mine is the end of September.