Group 1: Orphan (Abandoned) Mine Remediation

Cutting through the Colorado Mineral Belt, the upper portion of the Clear Creek Watershed is a “target-rich” environment full of orphan mines and naturally-occurring mineral sites. As a “Good Samaritan” entity authorized in a 2003 EPA Action Memo, CCWF has been conducting, facilitating and expediting cleanup of the 1,600 or so remaining orphan mine/mill sites not listed as priorities in the Clear Creek/Central City Superfund Operating Units Record of Decision (ROD). This work supports remediation efforts in the Clear Creek/Central City Superfund Study Area. CCWF has also been working under a United States Forest Service (USFS) Administrative Order on Consent.

Historically, this mine remediation work is perhaps what the CCWF is best known for. Remediation projects to date include:

• General Herkimer,
• Little Sixes,
• Minnesota Mine,
• McClellan Mill,
• Doctor Mine,
• Gem Site,
• Dibbens Mine,
• Sydney Mill,
• and more.

While CCWF is sometimes the project lead, much of this work is being accomplished through innovative partnerships, both public and private. Project partners have included: the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Phelps-Dodge/Henderson Operations, Coors, Clear Creek County, US Forest Service, Silver Plume, Idaho Springs, and numerous individuals.

Innovative techniques to promote sustainable remediation include “orphanage” remediation strategies and the continued development/promotion of a “trading for credit” cleanup and maintenance program. By remediating mining-related water quality problems and addressing associated public health, safety and welfare issues, CCWF and its partners are providing on-the-ground revitalization construction for the Clear Creek Watershed communities.

For more information about projects in this category, contact us.

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