NEWS
NEWSLETTERS
DEQ, in coordination with the USFS and NRDP, puts out the Mike Horse Messenger, the newsletter for the Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex. It is generally published twice a year, before and after the field season, to keep interested parties informed of progress at the UBMC.
If you would like to receive the Mike Horse Messenger or any other mailings on the UBMC from DEQ, you have two choices: 1.) To receive the information electronically, please use this ListServ option to enter your email information, or 2.) use this link to enter your address information and the mailings will be put in the mail to you.
Water Treatment Plant
The Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex (UBMC) is an inactive mining district more than 50 acres in size and located 15 miles east of Lincoln, Montana. American Smelting and Refining Company (Asarco) constructed the UBMC water treatment plant in 2008 and began operation in January 2009. The plant collects discharge from two mine adits and two seeps, treats the waters with chemicals and a ceramic membrane filter system, and then discharges the water into the Upper Blackfoot River. The primary metals that are removed are cadmium, copper, iron, lead, manganese and zinc. As part of the Asarco bankruptcy, Asarco funded a Trust to operate the water treatment plant with State of Montana oversight.
If you have any questions concerning water treatment plant operations, please direct your inquiries to:
Robert Roll
Remediation Division
1225 Cedar Street, Helena, Montana 59602
406-444-6438
rroll@mt.gov
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
Construction
Work resumed at the Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex near Lincoln in July, starting at the confluence of Mike Horse and Beartrap creeks and moving down to the Water Treatment Plant. Excavation may then continue from the Water Treatment Plant toward Edith Mine, dependent upon achieving project milestones established in the bid package. DEQ aims to finish this work by the end of the 2019 construction season.
Crews are expected to remove up to 257,000 cubic yards of waste this season. That’s in addition to nearly 700,000 cubic yards of tailings and mine waste removed since excavations began in 2014.
As in previous construction seasons, Meadow Creek and Mike Horse roads will be closed until work stops for the winter. Construction is weather-dependent, but is expected to last through November. The agencies remind motorists to watch for work crews and equipment as well as signs indicating reduced speed limits.
DOCUMENTS & REPORTS
| Decision Documents |
| Document |
Description |
Year Published |
| Record of Decision |
The Record of Decision identifies the final remedy for completing clenaup activities on non-federla lands at the UBMC site. |
2016 |
| Final Feasibility Study Report |
The Feasibility Study was prepared to develop, screen, and evaluate remedial action alternatives for the UBMC. |
2016 |
| Final Human Health Risk Assessment |
Presents the findings of the baseline human health risk assessment conducted on the UBMC. |
2014 |
| |
| Final Eco-Risk Assessment |
Explains how the UBMC contamination in soil, stream sediment, and surface water affects the environment |
2013 |
| Final Remedial Investigation Report |
Soil, sediment, surface water, groundwater, and biological data collected in 2007, 2008, and 2011 to determine the extent of contamination in the UBMC |
2013 |
| 2012 Repository Decision (USFS website) |
Amendment to the 2007 USFS decision changing the repository location for the Mike Horse waste |
2012 |
|
Repository Siting Study (USFS website)
|
Comparative study of locations for a repository for the Mike Horse waste |
2011 |
| 2007 Mike Horse Decision (USFS website) |
USFS decision on removal in the UBMC, including the Mike Horse Dam |
2007 |
| Monitoring Reports |
| Document |
Description |
Year Published |
| 2012 Mining Area Monitoring Reports |
Data collected from surface water, groundwater, and stream sediments to establish existing conditions before cleanup |
2013 |
| 2012 Section 35 Monitoring Report |
Data collected from surface water, groundwater, and stream sediments to establish existing condition before the repository is built |
2013 |
| 2011 Mining Area Monitoring Report |
Data collected from surface water, groundwater, and stream sediments to establish existing condition before cleanup |
2012 |
| 2011 Section 35 Monitoring Report |
Data collected from surface and groundwater to establish existing condition before the repository is built |
2012 |
| 2010 Mining Area Monitoring Report |
Data collected from surface water, groundwater, and stream sediments to establish existing condition before cleanup |
2012 |
|
2009 Mining Area Monitoring Report
2009 Mining Area Monitoring Report Maps
2009 Mining Area Monitoring Report Appendices
|
Data collected from surface water, groundwater, and stream sediments to establish existing condition before cleanup |
2010 |
| Construction Investigation and Documents |
| Document |
Description |
Year Published |
|
2012 Floodplain Design-Level Investigation
2012 Floodplain Design-Level Investigation Appendices
|
Data collected to determine extent of removal of mine waste from the mining area and ensure proper placement in the repository |
2013 |
| 2012 Repository Design-Level Investigation |
Data collected to determine proper design of the repository |
2013 |