Mine Waste Cleanup Bureau
Before Reclamation One Year After Reclamation
Photos above show the Nancy Lee Slowey Tailings (near Superior, MT) were reclaimed by MWCB in 1998.
The Mine Waste Cleanup Bureau is divided into two sections. The Abandoned Mine Section is responsible for implementation of the state's non-regulatory program to reclaim land affected by abandoned mines. The Federal Superfund Section of the bureau is responsible for overseeing the provisions of the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response and Liability Act (CERCLA or federal Superfund program).
The Mine Waste Cleanup Bureau (MWCB) was formed within the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in 1995 as part of a reorganization of Montana state government services. The Mine Waste Cleanup Bureau absorbed duties of the former Abandoned Mine Reclamation Bureau and sites from the state Superfund program.
MWCB activities focus on two primary site types: 1) inactive mine sites addressed under the Surface Mining Coal and Reclamation Act (SMCRA 1977); these sites are known as abandoned mine sites: 2) hazardous substance sites addressed under the FederalComprehensive Environmental Responsibility, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). These sites are known as Federal Superfund or National Priority List sites. The MWCB divides its site-reclamation duties in this way because of distinctions between applicable environmental laws and associated funding mechanisms.
The MWCB Abandoned Mine Section addresses sites that result from all types of mining (i.e., coal, gold, silver, copper, lead, scoria, sand and gravel). The MWCB also addresses ore transport, processing and smelting facilities on both public and private lands. Site hazards typically consist of open adits or shafts, waste rock dumps, steep highwalls, mill tailings, dangerous structures and hazardous materials. Many of these old mine and mill areas seriously degrade surrounding land and water.
The MWCB Federal Superfund Section focuses on investigation and characterization of inorganic substances (primarily heavy metals) in the environment from historical mining, milling, and smelting operations, and organic substances from other industrial and/or commercial facilities such as wood treating facilities. The section works closely with the USEPA to administer laws and manage cleanup of contaminated properties under the auspices of the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) (federal Superfund), and a multitude of requirements from other federal and state environmental statutes.
Mine waste and organic hazardous substance remediation activities involve interpretation and implementation of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended to preserve cultural and historic resources. Therefore, all sites under the purview of this Bureau may be evaluated for cultural or historic features eligible for historical preservation. Historical preservation activities are conducted in cooperation with the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) to assess eligibility and to develop and implement mitigation plans.
Although much has been done, much remains to be addressed. The MWCB is working to reclaim Montana's mine lands to help ensure a productive future for the state and to bring its land back to life.
