Montana

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 Basin Ten Mile Creek- Demonstration Project

The Basin/Tenmile Creek Demonstration Project is located within the boundaries of the Omaha District of the Corps of Engineers. The federal partner for this project is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. State and local stakeholders include the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, the Pegasus Mine Bankruptcy Trustee, and the Upper Tenmile Watershed Steering Group.

The project is located at the Peerless/Jenny/King Mine Complex, approximately 35 miles southwest of Helena. Surface water from Tenmile Creek is eventually used for the drinking water supply for the city of Helena.

Project Description

An existing wetlands was modified to improve retention time of the contaminated water by US EPA and its contractors. The Corps contractor provided and planted wetlands species appropriate to the site and will monitor vegetation establishment and stability throughout the growing season of 2004.

Project Goals

A pilot study demonstration project was planned for this site to determine the effectiveness of innovative modification of wetland treatment approaches for acid mine drainage in high altitude settings. If the technology proves to be effective, it will be implemented within other potentially impacted areas in high altitute settings throughout the western United States.

Current Status

TThe EPA and Montana DEQ are working closely with the Corps to develop this RAMS database project/technology demonstration. The demonstration project was placed on hold due to regulatory concerns at the first site, but a new location in same watershed was identified. In September 2003, the Corps contractor delivered and installed plants for an enhanced wetlands demonstration project in partnership with EPA efforts.

Existing Documents

As documents for this project become available, they will be provided in PDF format that can be accessed by clicking on the title of the document below. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view these documents and may be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe Acrobat web site by clicking on Adobe Acrobat Reader above. Disclaimer: The appearance of an external hyperlink does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) of this web site or the information, products, or services contained therein. USACE does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at this location.

Documents

1. Basin Ten Mile Creek Demo Final Project

 

 

 Basin Ten Mile Creeks- Rimini Road Project

The Rimini Road project is located within the boundaries of the Omaha District of the Corps of Engineers. The federal partner with the Corps for this project is the Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD) of the Federal Highway Administration. Other stakeholders include the U.S. Forest Service, the Montana Department of Transportation, and Lewis and Clark County.

The town of Rimini and Rimini Road are located about 35 miles southwest of Helena.

Project Description

The WFLHD identified the data needs for the Rimini Road Improvement Project. WFLHD requested USACE sample the roadbed fill in preparation for widening and paving Rimini Road. Rimini Road is a gravel road, which is narrow and winding in places. The concern with the roadbed fill is that contaminated waste rock or tailings from mining and milling might have been used to construct the roadbed, requiring removal prior to paving. Of particular concern is the possibility of mercury contamination in the soil. Other possible contaminants include other heavy metals, strongly acidic soil conditions, and residual cyanide.

Project Goals

The goal of the project was to determine the presence/absence and/or extent of contaminated waste rock or tailings from mining activities in the area within the roadbed fill material of the existing Rimini Road.

Current Status

USACE Omaha District personnel performed the fieldwork from June 15 through 17, 2004. The Draft Report was prepared and provided to the stakeholders for review and comment in August 2004. Based on stakeholder comments, the report will be revised and finalized.

Existing Documents

As documents for this project become available, they will be provided in PDF format that can be accessed by clicking on the title of the document below. The General RAMS Work Plan and General Site Safety and Health Plan are referenced in project work plans. These documents may be accessed from menu to the left. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view these documents and may be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe Acrobat web site by clicking on Adobe Acrobat Reader above. Disclaimer: The appearance of an external hyperlink does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) of this web site or the information, products, or services contained therein. USACE does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at this location.

Documents

1. Draft Report

2. Figure 1

 

 

 Basin Ten Mile Creeks- Rimini Water Supply

The Rimini Water Supply EM Survey Project is located within the boundaries of the Omaha District of the Corps of Engineers. The federal partner for this project is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. State and local stakeholders include the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the Upper Tenmile Watershed Steering Group.

The project is located approximately 35 miles southwest of Helena. Surface water from Tenmile Creek is eventually used for the drinking water supply for the city of Helena.

Project Description

The current drinking water supply for Rimini, Montana is impacted by water draining through abandoned mine sites. The EPA has attempted to drill several wells into water that may not be impacted by the surface water of Tenmile Creek, but no well drilled to date has intersected sufficient water. A non-impacted water supply for the town of Rimini is a top priority for the EPA. The EPA reports that several monitoring wells have intersected groundwater. This is an indication that the groundwater is confined to geological structures such as faults. Until the groundwater is suitably mapped, the drilling sites will not be reliable and may never intersect potential drinking water sources.

A relatively new geophysical technology, known as EM Map was used to develop a map of the groundwater in the area of Rimini, Montana. This map would provide the best surface location for drilling drinking water wells and maximizing the probability of intersecting the groundwater system.

Project Goals

The goal of the project was to identify potential water well locations to assist the EPA in locating and developing an alternative drinking water source for the town of Rimini, Montana.

Current Status

The project was completed during the summer and fall of 2003, and a draft report was prepared and submitted to the stakeholders for review and comment in January 2004.

Existing Documents

As documents for this project become available, they will be provided in PDF format that can be accessed by clicking on the title of the document below. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view these documents and may be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe Acrobat web site by clicking on Adobe Acrobat Reader above. Disclaimer: The appearance of an external hyperlink does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) of this web site or the information, products, or services contained therein. USACE does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at this location.

Documents

1. Rimini Water Supply Draft Report

 

 

 Basin Ten Mile Creeks- Ten Mile Creek Demonstration Project

Tenmile Creek is located within the boundaries of the Omaha District of the Corps of Engineers. The federal partner for this project is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. State and local stakeholders include the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the Upper Tenmile Watershed Steering Group.

The demonstration project mine sites are located near Rimini, Montana, southwest of Helena. Susie and Redwater Mines are contributed discharge water to Tenmile Creek. Surface water from Tenmile Creek enters Chessman and Scott Reservoirs which provide drinking water to both Helena and Rimini. Susie Mine contributes more than half the arsenic load to Tenmile Creek. Redwater Mine is also a significant contributor of arsenic and is located immediately upstream of the inlet for the Helena municipal water supply. Both also contribute significant amounts of zinc.

Project Description

Multiple treatment options and existing water quality have been reviewed. Based on that information, the technology selected for this project was the New Earth Systems, Inc. CentrO3fier system. This system combines precipitation by electro-physical means with the capability of additional treatment by secondary adsorptive/ion exchange polishing.

Project Goals

A pilot study demonstration project was planned for this site to determine the effectiveness of innovative approaches for acid mine drainage in high altitude settings. If the technology proves to be effective, it may be implemented within other potentially impacted areas throughout the western United States.

Current Status

The pilot study project was performed in the fall of 2002. Analytical results have been received, and a report has been prepared and provided to stakeholders for review and comment. A final report will incorporate their comments.

Existing Documents

As documents for this project become available, they will be provided in PDF format that can be accessed by clicking on the title of the document below. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view these documents and may be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe Acrobat web site by clicking on Adobe Acrobat Reader above. Disclaimer: The appearance of an external hyperlink does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) of this web site or the information, products, or services contained therein. USACE does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at this location.

Documents

1. History Report

2. Susie and Redwater Mines Report

 

 

 Basin Ten Mile Creeks- Upper Ten Mile Creek

 

The Upper Tenmile Creek project is located within the boundaries of the Omaha District of the Corps of Engineers. Stakeholders for this project include the Upper Tenmile Creek Watershed Group, U.S. Forest Service, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and Lewis and Clark County.

The project site is located adjacent to the northern end of the town of Rimini about 35 miles southwest of Helena.

Project Description

A large flood event in the watershed in 1981 washed out the adjacent road; subsequent to that a portion of the creek was channelized by erecting approximately 900 linear feet of dike composed in the downstream portion of imported rock, and in the upstream portion of native stream bank material. Erecting the dike cut off the adjacent wetlands from all but the highest stream flows. A small amount of additional wetland habitat is located on the opposite side of the road; however, the road embankment forms a second barrier preventing water from reaching it. Historically the streambed was located in this area as evidenced by remnant stream channels and alluvial deposits. Although it receives no creek water, some direct runoff from the surrounding land is present during at least part of the year which creates small pools and streams.

Project Goals

The project goal is to restore wetland habitat adjacent to Upper Tenmile Creek immediately downstream of the town of Rimini, Montana.

Current Status

USACE Omaha District personnel performed the fieldwork June 12th and 13th, 2006. The Concept Design Report and the Amphibian Survey were prepared and provided to the stakeholders for review and comment in July 2004. Based on stakeholder comments, a draft design will be prepared for review and comment in August 2004. A final design including plans and specifications will be completed in September 2006.

Existing Documents

As documents for this project become available, they will be provided in PDF format that can be accessed by clicking on the title of the document below. The General RAMS Work Plan and General Site Safety and Health Plan are referenced in project work plans. These documents may be accessed from menu to the left. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view these documents and may be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe Acrobat web site by clicking on Adobe Acrobat Reader above. Disclaimer: The appearance of an external hyperlink does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) of this web site or the information, products, or services contained therein. USACE does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at this location.

Documents

1. Appendices

2. Design Analysis

3. Plan Drawings

4. Work Estimate

 

 

 Bullion Mine and Mill

The Bullion Mine and Mill is located within the boundaries of the Omaha District of the Corps of Engineers. The federal partners with the Corps for this project are the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The USFS is voluntarily providing funding for report preparation for this project.

The Bullion Mine project site is located on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest approximately eight miles north of Basin, Montana. Currently, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are partners in a CERCLA response action at the mine and mill site. The Forest Service has identified eroded tailings that have re-deposited downstream from the site. The project site area consists of approximately a half-mile of tailings along Jack and “Jill” Creeks that lead to Basin Creek, a major tributary of the Boulder River.

Project Description

A total of 6 surface water samples, 6 sediment samples and ten mine waste samples were collected and analyzed to determine contamination related to arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc. Stream flow rate measurements were collected to determine stream discharge. A riparian health assessment was conducted in the area to assess the types, health, and density of riparian vegetation, as well as geomorphological features. A topographic survey was also be performed in the area to determine current grading and to obtained coordinates of sampling locations.

Project Goals

The goals of this site investigation were to:

  • identify potential contaminant sources and collect environmental samples to determine whether or not significant contamination exists and has the potential to impact human health or the environment and

  • determine whether or not contaminated mine wastes and soils should be removed.

 

Current Status

Field work for this project was completed in early October 2002. Funding was received from USFS for report preparation. A draft report was available for review and comment by stakeholders in March 2003. The final report was completed in August 2003.

Existing Documents

As documents for this project become available, they will be provided in PDF format that can be accessed by clicking on the title of the document below. The General RAMS Work Plan and General Site Safety and Health Plan are referenced in project work plans. These documents may be accessed from menu to the left. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view these documents and may be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe Acrobat web site by clicking on Adobe Acrobat Reader above. Disclaimer: The appearance of an external hyperlink does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) of this web site or the information, products, or services contained therein. USACE does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at this location.

Documents

1. Field Notes

2. Final Report

3. Site Specific Addendum

4. Site Safety and Health Plan

 

 

 Elkhorn Mountains

The Elkhorn Mountains project is located within the boundaries of the Omaha District of the Corps of Engineers. The federal partner with the Corps for this project is the U.S. Forest Services. Other stakeholders include the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

 

Current Status

A site visit occurred in late June 2002, and conceptual design documents were prepared based on discussions with stakeholders during that visit. The conceptual design was completed in the summer of 2003 and is under review by the U.S. Forest Service, and a review meeting is planned for the fall of 2004.

Existing Documents

As documents for this project become available, they will be provided in PDF format that can be accessed by clicking on the title of the document below. The General RAMS Work Plan and General Site Safety and Health Plan are referenced in project work plans. These documents may be accessed from menu to the left. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view these documents and may be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe Acrobat web site by clicking on Adobe Acrobat Reader above. Disclaimer: The appearance of an external hyperlink does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) of this web site or the information, products, or services contained therein. USACE does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at this location.

 Marysville Road/ Silver Creek

The Marysville Road/Silver Creek project is located within the boundaries of the Omaha District of the Corps of Engineers. The federal partner with the Corps for this project is the Federal Highway Administration. Other stakeholders include the Montana Department of Transportation, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and the Lewis and Clark County Public Works Department, Water Quality Protection District, and Weed Board.

Silver Creek and Marysville Road are located about 18 miles northwest of Helena. Silver Creek, which begins at the town of Marysville, runs eastward six miles before dumping into Prickly Pear Creek.

Project Description

Mining operations have impacted surface water quality in Silver Creek to the point where fish are not suitable for human consumption. Marysville Road is a gravel road that is narrow and winding in places, more so in the upper portion near Marysville. In a current project for MDT, Marysville Road will be widened and straightened first and then paved last. Work on widening and straightening will be done in sections. The Omaha District survey crew will install control points and survey in their locations in accordance with MDT specifications. In addition, the Omaha District survey crew will stake the boring locations for the roadbed fill sampling in the Montana State Plane Coordinate System NAD 83 datum. Soil borings will be continuously sampled from the road surface to a maximum depth of ten feet below ground surface or refusal for soil logging, geotechnical bag sampling, split-spoon blow counts, and composite analytical sampling. Twenty-one composite analytical samples and two quality control samples will be analyzed to determine whether or not road fill or road are potentially contributing to degradation of surface water quality.

Project Goals

One goal of this project was to establish survey control points throughout the drainage for use in design of the upgraded road and in ongoing environmental investigations occurring within the drainage. The second goal of the project was to identify possible areas of contamination from mine wastes possible used as road fill or road base that may be contributing to surface water contamination and will need to be removed during road reconstruction.

Current Status

A site visit occurred in late June 2002, and work plans were prepared based on discussions with stakeholders during that visit. The survey control points were installed by the Corps survey crew in August 2002. In the later half of that month, the Corps drill crew drilled all of the soil borings and sent chemical analytical samples to the laboratories. The Corps prepared the draft report. No comments were received, and the final report has been issued.

Existing Documents

As documents for this project become available, they will be provided in PDF format that can be accessed by clicking on the title of the document below. The General RAMS Work Plan and General Site Safety and Health Plan are referenced in project work plans. These documents may be accessed from menu to the left. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view these documents and may be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe Acrobat web site by clicking on Adobe Acrobat Reader above. Disclaimer: The appearance of an external hyperlink does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) of this web site or the information, products, or services contained therein. USACE does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at this location.

Documents

1. Attachment 1

2. Attachment 2

3. Attachment 3

4. Attachment 4

5. Attachment 5

6. Attachment 6

7. Draft Report