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SURVEY OF LOW FLOW DRAINAGES AND SEEPS IN COLORADO TO ASSESS IMPLEMENTABILITY OF PASSIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS
Citation:
BOLIS, J., L. FIGUEROA, M. ZALUSKI, D. R. BLESS, AND M. HOLMES. SURVEY OF LOW FLOW DRAINAGES AND SEEPS IN COLORADO TO ASSESS IMPLEMENTABILITY OF PASSIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS. Presented at 2007 National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Gillette, WY, June 02 - 07, 2007.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
Low flow drainages and seeps are typically not evaluated for mitigation due to the perceived low impact on the watershed. However, localized metals concentrations and acidity can be at levels of concern. Future passage of a “Good Samaritan Act” should increase activity at currently perceived low impact sites to improvement overall watershed water quality. This paper details an assessment of 26 sites in Colorado for implementability of passive treatment systems. Criteria included water quality, flow, regulatory status, accessibility and topography. Field reconnaissance was conducted at each site. Water quality information was extracted from existing sources when possible. Water quality analysis of grab samples was completed for selected sites. The ranking factors and decision analysis should prove useful in developing a data base of low flow drainages and seeps on abandoned and orphaned mine sites that can be used in watershed assessments and incremental improvements in TMDLs.