BLM-MT, Zortman/Landusky Water Treatment and Reclamation, State Office

Background: The purpose of this program is to protect water quality in streams and aquifers adjacent to the abandoned Zortman and Landusky mines. Currently, the Departement of Environmental Quality (DEQ) jointly oversees reclamation of the Zortman and Landusky mines in co-operation with the BLM. The mines were permitted by the agencies in the early1980s, and the reclamation of the sites and operation of water treatment facilities became the agencies' responsibility when the mini ng company, Pegasus Gold Corporation, entered bankruptcy in 1999. These actions have been conducted using a combination of reclamation and water treatment bonds posted by the company, and public funds. The reclamation bonds have been depleted and the water treatment bond covers less than half of the annual site operating costs and will expire in 2017. Significant unpredicted water quality problems developed at some mine facilities after the bankruptcy, resulting in long-term site management expenses that were not anticipated or funded by the posted bonds. Recent extreme precipitation events have exacerbated the funding shortfall by damaging seepage interception facilities and filling contaminated water storage facilities to capacity. Objectives: The objective of this project is to continue treating contaminated water at the Zortman/Landusky abandoned mine sites. Removal of the heavy metals and other contaminants by water treatment protects the public and Native American tribes water resources and consequently the public health and environment. Specific Objectives for this project include: l ) the interception and retention of all contaminated seepage and runoff from the mine sites which would otherwise cause the pollution of local streams and associated aquifers; 2) Treatment and discharge of all intercepted waters with the goal of compliance with all Montana water quality standards and other requirements listed in Appendix 4 of BLM's September 2006 Engineering Evaluation /Cost Analysis (EE/CA) for Water Management at the Zortman and Landusky Mines; 3) Reduction of contaminated water 4) Reduction in the volume of water requiring treatment annually. Public Benefit: Members of the public and adjacent Native American Tribes who live near the Zortman/Landusky mine use the land and water resources for supplies, agriculture and recreation. The projected water treatment will improve water quality and will result in the protection of public health and the environment.