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ABANDONED MINE SITE CHARACTERIZATION and CLEANUP

1,49

HANDBOOK

129

stron

2598

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

2000

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Introduction. 1-1

1.2 Contents of Handbook . 1-2

Chapter 2 Overview of Mining and Mineral Processing Operations

2. 1 Introduction2-1

2. 2 Mining 2-1

2. 2. 1 Types of Mining Processes 2-2

2. 2. 2 Mining Wastes and Hazardous Materials2-3

2. 3 Beneficiation: Milling . 2-5

2. 3. 1 Types of Beneficiation (Milling) Processes . 2-5

2. 3. 2 Beneficiation (Milling) Wastes and Hazardous Materials2-7

2. 4 Beneficiation: Leaching . 2-9

2. 4. 1 Types of Processes Associated with Leaching 2-9

2. 4. 2 Leaching Wastes and Hazardous Materials . 2-12

2. 5 Mineral Processing . 2-12

2. 5. 1 Types of Mineral Processing Operations . 2-13

2. 5. 2 Types of Mineral Processing Wastes and Hazardous Materials2-14

2. 6 Additional Sources of Information2-16

Chapter 3 Environmental Impacts from Mining

3.1 Introduction. 3-1

3.2 Acid Drainage . 3-1

3.3 Metal Contamination of Ground and Surface Water, and Associated Sediments 3-3

3.4 Sedimentation of Surface Waters 3-5

3.5 Cyanide . 3-6

3.6 Air Emission and Downwind Deposition . 3-8

3.7 Physical Impacts from Mine and Waste Management Units3-9

3.8 Sources of Additional Information. 3-11

Chapter 4 Setting Goals and Measuring Success

4.1 Introduction. 4-1

4.2 National and Regional Goals . 4-1

4.3 State and Local Goals 4-2

4.3.1 Human Health Impacts . 4-2

4.3.2 Environmental Impacts . 4-3

4.3.3 Getting it Done . 4-3

4.3.4 Values and Choices . 4-4

4.4 Measuring Success4-4

4.5 Sources of Additional Information 4-5

Chapter 5 Community Involvement at Mining Waste Sites

5.1 Introduction. 5-1

5.2 Considerations for Community Involvement at Mine Waste Sites 5-1

5.2.1 Community Values and Culture . 5-1

5.3 Risk Perception . 5-3

5.4 Liability 5-4

5.5 Economic Impacts. 5-5

5.6 Fiscal Impacts on Local Government . 5-6

5.7 Federal Land Managers . 5-7

5.8 Uncertainty5-7

5.9 Additional Sources of Information 5-8

Chapter 6 Scoping Studies of Mining and Mineral Processing Impact Areas

6.1 Introduction. 6-1

6.2 Scoping . 6-1

6.3 Difficulties in Scoping Abandoned Mine Sites . 6-3

6.4 Scoping Issues Associated with Mining and Mineral Processing Sites 6-4

6.4.1 Operable Units . 6-4

6.4.2 Interim Actions . 6-6

6.4.3 Unusual Requirements . 6-6

6.5 Sources of Additional Information 6-7

Chapter 7 Sampling & Analysis of Impacted Areas

7.1 Introduction. 7-1

7.2 Sampling and Analysis 7-1

7.3 Issues for Sampling at Mining and Mineral Processing Sites . 7-2

7.3.1 Defining Analytical Data Needs 7-2

7.3.2 Understanding Pre-Mining Conditions 7-2

7.3.3 The Importance of Site Characterization. 7-4

7.3.4 Calculating Preliminary Remediation Goals . 7-4

7.3.5 Selecting a Qualified Analytical Laboratory . 7-5

7.3.6. Determining the Leachability of Contaminants . 7-5

7.3.7 Selecting Analytical Methods 7-6

Chapter 8 Scoping and Conducting Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessments At Superfund

Mine Waste Sites

8.1 Introduction. 8-1

8.2 Supporting Guidance Documents 8-1

8.3 Overview of Mine Waste Site Risk Assessment Features. 8-2

8.3.1 Site Characteristics . 8-2

8.3.2 Comprehensive Risk Assessment Considerations8-3

8.4 Ecological Risk Assessment8-4

8.4.1 Identification of Potential Chemical and Physical Stressors . 8-5

8.4.2 Problem Formulation 8-5

8.4.3 Characterization of Ecological Effects . 8-6

Table of Co ntents iii

Chapter 8 Scoping and Conducting Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessments At Superfund

Mine Waste Sites (continued)

8.5 Human Health Risk Assessment 8-7

8.5.1 Contaminants of Potential Concern . 8-7

8.5.2 Exposure Assessment . 8-9

8.5.3 Toxicity Assessment . 8-10

8.5.4 Health Studies 8-10

8.6 Probabilistic Analysis 8-11

8.7 Risk Characterization 8-11

8.8 Risk Communication . 8-12

8.9 Removal Actions 8-12

8.9.1 Health Effects 8-12

8.9.2 Risk Management Considerations . 8-13

8.10 Sources of Additional Information8-13

Chapter 9 Site Management Strategies

9.1 Introduction. 9-1

9.2 Managing for Risk Reduction . 9-1

9.3 Categories of Activities that Address Risk Elements9-2

9.4 Time-Based Responses . 9-3

9.4.1 Time-Critical Actions . 9-4

9.4.2 Interim Responses9-5

9.4.3 Long-Term Responses . 9-7

9.5 Strategic Planning Considerations. 9-8

9.5.1 ARARs . 9-8

9.5.2 State and Other Agencies9-9

9.5.3 Brownfield Initiative 9-10

9.5.4 Enforcement Considerations 9-10

9.6. Additional Sources of Information9-11

Chapter 10 Remediation and Cleanup Options

10.1 Introduction . 10-1

10.2 Background . 10-1

10.3 Conventional Technologies . 10-3

10.3.1 Treatment Technologies . 10-3

10.3.2 Collection, Diversion, and Containment Technologies. 10-5

10.3.3 Reuse, Recycle, Reclaim . 10-9

10.4 Innovative/Emerging Technologies . 10-9

10.5 Institutional Controls . 10.10

10.6 Sources of Information and Means of Accessing Information Regarding Available Technologies

10-12

Chapter 11 The Regulatory "Toolbox"

11.1 Introduction . 11-1

11.2 Background 11-1

11.3 CERCLA Jurisdiction/Applicability11-2

11.3.1 Jurisdictional Conditions11-2

11.3.2 Media 11-2

11.3.3 Constituents . 11-2

11.4 Implementation Mechanisms 11-2

11.4.1 Permits. 11-2

11.4.2 Review/Approval . 11-3

11.4.3 Response Authorities 11-3

11.4.4 Standard Setting . 11-4

11.4.5 Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements. 11-4

11.5 Compliance/Enforcement11-5

11.5.1 Administrative and Injunctive Authorities . 11-5

11.5.2 Cost Recovery. 11-5

11.5.3 Civil Penalties 11-6

11.5.4 Criminal Penalties 11-6

11.5.5 Information Collection. 11-6

11.6 Other Superfund "Tools". 11-7

11.6.1 Funding11-7

11.6.2 Natural Resource Damage Provisions. 11-7

11.6.3 Good Samaritan Provisions . 11-7

11.6.4 Native American Tribes11-8

11.7 Limitations . 11-8

11.7.1 Federally Permitted Release 11-8