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Remediation of Abandoned Mine Lands |
The AMD was directed through five 3”x8’ PVC reaction chambers. The chambers were filled with 1%, 10% and 20% ZVI mixed with sand. Two additional chambers were filled with bauxsol pellets and 30% bauxsol and 70% sand. AMD flow was reduced to 100 ml/min and split among the five chambers. Six sets of samples were collected weekly during August and September.
Results show similar performance among the materials. Results indicate that for cadmium, copper and zinc, the principal heavy metals of concern, that 10% ZVI or bauxsol pellets meet water quality standards. Cement Creek water quality standards are: 10 ug/L, 200 ug/L and 2000 ug/L for cadmium, copper and zinc, respectively.
Karl L. Ford, Ph.D., Bureau of Land Management Karl is a National Remediation Advisor for BLM serving the 12 western states. He performs site characterization, risk assessment and remediation for BLM abandoned mine sites. He has a Ph.D in environmental health science from Colorado State University. Karl has previous experience in consulting and university teaching.