Abandoned Mines Sealed Through Collaborative Effort of Reclamation Regional Crews
Reclamation is using its dam construction technology and helicopters to help solve land-based issues.
There are an estimated 500,000 abandoned mine sites in the United States with as many sites in Nevada as the rest of the western states combined. Most of the sites in Nevada are the responsibility of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which is taking an inventory of these mines and securing the hazardous areas.
Under a BLM-coordinated, multi-agency effort, Reclamation's Pacific Northwest Region (PN) drill-crews are providing the "boots on the ground" to shore up abandoned mines in Nevada, while Reclamation's Lower Colorado Region (LC) is providing logistical and operational support needed to accomplish the mission.
The drill-crew's mission is to seal the old mine to prevent human trespass and possible tragedy, while allowing clear access for animals that have come to rely on the shafts for habitat and shelter. One of the innovations the crew has devised to accomplish this feat are custom fabricated gates, made at Reclamation's Boulder City facility. Due to the remote locations of the mines, an LC helicopter team transports the gates from Boulder City to the mine site for installation.
The collaboration involved in the land mine effort is widespread, and includes representatives from the LC and PN Regions, BLM, Corps of Engineers, researchers from Virginia's Christopher Newport University, Nevada Division of Minerals, the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Omaha Division.
Since Oct. 2007, more than 150 sites have been closed. Work on many of these sites was completed by Reclamation's drill-crew, while other sites have been completed by a diverse coalition of partners that volunteer equipment and staff to the effort.
"I think the partnerships are the real story," said A.J. Mitchell, Reclamation’s drill-crew foreman. "None of this work would be possible if the networks weren't in place and the various players involved hadn't figured out a way to make things work. It's an encouraging thing to see happen."
Last Updated: 5/22/08