Data Management and Visualization

Featured Project

Barker Hughesville Mining District Superfund Site, Montana

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has divided the site into two operable units (OU1 and Ou2) based on geographic areas and various factors. Alta has been selected for work at the Dry Fork of Belt Creek Operable Unit 2 (OU2). OU2 begins below the confluence of Gold Run Creek and includes mining-related contaminant sources within the remainder of Galena Creek drainage basin (including Block P Mill Tailings Site and Repository) and the drainage basins of Pride of the West Creek, and Dry Fork of Belt Creek down to the Dry Fork of Belt Creek confluence with Belt Creek at Monarch, Montana. Most of OU2 is federal lands administered by the United States Forest Service (USFS) with isolated homestead claims along Dry Fork of Belt Creek.

The purpose of this project is to identify the sources of the mining waste in the Dry Fork of Belt Creek fluvial sediments for solid media only. The USFS seeks to understand the relative contribution of the waste from different mining operations and potentially responsible parties. Our forensic approach combines engineering, geomorphic, and geochemical analysis to identify the source contributions of mining waste to the Dry Fork of Belt Creek. Alta is currently conducting a comprehensive review of historical research. Alta is using this research and adding field investigation with a new lead isotope markers to track contamination in order to develop an Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA).

Alta has planned a 3 week site investigation for Summer 2024 where we will supplement past work in the remedial investigation and improve accuracy on the tailings volume estimate. The EE/CA will focus on the tailings along both banks of the creek in OU2 and potential repository locations. The forensics evaluation will not be determining the potential responsible party but will focus on likely contributing source locations of tailing material in and along the Dry Fork of Belt creek from Galena Creek to Monarch.

Alta will provide final deliverables Dec 2024 and will include a detailed analysis of reclamation alternatives for OU2 and BHMD for solid media only. Alta will present its analysis in an EE/CA Report for the Site.