ARCADIS provided investigatory, engineering and compliance support services for Summitville Consolidated Mining at the Summitville Mine. We also assisted in the preparation of an individual stormwater permit.  Services include developing a storm-water sampling protocol, providing consultation with sample collection, identifying stormwater point source discharges and completing permit application forms.

Under a settlement agreement, ARCADIS developed a best management practices plan which included developing a materials containment plan identifying chemical materials inventory and management practices, as well as an accelerated program of reclamation activities for the waste rock dumps and diversion of undisturbed groundwater and surface water around and off the reclaimed areas.

We identified acid mine drainage and evaluated the flow rate and extent of contamination.  Groundwater seeps contaminated with elevated metal concentrations and pH values approaching 2.0 were controlled, diverted and treated.  A short-term acid treatment system was installed consisting of ponds placed in a series with the addition of lime and polymer.  The treated water was discharged under a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit.  Other long-term treatment alternatives for surface water and groundwater seeps were evaluated, including treatment effectiveness using jar tests and cost/benefit evaluations.

ARCADIS installed shallow groundwater wells to identify the rate and extent of undisturbed groundwater influent to the waste rock piles, contaminated groundwater downgradient of the piles, and the cyanide heap leach pad.  The groundwater investigation downgradient of the waste rock piles and heap leach pad focused on the rate and origin of contaminated groundwater.  The combination of groundwater interception, reclamation activities to reduce surface water infiltration to groundwater, and treatment was implemented to reduce the discharge of contaminated groundwater and surface water.

ARCADIS was also commissioned to evaluate an existing wastewater treatment facility process consisting of cyanide destruction with chlorination and metals removal with coagulant flocculation and sulfide reduction.  In addition to evaluating and optimizing the process, we evaluated the physical plant capacity and the capability of the operators.  Our recommendations included influent flow control, improved mixing capacity and chemical additions.  In addition, ARCADIS provided enhanced operator training and developed a preventative maintenance program to minimize plant breakdowns and upsets.

Project Accomplishments:

• Successfully reduced discharge of acid mine drainage
• Optimized wastewater treatment plant systems
• Provided treatment plant operator training