Ely Mine
Ely Mine
EVSP 594
July 20, 2014
Phyllis Langone Ph. D.
Ely Mine
Executive Summary
The Ely Copper Mine was mined from 1821 to 1920 sporadically for copper and during this time it added trace elements and acid runoff to the streams and river around the mine. The mine sat idle for almost twenty years when in 1942 the mine was reopened during the war because metals like copper were needed (USGS United States Geological Survey, 2007). The Ely Copper Mine in Vershire, Vermont has throughout the years deposited heavy metals and has added acid mine drainage in abundance into the downstream river system. The mining of the copper has increased the amount of heavy metals in these streams that in turn create a problem called acid mine drainage or AMD. Sulfuric acid is created when metals such as aluminum, zinc, cadmium, and copper sulfides are mixed with oxygen and water (University of Vermont, 2009). This makes its way into the streams and rivers and can cause a threat not only to the ecosystem, but the aquatic system in which it is draining into. The damage and impact that can be created by this contamination can destroy an ecosystem. The destruction to aquatic organisms such as fish, and macro invertebrates can have lasting and permanent effects on the life of the stream or river. There are ways to lessen the bio-accessibility via abiotic and biotic remediation techniques. One is if the pH is lowered the bio-availability of the heavy metals will ease the stress and destruction of these pollutants. For this project we will attempt to discover ways for possible chemical remediation or phytoextraction.
Below is a map that illustrates where the Ely Copper mine lies in the state of Vermont.
(USGS United States Geological Survey, 2007)
Problem Statement The Ely Copper Mine has caused a destructive condition that has affected miles of streams and rivers downstream from the mine itself. This is mainly because of the runoff from the mine waste and
EVSP 594
July 20, 2014
Phyllis Langone Ph. D.
Ely Mine
Executive Summary
The Ely Copper Mine was mined from 1821 to 1920 sporadically for copper and during this time it added trace elements and acid runoff to the streams and river around the mine. The mine sat idle for almost twenty years when in 1942 the mine was reopened during the war because metals like copper were needed (USGS United States Geological Survey, 2007). The Ely Copper Mine in Vershire, Vermont has throughout the years deposited heavy metals and has added acid mine drainage in abundance into the downstream river system. The mining of the copper has increased the amount of heavy metals in these streams that in turn create a problem called acid mine drainage or AMD. Sulfuric acid is created when metals such as aluminum, zinc, cadmium, and copper sulfides are mixed with oxygen and water (University of Vermont, 2009). This makes its way into the streams and rivers and can cause a threat not only to the ecosystem, but the aquatic system in which it is draining into. The damage and impact that can be created by this contamination can destroy an ecosystem. The destruction to aquatic organisms such as fish, and macro invertebrates can have lasting and permanent effects on the life of the stream or river. There are ways to lessen the bio-accessibility via abiotic and biotic remediation techniques. One is if the pH is lowered the bio-availability of the heavy metals will ease the stress and destruction of these pollutants. For this project we will attempt to discover ways for possible chemical remediation or phytoextraction.
Below is a map that illustrates where the Ely Copper mine lies in the state of Vermont.
(USGS United States Geological Survey, 2007)
Problem Statement The Ely Copper Mine has caused a destructive condition that has affected miles of streams and rivers downstream from the mine itself. This is mainly because of the runoff from the mine waste and
References: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. (2002). The biotic ligand model: a historical overview. Retrieved from http://elsevier.com/locate/cbpc EPA Environmental Protection Agency. (2007). Biotic Ligand Model Users Guide. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/copper/ EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2014). National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. Retrieved from http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/current/index.cfm Marshall Education. (2005). Passive Treatment of Metal-Bearing Runoffs/Seepage 101: An Overview of Technologies. Retrieved from http://www.marshall.edu/cegas/geohazards/2009pdf/5_OtherGeoTech_issues_Bateman_pdf?5_Passive_Treatment_Gusek_Blumenstei-n.pdf Seager, S. L., & Slabaugh, M. R. (2000). Chemistry for Today (4th Ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. USGS United States Geological Survey. (2007). Stream Quality Assessment at the Ely Copper Mine Superfund Site Vermont. Retrieved from http://nh.water.usgs.gov/projects/summaries/elymin.htm University of Vermont. (2009). Aquatic Risk Assessment of the Ely Copper Mine. Retrieved from http://www.uvm.edu/-wbowden/Teaching/Risk_Assessment/Resources/Public Water Resources Engineering. (2007). BLM-Biotic Ligand Model. Retrieved from http://www.hydroqual.com/wr_blm.html Wright, D. A., & Welbourn, P. (2002). Environmental Toxicology (Rev Ed.). Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press.