Environmental Planning for Mine Cleanup and Demolition Activities

Abstract

Environmental planning for final cleanup and demolition of mining facilities is a critical step in the overall reclamation of these sites. Identification and proper handling of a myriad of waste streams is important to complete before demolition of facilities commences. Additionally,issues such as utilities, soil and water pollution control, historic concerns, and permitting considerations must all receive careful consideration prior to demolition contractors mobilizing onsite. These decisions can affect the schedule and cost of the demolition activities because they may control how the demolition contractor will conduct his activities. Surveys should be completed to identify special building materials that may need to be abated prior to demolition such as asbestos and lead-based paint. Potentially recyclable materials should be identified and characterized to assess the owner’s liability if these materials are recycled including: scrap steel, processing equipment, brick, and wood. Major demolition waste streams also need to be characterized for disposal in on-site or off-site landfills. Finally, all these characterization and environmental planning decisions should be documented in facility records, and written guidance on these matters should be prepared for the demolition contractor before he finalizes his bid for the work. The authors demonstrate how all this was done to plan for the demolition of the mill and numerous support facilities at the renowned Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota.

Buck, B.W.,and M. Zietlow, 2002. 24th Annual Conference, National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs, September 17, Park City, Utah.