Mine Remediation
HOLDEN MINE SITE CLEANUP: Basic Questions and Answers
What is the Holden mine site cleanup?
It’s an ambitious project directed by the U.S. Forest Service in cooperation with the Washington Department of Ecology and the EPA (the agencies) to clean up contaminants (potential threats to human and environmental health) that were left over from the Howe Sound Holden Mine. More than 120 acres, largely across Railroad Creek from Holden Village, are included in the affected area.
Heavy equipment for the mine cleanup is offloaded from a barge at the Lucerne landing. (Photo by MWH)
Who else is involved?
Along with the agencies and their consultant, Hart Crowser, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakima Tribes are involved as advisers. So are Intalco (the mining company) and its consulting engineer, MWH. As a landowner and neighboring community, Holden Village will also be part of the process. Many contractors and workers will be employed, with a preference for those from local communities.
What will be done in the mine cleanup process?
The cleanup (also called remediation or mitigation) is largely concerned with keeping contaminants out of the ground water and the surface water—namely, Railroad Creek. A large amount of earth moving and construction will aim to capture all water that comes in contact with the tailings and other contaminated areas. The water will then be purified in a water-treatment plant before being discharged back into the environment.
When is the mine cleanup project going to happen and how long will it last?
The target years are 2011-2015. This summer, as we conducted our normal Holden program, we began to see work and workers (up to 65) in and around the Village. Slated to continue next summer, these “Early Works” projects will prepare the way for the “Heavy Construction” years of 2013-2014. During 2013-2014 we’re anticipating creative changes in Holden Village’s program as we house and feed 200+ construction people working in shifts 24/7 on the project. In the summer of 2015 we expect to resume full programming with a number of construction workers on site (65 or so) finishing up the project. There will then be a five-year period of testing and analysis to determine whether further work will be necessary in the eastern portion of the affected area. If required, this additional work would have an undetermined (at this time, at least) impact on Holden Village.
During this initial phase of mine cleanup, traffic on Holden's main thoroughfare is busier and more varied than usual. (Photo by Don Wilson)
Who’s paying for it?
The mining company Intalco, a Rio Tinto subsidiary and successor to the original Howe Sound mining operation, has agreed to pay for the cleanup.
Is Holden Village going to close during the mine cleanup?
No! The opportunities to visit or work at Holden Village may be different than you’re used to, especially during summer, so you might want to consider fall, winter or spring. Stay tuned!
What will the Village do during the cleanup?
This time is being viewed as an opportunity both to support the cleanup effort and to make facility improvements to ensure that the Village will be healthy well into the future. In support of the cleanup, the Village will once again be transformed into a mining town—housing, feeding and taking care of the mine remediation workers. At the same time the Village will continue to be supported by hundreds of volunteers. They’ll help house and feed the workers. They’ll handle much-needed repairs to the Village’s buildings, electrical systems and waterworks. They’ll also provide ongoing support for Holden’s multifaceted programs.
How can I be involved with Holden or come to the Village during heavy construction?
There will be many opportunities to be involved as volunteers, staff and guests. We’re taking a creative approach, aiming to include as many Holdenites as possible during this phase of mine cleanup.
Significant stretches of timber just south of Railroad Creek have been cleared to create a mine-cleanup bypass road around the Village. (Photo by Don Wilson)
Will the Village look changed after the cleanup is finished?
Holden Village and its immediate environs should be even more charming and beautiful than before. Because Holden is a historical site, all work must follow strict guidelines to protect the Village’s historical integrity. The surrounding areas—specifically, across Railroad Creek—will look quite different. The mill structure will be removed, the tailings graded and capped, many trees planted and some new structures built.
Will any current Holden Village buildings be destroyed?
Yes. On the second level Holden’s two garages and the former Portal Museum structure will be demolished. They’ll be rebuilt at the end of the project. Museum displays have already been moved to the Village Center. Garage activities will be relocated to a temporary facility.
What will happen to Holden Village programming?
As always, Holden’s programming will help define and express our life together. Programming will be an essential element in taking on challenges that lie ahead. It will be simultaneously familiar, new and creative as we evolve together during this time of much-needed environmental restoration.
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Click here for Holden’s own mine-remediation blog (debut post!).
And here for occasional updates from the National Forest Service.
