NRDA and Remediation Design for Mine Sites
The Chino and Tyrone mining sites are two large open-pit porphyry copper mines located in Grant County, New Mexico. Integral staff used hydrologic and environmental systems analysis (HESA) to support the natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) and remediation design for the two mine sites. The conceptual site models (CSMs) considered many elements: climate; vegetation and habitat; topography; hydrology; geomorphic systems; surface water characteristics; geologic, geochemical and hydrogeologic framework; groundwater flow and hydrochemistry; and anthropogenic activity. The resulting systems-based conceptual models allowed stakeholders to effectively evaluate potential reclamation or restoration measures and identify potential data gaps or refinements to existing CSMs.
In developing the Chino CSM, Integral staff focused on sediments within the active stream channels near the site and the interaction of groundwater and surface water—identifying possible sources and mechanisms for transport of the chemicals of concern. The Tyrone site CSM considered the groundwater and surface water systems of the Mangas Valley, along with drainage and possible effects on mine tailings. Using the HESA approach for the NRDA, stakeholders considered solutions for enhanced wetlands and habitat in the surrounding ecosystems. By providing a holistic view of the land surface and the surface water and groundwater systems, HESA enabled the site owners to make green reclamation decisions for channel modifications and tailings designs.
This project reflects Integral staff experience gained under previous employment.
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