c. Conduct a detailed ground survey to identify mine 

 waste areas that are the most erosion-prone and 

 that would be good candidates for reclamation 

 efforts. 



2. Define the geochemistry and hydrogeologic setting at 

 priority streamside mine waste areas. 



a. Undertake a detailed geochemical and hydrologic 

 study of sites selected for initial reclamation 

 work. 



b. Use existing survey data, especially that developed 

 by the University of Montana Geology Department, 



to determine additional study needs. 



c. Develop a detailed map of metals distribution in 

 the priority floodplain mine waste areas. 



d. Monitor soil and ground water. 



3. Evaluate the fluvial mechanics of the upper Clark Fork. 



Conduct a detailed evaluation of the fluvial mechanics 

 of the river prior to any major reclamation efforts. 

 Identification, evaluation, and reclamation of stream- 

 side tailings areas could be wasted efforts if the 

 river mechanics are poorly understood. The issues of 

 potential sources of contamination from surface runoff, 

 bank erosion, etc., must be set within the context of 

 how the river functions as a physical system. 



4. Select candidate sites for reclamation. 



Base selection of floodplain mine waste areas for recla- 

 mation work on the geochemical, hydrogeologic, and 

 physical setting, access, and landowner cooperation. 

 Ideally, the sites selected would represent a variety of 

 environmental conditions so that the knowledge gained 

 from a few sites could be transferred to other sites in 

 the floodplain. 



5. Conduct reclamation demonstration projects. 



Conduct demonstration projects to test reclamation 

 techniques in limited areas of streamside mine wastes 

 before full-scale remedial actions take place. Results 

 of these projects should be made available to land- 

 owners, government agencies, and others interested in 

 reclamation. 



5-7 



