STUDY NUMBER ; 1.1 



ORGANIZATION ; Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) 



TITLE OF STUDY ; Hydrogeologic Monitoring of the Colorado 

 Tailings Area, Butte, Montana (prepared for the Department of 

 State Lands via contract). 



CONTACTS ; Ted Duaime - MBMG - 496-4157 

 Ben Mundie - MDSL - 444-2074 



OBJECTIVE ; Characterize the mobilization of heavy metals 

 within the Colorado Tailings; determine the resulting impacts 

 to surface and groundwater; prepare a rationale for reclama- 

 tion needs and alternatives. 



DURATION ; 1982 - 1987 



CURRENT STATUS ; The Colorado Tailings are abandoned mine 

 wastes, averaging about five feet in thickness and covering 

 30 acres of Silver Bow Creek and its floodplain. They are 

 located just downstream from the Butte Metro Wastewater 

 Treatment Plant. 



Beginning in 1982, MBMG began collecting water quality 

 and core samples near and within the tailings. Approximately 

 25 test wells were monitored monthly for numerous water 

 quality parameters and static water levels from 1982 through 

 early 1985. Comprehensive water quality sampling has been 

 less frequent in recent months, although specific conductiv- 

 ity, temperature and static water levels are routinely 

 monitored. 



