STUDY NUMBER : 1.1 ( COMPLETED ) 



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) . 



CONTACT ( S ) ; Ted Duaime - Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology 



- 496-4157 



Ben Mundie - Montana Department of State Lands 



- 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 reclamation 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 1986. 

 Comprehensive water quality sampling was less frequent in recent 

 months, although specific conductivity, temperature and static 

 water levels were routinely monitored. The above data and reports 

 have provided a basis for reclamation designs. 



Under the Silver Bow Creek Remedial Investigation/Feasibility 

 Study, the Colorado Tailings will be considered as one of the 

 many operable units within the National Priority List site. 

 The remedial action and sequence of action on these operable 

 units will be determined as the investigation is completed. 

 A project summary will be prepared with distribution planned 

 for spring 1987. 



PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS 



Duaime, T. , J. Sonderegger and M. Zaluski. 1985. Hydrogeology 

 of the Colorado Tailings Area, Butte, Montana. Pages 4-20 In 

 C.E. Carlson and L.L. Bahls (eds.). Proceedings of the Clark 

 Fork Symposium. April 5, 1985. Montana Academy of Sciences, 

 Montana College of Science and Technology. 



