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Mine Drainage Control and Treatment Options Region 10 Webinar Workshops – Hardrock mine geochemistry and hydrology. Workshop #3: Preparing for unexpected outcomes at mine sites and means to control contamination Barbara A. Butler March 5, 2013. Disclaimer. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Workshop #3: Preparing for unexpected outcomes at mine sites and means to
control contamination
Barbara A. ButlerMarch 5, 2013
Mine Drainage Control and Mine Drainage Control and Treatment OptionsTreatment Options
Region 10 Webinar Workshops – Hardrock Region 10 Webinar Workshops – Hardrock mine geochemistry and hydrologymine geochemistry and hydrology
11
DisclaimerDisclaimer
Mention of trade names or products does not constitute the U.S. EPA’s
endorsement. The information presented is the sole
responsibility of the author and does not necessarily represent the
views of the U.S. EPA
22
OverviewOverview DefinitionsDefinitions How does mine-drainage form?How does mine-drainage form? Mitigation measuresMitigation measures
Design and operationDesign and operation What happens when drainage enters What happens when drainage enters a stream?a stream? Precipitation and sorption reactionsPrecipitation and sorption reactions
Remedial optionsRemedial options Active treatmentActive treatment Passive (semi-passive) treatmentPassive (semi-passive) treatment
33
DefinitionsDefinitions
MitigationMitigation All steps taken to prevent (avoid), All steps taken to prevent (avoid), reduce (minimize), treat, and reduce (minimize), treat, and compensate for any potential adverse compensate for any potential adverse impacts (risk) on the environment impacts (risk) on the environment from a given activity (hazard)from a given activity (hazard)
Proper planning, design, construction, Proper planning, design, construction, operation, management, and closure of operation, management, and closure of waste and water containment and treatment waste and water containment and treatment facilities, monitoring and maintenance facilities, monitoring and maintenance over all mine-life phases, including after over all mine-life phases, including after mine closure. mine closure.
44
DefinitionsDefinitions
ReclamationReclamation Refers to restoringRefers to restoring11 a disturbed a disturbed area to an acceptable form and area to an acceptable form and planned use, following active planned use, following active miningmining
Includes actions taken to Includes actions taken to mitigate against future risksmitigate against future risks
11Rarely is a site able to be restored to what it was prior to mining, which is the strictest definition of restoration.
55
DefinitionsDefinitions
RemediationRemediation Refers to correcting an issue Refers to correcting an issue that has become evident, such as that has become evident, such as cleaning up a spill or an cleaning up a spill or an abandoned mine siteabandoned mine site
66
DefinitionsDefinitions
Best Management Practice Best Management Practice (BMP)(BMP) With respect to the CWA, this With respect to the CWA, this term generally applies to term generally applies to specific measures for managing specific measures for managing non-point source runoff from non-point source runoff from storm water (40 CFR Part storm water (40 CFR Part 130.2(m)). 130.2(m)).
77
OverviewOverview DefinitionsDefinitions How does mine-drainage form?How does mine-drainage form? Mitigation measuresMitigation measures
Design and operationDesign and operation What happens when drainage enters a What happens when drainage enters a stream?stream? Precipitation and sorption reactionsPrecipitation and sorption reactions
Remedial optionsRemedial options Active treatmentActive treatment Passive (semi-passive) treatmentPassive (semi-passive) treatment
88
How Does Mine-Drainage Form?How Does Mine-Drainage Form?
Mining ProcessMining Process Exposes pyrite and other Exposes pyrite and other minerals to the atmosphereminerals to the atmosphere
Grinding processesGrinding processes Larger surface areas for exposure Larger surface areas for exposure (weather more quickly)(weather more quickly)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pyrite_3.jpg
Pyrite
99
How Does Mine-Drainage Form?How Does Mine-Drainage Form?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pyrite_3.jpg
Pyrite
HSOFeOHOFeS 225.3 24
2222
322
2 5.025.0 FeOHHOFe Bacteria
HSOFeOHFeSFe 16215814 24
222
3
Initiator Reaction
Propagation Cycle
Pyrite
106 x faster
1010
How Does Mine-Drainage Form?How Does Mine-Drainage Form?
Acidic, neutral or alkalineAcidic, neutral or alkaline11?? Acid-producing reactionsAcid-producing reactions
Pyritic minerals; oxyhydroxide Pyritic minerals; oxyhydroxide formationformation
Acid-consuming reactionsAcid-consuming reactions Carbonate minerals (produce Carbonate minerals (produce alkalinity)alkalinity)
E.g., limestone and dolomiteE.g., limestone and dolomite Aluminosilicate (clay minerals)Aluminosilicate (clay minerals)
E.g., muscovite, kaoliniteE.g., muscovite, kaolinite Formation from non-pyritic mineralsFormation from non-pyritic minerals
11Mining-influenced waters (MIW) coined by Dr. Ron Schmiermund in 1997 to encompass all types1111
OverviewOverview DefinitionsDefinitions How does mine-drainage form?How does mine-drainage form? Mitigation measuresMitigation measures
Design and operationDesign and operation What happens when drainage enters a What happens when drainage enters a stream?stream? Precipitation and sorption reactionsPrecipitation and sorption reactions
Remedial optionsRemedial options Active treatmentActive treatment Passive (semi-passive) treatmentPassive (semi-passive) treatment
1212
Mitigation MeasuresMitigation Measures Waste rock pilesWaste rock piles
Tailings storage facilitiesTailings storage facilities
Measures presented are not inclusive of all options available.
1313
Mitigation MeasuresMitigation Measures Waste Rock Piles Waste Rock Piles
Minimize leaching of acidity Minimize leaching of acidity and ionsand ions
Minimize exposure of water Minimize exposure of water bodies to seepage/drainagebodies to seepage/drainage
Minimize acid generationMinimize acid generation
1414
Mitigation MeasuresMitigation Measures Waste Rock Piles Waste Rock Piles
Minimize leaching of acidity Minimize leaching of acidity and ionsand ions Encapsulation with impermeable Encapsulation with impermeable layerlayer
Minimize infiltration, seepage, and Minimize infiltration, seepage, and oxygen transferoxygen transfer
CompactionCompaction Minimizes voidsMinimizes voids
Progressive reclamationProgressive reclamation
1515
Mitigation MeasuresMitigation Measures Waste Rock Piles Waste Rock Piles
Minimize exposure of water Minimize exposure of water bodies to seepage/drainagebodies to seepage/drainage Locating piles within cone of Locating piles within cone of depressiondepression
Drainage flows to pit and is pumped Drainage flows to pit and is pumped out with groundwater (GW)out with groundwater (GW)
Under-drains, diversions, GW Under-drains, diversions, GW monitoring wells, liners (clay monitoring wells, liners (clay and/or geosynthetic), and/or geosynthetic),
1616
Mitigation MeasuresMitigation Measures Waste Rock Piles Waste Rock Piles
Minimize acid generationMinimize acid generation Segregation of potentially acid-Segregation of potentially acid-generating (PAG) rock with non-acid-generating (PAG) rock with non-acid-generating (NAG) rockgenerating (NAG) rock
Mining of sub-economic ore (PAG) as Mining of sub-economic ore (PAG) as blending material, or at end of blending material, or at end of operationsoperations
Layering of PAG rock NAG rockLayering of PAG rock NAG rock Blending with acid-consuming materialsBlending with acid-consuming materials BactericideBactericide Isolation (encapsulation)Isolation (encapsulation)
1717
Mitigation MeasuresMitigation Measures Tailings Storage Facilities Tailings Storage Facilities
Wet storageWet storage Most commonMost common
Mining uses a lot of water and Mining uses a lot of water and facility provides dual purpose as facility provides dual purpose as storagestorage
Seismic and flood considerationsSeismic and flood considerations Dry storageDry storage
Filtered tailings removes maximum Filtered tailings removes maximum amount of wateramount of water
Not appropriate for PAGNot appropriate for PAG
1818
Mitigation MeasuresMitigation Measures Tailings Storage Facilities Tailings Storage Facilities
Isolation of PAG materialIsolation of PAG material Selective processing methodsSelective processing methods Sub-aqueous disposal to minimize Sub-aqueous disposal to minimize oxidationoxidation
EncapsulationEncapsulation
1919
Mitigation MeasuresMitigation Measures Tailings Storage Facilities Tailings Storage Facilities
Minimize exposure of water Minimize exposure of water bodies to seepage/drainagebodies to seepage/drainage Liners, under-drains, decant Liners, under-drains, decant systemssystems
Diversions for clean waterDiversions for clean water Seepage collection systemsSeepage collection systems Monitoring wells downstreamMonitoring wells downstream Caps on beaches, drawdown water, Caps on beaches, drawdown water, erosion control – closure erosion control – closure
2020
OverviewOverview DefinitionsDefinitions How does mine-drainage form?How does mine-drainage form? Mitigation measuresMitigation measures
Design and operationDesign and operation What happens when drainage enters a What happens when drainage enters a stream?stream? Precipitation and sorption reactionsPrecipitation and sorption reactions
Remedial optionsRemedial options Active treatmentActive treatment Passive (semi-passive) treatmentPassive (semi-passive) treatment
2121
What happens when the What happens when the drainage enters a stream?drainage enters a stream?
DissM.PartM
Water Column
Sediment
DissM.PartMPrecipitation / Sorption
Dissolution / De-sorption
Exchange Scouring
Settling
Flow
‘‘M’ = metal; ‘Diss’ = dissolved; M’ = metal; ‘Diss’ = dissolved; ‘Part’ = particulate‘Part’ = particulate 2222
What happens when the What happens when the drainage enters a stream?drainage enters a stream?
DissM.PartM
Water Column
Sediment
DissM.PartMPrecipitation / Sorption
Dissolution / De-sorption
Exchange Scouring
Settling
Flow
‘‘M’ = metal; ‘Diss’ = dissolved; M’ = metal; ‘Diss’ = dissolved; ‘Part’ = particulate‘Part’ = particulate 2323
What happens when the What happens when the drainage enters a stream?drainage enters a stream? Iron (HFO)Iron (HFO)
Rapid formation in water Rapid formation in water column at pH > ~ 3.5column at pH > ~ 3.5
Oxidation of ferrous Oxidation of ferrous iron precedes iron precedes precipitationprecipitation
2424
What happens when the What happens when the drainage enters a stream?drainage enters a stream? Aluminum (ALO)Aluminum (ALO)
Rapid formation in water Rapid formation in water column at pH > ~ 5column at pH > ~ 5
No oxidation necessaryNo oxidation necessary
2525
What happens when the What happens when the drainage enters a stream?drainage enters a stream? Manganese (HMO)Manganese (HMO)
Requires oxidationRequires oxidationRequires a surfaceRequires a surfaceFormation at pH > ~ 9Formation at pH > ~ 9
2626
What happens when the What happens when the drainage enters a stream?drainage enters a stream? Manganese (HMO)Manganese (HMO)
Formation may be Formation may be facilitated by facilitated by periphytonperiphyton
2727
What happens when the What happens when the drainage enters a stream?drainage enters a stream? Manganese (HMO)Manganese (HMO)
Formation may be Formation may be facilitated by facilitated by periphytonperiphytonAlgal photosynthesisAlgal photosynthesis
2612623 6666 OOHOHCOHHCO h
)(222 sMnOOMn phhigh
2828
OverviewOverview DefinitionsDefinitions How does mine-drainage form?How does mine-drainage form? Mitigation measuresMitigation measures
Design and operationDesign and operation What happens when drainage enters a What happens when drainage enters a stream?stream? Precipitation and sorption reactionsPrecipitation and sorption reactions
Remedial optionsRemedial options Active treatmentActive treatment Passive (semi-passive) treatmentPassive (semi-passive) treatment
2929
Remedial OptionsRemedial Options
Isolation, removal, Isolation, removal, treatment of sourcetreatment of source Physical removalPhysical removal Grouting reactive rock surfacesGrouting reactive rock surfaces Redirection of water flowRedirection of water flow Adding neutralizing agents Adding neutralizing agents
3030
Remedial OptionsRemedial Options
Water treatmentWater treatment Removal of acidityRemoval of acidity Removal of metalsRemoval of metals Removal of salts (Na, Mg, Ca, K)Removal of salts (Na, Mg, Ca, K) Removal of sulfateRemoval of sulfate Ultimately – removal of toxicityUltimately – removal of toxicity
3131
Remedial OptionsRemedial OptionsWater TreatmentWater Treatment
ActiveActive
PassivePassive
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Remedial OptionsRemedial OptionsWater TreatmentWater Treatment
ActiveActive Ongoing humanly operatedOngoing humanly operated Frequent maintenance and Frequent maintenance and monitoringmonitoring
Generally requires external Generally requires external energy sourceenergy source
Generally type chosen for Generally type chosen for active miningactive mining
3333
Remedial OptionsRemedial OptionsWater TreatmentWater Treatment
Passive (semi-passive)Passive (semi-passive) Constant human intervention Constant human intervention not requirednot required
Natural processesNatural processes Natural materialsNatural materials Regeneration of materialsRegeneration of materials Gravity feed versus pumpingGravity feed versus pumping
3434
Remedial OptionsRemedial OptionsActive TreatmentActive Treatment
Chemical ReactionChemical Reaction OxidationOxidation
Aeration to increase oxygen content Aeration to increase oxygen content or use of oxidizersor use of oxidizers
Neutralization, precipitation, Neutralization, precipitation, and sorptionand sorption
Hydroxide, Ca(OH)Hydroxide, Ca(OH)22, CaO, NaOH; MgO, , CaO, NaOH; MgO, Carbonate, CaCOCarbonate, CaCO33, Na, Na22COCO33
Fly ash; slag; kiln dustFly ash; slag; kiln dust Coagulation, flocculationCoagulation, flocculation
3535
Remedial OptionsRemedial OptionsActive TreatmentActive Treatment
PhysicalPhysical MembraneMembrane Reverse osmosisReverse osmosis Micro, ultra, or nano-filtrationMicro, ultra, or nano-filtration Ion exchangeIon exchange
3636
Remedial OptionsRemedial Options Passive/Semi-passive Treatment Passive/Semi-passive Treatment
OxidationOxidation AerationAeration
Neutralization and Neutralization and precipitationprecipitation
Ion exchange Ion exchange Sorption (organic and Sorption (organic and inorganic)inorganic)
Plant uptakePlant uptake3737
Remedial OptionsRemedial Options Passive/Semi-passive Treatment Passive/Semi-passive Treatment
Aerobic wetlandAerobic wetland Anoxic limestone drain (ALD)Anoxic limestone drain (ALD) Anaerobic wetlandAnaerobic wetland
Sulfate-reducing bioreactor Sulfate-reducing bioreactor (SRBR)(SRBR)
Biochemical reactor (BCR)Biochemical reactor (BCR) Permeable reactive barrier Permeable reactive barrier (PRB)(PRB)
3838
Remedial OptionsRemedial Options Passive/Semi-passive Treatment Passive/Semi-passive Treatment
Aerobic wetlandAerobic wetland Best for net alkaline drainageBest for net alkaline drainage Precipitation and sorptionPrecipitation and sorption Shallow – aerationShallow – aeration Plants – uptakePlants – uptake
3939
Remedial OptionsRemedial Options Passive/Semi-passive Treatment Passive/Semi-passive Treatment
Anoxic limestone drain Anoxic limestone drain (ALD)(ALD) Best for net acidic, low FeBest for net acidic, low Fe3+3+, , low Allow Al3+3+, and low dissolved , and low dissolved oxygenoxygen
Neutralize acidityNeutralize acidity Effluent to aerobic pondEffluent to aerobic pond
4040
Remedial OptionsRemedial Options Passive/Semi-passive Treatment Passive/Semi-passive Treatment
Reducing alkalinity Reducing alkalinity producing system (RAPS)producing system (RAPS) Similar to ALD, but reduces the Similar to ALD, but reduces the water then adds alkalinitywater then adds alkalinity
4141
Remedial OptionsRemedial Options Passive/Semi-passive Treatment Passive/Semi-passive Treatment
Anaerobic wetland (BCR)Anaerobic wetland (BCR) Best for net acidic, low FeBest for net acidic, low Fe3+3+, , low Allow Al3+3+, high metals, high metals
Reduction of redox active Reduction of redox active elementselements
Microbial reduction of sulfate Microbial reduction of sulfate to sulfideto sulfide
Metal sulfide precipitationMetal sulfide precipitation Sorption of metalsSorption of metals
Organic / inorganicOrganic / inorganic
4242
Remedial OptionsRemedial Options Passive/Semi-passive Treatment Passive/Semi-passive Treatment
Anaerobic wetland (BCR)Anaerobic wetland (BCR) Natural materialsNatural materials
Hay, straw, wood chips, manure, Hay, straw, wood chips, manure, crushed limestonecrushed limestone
Layer of waterLayer of water Generally vertical flowGenerally vertical flow Effluent to aerobic pond or weir Effluent to aerobic pond or weir
4343
Remedial OptionsRemedial Options Passive/Semi-passive Treatment Passive/Semi-passive Treatment
Permeable Reactive Barrier Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB)(PRB) Similar to BCR, but treat Similar to BCR, but treat groundwatergroundwater
4444
Remedial OptionsRemedial OptionsWhat to Choose?What to Choose?
Choice depends onChoice depends on Amounts - money, time, land, Amounts - money, time, land, metals, acid, flowmetals, acid, flow
Site accessSite access Active or abandoned mineActive or abandoned mine Specific contaminantsSpecific contaminants
4545
Passive Treatment Case StudyPassive Treatment Case Study(Standard Mine, Colorado)(Standard Mine, Colorado)
Operation began in the 1930’sOperation began in the 1930’s Ag, Au, Pb, ZnAg, Au, Pb, Zn Abandoned in 1966Abandoned in 1966 Adit drains into Elk CreekAdit drains into Elk Creek
Devoid of aquatic lifeDevoid of aquatic life Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, and Zn exceed WQSCd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, and Zn exceed WQS
Elk Creek feeds into Coal Elk Creek feeds into Coal CreekCreek Source of DW for Crested ButteSource of DW for Crested Butte
4646
Photo by Scott Jacobs - NRMRL
Standard MineStandard MineCrested Butte – remote locationCrested Butte – remote location
Constructed in 2007Constructed in 2007
11,000 ft11,000 ft
1.2 gpm1.2 gpm
Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, ZnCd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Zn
No electricityNo electricity4747
Aerobic Polishing Cell(s) [2008]Aerobic Polishing Cell(s) [2008]
Remove biological oxygen demandRemove biological oxygen demand
Increase dissolved oxygenIncrease dissolved oxygen
Degas sulfide and ammoniaDegas sulfide and ammonia
Reduce total suspended solidsReduce total suspended solids
Oxidize and precipitate any FeOxidize and precipitate any Fe
4848
Passive Treatment Case StudyPassive Treatment Case Study(Standard Mine, Colorado)(Standard Mine, Colorado)
Year-round treatmentYear-round treatment Automated samplingAutomated sampling
pH, temperature, ORPpH, temperature, ORP Satellite reportingSatellite reporting Protection from weatherProtection from weather
4949
http://dept.ca.uky.edu/asmr/W/Full%20Papers%202008/0892-Reisman-OH.pdf
33-58 feet annual snowfall 5050
Passive Treatment Case StudyPassive Treatment Case Study(Standard Mine, Colorado)(Standard Mine, Colorado)
MethodsMethods Whole effluent toxicity tests Whole effluent toxicity tests (WET)(WET)
Ceriodaphnia dubia Ceriodaphnia dubia (water flea)(water flea) Pimephales promelas Pimephales promelas (fathead (fathead minnow)minnow)
Acute 48-hr LCAcute 48-hr LC5050 Percentage of waterPercentage of water
Control survival > 90%Control survival > 90%
5151
Analyte SiteBCR APC
Al N/A N/AAs N/A N/ACd 100 +/- 2 100 +/- 2Cu 94 +/- 9 94 +/- 9Fe -266 +/- 518 100 +/- 10Ni N/A N/APb 94 +/- 16 91 +/- 17Zn 100 +/- 3 100 +/-3SO4 39 +/- 4 72+/- 5
Passive Treatment Case StudyPassive Treatment Case Study(Standard Mine, Colorado)(Standard Mine, Colorado)
% Removal% Removal
5252
Standard Mine Acute Toxicity
0
20
40
60
80
100
INF-A INF-B
BCR-EFF-A
BCR-EFF-B
APC-EFF-A
APC-EFF-B
Sample ID
LC50
(%, v
/v)
† † † †#
1% 1% 2% 2%
Gray = water fleaGray = water fleaBlack = fathead Black = fathead
minnowminnow
5353
Standard Mine Acute Toxicity
0
20
40
60
80
100
INF-A INF-B
BCR-EFF-A
BCR-EFF-B
APC-EFF-A
APC-EFF-B
Sample ID
LC50
(%, v
/v)
† † † †#
35% mortality 35% mortality
Gray = water fleaGray = water fleaBlack = fathead Black = fathead
minnowminnow
5454
Standard Mine Acute Toxicity
0
20
40
60
80
100
INF-A INF-B
BCR-EFF-A
BCR-EFF-B
APC-EFF-A
APC-EFF-B
Sample ID
LC50
(%, v
/v)
† † † †#
Not different Not different from controlfrom controlGray = water fleaGray = water flea
Black = fathead Black = fathead minnowminnow
5555
Standard Mine Acute Toxicity
0
20
40
60
80
100
INF-A INF-B
BCR-EFF-A
BCR-EFF-B
APC-EFF-A
APC-EFF-B
Sample ID
LC50
(%, v
/v)
† † † †#
Effluent Effluent samples samples
more toxic more toxic to fathead to fathead minnow than minnow than
to the to the water fleawater flea
5656
Effect of Aeration
0
20
40
60
80
100
SM-A SM-B SM-A aerated SM-B aerated
Sample ID
Per
cent
Sur
viva
l (10
0%
sam
ple)
<20%<20%
100%100%
5757
Dissolved Gaseous Species Standard Mine
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
2 4 6 8 10 12pH
Sulfi
de (m
g/l)
0
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.05
Am
mon
ia (m
g/l)
H2S (aq)
NH3 (aq) (10C)
NH3 (aq) (20C)
2 ug/l H2 ug/l H22SS
.2 to 5 mg/l .2 to 5 mg/l NHNH33
5858
Passive Treatment Case StudyPassive Treatment Case Study(Standard Mine, Colorado)(Standard Mine, Colorado)
Concluding remarksConcluding remarks Results strongly suggest Results strongly suggest toxicity from dissolved hydrogen toxicity from dissolved hydrogen sulfide gassulfide gas
Other BCRs may have different Other BCRs may have different toxicants, depending on:toxicants, depending on:
Contaminants present and efficiency Contaminants present and efficiency of removalof removal
Concentrations of dissolved gasesConcentrations of dissolved gases pH of effluentpH of effluent
5959
Thank you!Thank you!
Study at Standard Mine and 3 other sites:Study at Standard Mine and 3 other sites:
Butler, BA, Smith, ME, Reisman, DJ, Lazorchak, JM. 2011. Butler, BA, Smith, ME, Reisman, DJ, Lazorchak, JM. 2011. Metal removal efficiency and ecotoxicological assessment Metal removal efficiency and ecotoxicological assessment of field-scale passive treatment biochemical reactors. of field-scale passive treatment biochemical reactors. Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry. 30(2):385-392.Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry. 30(2):385-392.
6060