Mercury: From the Sierra to the Delta and beyond! Izzy Martin
The Sierra Fund
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We do this through: The mission of The Sierra Fund is to
increase and organize investment in the natural resources and
communities of the Sierra Nevada. Water Bond Mining Law Reform
Fiscal Sponsorships Donor-Advised Funds Litigation Loans Addressing
impacts of legacy mining
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Detail from Brass Seal West side of Capitol: Miner and Mercury
Flask
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Mining left a lasting legacy from the Sierra to the Sea
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Champion Mine (had 4 mercury retorting sheds) Circa 1890 The
mine tailings were discharged directly into Deer Creek, outside of
Nevada City, CA
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More than 96% of the total mercury loading to the Bay-Delta
comes from the streams and rivers of the Sierra Nevada and the
Inner Coast Range (Wood et al., 2010). Figure From: SWRCB April 23,
2014 Mercury Programs Update
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Map of Abandoned Mines in California California Department of
Conservation 2007
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Ranking of Mining- Impacted watersheds in the Sierra Nevada
Province of the California Bay-Delta Authority Watershed Source: CA
Department of Conservation, 2003
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Hiller Tunnel, draining the pit, discharging during 2012 rain
storm into Humbug Creek Humbug Creek discharging into the Yuba
River. Mercury travels on suspended sediment to the delta
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Hydraulic Mining debris in the Bear River above Combie
Reservoir
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POLICY OPPORTUNITY New focus on removal of mercury contaminated
sediments while expanding water storage capacity SB 1259 (Pavley)
to study sediment in reservoirs/water bond dialogue Rollins
Reservoir, choked with Hydraulic mining debris November 2013
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Join our Campaign to from the Sierra to the Sea
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Elizabeth Izzy Martin [email protected] (530) 265-8454
x11 www.sierrafund.org