Systematic Science Based Reclamation of Mining Related Superfund Sites

Human and ecological health protection is a required outcome of remediation at Superfund sites. Metal contamination and resource degradation at mining mega-sites is widespread and easily measured, yet cost-effective, permanent remedial techniques and durable cleanup procedures are often lacking.  Scientists employed by KC Harvey developed transparent assessment protocols and companion remedial design frameworks for government regulators and responsible party managers. These techniques combined measures of contamination severity and risk of contaminant release with observations of natural recovery to delineate areas requiring remediation.  The Land Reclamation Evaluation System (LRES) was devised in 1997 for the 300 square mile Anaconda Smelter Superfund Site. Since inception this protocol has allowed for remediation of thousands of acres and protection of thousands of acres from tillage where natural recovery is on-going. Over the past 15 years this system has been continuously updated and is now being used as a performance standard for revegetation success.

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