SME Annual Meeting

Feb. 24 - 27, 2018, Denver, CO

Preprint 19-007

VOLUNTARY RECLAMATION AND REMEDIATION OF A FORMER VANADIUM MINE

B. Nielsen, Freeport-McMoRan, Phoenix, AZ

L. Santisteban, Freeport-McMoRan, Tucson, AZ
R. Schipper, Golder Assoc. Inc., Lakewood, CO
C. Beul, Golder Assoc. Inc, Lakewood, CO

ABSTRACT
The Garfield Mine is a legacy vanadium mine in western Colorado
with multiple mine openings, waste rock piles, and adit seepages that
Cyprus Climax Metals Company (a Freeport-McMoRan Inc. subsidiary)
voluntarily remediated through the Colorado Voluntary Cleanup
Program (VCUP). The process to obtain a No Further Action
determination from the VCUP is presented. Water treatment of the adit
discharge, which is not part of the VCUP, is also presented. The
remedial action objectives (RAOs) included preventing direct human or
biotic exposure to the waste rock and radiation emitting from the waste
rock; reducing metal concentrations and radionuclide activities in adit
discharge and keeping the discharge from leaving the site; maintaining
the existing undeveloped character of the surrounding landscape; and
eliminating the need for a stormwater permit. The design included
regrading, installation of an infiltration barrier and rock cover, a
diversion channel, and a biologically based passive remediation water
treatment system. An initial lab-scale evaluation provided design
criteria for the full-scale system, which consists of a sulfate-reducing
biochemical reactor and post-treatment aerobic polishing cells. The Figure 1. 2013 Site Photo Prior to Remediation.
system has been operational since construction was completed in late REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
2016. Results indicate that the treatment objective of 90% bulk
removal of constituents of potential concern (COPCs) is largely being Based on gamma scans and waste rock analyses between 2003
met. The system also provides year-round operation and non-point and 2009, the site was characterized under the supervision of a
discharge of effluent. After 20 plus years of site investigations, the Colorado licensed radioactive materials handler (RMHL) in accordance
remedial action was completed in 2016 with all RAOs met and a No with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Further Action determination granted in 2018. (CDPHE) Radiation Management Unit (RMU) requirements. Once the
site characterization and radiation modeling was completed, the need
INTRODUCTION for a RMHL was re-evaluated. The CDPHE concurred that remediation
The Garfield Mine is a legacy vanadium mine located did not require a RHML because the site met release criteria for
approximately 11 miles north-northeast of Rifle, in Garfield County, radionuclides for a recreational user.
Colorado. It was leased and operated intermittently from 1929 to 1975 In 2004, the Colorado Discharge Permit System requested a
but was never operated by Cyprus Climax Metals Company (Cyprus) NPDES permit for the site. Cyprus was able to negotiate a general
(a Freeport-McMoRan Inc. subsidiary). Prior to reclamation, site stormwater permit to address adit discharges through best
features included: management practices (BMPs). BMPs included institutional and
engineering controls. The institutional controls included access control
• six mine openings—five adits and a vertical opening;
through fencing, gates and posting warning signage. The engineering
• two adits discharging mining-influenced water (MIW)— Adit
controls included silt fence to prevent eroded materials from migrating
1 at less than 4 liters per minute (L/min) and Adit 2 at 7 to 10
offsite.
L/min;
• main waste rock pile (13,500 m3) and small waste rock pile Most significantly, Cyprus chose to enter the Colorado Voluntary
(minimal volume); Cleanup Program (VCUP) in 2011. The VCUP exists so that sites can
• debris (small structure, mattress, bottles, shells, etc.) get No Further Action determinations if they do not fall under the
indicating site used for recreational purposes; and, purview of existing regulatory programs such as Resource
• unimproved road, which has been used to access forest Conservation and Recovery Act, Superfund, or the Clean Water Act.
fires. Typically, the first document that is submitted to the VCUP is the
Remediation Plan. Cyprus worked closely with VCUP throughout the
Figure 1 shows an aerial photo of the site prior to reclamation and process and submitted work plans and characterization reports for
remediation. review. It is important to note that the VCUP does not address
Two of the adits exhibit seepage of MIW that fluctuates stormwater discharges since there is an existing regulatory framework
seasonally. The COPCs identified as historically exceeding state for that.
regulatory standards are uranium, selenium, zinc, and radium. Adit 1 SITE CHARACTERIZATION
has periodic flows with higher concentrations of all COPCs, while Adit
2 has a higher continuous flow with lower concentrations of COPCs. Characterization of Rifle Creek water, adit discharges, and waste
Prior to reclamation, the water discharging from the adits infiltrated the rock pile material was performed intermittently between 1993 and
waste rock pile and was never observed to leave the site. 2009. Cyprus commissioned additional site characterization between

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2011 and 2013 to further characterize the nature and extent of the
naturally occurring radioactive material and metals in the waste rock,
adit discharges, and groundwater to inform decisions regarding the
remedial action. Specifically, the following activities were performed:
• established background for radium-226 in soils;
• sampled main waste rock pile (approx. 13,500 m3) on 9 m by
9 m grid, 1.5 m intervals, resulting in 149 samples (1
sample/90 m3);
• sampled small waste rock pile (13 samples);
• sampled soil beneath State Highway 325;
• installed and sampled 3 monitoring wells at the toe of main
waste rock pile; and,
• sampled adit discharge.
Characterization Results – Waste Rock and Soils
The site background average (and standard deviation) radium-
226 concentration was determined to be 4.0 (±10.2) picocuries per
gram (pCi/g). In the main waste rock pile, 149 samples were analyzed
for radium-226. Concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 84.2 pCi/g with an
average of 13.4 (±12.6) pCi/g. Concentrations were variable
throughout the main waste rock pile and did not appear to exhibit
vertical or horizontal continuity. In the small waste rock pile, 13
samples exhibited radium-226 concentrations ranging from 2.3 to 23.4
pCi/g with an average of 10.9 (±6.8) pCi/g.
Analytical data indicated that the native soil below the main waste
rock pile, soil below the SH-325 right of way, and other soils on the site
do not have elevated concentrations of radioactivity above
background. Leachate analyses of the waste rock indicated that the
waste rock is not contributing to elevated radionuclide concentrations
in the groundwater.
Characterization Results – Adit Discharge
While there are no adit discharges to surface water, adit
discharge concentrations were compared to both Colorado surface
water standards and Colorado groundwater human health standards
for beta/photon emitters. Historical water quality data from Adit 1
indicated that the discharge contains uranium at concentrations in
excess of both standards. Exceedances of the surface water standards
were for total residual chlorine and total recoverable arsenic. An Adit 2
sample collected in August 2011 exceeded the groundwater human
health standard for beta/photon emitters. The isotopic thorium
concentrations, namely thorium-228 and thorium-232, were within the
background range at the site. Stiff diagrams indicated that elevated
uranium concentrations in adit discharge samples are naturally
occurring and not indicative of mine impacts.
Characterization Results – Groundwater
Groundwater water samples collected from two monitoring wells
and three open boreholes at the site included detections of
manganese, selenium, and uranium above the Colorado groundwater
human health standards. Groundwater sampled from a background
monitoring well also exceeds the human health standards for
manganese and uranium. Stiff diagrams again indicated that elevated
uranium concentrations detected in the groundwater samples are
naturally occurring and not indicative of mine impacts.
Risk Evaluation
A streamlined risk evaluation process was used to assess human
health and ecological risk at the site. For human health, it was
assumed that exposure would be to a recreational user. The main
waste rock pile and adit discharge water were evaluated for potential
risks. The small waste rock pile was not evaluated for potential risk
based on the analytical results, which were within the range of
background for radium-226. Additionally, groundwater was not
considered because groundwater is not currently used or accessible at
the site, nor will it be used in the future. Based on the mining history of
the site, naturally occurring radionuclides and metals were identified as
the COPCs.
The main waste rock pile was determined to meet release criteria
for radionuclides for a recreational user who hikes around the site for
eight hours per week for eight months of the year. Additionally, the risk
from metals to humans was deemed to be “low” using the camper
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SME Annual Meeting
Feb. 24 - 27, 2018, Denver, CO
scenario in the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) guidance for
metals at mining sites (Ford 2004). Using the BLM guidance for metals
in the adit discharge, the risk to a camper drinking the water is also
low.
Based on the concentrations of metals in the main waste rock
pile, the risk to ecological receptors was considered to be moderate to
high, depending the species. It should be noted that despite the
potential high risk from these metals, there is a low risk of risk
realization because the area of main waste rock is approximately one
acre and has very little vegetation.
ADIT TREATABILITY TESTING METHODS
Treatability testing was conducted to evaluate the use of a
sulfate-reducing biochemical reactor (SRBR) for treatment of mining-
influenced water (MIW) discharging from the two adits. Treatment
goals were to provide bulk removal of metals and radionuclides.
Two lab-scale SRBRs were constructed of 6- by 36-inch PVC
columns and filled with different substrate mixtures (Table 1). The
mixtures were formulated based on prior experience with similar water
chemistries requiring treatment. Column 1 had a greater percentage of
woodchips and no sawdust. Column 2 had a lower percentage of
woodchips and 20% sawdust.
Table 1. SRBR Substrate Mixtures by Weight.
Substrate BCR Column 1 BCR Column 2
Woodchips 79.5% 59.5%
Sawdust 0.0% 20.0%
Hay/Straw 10.0% 10.0%
Crushed Limestone 10.0% 10.0%
Sheep Manure (Inoculum) 0.5% 0.5%
The two SRBR columns were continuously fed MIW into the top of
the columns to provide a down flow configuration. Metering pumps
were used to control flow rates. SRBR effluent tubing was raised to
create a spill point that maintained a water level in the SRBR above
the substrate. The lab-scale testing equipment and configuration are
shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Lab-Scale Testing Configuration.
SRBRs were filled with Adit 2 MIW and incubated for two weeks
to allow the microbes to acclimate and multiply. After the incubation
period, continuous flow was provided to the SRBR columns with the
influent water consisting of different ratios of Adit 1 and Adit 2 MIW.
These combined influents were selected based on the projected
seasonally varying range of contributions from each adit into a full-
scale treatment system and included:
• 100% Adit 2 water (June 26 to August 14, 2012);
• 10% Adit 1 and 90% Adit 2 mixture (August 14 to September
12, 2012); and,
• 20% Adit 1 and 80% Adit 2 mixture (September 12 to
October 23, 2012).
 SME Annual Meeting
Feb. 24 - 27, 2018, Denver, CO

TREATABILITY TESTING RESULTS

Flow Rate and HRT
Figure 3 shows the hydraulic retention time (HRT) within the
SRBR columns during testing. Columns 1 and 2 treated an average
flow of 0.25 L/hr, which yielded an associated HRT of approximately 32
hours.

Figure 5. Dissolved Zinc.

Figure 3. SRBR Hydraulic Retention Time.

Nitrate and Sulfate
An SRBR primarily removes contaminants by reducing them to
less soluble species. In many cases, nitrate and sulfate must be
reduced before other contaminants can be removed. Low levels of
nitrate (<0.5 mg/L) in the influent were consistently reduced to less
than the detection limit. All data below the detection limits were
recorded as the detection limit for graphing and analysis purposes.
Both SRBR columns achieved substantial sulfate reduction
throughout the study (Figure 4). The average sulfate removal rate Figure 6. Dissolved Selenium.
throughout the study was calculated to be 0.3 mol/m3/day/ (1.5
mmol/kg/day). Dissolved Uranium
Uranium is removed in an SRBR by biological reduction of
uranium (VI) to less soluble uranium (IV). The influent and effluent
concentrations of dissolved uranium are shown in Figure 7. Uranium
removal ranged between 88% and 99% with the lower removal rates
generally associated with higher influent loadings.

Figure 4. Sulfate.
Dissolved Zinc
Zinc is removed by sulfide precipitation within the SRBR. As
shown in Figure 5, zinc was consistently reduced to the detection limit
or below after the first two weeks of testing.
Dissolved Selenium
There are many different forms of selenium that can be removed
by different mechanisms. Of most relevance here is its removal via
biological reduction of oxidized species (i.e., selenite, selenate) to less
soluble forms (e.g., elemental selenium). The influent and effluent
concentrations of dissolved selenium are shown in Figure 6. Selenium
removal ranged between 77% and 99% with the lower removal rates
associated with lower influent selenium loading where selenium was
generally removed to the detection limit.
3 Copyright © 2019 by SME
Figure 7. Dissolved Uranium.
Radium
The influent and effluent concentrations of radium-226 are shown
in Figure 8. Radium-226 removal ranged between 86% and 100% with
lower removal rates generally for the higher influent loadings.
Radium-228 was also sampled throughout the lab-scale study,
but little removal was achieved.
Gross Alpha and Gross Beta
Gross alpha and beta were substantially reduced throughout the
lab-scale testing. Figure 9 and Figure 10 show the influent and effluent
concentrations for gross alpha and gross beta, respectively. Gross
 SME Annual Meeting
Feb. 24 - 27, 2018, Denver, CO

alpha removal ranged between 57% and 100% without a strong
association to changes in influent loading. Excluding the data where
100% Adit 2 water was fed to the system (which had low influent gross
beta), gross beta removal ranged between 88% and 96% without a
strong correlation to changes in influent loading.
Effluent conductivity (600 to 800 µS/cm), pH (7.2 to 8.4 s.u.), and
temperature (19°C to 21°C) were generally similar to the influent
values (Schipper et al. 2014).
Treatability testing showed that the SRBR system was capable of
meeting the project goal of bulk COPCs removal with varying influent
concentrations.
Substrate Longevity Estimate
Loss on ignition estimates were used to estimate the carbon
content of the organic matter in each column. Using the maximum
sulfate reduction rate (which is assumed to account for the majority of
the carbon consumption) observed in the lab-scale SRBR columns, the
life of the organic media is estimated to be at least 15 years.
Limestone longevity is not expected to be a limiting factor because
influent water is net alkaline.
FULL-SCALE SYSTEM DESIGN
The design of the full-scale treatment system was based in large
part on lab-scale testing results and was a collaborative effort between
Golder Associates Inc. (Golder) and Cyprus.

Figure 8. Radium-226. SRBR Design

The substrate mix for the full-scale SRBR was based on Column
1 because lab-scale testing found similar treatment performance
between the two substrate mixes, it is simpler, and may have a higher
resistance to plugging due to more woodchip material. The full-scale
SRBR was sized for a minimum hydraulic retention time of 32 hours at
a flow rate of 20 L/min.
To minimize the space requirements (i.e., footprint), the SRBR
design incorporated vertical side walls constructed using grout-filled
masonry blocks. The final dimensions of the SRBR was 9.1m by 13.7
m by 1.4 m and included approximately 115 m3 of mixed substrate
material.
Buried pipelines were used to collect and convey the combined
adit flows via gravity to the top of the SRBR via a perforated
distribution pipe. The SRBR was covered with a LemTec™ insulated
floating cover to reduce heat loss and minimize the potential for
Figure 9. Gross Alpha. freezing during winter operations. HDPE piping was also utilized for
pipe sections with higher freezing potential. Water distributed at the top
of the SRBR is treated as it flows downward through the organic
substrate layer. Water is collected at the bottom of the SRBR with a
perforated collection pipe embedded in a gravel layer. The water
discharges from the bottom of the SRBR to an AgriDrain water level
control structure, which maintains the water level within the SRBR.
Figure 11 shows a cross-section of the SRBR design.

Figure 10. Gross Beta.

Figure 11. SRBR Cross-Section.
Lab-Scale Water Quality Summary
The median and maximum removal rates achieved during lab- Aerobic Polishing Cell Design
scale testing are shown in Table 2. Two aerobic polishing cells (APCs) were included to provide
further treatment of the SRBR effluent and to ensure year-round
Table 2. Lab-Scale Removal Rates. operation of the treatment system. The APCs provide additional COPC
Parameter Median Removal Maximum Removal removal through physical, biological, and chemical processes including
Sulfate 59% 88% filtration, sorption, sequestration, and precipitation. The APCs also
Dissolved Zinc Below DL Below DL reduce biochemical oxygen demand, which is a byproduct of SRBRs,
Dissolved Selenium 94% 99% and allow treated water to infiltrate into the waste rock pile, improving
Dissolved Uranium 95% 99% groundwater quality.
Radium-226 93% 100% SRBR effluent from the water level control structure is conveyed
Gross Alpha 88% 100% through buried HDPE piping to the APCs. Each APC measures 4.6 m
Gross Beta 92% 100% by 10.6 m and includes (from top to bottom) a minimum of 0.15 m of
mulch, 0.3 m of 10/20 silica sand, 0.3 m of 19 mm stone, and 0.15 m of

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38 mm stone. Water is distributed within the 0.3 m layer of silica sand
below the mulch where it is available for the APC vegetation. Grout-
filled concrete blocks were specified for the walls of the APCs. Figure
12 shows a cross-section of the APC design.
Figure 12. APC Cross-Section.
RECLAMATION
Prior to the 2011 to 2013 site investigations, Freeport-McMoRan
Inc.’s historical mine opening safety program team closed the six mine
openings. The closures used surrounding native material to blend into
the landscape and included bat grates, where feasible. Adit discharges
were concentrated into pipes at Adits 1 and 2 (see Figure 13 for closed
Adit 2). Figure 14 presents the closure of the vertical opening.
Figure 13. Adit 2 with Drainpipe and Bat Opening/Grates.
Figure 14. Closed Vertical Opening.
Reclamation activities were performed by Haley and Aldrich
Construction Services (HCS) from August 2016 through June 2017,
with a break for winter weather between November and June 2017.
5 Copyright © 2019 by SME
SME Annual Meeting
Feb. 24 - 27, 2018, Denver, CO
Golder provided construction oversight and health monitoring services.
The work consisted of:
• structure demolition and on-site disposal of existing debris
and fencing;
• construction of a decontamination pad;
• establishment and maintenance of temporary and
permanent erosion and sedimentation control measures;
• regrading and improvements to the site access road;
• regrading the primary waste rock pile to no steeper than
3H:1V slopes;
• construction of a low permeability soil and crushed rock
cover (rock sizing based on Department of Energy [DOE]
cover at Crescent Junction, UT) over the regraded waste
rock;
• construction of a stormwater diversion channel and down
chute;
• construction of the SRBR and APCs; and,
• installation of piping network from Adits 1 and 2 to the SRBR
and APCs;
• disposal of decontamination pad at Clean Harbors Deer Trail
Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility;
• de-vegetation of areas disturbed by construction activities;
and,
• installation of improved site access controls, including
access gates at both ends of the site, cautionary signs, and
a split rail fence around the treatment facilities.
The biggest challenges were working in a very small space and
ensuring worker safety. There were often concurrent activities with
hand labor and heavy equipment working in close proximity. Not only
did Cyprus demand adherence to its comprehensive health and safety
standards, it paid for additional health and safety personnel to be on
site. In spite of the strong health and safety culture, there still were
near misses and work was stopped on a number of occasions. Figures
15 through 18 show different phases of the work.
Figure 15. Site Entry and Staging Area/
Figure 16. Regrading of Waste Rock Material.

Figure 17. Placement of Low Permeability Soil Layer.
Figure 18. Rock Cover and Stormwater Diversion Channel.
SRBR Construction
Full-scale system construction began in 2016 and included
construction of the SRBR, APCs, interconnecting piping, and ancillary
systems.
Substrate components were mixed to a uniform consistency and
then placed within the lined SRBR in a single lift. The progress during
substrate placement is shown in Figure 19.
Figure 19. SRBR Construction.
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SME Annual Meeting
Feb. 24 - 27, 2018, Denver, CO
APC Construction
The walls of the APCs were constructed in a similar manner to the
SRBR walls; however, the APCs do not include a liner as they are
intended to provide infiltration of the treated water.
The vegetation used within the APCs included salvaged cattails
(Typha latifolia) that were found on site, as well as arctic rush (Juncus
arcticus), water sedge (Carex aquatilis), softstem bulrush
(Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani), and cosmopolitan bulrush (S.
maritimus) obtained from a local nursery. Figure 20 shows an APC
after planting.
Figure 20. APC Construction.
Overall Construction
The full-scale system (Figure 21) was completed in late 2016. The
SRBR was filled shortly afterwards and allowed to incubate before
commencing normal operations.
Figure 21. Completed Full-Scale System.
FULL-SCALE OPERATION
The design of the full-scale system ensures year-round operation
without surface water discharge and achieves the remediation goal of
bulk removal of the COPCs. Figures 22 through 26 show the available
sampling data for uranium, selenium, zinc, gross alpha and beta, and
radium-226, respectively.
Figure 22. Uranium.
 SME Annual Meeting
Feb. 24 - 27, 2018, Denver, CO

Figure 24 shows some initial leaching of zinc after start-up of the

system, but otherwise the full-scale system has achieved consistent
removal of the COPCs. A summary of the averages during full-scale
operation is shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Full-Scale Averages (Based on Four Sampling Events).
SRBR Average
Parameter Inflow
Effluent Removal
Sulfate (mg/L) 169 69 55%
Zinc (mg/L) 0.17 0.02 89%
Selenium (mg/L) 0.22 0.006 97%
Uranium (mg/L) 2.64 0.42 78%
Radium-226 (pCi/L) 33 3 91%
Gross α (pCi/L) 1,275 257 73%
Gross β (pCi/L) 490 70 80%

Further treatment of COPCs is provided downstream in the APC

Figure 23. Selenium. cells and the effluent improves the existing groundwater quality. Figure
27 shows one of the APCs approximately one year after planting

Figure 24. Zinc.

Figure 27. APC after One Year.

Figure 25. Gross Alpha and Beta Activity.
Figure 26. Radium-226.
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CONCLUSIONS
The RAOs for the site were met. The main waste rock pile was
regraded and covered to prevent erosion and to prevent direct expose
by human and ecological receptors. Using a design similar to DOE
covers with rock armoring, it is anticipated that the cover should
require minimal maintenance over time. As vegetation from the
surrounding properties is volunteering on the rock cover, it is blending
with the undeveloped character of the surrounding landscape.
Other than conveyance of run-on to the site, there are no point
discharges from the site; thus, there is no requirement for a stormwater
permit. The adit discharges are treated and polished and are not
discharging.
For the SRBR, the lab-scale testing provided a good estimation of
the full-scale treatment capability. Minor differences in performance
between the pilot-scale and full-scale systems (Table 1 vs Table 3)
may be attributable to the site climate, flow variability, and an increase
in the actual HRT (vs design HRT which uses the maximum
anticipated flow) of the full-scale system.
The system is operated year-round and achieves bulk removal of
the COPCs with the effect that the infiltrated effluent from the system
provides an improvement to the exiting groundwater quality. No
surface water discharges have been observed from the system.
Although passive bioremediation systems require significant
space for relatively minor flows and can be limited by seasonal
variations and/or microbe performance, the benefits including low
sludge production, low operating/maintenance cost, and no power or
chemical requirements outweigh the drawbacks for this site.
 SME Annual Meeting
Feb. 24 - 27, 2018, Denver, CO

The Colorado VCUP approved the No Further Action

Determination application in May 2018.
REFERENCES
1. Ford K. (2004) Risk Management Criteria for Metals at BLM
Mining Sites, Technical Note 390 rev. United States Department
of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National
Science and Technology Center.
2. Schipper R, Blumenstein E, Rutkowski T, and Nielsen B. (2014)
“Bench scale biochemical reactor treatment of uranium radium
and selenium”, Presented at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the
Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, Salt Lake City, UT,
US.

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