February 8, 2023

Orange County Planning Commission

Donald Brooks, Chair, dbrooks@orangecountyva.gov
J. Jason Capelle, Vice Chair, jcapelleorangecounty@gmail.com
George Yancey, yancey88@verizon.net
Adam Bryington, abryington@yahoo.com
J. Bryan Nicol, bnicol@orangecountyva.gov

Re: REZ 22-03 Wilderness Crossing and contamination from gold mines

Dear Members of the Planning Commission:

As you continue to hold work sessions on the rezoning proposal for the Wilderness
Crossing development, we write to highlight concerns about contamination associated with the
abandoned gold mining sites on the property and to recommend important clarifications of
related provisions in the proposed voluntary proffer agreement. The Southern Environmental
Law Center is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works throughout the Commonwealth
to promote land use and transportation decisions that strengthen our communities, protect our
environment, and improve our quality of life. The Piedmont Environmental Council is a non-
profit organization operating in a nine-county region, inclusive of Orange County, with a 50-year
history of promoting and protecting the rural economy, history, and beauty of Virginia’s
Piedmont.

We appreciate the significant time you and County staff have put into this proposal, as
well as the revised proffer language the applicant has offered that appears to be intended to
address some of the concerns you have raised during previous work sessions. We believe the
intent of all parties involved is to ensure that any mine-related contamination on this property is
appropriately remediated in order to protect the health of Orange County’s residents, the future
residents of Wilderness Crossing, and the environment. The currently proposed proffer language,
however, does not adequately reflect that intent or promote those outcomes, and we write to
provide targeted recommendations to clarify responsibilities and help ensure successful
remediation of the property (see Attachment A).

As you are aware, the Wilderness Crossing property is home to a number of abandoned
gold mining sites. Recent assessment of these sites has been limited, but we do know that the
Vaucluse mine is the largest and most well-documented abandoned mine on the property. A
1988 inspection by the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME, now called
Virginia Energy) found that the Vaucluse mine presented an “extreme” environmental hazard
due to mercury contamination in the stream sediments and likely groundwater contamination,1
and recommended that the site be investigated for inclusion in the federal Superfund program.2

1
Va. Dep’t of Mines, Mins. & Energy (DMME), Div. of Min. Mining, Orphaned Mined Land Site Investigation
Report: Vaucluse Mine – Grimes Mine, Grymes Mine (Aug. 1. 1988) (Attachment B).
2
Va. Energy, Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands: Vaucluse Mine (last updated June 6, 2019) (Attachment C).
In 1990, the State Water Control Board noted its concern about elevated mercury levels in stream
sediment and fish tissue samples from the site, and that any site disturbance “would render more
mercury more available to the aquatic ecosystem.”3 Other mines on the property include the
Wilderness mine,4 the Greenwood mine,5 the Woodville mine,6 and the Melville mine,7 and
potential groundwater contamination and/or mercury contamination are also of concern at these
sites. Furthermore, a 9.81-mile portion of the Rapidan River, including the stretch of the river
adjacent to the Wilderness Crossing property, has been listed as “impaired” since 2010 under
Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act due to mercury found in fish tissue.8

These records indicate that there may well be ongoing mine-related contamination on
and/or flowing from the Wilderness Crossing property today. Orange County officials are
understandably concerned about the impacts of this contamination on County residents and the
environment, especially since development activities on the property have the potential to disturb
contaminated areas and bring more residents in closer contact with mine sites and any
underground workings. It is therefore imperative that any contamination be appropriately
remediated to protect the health of Orange County’s current and future residents, and the
environment.

At the outset, one of the most important changes that should be made is to the ensure the
entire Wilderness Crossing property—not just the undefined “Project site” referred to in the
current proffer language—is assessed for mine contamination, since mining activities in this area
were so widespread and mine-related contamination, such as acid mine drainage or groundwater
contamination, may have spread. Additionally, portions of the property that may not be part of
the “Project site” might still be accessed inadvertently by future Wilderness Crossing residents,
even if they are not directly part of the developed areas of the property. A holistic survey of
mine-related contamination on the entire property will allow for a comprehensive site
characterization and risk assessment to better inform and prioritize remediation efforts and
development design.

It will also be extremely important that all remediation actions be seen through to
completion. The current proffer language reflects only a statement of the applicant’s intent to
begin to participate in the Voluntary Remediation Program and/or other equivalent regulatory
oversight and grant programs (the applicant “agrees to enter into”), not a commitment to remain
3
Letter from Ronald A. Gregory, State Water Control Bd., to William Roller, DMME (Mar. 20, 1990)
(Attachment D).
4
A 1988 DMME report noted the potential for groundwater contamination at this site due to open shafts, but the
overall environmental risk was determined to be minimal. Va. Energy, Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands: Wilderness
Mine (last updated July 26, 2021) (Attachment E).
5
A 2011 DMME report found a high potential for mercury contamination at the Greenwood mine. Va. Energy,
Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands: Greenwood Mine (last updated July 26, 2021) (Attachment F).
6
A 2010 DMME report found the potential for groundwater contamination at this site to be moderate. Va. Energy,
Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands: Woodville Mine (last updated July 26, 2021) (Attachment G).
7
Although the Melville Mine is relatively well-documented in older official documents and one of the more
important mines in the area, see e.g., Palmer C. Sweet, Gold Mines and Prospects in Virginia, 17 Virginia Minerals
25, 29-30 (1971), https://energy.virginia.gov/commercedocs/VAMIN_VOL17_NO03.PDF, it is not included in
Virginia Energy’s current Mineral Mining map, nor does it have an Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands report.
8
Va. Dep’t of Envt’l Quality, Water Quality Integrated Assessment Integrated Report: Appendix 1a – 2022
Impaired Waters – 303(d) List Category 5 – Waters Needing Total Maximum Daily Load Study (Fall 2022),
https://www.deq.virginia.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/15440/638104332989370000.

2
in those programs through final remediation. Various language changes would help make clear
that the applicant agrees to complete all appropriate remediation activities on the property—for
example, either by agreeing to “utilize” the Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) and/or other
equivalent regulatory oversight and grant programs approved by the County, or by tying
assessment and remediation activities to participation in the VRP or other equivalent programs.

There are also drafting ambiguities or inconsistencies in the proposed proffer language
that could create confusion. For example, the current proffer language refers to an “aforesaid
evaluation” at one point, but that term is not used elsewhere in the provision. Using more
specific terms like “site characterization,” “risk assessment,” and “remedial action plan” in the
proffer language, and defining those terms, would better clarify responsibilities under the
agreement. As currently drafted, the proffer requires an “assessment” of the property. Because
that term is vague, the requirement would be much clearer if “assessment” was changed to
“comprehensive site characterization and risk assessment.” Similarly, the current proffer
language mentions a “management and mitigation plan.” This term should be replaced with the
more specific “remedial action plan,” and the proffer language should make clear that any such
remedial action plan should seek to achieve all remediation level objectives and recommended
remediation actions identified in the risk assessment to ensure appropriate remediation of the
property.

Finally, we believe the proffer would better ensure that remediation will be completed in
a timely manner if it includes a timeframe for the completion of remediation activities on the
property. As currently drafted, the proffer language only requires the applicant to “commence”
the VRP process. Completion of site characterization and risk assessment activities prior to the
filing of the site plan, however, will give the applicant and County important information about
the status of the site and may help to inform project design and other development decisions.
Additionally, the proffer would be strengthened by including language that captures the
applicant’s commitment to make all reasonable and diligent attempts to obtain certification of
satisfactory completion of remediation of the property within a certain number of years of
beginning the VRP or other equivalent process.

Thank you for your consideration of these comments, as well as for all your work
throughout this review process. Any proffer language related to the abandoned mines on the
Wilderness Crossing property should adequately address the substantial and well-founded
concerns related to mine contamination, especially since these concerns are likely to be
aggravated by activities associated with the proposed rezoning. We hope the County and the
applicant will consider ways to provide clarity and specificity in the proffer language to ensure
full and appropriate remediation of the property as this proposal moves forward.

Sincerely,

Carroll Courtenay Don McCowan

Southern Environmental Law Center Piedmont Environmental Council

3
cc: Orange County Board of Supervisors
Mark Johnson, Chairman, rmarkjohnson142@gmail.com
Lee H. Frame, Vice Chairman, lframe@orangecountyva.gov
James K. White, jimwhitedistrict2@gmail.com
Keith F. Marshall, kmarshall@orangecountyva.gov
James P. Crozier, jcrozier@orangecountyva.gov
Josh Frederick, Planning & Zoning Services Manager, jfrederick@orangecountyva.gov
Eric Bittner, Planner, ebittner@orangecountyva.gov
Tom Lacheney, County Attorney, tlacheney@orangecountyva.gov
Theodore Voorhees, County Administrator, tvoorhees@orangecountyva.gov

Attachments:
A: Suggested revisions to proffer language
B: DMME, Div. of Min. Mining, Orphaned Mined Land Site Investigation Report:
Vaucluse Mine – Grimes Mine, Grymes Mine (Aug. 1. 1988)
C: Va. Energy, Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands: Vaucluse Mine (last updated June
6, 2019)
D: Letter from Ronald A. Gregory, State Water Control Bd., to William Roller,
DMME (Mar. 20, 1990)
E: Va. Energy, Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands: Wilderness Mine (last updated July
26, 2021)
F: Va. Energy, Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands: Greenwood Mine (last updated July
26, 2021)
G: Va. Energy, Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands: Woodville Mine (last updated July
26, 2021)

4
 ATTACHMENT A

Suggested revisions to proffer language

(2) Prior Mining Assessment and Management Measures: There are documented and
undocumented existing orphaned/abandoned mines on the Property (collectively known
herein as the “Mines”). The Applicant agrees to assess the Project siteProperty for
contamination related to the Mines and develop a site characterization and risk
assessment of the entire Property that includes all areas where a prior or ongoing
“release” (as that term is defined by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
(DEQ) Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) regulations) prior to filing the initial site
plan for the Property. The Applicant further agrees to enter intoutilize the Virginia
Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP)
and/or other equivalent regulatory oversight and grant programs approved by County, in
order to complete the aforesaid site characterization and risk assessmentevaluation . The
Applicant also agreesand to develop and implementexecute a management and mitigation
plan for the Projectremedial action plan that will achieve all remediation level objectives
and recommended remediation actions identified in the aforesaid risk assessment. The
Applicant will commence the VRP process the sooner of (i) within twelve (12) months of
rezoning approval, or (ii) prior to filing the initial site plan for the Project.agrees to make
all reasonable [/diligent] efforts to obtain certifications of satisfactory completion of
remediation under the VRP or other equivalent programs for all eligible releases within
[XX] years of entering into such program.
 ATTACHMENT B

DMME, Div. of Min. Mining, Orphaned Mined Land Site Investigation Report: Vaucluse Mine –
Grimes Mine, Grymes Mine (Aug. 1. 1988)
 ATTACHMENT C

Va. Energy, Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands: Vaucluse Mine (last updated June 6, 2019)
 Tracking # 1565
Page # 1

Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

A. SITE IDENTIFICATION
Date of Inspection (MM/DD/YYYY): 8/1/1988

Date Record Updated (MM/DD/YYYY): 6/6/2019

Mineral Mining DMM8829 Inventory Author: Allen Bishop

Number:

MRDS Number: Author Affiliation: VA DMME - DMM

MRV Number: MRV183C_101,103,1

04

Mine Name: VAUCLUSE MINE Acres: 10.000

Minerals: GOLD HUC: RA43

County: Orange Quadrangle: Chancellorsville

BOND FOREITURE PERMITTED

Latitude: 38.353900 Longitude: -77.728900

B. Project Information
(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Project Number: OLAC Ranking: A

Olac Notes:

2019 owner - Evans King 2 LLC, 3033 Woodland Drive NW, Washington DC 20003

Added scanned slides dated unknown from USGS Data Preservation project 2018 CWS

FIRST GIVEN 'A' PRIORITY RATING (11/30/1988)- RECLAMATION IS NOT RECOMMENDED

DUE TO POSSIBLE REMINING. SAFETY HAZARDS EXIST DUE TOT HE EXISTENCE OF
VERTICAL SHAFTS AND PITS. ENVIRONMENTAL HARM SEVERE DUE TO MERCURY
CONTAMINATION OF THE STREAM SEDIMENTS.
- INVESTIGATE INCLUSION IN THE SUPERFUND CLEANUP

CHANGED CLASSIFICATION- A REQUEST FOR NEW CLASSIFICATION IS MADE DUE TO THE

FACT THAT EXTREMELY ACIDIC DRAINAGE IS PRESENT AND UNTIL EPA STORMWATER
REGULATIONS ARE FINALIZED AND LIABILITY FOR THESE SITES IS CLARIFIED. IT WOULD
NOT BE PRUDENT FOR THE STATE TO RECLAIM THEM. THE NEW PRIORITIZATION WOULD
BE 'A(X)' WHICH MEANS STATE LIABILITY IF RECLAMATION WERE TO PROCEED IN
QUESTION.
 Tracking # 1565
Page # 2

Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

Brownfield Potential Carbon Storage Potential Economic Development
Potential
C: SITE HISTORY
Mine Owner: Richard Runion

DMM Permit:

Date Last Mined: 1935 Date First Mined: 1832

MineType: Underground mine Shafts on Site:

Depth Below(feet): Wroking Length:

Pit Size:

Notes on Site History:

Mine discovered in 1832. Worked through 1935 by various companies. Large operations. A large
part of Virginia's gold production in 1833-1860 probably came from the Vancluse Mine.

Several mining companies are studying the site and a permit to mine was requested of the county in
June of 1988. The county at this time will not allow mining due to public concerns.

A request for new classification is made due to the fact that extremely acidic drainage is present and
until EPA stormwater regulations are finalized and liability for these sites are clarified.

Large open pits, numerous small caved pits on site. In 1865 two open cuts 80' x 300' x 25' wide had
been opened. The Vancluse shaft was 220' deep with levels at 50', 110', and 201'. The 110' level
contained 275' of workings and the 201' level had 876' of drifts and cross cuts in January of 1936.

Unsafe conditions exist and are severe due to the extent of the shaft and workings. Mercury is a
hazardous waste found at the site.

D. EXPLOSURE (Score 9 )
(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Site Access: paved road Site Visibility from Road: Not Visible from road

Site Access Notes:

Estimate of 1 - 10 homes Site Visibility from Homes: Not Visible from

homes: homes
 Tracking # 1565
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Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

Nearest Community: Wilderness

Notes on Nearest Community and Nearby Homes:

Nereby None Recreation Area Name: none

Recreation
Areas:

Site Usage: None

Notes on Site Usage:

E. ENVIRONMENTAL (Score 320.000 )

(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Acid Drainage Notes:

If the following exist on the site, place a Acres of Denuded

check in the appropriate box Vegetation:
Rills on site X Trash on site
Gullies on site X Hazardous
Material on site
Potential Ground Water Contamination: Severe

Potential Surfacw Water Contamination: Severe / Acid Mine Drainage (AMD)

Receiving Stream: Shotgun Hill Branch to Wilderness

Run to Rapidan R

Upstream Downstream At Mine Site

pH Value

Conductivity

Tempature

Conductivity Units:
 Tracking # 1565
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Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

Environmental Notes:

Extreme mercury contamination from the sediment of the tailings pond. Likely groundwater
contamination from the use of mercury in the mining process. Large array of underground workings.

Existing Wetlands on site, if yes check box Potential for dredge material
disposal if east of Fall Line
Potential Wetlands on site, if yes check box

Wetlands Notes:

F. SAFETY (Score 100 )

(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Mine Site Hazards: Severe

No of Vertical Caved Entrances: No of Vertical Open Entrances:

Vertical Entrance Notes:

Extreme underground workings and shafts.

X Toxic Chemicals and/or Explosives at site, if yes check box

Toxic Chemical / Explosives Notes:

Mercury

Potable Water Supplies at risk, if yes check box

At Risk Potable Water Supply Notes:

No of Horizontal Caved No of Horizontal Open

Entrances: Entrances:

Horizontal Entrance Notes:

Existence of High Walls at the Site, if yes check box

High Walls Notes:

 Tracking # 1565
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Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

Existence of Impoundments at Site, if yes check box

Impoundment Notes:

Existence of Unstable Slopes at Site, if yes check box

Unstable Slop Notes:

Existence of Subsidence Areas, if yes check box

Subsidence Area Notes:

Number of Mine Dumps at Site:

Mine Dump Notes:

Structure / Equipment Evaluation: None

Structure / Equipment Notes:

G. REFERENCES
References Results:
 Tracking # 1565
Page # 6

Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

Mindat.org, 2018, https://www.mindat.org/loc-25939.html

Sweet, P. and W.D. Rowe Jr., 1983, Selected Virginia mineral-resource information, Virginia Division
of Mineral Resources Publication 51, 196 p.28

H. MONITORING
Monitoring Results:

I. CORRESPONDENCE
Date Type Comments
7/22/2004
 ATTACHMENT D

Letter from Ronald A. Gregory, State Water Control Bd., to William Roller, DMME (Mar. 20,
1990)
 ATTACHMENT E

Va. Energy, Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands: Wilderness Mine (last updated July 26, 2021)
 Tracking # 1566
Page # 1

Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

A. SITE IDENTIFICATION
Date of Inspection (MM/DD/YYYY): 8/1/1988

Date Record Updated (MM/DD/YYYY): 7/26/2021

Mineral Mining DMM8838 Inventory Author: Allen Bishop

Number:

MRDS Number: W000424 Author Affiliation: VA DMME - DMM

MRV Number: MRV183C_113

Mine Name: WILDERNESS MINE Acres: 1.000

Minerals: GOLD HUC: RA43

County: Orange Quadrangle: Chancellorsville

BOND FOREITURE PERMITTED

Latitude: 38.336110 Longitude: -77.731670

B. Project Information
(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Project Number: OLAC Ranking: Reclaimed

Olac Notes:

RECLAIMED OLP-90-04, 90-07

POTENTIAL GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION EXISTS DUE TO THE OPEN SHAFTS. FATAL

FALL HAZARDS EXIST DUE TO THE OPEN SHAFTS AND THE INFLUX OF POPULATION TO
THE AREA.

RECOMMEND ELIMINATION OF OPEN SHAFTS, ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS MINIMAL.

Added Pictures Scanned for USGS Data Preservation deliverable 2018 - cws

Brownfield Potential Carbon Storage Potential Economic Development

Potential
C: SITE HISTORY
Mine Owner: n/a

DMM Permit:
 Tracking # 1566
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Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

Date Last Mined: 1923 Date First Mined: prior to 1911

MineType: Underground mine Shafts on Site:

Depth Below(feet): Wroking Length:

Pit Size:

Several open shafts

Notes on Site History:

Mine opened pre-1911 and the mill burned down in 1911, but was never rebuilt. Mining ceased in
1923. Mineral Resources in 1927-1975 stated that in 1911 a 30 meter shaft was sunk in, and 117
meters of drifts were driven. In 1912, the shaft was deepened to 38 meters and an additional 58
meters was started. Two open shafts, several caved pits, concrete foundation and dumps were
evident in 1974. On this inspection, the open shafts exist; the caved pits were not noted.

Fatal fall hazards exist due to the open shafts and the influx of population to the area.

D. EXPLOSURE (Score 23 )
(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Site Access: paved road Site Visibility from Road: Visible from road

Site Access Notes:

Estimate of 1 - 10 homes Site Visibility from Homes: Visible from homes

homes:

Nearest Community: Wilderness

Notes on Nearest Community and Nearby Homes:

RESIDENTIAL BEING INCREASED

Nereby None Recreation Area Name: none

Recreation
Areas:

Site Usage: Evidence of litter

Notes on Site Usage:

 Tracking # 1566
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Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

Use for illegal dumping into shafts

HUNT CLUB

E. ENVIRONMENTAL (Score 40.000 )

(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Acid Drainage Notes:

If the following exist on the site, place a Acres of Denuded

check in the appropriate box Vegetation:
Rills on site X Trash on site
Gullies on site Hazardous
Material on site
Potential Ground Water Contamination: Minimal

Potential Surfacw Water Contamination: Minimal

Receiving Stream: Shotgun Hill Branch to Wildernes Run

to Rapidan R.

Upstream Downstream At Mine Site

pH Value

Conductivity

Tempature

Conductivity Units:

Environmental Notes:

Minimal drainage other than surface runoff. Open shafts, potential for groundwater contamination

Existing Wetlands on site, if yes check box Potential for dredge material
disposal if east of Fall Line
Potential Wetlands on site, if yes check box

Wetlands Notes:
 Tracking # 1566
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Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

F. SAFETY (Score 210 )
(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Mine Site Hazards: Minimal

No of Vertical Caved Entrances: No of Vertical Open Entrances: 2

Vertical Entrance Notes:

OPEN CONCRETE SHAFTS 100' IN DEPTH, FATAL FALL HAZARDS

Toxic Chemicals and/or Explosives at site, if yes check box

Toxic Chemical / Explosives Notes:

Potable Water Supplies at risk, if yes check box

At Risk Potable Water Supply Notes:

No of Horizontal Caved No of Horizontal Open

Entrances: Entrances:

Horizontal Entrance Notes:

Existence of High Walls at the Site, if yes check box

High Walls Notes:

Existence of Impoundments at Site, if yes check box

Impoundment Notes:

Existence of Unstable Slopes at Site, if yes check box

Unstable Slop Notes:

 Tracking # 1566
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Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

Existence of Subsidence Areas, if yes check box

Subsidence Area Notes:

Number of Mine Dumps at Site:

Mine Dump Notes:

Structure / Equipment Evaluation: Foundations exist

Structure / Equipment Notes:

REMOVE CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS

G. REFERENCES
References Results:

Lonsdale,J.T., 1927, Geologyof the Gold-Pyrite Belt of the Northeastern Piedmont,

Virginia, VirginiaGeological Survey, Bulletin 30, 139 p.
Sweet,P., 1971, GoldMines and Prospects in Virginia inVirginia Minerals, v. 17 n. 3, pp.
25-33
Sweet,P., 1975, Road Logto Some Abandoned Gold Mines of the Gold- Pyrite Belt, Northeastern
Virginiain Virginia Minerals, v. 21 n. 1

Sweet, P., 1980, Gold in Virginia,Virginia Division of Mineral Resources Publication

19, 74 p.
Sweet, P. and W.D. Rowe Jr., 1983, Selected Virginia mineral-resource Information, Virginia Division
of Mineral Resources Publication 51, 35 p.

H. MONITORING
Monitoring Results:
 Tracking # 1566
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Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

I. CORRESPONDENCE
Date Type Comments
7/22/2004
 ATTACHMENT F

Va. Energy, Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands: Greenwood Mine (last updated July 26, 2021)
 Tracking # 2873
Page # 1

Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

A. SITE IDENTIFICATION
Date of Inspection (MM/DD/YYYY): 7/14/2011

Date Record Updated (MM/DD/YYYY): 7/26/2021

Mineral Mining DMM12117 Inventory Author: BISHOP

Number:

MRDS Number: W000423 Author Affiliation: VA DMME - DMM

MRV Number: MRV183C_108

Mine Name: Acres: 2.000

Minerals: GOLD HUC: RA43

County: Orange Quadrangle: Chancellorsville

BOND FOREITURE PERMITTED

Latitude: 38.343012 Longitude: -77.723890

B. Project Information
(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Project Number: OLAC Ranking:

Olac Notes:

Brownfield Potential Carbon Storage Potential Economic Development

Potential
C: SITE HISTORY
Mine Owner:

DMM Permit:

Date Last Mined: Date First Mined:

MineType: Prospect Shafts on Site:

Depth Below(feet): 300.00 Wroking Length:

 Tracking # 2873
Page # 2

Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

Pit Size:

Notes on Site History:

VA. MINERAL RESOUCES PUBLICATION #45

PAGE 141 - GREENWOOD PROSPECT

D. EXPLOSURE (Score 7 )
(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Site Access: gravel road Site Visibility from Road: Not Visible from road

Site Access Notes:

Estimate of 1 - 10 homes Site Visibility from Homes: Not Visible from

homes: homes

Nearest Community: WILDERNESS

Notes on Nearest Community and Nearby Homes:

Nereby None Recreation Area Name:

Recreation
Areas:

Site Usage: None

Notes on Site Usage:

E. ENVIRONMENTAL (Score 20.000 )

(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Acid Drainage Notes:

NONE

If the following exist on the site, place a Acres of Denuded

check in the appropriate box Vegetation:
Rills on site Trash on site
 Tracking # 2873
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Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

Gullies on site Hazardous
Material on site
Potential Ground Water Contamination: Minimal

Potential Surfacw Water Contamination: Minimal

Receiving Stream: WILDERNESS RUN

Upstream Downstream At Mine Site

pH Value

Conductivity

Tempature

Conductivity Units: microSiemans/cm or microMhos/cm ( uS/cm)

Environmental Notes:

HIGH POTENTIAL FOR MERCURY CONTAMINATION DUE TO AMALGAMATION

Existing Wetlands on site, if yes check box Potential for dredge material
disposal if east of Fall Line
Potential Wetlands on site, if yes check box

Wetlands Notes:

F. SAFETY (Score 250 )

(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Mine Site Hazards: Moderate

No of Vertical Caved Entrances: 5 No of Vertical Open Entrances:

Vertical Entrance Notes:

4 PITS

Toxic Chemicals and/or Explosives at site, if yes check box

Toxic Chemical / Explosives Notes:

 Tracking # 2873
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Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

Potable Water Supplies at risk, if yes check box

At Risk Potable Water Supply Notes:

No of Horizontal Caved No of Horizontal Open

Entrances: Entrances:

Horizontal Entrance Notes:

Existence of High Walls at the Site, if yes check box

High Walls Notes:

Existence of Impoundments at Site, if yes check box

Impoundment Notes:

Existence of Unstable Slopes at Site, if yes check box

Unstable Slop Notes:

Existence of Subsidence Areas, if yes check box

Subsidence Area Notes:

Number of Mine Dumps at Site:

Mine Dump Notes:

Structure / Equipment Evaluation: None

Structure / Equipment Notes:

 Tracking # 2873
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Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

G. REFERENCES
References Results:

H. MONITORING
Monitoring Results:

I. CORRESPONDENCE
Date Type Comments
5/17/2012
 ATTACHMENT G

Va. Energy, Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands: Woodville Mine (last updated July 26, 2021)
 Tracking # 2638
Page # 1

Abandoned Mineral Mine Lands

A. SITE IDENTIFICATION
Date of Inspection (MM/DD/YYYY): 9/17/2010

Date Record Updated (MM/DD/YYYY): 7/26/2021

Mineral Mining DMM10111 Inventory Author: BISHOP

Number:

MRDS Number: W030535 Author Affiliation: VA DMME - DMM

MRV Number: MRV183C_107

Mine Name: Acres: 2.000

Minerals: GOLD HUC: RA43

County: Orange Quadrangle: Chancellorsville

BOND FOREITURE PERMITTED

Latitude: 38.333599 Longitude: -77.732758

B. Project Information
(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Project Number: OLAC Ranking:

Olac Notes:

Brownfield Potential Carbon Storage Potential Economic Development

Potential
C: SITE HISTORY
Mine Owner:

DMM Permit:

Date Last Mined: Date First Mined:

MineType: Underground mine Shafts on Site:

Depth Below(feet): Wroking Length:

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Pit Size:

Notes on Site History:

LISTED AS THE SAME AS THE ONE ACROSS FROM ROUTE 3, THE WOODVILLE MINE

D. EXPLOSURE (Score 34 )
(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Site Access: gravel road Site Visibility from Road: Visible from road

Site Access Notes:

Estimate of > 100 homes Site Visibility from Homes: Not Visible from
homes: homes

Nearest Community: LAKE OF THE

WOODS

Notes on Nearest Community and Nearby Homes:

Nereby 1 mile, high use Recreation Area Name: LAKE

Recreation
Areas:

Site Usage: Evidence of litter

Notes on Site Usage:

A LOT OF LITTER, TRASH IN PITS.

E. ENVIRONMENTAL (Score 80.000 )

(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Acid Drainage Notes:

If the following exist on the site, place a Acres of Denuded

check in the appropriate box Vegetation:
Rills on site X Trash on site
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Gullies on site Hazardous
Material on site
Potential Ground Water Contamination: Moderate

Potential Surfacw Water Contamination: Minimal

Receiving Stream: WILDERNESS RUN

Upstream Downstream At Mine Site

pH Value

Conductivity

Tempature

Conductivity Units: microSiemans/cm or microMhos/cm ( uS/cm)

Environmental Notes:

TRASH IN PITS, NO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS NOTED, BUT NOT RULED OUT.

Existing Wetlands on site, if yes check box Potential for dredge material
disposal if east of Fall Line
Potential Wetlands on site, if yes check box

Wetlands Notes:

F. SAFETY (Score 200 )

(For Non-Permitted Sites only)
Mine Site Hazards: Minimal

No of Vertical Caved Entrances: 3 No of Vertical Open Entrances:

Vertical Entrance Notes:

Toxic Chemicals and/or Explosives at site, if yes check box

Toxic Chemical / Explosives Notes:

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X Potable Water Supplies at risk, if yes check box

At Risk Potable Water Supply Notes:

HOUSES APPEAR TO BE ON WELLS ON THE ROAD THE SITE IS ON.

No of Horizontal Caved No of Horizontal Open

Entrances: Entrances:

Horizontal Entrance Notes:

Existence of High Walls at the Site, if yes check box

High Walls Notes:

Existence of Impoundments at Site, if yes check box

Impoundment Notes:

Existence of Unstable Slopes at Site, if yes check box

Unstable Slop Notes:

Existence of Subsidence Areas, if yes check box

Subsidence Area Notes:

Number of Mine Dumps at Site:

Mine Dump Notes:

Structure / Equipment Evaluation: None

Structure / Equipment Notes:

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G. REFERENCES
References Results:

H. MONITORING
Monitoring Results:

I. CORRESPONDENCE
Date Type Comments
9/20/2010