Abandoned Mine Lands: Technical Resources

This page contains technical reports, studies, and meeting proceedings related to EPA's Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Program. These technical resources cover such topics as:

• AML contamination assessment and characterization techniques;
• Types of waste found at AMLs;
• Technologies used to remediate contamination found at AMLs;
• Modeling and forecasting impacts from mining; and
• Financial and bonding studies.

To access the documents listed on this page, please use the document search tool below. Searching by document title or Superfund terms will generate a table of relevant results.

Note: Not all documents may be available at this time. EPA continues to update its website to enhance public access to Superfund-related information.

• Search Superfund Documents

These reports are generally highly technical in nature and are used to support Agency policy and guidance. These reports are provided to assist readers in better understanding the range of environmental issues found at AMLs. Technical resources are grouped into the following categories:

On this page:

• Case Studies
• Mine Waste Research
• Technical Reports
• Assessment & Cleanup Technologies
• Composting at Mine Sites
• AML Team Reference Notebook
• Search AML Technology Research Summaries

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Case Studies

From innovative cleanup technologies to unique redevelopment opportunities, EPA is addressing abandoned hardrock mines and mining-related sites using a variety of approaches. The case studies below highlight site assessment, cleanup, stakeholder involvement, reuse approaches and lessons learned from work at mine sites. Because each mining site is unique, approaches taken at one site may not be applicable to another mine site. However, it is possible to apply similar solutions to mining sites across the county.

Site Case Studies

• Bunker Hill, ID- wetland restoration
• California Gulch, CO
  • Green Remediation
  • Ecological Revitalization (PDF)(8 pp, 950 K)
• Central City/Clear Creek, CO
• Cherokee County, KS (PDF) (10 pp, 57 K)
• Chevron Questa Solar (PDF) (16 pp, 6.8 MB)
• Coalinga Asbestos, CA
• Copper Basin Mining District, TN (PDF) (7 pp, 669 K)
• Elizabeth Mine, VT (PDF) (10 pp, 899 K)
• Ely Shoshone Tribe, NV (PDF) (2 pp, 899 K)
• Iron Mountain Mine, CA (PDF) (17 pp, 920 K)
• Kennecott Mining Site (PDF) (17 pp, 1 MB)
• Leadville, CO (PDF) (10 pp, 1.1 MB)
• Libby Asbestos, MT (PDF) (18 pp, 2.8 MB)
• Lefthand Creek Watershed, CO (PDF) (6 pp, 690 K)
• Midvale Slag (PDF) (18 pp, 1.9 MB)
• Murray City, UT (PDF) (7 pp, 586 K)
• Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area (Clark Tailings and Warm Springs Pond), MT (PDF) (2 pp, 166 K)
• Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area (Walkerville), MT (PDF) (17 pp, 5.8 MB)

Applied Technology Case Studies

• Compost/Biosolids Application at Palmerton Zinc Pile, PA (PDF) (9 pp, 977 K)
• Constructed Wetlands at Copper Basin, TN (PDF) (8 pp, 468 K)
• Permeable Reactive Barrier at East Helena, MT (PDF) (5 pp, 430 K)
• Sulfate-Reducing Bioreactor at Leviathan Mine, CA (PDF) (10 pp, 759 K)

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Mine Waste Research

EPA conducts and funds research on solutions to contamination problems caused by mine waste. EPA’s Office of Research and Development established the Mine Waste Technology Program (MWTP) to conduct research into mine waste contamination problems. The MWTP’s mission emphasized technology development, testing and evaluation through pilot- scale field demonstrations and providing engineering solutions to environmental issues resulting from the mining and smelting of metallic ores.

Other EPA Mine Waste Research Papers/Reports:

Mine Waste Technology Program Phosphate Stabilization of Heavy Metals Contaminated Mine Waste Yard Soils, Joplin, Missouri NPL Site.
EPA/600/R-04/090. April 2004.

Performing Quality Flow Measurements at Mine Sites.
EPA/600/R-01/043. September 2001.

Characterization and Eh/pH-Based Leaching Tests of Mercury-containing Mining Wastes from the Sulfur Bank Mercury Mine, Lake County, California.
EPA/600/R-02/032. September 2001.

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Technical Reports

The following reports highlight technologies and technical resources related to the assessment, characterization, cleanup, and revitalization of current and abandoned mining and mineral processing sites.

Mining Geochemistry or Fate and Transport

• Final Report: Physiochemical and Microbial Controls on the Speciation and Release of Arsenic Into Ground and Surface Waters
• Arsenic Cycle at the Harvard Mine Pit Lake, Mother Lode Gold District, California
• 2000 Progress Report: Processes Controlling the Chemical/Isotopic Speciation and Distribution of Mercury From Contaminated Mine Sites

Remediation

• Final Report -- Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria Reactive Wall Demonstration Mine Waste Technology Program Activity III, Project 12. . EPA/600/R-02/053. June 2002.
• EPA's Mine Waste Technology Program (MWTP) Activity III, Project 20, Demonstration Project for Selenium Treatment/Removal Alternatives . EPA/600-/R-01/077. June 2001.
• A Novel Approach to Prevention of Acid Rock Drainage
• 1999 Progress Report: Application of Sediment Quality Criteria for Metals To a Montane Lotic Ecosystem: Field Validation During Reclamation of a Copper Mine Causing Acid Mine Drainage
• Design and Development of an Innovative Industrial-Scale Process to Economically Treat Waste Zinc Residues
• Heavy Metals Removal from Contaminated Water Solutions (Berkeley Pit)
• Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council - Mining Waste Treatment Technology Selection

Biological Remediation/Treatment

• Bioremediation of Acid Mine Drainage Using Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (PDF)(72 pp, 1.1 MB, About PDF) August 2006.
• Biological Control of Acid Mine Drainage
• Handbook for Constructed Wetlands Receiving Acid Mine Drainage. EPA/540/R-93/523. September 1993
• Pintail Systems Inc.'s Aqueous Biocyanide Process (PDF) (8 pp, 377K). EPA/540/R-00/501a. May 2000
• Metals Soil Pollution and Vegetative Remediation (tailings), (gold)
• Use of Poplar Trees in Remediating Heavy Metal Contaminated Sites  (Similar study to above, but with zinc/lead)
• Acid Producing Metalliferous Waste Reclamation by Material Reprocessing and Vegetative Stabilization, (Tailings). 
• Final Report: Vegetative Interceptor Zones for Containment of Heavy Metal Pollutants.
• Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council - Biochemical Reactors for Mining-Influenced Water .

Characterization

• Long-Term Monitoring Network Optimization Evaluation for Operable Unit 2, Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Complex Superfund Site, Idaho (PDF) (126 pp, 2.1 MB). EPA 542-R-06-005. January 2006.
  • Lead in Dust Detection Technology Verified (PDF) (45 pp, 706K). EPA/600/R-03/087. September 2003.
• Final Report: Quantitation of Heavy Metals by Immunoassay
• Characterization and Eh/pH-Based Leaching Tests of Mercury-containing Mining Wastes from the Sulfur Bank Mercury Mine, Lake County, California (PDF) (98 pp, 1.2 MB). EPA/600/R-02/032. September 2001.
• 2000 Progress Report: Photochemical Processes Controlling Manganese Chemistry in Pristine and Contaminated Mountain Streams

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Assessment & Cleanup Technologies

• Long-Term Monitoring Network Optimization Evaluation for Operable Unit 2, Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Complex Superfund Site, Idaho (PDF) (126 pp, 2.1MB). EPA 542-R-06-005. January 2006.
  • Lead in Dust Detection Technology Verified (PDF) (45 pp, 706K). EPA/600/R-03/087. September 2003.
• Final Report: Quantitation of Heavy Metals by Immunoassay
• Characterization and Eh/pH-Based Leaching Tests of Mercury-containing Mining Wastes from the Sulfur Bank Mercury Mine, Lake County, California (PDF) (98 pp, 1.2MB). EPA/600/R-02/032. September 2001.
• 2000 Progress Report: Photochemical Processes Controlling Manganese Chemistry in Pristine and Contaminated Mountain Streams
• A range of traditional and innovative technologies may be appropriate for assessment and remediation at current and former mining sites. EPA's Office of Research and Development provides support to EPA programs on the design and use of technologies. ORD technology reports include:
  • Environmental Technology Verification Reports
  • Emerging Technology Reports
  • Demonstration Bulletins
  • Technology Capsule Reports
  • Demonstration Program Reports
  • Abstracts of Remediation Case Studies

  Environmental Technology Verification Reports

  • Field Portable X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer, HNU Systems SEFA-P(4 pp, 31 K),  EPA/600/R-97/144, March 1996.
  • Field Portable X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer, Spectrace TN 9000 and TN Pb Field Portable X-ray Fluorescence Analyzers(4 pp, 303 K), EPA/600/R-97/145, March 1996.
  • Field Portable X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer, Metorex X-MET 920-P and 940(4 pp, 291 K), EPA/600/R-97/146, March 1998.
  • Field Portable X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer, Scitec MAP Spectrum Analyzer(4 pp, 335 K), EPA/600/R-97/147, March 1998.
  • Field Portable X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer, Niton XL Spectrum Analyzer(4 pp, 98 K), EPA/600/R-97/150, March 1998.
  • Field Portable X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer Metorex X-MET 920-MP(4 pp, 293 K), EPA/600/R-97/151, March 1998.

  Emerging Technology Reports

  • Handbook for Constructed Wetlands Receiving Acid Mine Drainage, Colorado School of Mines  EPA/540/R-93/523, 1993.
  • Acid Extraction Treatment System for Treatment of Metal Contaminated Soils (PDF) (58 pp, 1.2 MB), EPA/540/R-94/513, 1994.
  • Reclamation of Lead from Superfund Waste Material Using Secondary Lead Smelters, Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (PDF) (85 pp, 948 K), EPA/540/R-95/504, 1994.

  Demonstration Bulletins

  • Soil Rescue Remediation Solution, Star Organics, L.L.C., EPA/540/MR-99/002, July 1999.

  Technology Capsule Reports

  • In Situ Vitrification Technology, Geosafe Corporation (PDF)(9 pp, 397 K), EPA/540/R-94/520a, November 1994.
  • Geotech Development Corporation Cold Top Ex-Situ Vitrification Technology , EPA/540-R-97/506a, March 1998.
  • Sandia National Laboratories, In Situ Electrokinetic Extraction Technology, EPA/540-R-97/509a, December 1998.
  • Pintail Systems Inc.'s Aqueous Biocyanide Process , EPA/540-R-00/501a, May 2000.
  • Demonstration of Rocky Mountain Remediation Services Soil Amendment Process EPA/540-R-02/501a, July 2002.
  • Evaluation of Soil Amendment Technologies at the Crooksville/Roseville Pottery Area of Concern STAR Organics Soil Rescue, April 2003.

  Demonstration Program Reports

  • Biogenesis TM Soil Washing Technology, EPA/540/R-93/510, September 1993.
  • In Situ Vitrification Technology, Geosafe Corporation (PDF)(9 pp, 397 K), EPA/540/R-94/520a, November 1994.
  • Molecular Bonding System®, EPA/540-R-97/507, February 1998.
  • Geotech, Inc., Cold Top Ex-Situ Vitrification System, EPA/540/R-97/506, December 1999.
  • Sandia National Laboratories, In Situ Electrokinetic Extraction Technology, EPA/540-R-97/509a, December 1998.
  • Evaluation of Soil Amendment Technologies at the Crooksville/Roseville Pottery Area of Concern Rocky Mountain Remediation Services Envirobond TM Process, EPA/540/R-02/501, July 2002.
  • Evaluation of Soil Amendment Technologies at the Crooksville/Roseville Pottery Area of Concern STAR Organics Soil Rescue, EPA/540/R-99/501, March 2003.

  Abstracts of Remediation Case Studies

  This Solidification/Stabilization Resource Guide is intended to inform site cleanup managers of recently-published materials such as field reports and guidance documents that address issues relevant to solidification/stabilization technologies. In addition to a short abstract for each of the resources listed, the guide includes a look-up table that allows the user to quickly scan the contents. Information on how to obtain a specific document also is included.
   
• Engineering Bulletin: Technology Alternatives for the Remediation of Soils Contaminated with As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb (PDF) (21 pp, 89 K). EPA 540/S-97/500.
  This publication provides remediation managers with information to facilitate the selection of appropriate remedial alternatives for soils contaminated with As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb [August 1997, 19 pages]. This bulletin primarily condenses information included in a more comprehensive Technical Resource Document entitled, Contaminants and Remedial Options at Selected Metal-Contaminated Sites.
   
• EPA's Environmental Technology Verification Program (PDF) (2 pp, 370K). EPA 600-F-95-005.
  This brochure, produced by the ORD ETV Program, outlines EPA's 12 technology verification pilot programs.
   
• Guide for Conducting Treatability Studies Under CERCLA: Soil Washing Interim Guidance (PDF) (46 pp, 430K). EPA 540-2-91-020.
  Download Quick Reference Fact Sheet (PDF) (8 pp, 519K)
  This document provides guidance for planning, implementing, and evaluating soil washing treatability tests to support the remedy evaluation process for Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) sites.
   
• Innovative Remediation Technologies: Field-Scale Demonstration Projects in North America, 2nd Edition (PDF)(139 pp, 511K). EPA 542-B-00-004.
  A revision and expansion of the EPA publication Completed North American Innovative Technology Demonstration Projects, the project information in the new document is now available in an online, searchable database of ongoing and completed field demonstrations of innovative remediation technologies sponsored by government agencies working in partnership with private technology developers to bring new technologies into the hazardous waste remediation marketplace.
   
• In Situ Treatment of Contaminated Sediments (PDF)(33 pp, 3.2MB)
  This report was prepared under grant for EPA by Jon Renholds, a National Network of Environmental Management Studies fellow. The document is intended to provide a basic summary and current status of in situ treatment technologies for the remediation of contaminated sediments. It is not intended to be an inclusive report; it merely provides an overview of the existing work in the field on in situ treatment techniques. The information was gathered from a range of available sources, including project documents, reports, periodicals, Internet searches, and personal communication with involved parties.
   
• On-Site Incineration: Overview of Superfund Operating Experience (PDF) (37 pp, 166K)
  Fifteen case studies were prepared to obtain additional data on operating experience for completed incineration projects. This report summarizes the 15 case studies, provides technology descriptions, and makes general observations based on individual applications.
   
• On-Site Incineration at Superfund Sites 
  These reports present cost and performance data for the application of on-site incineration of contaminated soil at Superfund sites.
   
• Recent Developments for In Situ Treatment of Metal Contaminated Soils (PDF)(64 pp, 561K). EPA 542-R-97-004
  This report assists the remedy selection process by providing information on four in situ technologies for treating soil contaminated with metals. The four approaches are electrokinetic remediation, phytoremediation, soil flushing, and solidification/stabilization.
   
• Remediation Technologies Screening Matrix 
  The remediation technologies screening matrix is a user-friendly tool to screen for technologies for a remediation project. The matrix allows you to screen through 64 in situ and ex situ technologies for either soil or groundwater remediation. Variables used in screening include contaminants, development status, overall cost, and cleanup time. In-depth information on each technology is also available, including direct links to over 209 cost and performance reports written by members of the Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable.
   
• Solidification/Stabilization Resource Guide (PDF) (91 pp, 1.4MB). EPA 542-B-99-002
  This Solidification/Stabilization Resource Guide is intended to inform site cleanup managers of recently-published materials such as field reports and guidance documents that address issues relevant to solidification/stabilization technologies. In addition to a short abstract for each of the resources listed, the guide includes a look-up table that allows the user to quickly scan the contents. Information on how to obtain a specific document also is included.
   
• Solidification/Stabilization Use at Superfund Sites (PDF)(23 pp, 1MB). EPA 542-R-00-010
  To provide interested stakeholders such as project managers, technology service providers, consulting engineers, site owners, and the general public with the most recent information about solidification/stabilization applications at Superfund sites, as well as information about trends in use, specific types of applications, and cost, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) performed a review and analysis of solidification/stabilization applications and prepared this summary.

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Composting at Mine Sites

Compost is commonly added to other to materials for use on reclaimed tailings to restore remediated materials as a plant supporting soil and to support the revegetation of sites where contaminated soil or material has been removed. Many of the technologies used in addressing contamination at abandoned mine land sites are detailed below:

• Compost versus Biosolids
• General Composting Information
• Composting at Mine Sites
• Chemical Bonding Capabilities
• Slope Stability and Erosion Control
• Revegetation Using Compost
• Video Presentation
• Other Related Uses

Compost versus Biosolids

Compost is the product resulting from the controlled biological decomposition of organic material that has been sanitized through the generation of heat and stabilized to the point that it is beneficial to plant growth. Compost contains plant nutrients, but bears little physical resemblance to the raw material from which it originated and is not typically characterized as a fertilizer.

- Adapted from the US Composting Council's Field Guide to Compost Use

Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic materials resulting from the treatment of sewage sludge. Sewage sludge is the solid, semisolid or liquid untreated residue generated during the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment facility.
- From EPA's Biosolids Program

General Composting Information

• U.S. EPA Composting Web page
• Christian, A.H., G.K. Evanylo. Compost: What is it and What's it to you?   Virginia Cooperative Extension. 2002.

Composting at Mine Sites

• The Use of Soil Amendments for Remediation, Revitalization, and Reuse (PDF) (59pp, 1.7MB). Office of Solid Waste, Technology Innovation Program.
• Perez-de-Mora, A., P. Burgos, E. Madejon, F. Cabrera, P. Jaeckel, M. Schloter. Microbial Community Structure and Function in a Soil Contaminated by Heavy Metals: Effects of Plant Growth and Different Amendments. (Abstract, with option to buy full text ). Soil Biology & Biochemistry 38 (2): 327-341. February 2006.
• Gibert, O., J. de Pablo, J.L. Cortina, C. Ayora. Municipal Compost-Based Mixture for Acid Mine Drainage Bioremediation: Metal Retention Mechanisms. (Abstract, with option to buy full text ). Applied Geochemistry 20 (9): 1648-1657. September 2005.
• Neagoe, A., G. Ebena, E. Carlsson. The Effect of Soil Amendments on Plant Performance in an Area Affected by Acid Mine Drainage. (Abstract, with option to buy full text ). Chemie Der. Erde-Geochemistry 65: 115-129 Suppl. 1. September 2005.
• Gibert, O., J. de Pablo, J.L. Cortina, C. Ayora. Sorption Studies of Zn (II) and Cu (II) onto Vegetal Compost Used on Reactive Mixtures for In Situ Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage. (Abstract, with option to buy full text ). Water Research 39 (13): 2827-2838. August 2005.
• Brunori, C., C. Cremisini, L. D'Annibale, P. Massanisso. A Kinetic Study of Trace Element Leachability from Abandoned-Mine-Polluted Soil Treated with SS-MSW Compost and Red Mud. Comparison with Results from Sequential Extraction. (Abstract, with option to buy full text ). Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 381 (7): 1347-1354. April 2005.
• Mercuri, A.M., J.A. Duggin, C.D. Grant. The Use of Saline Mine Water and Municipal Wastes to Establish Plantations on Rehabilitated Open-Cut Coal Mines, Upper Hunter Valley NSW, Australia. (Abstract, with option to buy full text  ). Forest Ecology and Management 204 (2-3): 195-207. January 17, 2005.
• Brown, Sally L., Charles L. Henry, Harry Compton, Rufus L. Chaney and Pamnella DeVolder. Using Municipal Biosolids in Combination with other Residuals to Restore Metal-Contaminated Mining Areas (PDF) (11 pp, 102K) University of Washington. February 2003.
• Ziemkiewicz, Paul F., Jeffery G. Skousen, Jennifer S. Simmons. Long-Term Performance of Passive Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Systems West Virginia University. 2002.
• Winter Sydnor, M. E., E.F. Redente. Reclamation of High-Elevation, Acidic Mine Waste with Organic Amendments and Topsoil   Journal of Environmental Quality 31 (5): 1528-1537. September - October 2002.
• Jenness, Nathan. Mine Reclamation Using Biosolids (PDF) (43 pp, 1.4MB) University of Arizona. 2001.
• EPA. Poland Biosolids Smelter Waste Reclamation Project (PDF) (6 pp, 395K). Office of Water. EPA 832-R-00-009. 2000.

Chemical Bonding Capabilities

• Chiu, K.K., Z.H. Ye, M.H. Wong. Growth of Vetiveria zizanioides and Phragmites australis on Pb/Zn and Cu Mine Tailings Amended with Manure Compost and Sewage Sludge: A Greenhouse Study. (Abstract, with option to buy full text ). Bioresource Technology 97 (1): 158-170. January 2006.
• Garrido, S., G.M. Del Campo, M.V. Esteller, R. Vaca, J. Lugo. Heavy Metals in Soil Treated with Sewage Sludge Composting, their Effect on Yield and Uptake of Broad Bean Seeds (Vicia faba L.). (Abstract, with option to buy full text ). Water Air and Soil Pollution 166 (1-4): 303-319. September 2005.
• Brown, Sally L., Rufus Chaney, Judith Hallfrisch, James A. Ryan, and William R. Berti. In Situ Soil Treatments to Reduce the Phyto- and Bioavailability of Lead, Zinc, and Cadmium (PDF)  (10 pp, 178K) Journal of Environmental Quality 33:522-531. 2004.
• Brown, Sally L., Rufus L. Chaney, Judith G. Hallfrisch and Qi Xue. Heavy Metals in the Environment - Effect of Biosolids Processing on Lead Bioavailability in an Urban Soil Journal of Environmental Quality 32:100-108. 2003.
• An Analysis of Composting as an Environmental Remediation Technology (PDF) (9 pp, 1 MB). Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. EPA530-R-98-008. April 1998.

Slope Stability and Erosion Control

• Barkley, Timothy. Erosion Control with Recycled Materials. US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. March/April 2004.
• Demars, K.R., R.P. Long, J.R. Ives. Erosion Control Using Wood Waste Materials. (Abstract, with option to buy full text ). Compost Science & Utilization 12 (1): 35-47. Winter 2004.
• Glanville, Thomas D., Tom L. Richard, Russell A. Persyn. Impacts of Compost Blankets on Erosion Control, Revegetation, and Water Quality at Highway Construction Sites in Iowa. Iowa State University. 2003.
• Legacy, D., S.A. McCoy. Vegetation Success - Contractor Counts on Compost for Slope Stabilization. Biocycle 44 (7): 29-30. July 2003.
• Meyer, V.F., E. F. Redente, K. A. Barbarick and R. Brobst. Biosolids Applications Affect Runoff Water Quality following Forest Fire (PDF)  (5 pp, 67K) Journal of Environmental Quality 30:1528-1532. 2001.
• Compost - New Applications for an Old Technology. Office of Solid Waste Emergency Response. EPA 530-F-97-047. October 1997.

Revegetation Using Compost

• EPA Mine Waste Technology Program. Revegetation of Mining Waste Using Organic Amendments and the Potential for Creating Attractive Nuisances for Wildlife Demonstration Project (PDF) (12 pp, 300K) Office of Research and Development 2004.
• EPA. The Effects of Composts on the Growth Factors for hardwood and Softwood Seedlings (PDF)(17 pp,  4 MB, About PDF). Office of Solid Waste. 1999.
• EPA. Innovative Uses of Compost - Erosion Control, Turf Remediation and Landscaping (PDF)(8 pp, 313 K).Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. EPA530-F-97-043. October 1997.
• EPA. Innovative Uses of Compost - Reforestation, Wetlands Restoration and Habitat (PDF)(4 pp, 193 K).Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. EPA530-F-97-046. October 1997.

Video Presentation

EPA. Environmental Response Television (ERTV) series. Biosolids Recycling: Restore, Reclaim, Remediate (ERTV)  - A video presentation produced by the U.S. EPA Environmental Response Program.

Program Description: Sewage treatment results in wastewater being recycled to the environment, but the solids removed from wastewater can also be processed and turned into a nutrient rich fertilizer. Today’s primary use of this fertilizer is to restore overworked agricultural soils, but research by the USDA and the USEPA/ERT has now opened the way for use of biosolids to reclaim lands destroyed by mining.

Other Related Uses

• Johnson, D. Barrie and Kevin B. Hallberg. Biogeochemistry of the Compost Bioreactor Components of a Composite Acid Mine Drainage Passive Remediation System (Abstract, with option to buy full text ). Science of The Total Environment Volume 338, Issues 1-2, 1. Pages 81-93. February 2005.
• Inkret, John, Bernie Jensen, Doug Richmond. Using Topsoil as a Microbial Inoculant. 2003 National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation and the 9th Billings Land Reclamation Symposium. 2003.
• EPA Mine Waste Technology Program. Improvements in Engineered Bioremediation of Acid Mine Drainage. Mine Waste Technology Program 2003 Annual Report, Activity III Project 24. DW89938870-01-0. 2003.
• EPA Mine Waste Technology Program. Integrated Passive Biological Treatment Process Demonstration. Mine Waste Technology Program 2003 Annual Report, Activity III, Project 16. DW89938870-01-0. 2003.
• EPA Mine Waste Technology Program. Anaerobic Compost Constructed Wetlands System Technology - SITE ITER. National Risk Management Research Laboratory. EPA/540/R-02/506. December 2002.

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AML Team Reference Notebook

The Abandoned Mine Lands Team Reference Notebook illustrates the extent of abandoned mine lands contamination problems across the U.S. and the actions that EPA's is taking in addressing this problem. While this document provides assistance to EPA staff in better coordinating their AML functions, it is a technical resource, not EPA guidance. As this document provides an overview of many topics, appendices and tables offer a deeper examination of individual chapter components.

Abandoned Mine Lands Team Reference Notebook (PDF)(223 pp, 3.08 MB). September 2004.

• Tables (PDF)(223 pp, 3.08 MB)
• Appendix A - CERCLIS and EPA Regional AML Inventory (PDF)(223 pp, 3.08 MB)
• Appendix B - Other Non-Federal AML Data Resources (PDF)(223 pp, 3.08 MB)
• Appendix C - Current Information on Mine Waste Treatment Technologies (PDF)(223 pp, 3.08 MB)
• Appendix D - Programs and Organizations Involved in AML Reclamation (PDF)(223 pp, 3.08 MB)

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Search AML Technology Research Summaries

The AML Technology Research Summaries searchable database contains summaries of research conducted by the commercial industry, academia, and governmental bodies. These summaries are derived from reports on demonstration and full scale technology applications, feasibility studies and field research, and other technology research news relevant to the remediation of abandoned mine lands. Many of the summaries come from a regular search of the following databases:

• EI Compendex Plus (Engineering Information, Inc.)
• Energy Science and Technology Database (U.S. Department of Energy)
• Enviroline (Congressional Information Service, Inc.)
• Geobase (Elsevier)
• Newsletter Database (Thomson Gale)
• National Technical Information Service (NTIS)

These databases index a range of periodicals and conference presentations covering all aspects of technology development. Additional relevant EPA and other federal and state agency research documents are also included in this searchable database. The vast majority of the items in the database were published, released, or presented in 2002 or later. These summaries include links to full text documents or further information online when available.

Other databases of information on remediation technologies can be found on the list of Remediation Databases found on EPA's CLU-IN web site. These sources are not specific to abandoned mine land technologies, but they may contain information about applicable technology.

Search AML Technology Research Summaries