Ross
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Preserving The Culture While Closing The Holes: Abandoned Mine Remediation In Nevada1 Christopher Ross, Ph.D. Abandoned Mine Program Lead BLM Nevada State Office P.O. Box 12000 Reno, Nevada 89520 775.861.6571 [email protected],.gov
Nevada has an estimated 300,000 abandoned mine features, of which at least 50,000 are a serious threat to humans and wildlife. In recent years, the BLM in Nevada has typically closed more hazards than have been done in the other western states combined. Many sites are important to wildlife, especially bats, and may also be important elements in the cultural/historic record of the region. A key element in our success has been improvement both in the documentation of such sites, but also in the employment of closure methods which preserve and stabilize historic features associated with these early mines. Cooperation with historical archaeologists, field personnel, and the State Historic Preservation Office allows efficient and effective permanent closure i on a large scale while actually improving the preservation and survival of cultural and wildlife values. Sites are now cleared by field office archaeologists and contractors who make recommendations for preservation. These are integrated with biological findings to determine final closure technique – typically either backfilling with heavy equipment, filling with PUF [foam], or with bat gates. Where earthwork is involved, site closure is monitored by archeological technicians, usually the same people doing the actual construction. Documentation, including before and after photography, is then submitted annually to the SHPO. Since early miners had no interest in preservation of their efforts beyond the life of the mine or prospect, most sites are characterized by decaying portals and timbering. These sites are especially attractive and hazardous to public land users. Closure not only eliminates the physical risk, but greatly increases the stability of these sites, preserving the cultural record for future generations. Numerous examples of such work are presented here.
1
Presented at the 30th annual National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs Conference, October 26 – 29, 2008; Durango Colorado
Nevada has an estimated 300,000 abandoned mine features, of which at least 50,000 are a serious threat to humans and wildlife. In recent years, the BLM in Nevada has typically closed more hazards than have been done in the other western states combined. Many sites are important to wildlife, especially bats, and may also be important elements in the cultural/historic record of the region. A key element in our success has been improvement both in the documentation of such sites, but also in the employment of closure methods which preserve and stabilize historic features associated with these early mines. Cooperation with historical archaeologists, field personnel, and the State Historic Preservation Office allows efficient and effective permanent closure i on a large scale while actually improving the preservation and survival of cultural and wildlife values. Sites are now cleared by field office archaeologists and contractors who make recommendations for preservation. These are integrated with biological findings to determine final closure technique – typically either backfilling with heavy equipment, filling with PUF [foam], or with bat gates. Where earthwork is involved, site closure is monitored by archeological technicians, usually the same people doing the actual construction. Documentation, including before and after photography, is then submitted annually to the SHPO. Since early miners had no interest in preservation of their efforts beyond the life of the mine or prospect, most sites are characterized by decaying portals and timbering. These sites are especially attractive and hazardous to public land users. Closure not only eliminates the physical risk, but greatly increases the stability of these sites, preserving the cultural record for future generations. Numerous examples of such work are presented here.
1
Presented at the 30th annual National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs Conference, October 26 – 29, 2008; Durango Colorado
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