First Advisor
Jennifer L. Morse
Date of Award
Spring 6-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Science and University Honors
Department
Environmental Science and Management
Language
English
Subjects
Historical Mining, Pollution, Heavy Metals, Abandoned Mine Lands, Ecological Recovery
DOI
10.15760/honors.1513
Abstract
I conducted a literature review to examine the key aspects of restoring watersheds affected by pollution from historical mining. This review is then applied to a case study discussion of the Red Boy Mine and Clear Creek remediation project in Granite, Oregon. The goal of this discussion is to explore how an analysis of site conditions along with current literature on management practices can help guide these projects. Thousands of abandoned hard rock mines remain throughout the country, and many pose serious environmental health effects. Heavy metals like cadmium, nickel, and copper are brought to the surface from mining activity, where they are left in tailing piles and are able to mobilize into the environment. Mining practices like mercury amalgamation can further introduce long-term pollutants to the site. Remediation can be achieved through studying the site's history, conducting sampling to gauge the amount of pollutants present, and implementing adaptive management strategies and technologies to control the pollutants. The Red Boy Mine and Clear Creek remediation project exemplifies the complexities that go into these projects and how cleanup of these sites is never a linear process. By studying a site's history and examining current literature on remediation strategies, managers can determine what components to consider to create an effective adaptive management plan for their site.
Rights
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Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/42112
Recommended Citation
Atiyeh, Kara, "Remediating History: A Review of Restoration for Creeks Polluted from Historical Mining Sites, with the Red Boy Mine as a Primary Case Study" (2024). University Honors Theses. Paper 1481.
https://doi.org/10.15760/honors.1513
Included in
Biogeochemistry Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Other Environmental Sciences Commons, Water Resource Management Commons