creating environmental improvements through biodiversity

Sustainable Aggregates Creating Environmental Improvements through Biodiversity
is well on its way towards establishing the American Fork Canyon as one of the leading examples of
collaborative abandoned mine land restoration success on a watershed scale. Working with the US Forest
Service, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, a lasting
framework for extending a unique and positive restoration legacy will be ready to serve communities and
watersheds throughout the West.
Trout Unlimited has taken the initiative to begin mine reclamation on private lands with this demonstration
project. Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort acquired mineral-patented lands with abandoned mines in
American Fork Canyon in the 1960s, before concerns over mine contamination impacts on human health and
natural resources were as prevalent. Trout Unlimited approached the resort with a proposal to participate in
the restoration of selected mines in order to reduce impacts to the North Fork of American Fork River and
the fishery it supports. Concerns over potential liability have long discouraged voluntary cleanup efforts.
US Trout Unlimited and EPA Region 8 are working on an administrative order to clarify the responsibilities
and minimize potential liabilities as the cleanup moves ahead. This administrative order will be the first
agreement to limit the liability of a so-called ‘Good Samaritan’ to restore an abandoned mine. This will be
used as a national model for cooperative conservation efforts. Improvements to fisheries and water quality
will follow in 10 miles of stream in the American Fork Canyon that traverse the Unita National Forest and
Timpanogos Cave National Monument.
The Price: Mine wastes containing elevated levels of heavy metals will be removed from the abandoned
Pacific mine, Blue Rock mine, Scotchman No. 2 mine and the Pacific mill. They will be safely encapsulated in a
permanent repository to be constructed at Pacific mine on Snowbird’s property. This contaminated material
will be lined and capped to prevent moisture from entering the waste and leaching heavy metals from the
mining wastes. The estimated total cost for completion of the remediation activities at American Fork is
approximately $120,000-150,000.
Local Community Participation
Two key approaches used by Trout Unlimited to ensure local community participation are the
implementation of grassroots training and the production of a citizen’s guide to abandoned mine restoration.
Grassroots Training, Organizing and Identifying Local Restoration Opportunities for Communities
The grassroots training projects were able to encourage volunteer efforts by:
• Developing a knowledge base on the problems within their area of interest
• Providing training on the process of project development and implementation to instil confidence
• Providing technical assistance and guidance during the project
The training programme teaches volunteers to implement effective strategies and tactics to restore
abandoned mine lands. The training also provide volunteers with information to advocate for policy reform
while integrating organizational development principles. Working with volunteer leaders in the field, Trout
Unlimited staff have developed meaningful, content-rich materials and presentations that help make the
complex issue of abandoned mine land restoration clear for the layperson. The ultimate goal for these
programmes is to arm Trout Unlimited members, local citizens, organizational partners and others with
information and partnership opportunities so that they may become agents of change and be actively
engaged in advocating for permanent and stable funding for cleaning up abandoned mines. Each of these
programmes will be implemented relative to specific, on-the-ground abandoned mine restoration projects
selected through partnerships with agencies or other appropriate local entities.
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