ABSTRACT
Mining wastes deposited along Silver Bow Creek downstream of Butte, Montana have posed a threat to human health and the environment for over 100 years due to the presence of heavy metals and arsenic in the wastes. Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the State of Montana has undertaken the remediation of more than 2.5 million cubic yards of mine waste deposited along approximately 26 miles of Silver Bow Creek and its floodplain. During remediation, mine waste is excavated from the stream and floodplain, selected materials are treated with lime, and the waste is placed in local or regional repositories constructed for the project. The stream and floodplain are rebuilt to restore their natural function and maintain streambank stability during vegetation reestablishment. The long-term remediation objective of this source removal action is to attain groundwater and surface water quality standards in the floodplain and stream.
