An update on USGS studies of the Summitville Mine and its downstream environmental effects

Open-File Report 95-23
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Abstract

The Summitville gold mine, located at ~3800 meters (11,500 ft) elevation in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, was the focus of extensive public attention in 1992 and 1993 for environmental problems stemming from recent open-pit mining activities. Summitville catalyzed national debates about the environmental effects of modern mining activities, and became the focus of arguments for proposed revisions to the 1872 Mining Law governing mining activities on public lands. In early 1993, the State of Colorado, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Colorado State University, San Luis Valley agencies, downstream water users, private companies, and individuals began a multi-disciplinary research program to provide needed scientific information on Summitville's environmental problems and downstream environmental effects. Detailed results of this multi-agency effort were presented, along with legal and policy issues, at the Summitville Forum in January, 1995, at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title An update on USGS studies of the Summitville Mine and its downstream environmental effects
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 95-23
DOI 10.3133/ofr9523
Edition Version 1.1
Year Published 1995
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description 10 p. ill., map; 28 cm.
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