Partners Work to Restore Abandoned Mine on Reservation

Acid mine run-off and metal loading from the abandoned Guanomi mine were entering wetlands and streams that emptied into Pyramid Lake, Nevada, located on Pyramid Lake Tribal land, prompting the Bureau of Reclamation to designate it as the most potentially hazardous mine on the Reservation. Working with NRCS resource conservationist Deb Prevost, the Pyramid Lake Tribe developed a conservation plan and got a Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program contract to help restore wetland habitat and traditional uses of the wetland areas.  NRCS wetland ecologist Chris Hoag and National Design Team engineer Jon Fripp visited the site and provided technical advice for managing the acid mine drainage problems. Salt tolerant wetland species were planted and a fence was constructed to keep people, cattle, and wildlife off of the unstable site.

In 2004, the Tribe expanded their partnership efforts, involving other federal and State agencies, the University of Nevada, Nevada Mining Association, private companies and volunteers.  The partnership worked to remove mine tailings that were placed in an abandoned railroad bed then capped with soil material.  The underground mine workings were collapsed and filled to eliminate safety hazards.  Runoff from the site was diverted into the wetlands which provide passive treatment of the acid mine drainage by precipitation of the metals using limestone to neutralize the acidity of the water.  The limestone material was also placed on the sulfidic and acidic soils, covered with topsoil, and planted to native vegetation.  The Tribe is monitoring the site to ensure the treatments are successful.  As needed, different passive treatment technologies may be tested to maintain a viable wetland treatment system.

Through a network of partnerships and minimal government funding, the Guanomi Mine site has been successfully reclaimed.  Restoration of the wetlands and upland plant communities will improve habitat for wildlife and improve the lake environment for the Cui-ui and Lahontan Cutthroat Trout.  In addition, the site will again be available for traditional cultural uses.
Your contact is Liz Warner, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 775-857-8500, ext. 105.