Burlington mine site voluntary cleanup: Innovative design for mine site remediation

The remediation of the Burlington Mine Site, an inactive fluorspar mine located in the foothills of Boulder County, near the Town of Jamestown, Colorado, incorporated many innovative techniques and relied on geologic and geotechnical investigations, including a seismic refraction survey, drilling, and tomographic imaging. Innovative design treatments exceeded basic closure requirements, protected closures long-term, prevented future collapse within the mine workings, imitated natural form and function, and enhanced wildlife habitat. Treatments were required to meet multiple project goals and accommodate the abundant constraints and challenges at the mine site. Innovations included measures to address drainage issues at pit;And adit closures, channel design to imitate natural form and function, waterfowl protection, and a specialized revegetation plan to restore riparian habitat and enhance habitat value on the site for future wildlife usage. These measures are important improvements over more traditional mine site remediation, which has always addressed safe conveyance of onsite water, but not necessarily how to restore, natural form and function or how to use the water to maximize habitat value for wildlife. Exceeding minimum requirements resulted in a remediated mine site with more natural and ecologically functional systems that help soften the harsh aesthetics of the old mine site and improve wildlife habitat.