Abstract

In 1986, reclamation of the 655-acre Carr Fork tailings and smelter complex was undertaken by the Anaconda Minerals Company in conformance with the Utah Mined Land Reclamation Act. Reclamation objectives were the mitigation of the detrimental effects of mining, allowing a safe return of the land to its pre-mining use of wildlife habitat. In achieving these objectives activities included removal of structures, sealing of portals, redistribution of topsoil, and revegetation. Reclamation activities were conducted in accordance with a Reclamation Plan approved by the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining. Site studies contributing to the plan approval included surface and ground-water chemical characterization, design of surface-water diversions, geochemical characterization of soil borrow materials and impacted soils, and characterization of vegetation and wildlife communities. The following paper summarizes the history of the site, discusses development of the Reclamation Plan, and summarizes the reclamation methodology and results.