Abandoned Mine Site Characterization and Cleanup Handbook, EPA 530-C-01-001, March 2001

In fulfilling its function, OTT is providing information, links, and downloads of materials appropriate for surface mine design, evaluation, environmental protection, reclamation design, and bond release.

Disclaimer: The technologies described on this site are for information purposes only. The mention herein, of the technologies, companies or any brand names does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Surface Mining.

Each group of publications accredits the provenance or copyrights.

In order to view the following documents, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or newer. If you do not have the reader, click on the Adobe Acrobat Reader button to download.

Abandoned Mine Site Characterization and Cleanup Handbook, EPA 530-C-01-001, March 2001

The Abandoned Mine Site Characterization and Cleanup Handbook (Handbook) has been developed by the Environmental Protection Agency as a resource for project managers working on addressing the environmental concerns posed by inactive mines and mineral processing sites. The information contained in the Handbook is not policy or guidance, rather it a compendium of information gained during many years of experience on mine site cleanup projects. This information was developed primarily for EPA staff, but may also prove useful to others working on mine site characterization and cleanup projects, including: states, other federal agencies, tribes, local government, public interest groups, and private industry. Handbook users are encouraged to refer to appropriate agency guidance and/or policy during development of site specific mine site investigation and cleanup projects.

Download the entire documents

• EPA 530-c-01-001(15 MB)

Download individual chapters

• Cover page, Forward, and Table of Contents(1.15 MB)
• Chapter 1. Introduction(986 KB)
• Chapter 2. Overview of Mining and Mineral Processing Operations(1.06 MB)
• Chapter 3. Environmental Impacts from Mining(1.05 MB)
• Chapter 4. Setting Goals and Measuring Success(938 KB)
• Chapter 5. Community Involvement(1.04 MB)
• Chapter 6. Scoping Studies of Mining and Mineral Processing Impacts Areas(1.13 MB)
• Chapter 7. Sampling & Analysis of Impacted Areas(1.17 MB)
• Chapter 8. Scoping and Conducting Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessments at Superfund Mine Waste Sites(1.12 MB)
• Chapter 9. Site Management Strategies(1.09 MB)
• Chapter 10. Remediation and Cleanup Options(1.12 MB)
• Chapter 11. The Regulatory "Toolbox"(1.05 MB)
• Appendix A. Acronym List and Glossary of Mining Terms(954 KB)
• Appendix B. Acid Mine Drainage(1.14 MB)
• Appendix C. Mining Sites on the National Priorities List(928 KB)
• Appendix D. General Discussion of Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs) at Superfund Mining Sites(1.21 MB)
• Appendix E. X-Ray Fluorescence(1.0 MB)
• Appendix F. Risk Assessment Scoping, Problem Formulation, and Additional Risk Assessment Guidance(10.3 MB)
• Appendix G. Detailed Information on Mine Remediation Technologies(1.06 MB)
• Appendix H. Innovative Technologies(1.20 MB)
• Appendix I. EPA Mining Contacts(887 KB)
• Appendix J. Internet Resources(1.0 MB)
• Appendix K. Land Disposal Restrictions Overview and Bibliography(1.04 MB)
• Appendix L. Mine Waste Technology Program(1.01 MB)
• Appendix M. Remediation References(930 MB)