Spotlight on Remediation Projects Funded by the Abandoned Mine Lands Unit

The Abandoned Mine Lands Unit (AMLU) began funding abandoned mine remediation projects on California’s public lands in 2002 and has now remediated more than 485 hazardous mine features.  Methods used include: bat-compatible gates, cupolas, and culverts; polyurethane foam (PUF); backfills; wire fences; capping; and removal of hazardous debris. 

Since January 2006, the AMLU’s primary funding to remediate physical hazards at abandoned mine sites has come from a fee collected on gold and silver mined in California ($5 per ounce of gold and 10¢ per ounce of silver; see Public Resources Code § 2207(d)(4)(B)).  By working with land-owning agencies that contribute funds or in-kind services and other partners, the AMLU has leveraged State dollars by nearly 100%, remediating more hazards than it could with its own resources only.

For a list of remediation partners, click here (PDF). 

For descriptions of selected projects, click on the links below.

  Selected Projects (2008), Alameda, El Dorado, Inyo, Placer, and San Bernardino Counties (PDF)

 Selected Projects (2007), Kern, Madera, Nevada, and San Bernardino Counties (PDF)

 Selected Projects (2006), El Dorado, Imperial, Inyo, Placer, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties (PDF)

 Selected Projects (2005 and earlier), Amador, Butte, Kern, Nevada, San Bernardino, and Sierra Counties (PDF)

National Association of Abandoned Mine Programs | California Geological Survey | State Mining & Geology Board
Department of Toxic Substances Control | California State Lands Commission
Bureau of Land Management | Mine Safety & Health Administration
Office of Surface Mining |  | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
U.S. Forest Service | U.S. Geological Survey