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Innovation

Temperature and Conductivity Profiling in Mine Impacted Surface Water

mine site

Mining sites make up a significant portion of national Superfund site portfolio, particularly in western states. Additionally, 6 of the 11 sites identified for immediate and intense action are mines or smelters. Cleanup can be a huge task given the volume and toxic nature of the waste produced at these sites. Measuring the ecosystem health of surrounding surface water has historically involved limited sampling that provide only a snapshot of conditions that can quickly change. This project will deploy a dense network of sensors that can continuously provide accurate water quality measurements with high spatial resolution to improve remediation efforts. Best practices will be captured and shared with key partners to improve strategies and lower costs associated with these mitigation efforts.

Contacts: Stephen Dyment; Dale Werkema; Andrew Todd; Ian Bowen; Rebecca Thomas; Joy Jenkins; Shahid Mahmud