EPA completes pump test at Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel

19.06.08 - 19:30 ... source : Environmental Protection Agency - EPA

... (Denver, Colo. -- June 4, 2008) The Environmental Protection Agency has concluded a successful pump test of the relief well at the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel in Leadville. The test helped EPA better understand how the flooded underground mine workings would react to pumping, the optimal rate of pumping and the appropriate size for the permanent pump. Water pumped from the relief well during the test was discharged into a temporary pond. EPA is using the temporary pond because the pipeline designed to convey water from the relief well to the Bureau of Reclamation's water treatment plant has not been completed. The pond is designed to function in a manner similar to that of a farm pond and is not lined. The pond allows the water pumped into it to seep back into the soil. The pond also contains an overflow pipe that discharges water from the pond when the water reaches a certain ...» Next (HTML)