There is a need for cooperation between mining sites and local watershed groups. I wonder how the Acid Drainage Technology Initiative-Metal Mining Sector (ADTI-MMS) can support these programs with good science.

Everybody involved - proponents, regulators, concerned citizens - always says they want a science-driven process. Rigorous, timely, and well-documented environmental monitoring is intrinsic to the process, so initiatives like this allow everyone to demonstrate their commitment. One of the ways an organization like ADTI could participate would be by compiling information on where such efforts have been tried, how to obtain information about how the process was designed and implemented, and what the performance record for the monitoring projects has been.

Perhaps the case studies could be linked to the GARD Guide?

I wonder if a model like the Technical Assistance Grants that USEPA provides citizen groups who are affected by Superfund decisions would work, with ADTI in the funding/guidance role. It would be a nice collaboration between ADTI and INAP to ling the case studies through the GARD Guide.

I think this is a great idea. Case studies are an excellent learning tool. In an effort to expand this concept globally, INAP is working to initiate a world-wide program to support the development of case studies that address acid and neutral drainage issues. INAP has received positive responses from ADTI in the USA, MEND in Canada and the Water Research Commission in South Africa on this program. INAP will present on this case study concept where we will seek support from the Australian, Chinese and Indonesian members of the Global Alliance.

USEPA has provided support to ADTI-MMS in the past, in particular, travel money to meetings for state regulators and to the development of the prediction workbook soon to be published by SME. This could be a good focus for the Sampling and Monitoring Committee who will soon publish their workbook through SME, too.

Thanks for posting this. It is groundbreaking and an interesting step forward. In the early 90s, many stakeholder involvement groups that included environmental and mining and government staff were initiated to forge a path of common ground. Many of them have made progress but they have suffered from limited funding. It will be very good to follow the progress of this particular approach.

Very interesting cooperation between the mine and community.

Stillwater Mining and Kinross Buckhorn mine have similar community-related monitoring programs I believe and might be worth a look at for additional case-studies; Stillwater being a pioneer in this area.

They also made a presentation on Pueblo Viejo, including this aspect, at the recent INAP-GA workshop on Sulphate Treatment in Salt Lake City.