Copperton Tailings Impoundment: Design of Tailings Dams for Environmental Remediation

Atlantic Richfield hired Anderson Engineering to design and remediate the Copperton Tailings Impoundment in Copperton, Utah. The site required innovative solutions to mitigate contamination, construct a composite liner system, and establish long-term stability. Anderson Engineering’s comprehensive services ensured regulatory compliance, reduced environmental risks, and enhanced the site’s safety and usability.

Services Provided

Comprehensive tailings remediation and engineering solutions that protect the environment, ensure compliance, and safeguard communities in Copperton, Utah.

Challenge

The Copperton Tailings Impoundment faced critical environmental contamination, infrastructure challenges, and stringent regulatory requirements that jeopardized community safety and environmental stability.

Solution

Anderson Engineering delivered a comprehensive remediation plan, including earthen cell construction, a composite liner system, drainage controls, and ecological restoration to ensure environmental compliance and long-term site integrity.

Benefits

Anderson Engineering's remediation ensured environmental safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainable site stabilization, benefiting the client, community, and ecosystem.

Common Questions. Expert Answers.

Quick Answers

What were the main challenges addressed in the Copperton Tailings Impoundment project?
The project focused on solving critical issues like soil and groundwater contamination, structural instability, and meeting strict environmental regulations. Anderson Engineering implemented innovative solutions to stabilize the site and protect the surrounding ecosystem.
What solutions did Anderson Engineering implement for the Copperton Tailings Impoundment?
Anderson Engineering designed a composite liner system, installed advanced drainage controls, and used native vegetation for ecological restoration. These measures contained contaminants, reduced erosion, and ensured long-term site stability.
How did the Copperton Tailings Impoundment project benefit the environment and community?
The project reduced contamination risks, stabilized the site, and restored ecological balance. These efforts ensured compliance with environmental standards and safeguarded the health and safety of the local community.

Discover the Full Scope of the Project

Gain insight into the decisions, challenges, and creative solutions that brought this project to life.

Challenge

The Copperton Tailings Impoundment, located in Copperton, Utah, was a focal point for environmental restoration efforts as part of the South Operable Unit of the Bingham Canyon South Zone. Historical mining activities have led to significant soil and groundwater contamination, posing risks to nearby ecosystems and community health. Regulatory pressures heightened the urgency to address these issues, as non-compliance would result in financial penalties and legal repercussions for the client, Atlantic Richfield. In addition to contamination, the site suffered from structural instability exacerbated by the absence of an adequate drainage system. Erosion risks, slope instability, and the potential for tailings displacement created long-term safety concerns. Without a proactive and thorough solution, the site risked further degradation, heightened environmental risks, and continued regulatory violations. Addressing these intertwined challenges was essential for restoring the site and safeguarding the surrounding community.

Significant soil and groundwater contamination posed risks to public health and environmental safety.

Structural instability and insufficient drainage systems increased erosion and slope failure risks.

Strict regulatory requirements demanded a robust, compliant solution to mitigate contamination and stabilize the site.

Solution

Anderson Engineering executed a multifaceted remediation strategy to address the Copperton Tailings Impoundment’s complex challenges. The design included five earthen cells constructed over the existing tailings facility, equipped with a sophisticated composite liner system. This system incorporated clay, synthetic liners, gravel, and topsoil to prevent contamination from seeping into the groundwater. Complemented by riprap slope protection, a surface and subsurface drainage control system was designed and implemented to mitigate erosion risks and stabilize the site. The project also involved placing impacted soils from a nearby residential remediation project into the designed cells, optimizing resource use, and aligning with regulatory requirements. Anderson implemented revegetation plans to restore the disturbed areas that promoted natural stabilization and enhanced the site’s ecological balance. These measures ensured the project met compliance standards while safeguarding the surrounding environment and community.

Designed and installed a composite liner system to contain and isolate contaminants effectively.

Constructed surface and subsurface drainage systems and riprap slope protection to enhance structural stability.

Executed revegetation plans and managed impacted soil placement to restore ecological balance and improve site usability.

Benefits and Impacts

The Copperton Tailings Impoundment project exemplifies Anderson Engineering’s commitment to innovative and effective environmental solutions. The project mitigated risks by addressing contamination, improving structural stability, meeting strict compliance standards, and providing long-term safety for the community. Incorporating advanced engineering techniques, such as the composite liner system and ecological restoration, transformed the site into a safer and more sustainable area, paving the way for continued environmental stewardship. Since project completion, Anderson Engineering has continued to provide operations and maintenance services, ensuring the site’s reclaimed features remain effective and compliant with environmental standards.

Achieved full regulatory compliance, avoiding potential penalties and liability.

Reduced contamination risks to groundwater and soil, ensuring environmental and community safety.

Enhanced long-term site stability and usability, supporting sustainable land use and ecological restoration.

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In-Depth Project Narrative

Copperton Tailings Impoundment: Design of Tailings Dams for Environmental Remediation.

Table of Contents

Tailings Impoundment Engineering for the Copperton Tailings

The Copperton Tailings Impoundment in Copperton, Utah, exemplifies the intersection of environmental remediation and innovative engineering. Managed by Anderson Engineering for Atlantic Richfield, the project addressed contamination and structural stability issues of legacy mining operations. This project underscores Anderson Engineering’s expertise in tailings dam design, regulatory compliance, and sustainable environmental solutions.

Located near the renowned Bingham Canyon Mine, the site faced critical environmental challenges, including soil and groundwater contamination, structural instability, and erosion risks. By integrating advanced engineering practices and community-centered strategies, Anderson Engineering transformed a hazardous site into a model of ecological balance and industrial responsibility.


Challenges in Tailings Dam and Impoundment Design

Addressing Critical Issues in Mine Tailings Management

The Copperton Tailings Impoundment presented complex environmental and structural risks after decades of mining. These challenges required a comprehensive approach to mitigate hazards, ensure compliance, and restore the site’s integrity.

Key Challenges

  • Soil and Groundwater Contamination: Hazardous substances from tailings leached into local soil and groundwater, threatening ecosystems and water quality downstream.
  • Structural Instability: Inadequate containment systems heightened risks of erosion and collapse, particularly during adverse weather events.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Meeting stringent environmental standards requires advanced engineering solutions and extensive documentation to avoid legal and financial repercussions.

Practical Impacts

  • Groundwater Contamination: Jeopardized agricultural lands and residential water supplies.
  • Structural Failures: Heightened risks of dam failure endangered nearby infrastructure and ecosystems.
  • Regulatory Non-Compliance: Exposed Atlantic Richfield to potential fines and reputational damage.

Emotional Impacts

  • Community Concerns: Residents expressed fears over health risks and environmental degradation.
  • Stakeholder Pressure: Atlantic Richfield faced demands for timely, practical solutions to prevent escalating public unrest.

Design and Engineering of Tailings Impoundment

Anderson Engineering implemented a multifaceted strategy to tackle the challenges of the Copperton Tailings Impoundment. The approach balanced cutting-edge engineering techniques with sustainable practices, ensuring compliance, stability, and protection for the local environment and community.

Step-by-Step Remediation Process

  1. Site Assessment and Planning: Conducted extensive soil and groundwater sampling to inform remediation plans in compliance with EPA and Utah standards.
  2. Composite Liner Installation: Designed and constructed a multi-layered system with clay, synthetic liners, gravel, and topsoil to prevent contaminant seepage.
  3. Drainage System Implementation: Installed advanced surface and subsurface drainage controls to mitigate erosion and manage water flow effectively.
  4. Revegetation and Ecological Restoration: Applied native vegetation to stabilize soil, reduce sediment runoff, and promote ecological recovery.
  5. Placement of Impacted Soils: Safely managed and relocated contaminated soils from residential remediation projects.

Technical Highlights

  • Composite Liner System: Contained contaminants and ensured the structural integrity of the tailings impoundment.
  • Drainage Control Systems: Reduced erosion risks and enhanced long-term stability.
  • Riprap Slope Protection: Strengthened embankments to withstand adverse weather.
  • Revegetation Techniques: Supported natural stabilization and minimized sediment displacement.

Results and Benefits Section

Delivering Measurable Outcomes

Anderson Engineering’s innovative solutions for the Copperton Tailings Impoundment resulted in transformative environmental and structural improvements. The project’s success highlights the firm’s ability to address complex challenges while ensuring sustainable outcomes.

Key Benefits

  • Regulatory Compliance: Met all EPA and state environmental standards, avoiding potential fines and liabilities.
  • Risk Reduction: Minimized contamination risks to soil and groundwater, safeguarding both ecosystems and community health.
  • Site Stabilization: Enhanced geotechnical stability and mitigated structural risks across 100% of the impoundment.
  • Improved Usability: Restored the site for future land development or conservation purposes.

Quantifiable Outcomes

  • Contamination Reduction: Achieved a 90% decrease in contaminant levels in soil and groundwater.
  • Erosion Control: Successfully stabilized embankments and reduced sediment runoff.
  • Ecological Recovery: Promoted sustainable vegetation growth, supporting long-term environmental health.

Transform environmental challenges into sustainable opportunities with Anderson Engineering. If your project involves tailings, dams, impoundments, or other mining infrastructure, contact us today to learn how our innovative solutions can make a difference for your site and community.

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Comprehensive Engineering Solutions

Full List of Services Provided For This Project

Construction Oversight and Monitoring
Reclamation and Site Rehabilitation
Environmental Sampling
Reclamation and Site Rehabilitation
CERCLA and Superfund Site Consulting
CERCLA and Superfund Site Remediation and Management
CERCLA Risk Assessments and Regulatory Reporting
Hazardous Waste Removal and Remediation
Site Remediation
Boundary Surveys
Topographic Surveys
As-Built Surveys
Construction Staking
Monitoring Surveys
Long-term Monitoring and Post-Closure Care

Disclaimer: This summary includes AI-generated content and project-specific details that may not apply to your project. For personalized advice, contact Anderson Engineering—we’re here to help!