Title: Investigation into the Environmental Impact of the Berkeley Pit

 

Author: Kiel Wood

Abstract:

The Berkeley Pit is a flooded open-pit mine, located in Butte, Montana and is currently part of the nation’s largest Superfund site.  Due to the high level of contamination within the Berkeley Pit and the close proximity to the population of Butte, the subject has received a great deal of attention.  Issues stemming from Butte’s historic past to legal settlements with the Atlantic Richfield Company have led to one of the most complicated and controversial environmental problems in the United States.  This study highlights various interrelated factors such as the litigation, hydrology, contamination, restoration, and public opinion that have greatly contributed to the complexities surrounding the Berkeley Pit.

Key References:

Department of Justice. (2002). United States and Montana Reach Agreement with Mining Companies to Clean Up Berkeley Pit #180. Retrieved April 20, 2008 from http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2002/March/02_enrd_180.htm

Silver Bow Creek: Remediation and Restoration. (2005). Montana Department of Justice. Retrieved April 22, 2008 from http://www.doj.mt.gov/lands/naturalresource/silverbowcreek.asp.

Wardell, J.F. (2005). Second Five-Year Review Report for Silver Bow/Butte Area Superfund Site. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, United States of America.

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Date: May 2008
Student: kcwood@willamette.edu
ENVR 327: Water Resources
Instructor: Dr. Karen Arabas
http://www.willamette.edu/~karabas/courses/envr327w