Canyonlands National Park : Lathrop Canyon abandoned uranium mine closures : evaluation and recommendations
Burghardt JE. 1988. Canyonlands National Park : Lathrop Canyon abandoned uranium mine closures : evaluation and recommendations. National Park Service. Mining and Minerals Branch
In the late 1950's, eight adits were excavated at Lathrop Canyon in search of uranium ore. The mines were connected by a service road which today is washed out and overgrown in places, and serves as a hiking trail in Canyonlands National Park (CANY). In August, 1988, at the request of the park and Rocky Mountain Regional Director, the Mining and Minerals Branch (MMB) took data to characterize the abandoned mines and quantitatively assess the hazards they present to park visitors and the surrounding environment. Our examination reveals that the park and region's concern is justified: the area is a health and safety hazard, primarily due to radioactive emissions in and around the mines. We recommend that remedial actions be taken as soon as possible. Specifically, we suggest that the mines be closed from public entry and that the area be posted for "NO CAMPING" in addition to the general radiation and water warnings already posted. We further suggest that the remnant waste-rock piles outside the mines be left in place, and that the effluent from Mine 6 be diverted with a French drain system. Several mine closure alternatives are reviewed. We feel that cable net closures are the best solution on the basis of safety, economy, and minimal disturbance to the area. An estimate for this alternative is included in the appendix.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Burghardt, John
- Date of Issue
- 1988-12-22
- Publisher
- National Park Service. Mining and Minerals Branch
- Units
- CANY , WRD
- Keywords
- Anthropogenic impacts, Campsite, Clemson, Contaminant, Hazardouse Material, Land Use, Mine, Mineral resource, Mining-Environmental Aspect, Radioactivity, Recreation, WRBIB