Butte Superfund Primer

What happened with Superfund in Butte?

Copper mined in Butte electrified the nation and helped the US win both world wars.

Historically, mine waste was largely unregulated in Butte.

Butte’s environment paid a heavy price for unregulated wastes that were both piled up in town near active mines and washed down Silver Bow Creek.

The Montana Fish Commission declared Silver Bow Creek dead by 1900.

Following widespread pollution accross the US, these 1970s environmental laws were enacted: -United States Environtmental Protection Agency (EPA) founded -Clean Air Act -Clean Water Act -Safe Drinking Water Act

1980: US Superfund Law was enacted. This is the federal program that pays for toxic waste cleanup and is managed by the EPA.

US Law mandated that mining & industrial wastes must be controlled, cleaned up, and regulated to protect human health and the environment.

Butte declared part of the Upper Clark Fork Mega Superfund Complex in 1983.

The State of Montana Sued the Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) in 1983 for damages to the environment in the Upper Clark Fork watershed. This includes damages in Butte.

There have been many lawsuit settlements between the State of Montana and ARCO. These settlements involve Butte and the cleanup of hazardous mine waste.

Silver Bow Creek is being restored (trout are now back in the creek).

Berkeley Pit water is being pumped, treated to aquatic life standards, and discharged into Silver Bow Creek.

Mining in Butte is now carefully controlled and regulated.

The Butte landscape is now being remediated and restored.

Difference Between Restoration & Remediation

Restoration

To return an environment back to its original or natural condition.

  • Removes mine waste completely
  • Short-term monitoring and maintenance of sites

Restoration Sites in Butte: Silver Bow Creek 

Remediation

To secure or protect an area for human health concerns. 

  • Waste remains in place
  • Protective cap and cover systems
  • Water capture and treat systems
  • Ongoing monitoring for forever (“in perpetuity” is the legal language used here) 

Remediated Sites in Butte:

  • Butte Priority Soils
  • Berkeley Pit and Flooded Mines
  • Lower Area One
  • West Camp & Travona Mine