Dames & Moore, 1999 - USDA Forest Service

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~t the Site, approximately mid-way past tailings pile I, distinct iron precipitation is present along the
southern bank of the creek. Near the northeast comer of tailings pile 1, upstream of the confluence of
Railroad Creek with Copper Creek, the southern banks of the creek were observed to be cemented with
apparent iron oxide (ferricrete) and the iron precipitate appears to cover the majority of the substrate. The
presence of apparent uncemented and surficial iron precipitates was observed to continue past tailings pile 3,
but decreases to the east of the tailings pile. Approximately three miles downstream the iron precipitate on
the substrate of Railroad Creek diminished and no indications of cementation were noted. No indication of
significant oxidation andlor cementation was noted to the north of Railroad Creek. A more detailed
discussion of the Railroad Creek conditions is presented in Section 4.3.
Portions of the south bank of Railroad Creek upstream of the tailings piles and downstream of the portal
drainage confluence is covered with wood logs as erosion protection, the logs were apparently placed by
Howe Sound Company. In the immediate area of the tailings piles, the south bank is covered with riprap
placed during the rehabilitation completed by the USFS between 1989 and 1991. Wood cribbing had
reportedly been originally placed along the creek by Howe Sound Company as scour protection, but the
wood had apparently decomposed over time. The condition of the riprap is discussed in more detail in
Section 4.2.7 of this report.
4.1.2.4 Copper Creek
Referring to Figures 4.1-2, 4.1-3, and 4.1-3% Copper Creek drains from Copper Basin to the south of the
Site. The Copper Creek streambed eventually crosses under the road which connects tailings pile 1 and
tailings pile 2 through several metal culverts. The creek does'not appear to come into contact with mine
related materials until it flows through the culvert and then between tailings piles 1 and 2. The creek was
lined with a permeable geotextile material and rip rap as part of the reclamation efforts completed by PNL
and CH2M Hill between 1989 and 1991. A more detailed discussion of Copper Creek conditions is
presented in Section 4.3.3.4.
4.1.2.5 Holden Village
Referring to Figures 4.1-3
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and 4.1-34 Holden Village is currently operated under a Special Use Permit from
the USFS. The facili 1s utilized as an interdenominational church retreat. All of the buildings in the
, village are located on property. The village includes approximately 25 buildings which were built in
the late 1930s. The bu~ ding uses presently include, but are not limited to, a school and associated play area,
cafeteria, housing for the hll-time residents, dorm housing for the visitors and seasonal volunteer staff, a
meeting room, library, art studio, and store.
Holden Village has approximately 50 to 60 year-round residents. In addition, the facility accommodates as
many as 400 visitors and volunteer staff daily between midJune through the end of September.
An abandoned septic field is present to the southeast of the village school parking lot; the remnants of the
septic field, primarily mounds and pipes, were observed in a meadow amongst the forested area between the
confluence of Railroad Creek and Copper Creek, and the road to Lucerne. The septic field was moved
during the period of the mine tailings rehabilitation (1989 to 1991) to an area immediately southeast of the
abandoned Winston home sites.
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