Sumpter Valley Dredge Tailings

Contact Information

Project Manager:	David Anderson
Phone:	541-633-2012
E-mail:	David Anderson

Site Summary

Baker County and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest (USFS) in cooperation with Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), and other groups are interested in restoring the hydrologic function of the Powder River above Phillips Reservoir for the benefit of a variety of fish species. The goals for the project are to reduce sediment into Phillips Reservoir, improve fisheries and wildlife habitat in and adjacent to the Powder River, improve the floodplain and stream channel function through the tailings, and other recreational and environmental education benefits. 

The Powder River within the Sumpter Valley was dredged for gold all through the first half of the last century and left a series of dredge tailings within the project area downstream of Highway 7 and upstream of Phillips Reservoir, mostly on Baker County and USFS lands.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and other organizations have already been involved in evaluating the impacts of mining in the Upper Powder River watershed.  The purpose of the investigation is to provide initial characterization of environmental conditions in the area prior to river restoration.  The anticipated work will assess and monitor surface water and sediment conditions and determine if further action and or management is required prior to implementation of restoration activities.

Reports

Focused Site Investigation Report, June 27, 2007 PDF 2MB

• Appendices PDF 1.83MB
  • Appendix A - Field Explorations
  • Appendix B - Chemical Analytical Program
  • Appendix C - Report Limitations and Guidelines for Use
• Figures
  • Figure 1 - Vicinity Map PDF 1.69MB
  • Figure 2 - Site Map - West PDF 1.88MB
  • Figure 3 - Site Map - East PDF 1.74MB
  • Figure 4 - Water Quality Sample Stations 5, 6 & 7 PDF 5.53MB
• Tables PDF
  • Table 1 - Summary of Soil Sample Chemical Analytical Data, Metals
  • Table 2 - Summary of Surface Water Sample Chemical Analytical Data, Metals
  • Table 3 - Number of Sediment Samples that Exceed Ecological Risk Screening Criteria

Work Plan DRAFT April 25, 2007 PDF

• Appendices PDF
  • Appendix A - Sampling and Analysis Plan
    • Table A-1 - Metals in Soil and Sediment
    • Table A-2 - Metals in Surface Water
  • Appendix B - DEQ Quality Assurance Project Plan
  • Appendix C - Quality Management Plan
  • Appendix D - Site Health and Safety Plan Checklist
• Figures
  • Figure 1 - Vicinity Map PDF
  • Figure 2 - Site Map - West PDF
  • Figure 3 - Site Map - East PDF

 

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