Characterization and Eh/pH-Based Leaching Tests of Mercury-Containing Mining Wastes from the Sulfur Bank Mercury Mine, Lake County, California.

摘要

Clear Lake in northern California has received inputs of mercury (Hg) mining wastes from the Sulfur Bank Mercury Mine (SBMM). About 1.2 million tons of Hg-contaminated overburden and mine tailings were distributed over a 50-ha surface area due to mining operations from 1865 to 1957 (Gerlach et al., 2001). The SBMM includes an open, unlined mine pit, Herman Pit, which covers approximately 23 acres and is 750 feet up gradient of Clear Lake. Reynolds et al. (1997) analyzed water samples collected from Herman Pit and Clear Lake and reported the pH values at those locations as 3 and 8, respectively. The SBMM was placed on the Final National Priorities List (NPL) list in 1990. The site has been under investigation as a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) site and has experienced some minor corrective actions. Clear Lake remains under a fish advisory due to the mercury contamination.