Case Study: Grizzly Creek Hydraulic Mining Site Remediation

Dec, 2024
Posted at 21:35h in Biochar for Remediation: Research and Case Studies by maree

Remediation of suspended solids and mercury

Sierra Fund used biochar to remediate the Grizzly Creek hydraulic mine site (CA) which has contributed significant sediment and mercury runoff to nearby streams. Wood-based biochar was applied to improve soil health and act as a passive filter for surface runoff.

Results:

Lab and field tests confirmed that wood-based biochar significantly reduced suspended sediment and dissolved mercury in the mine site runoff. The treatment not only enhanced water quality and downstream habitats but also sequestered carbon, benefiting the climate.

Case Study: Suspended Solids & Mercury
Image shows the mine surface runoff from a plot with and without biochar amended into the soil. The plot to the right was amended with biochar and shows a cleaner surface runoff.

Source: Monohan et al. 2022

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