Site Narrative
The Cal Mich Mine is situated in the Deadwood Mining District near the headwaters of Thorne Gulch. According to historical records that the ore at the mine was treated with a two-stamp mill and amalgamation (mercury). The site may contribute metal-laden sediments to the stream in addition to metals from the adjacent patented mine and the Amy Balch Mine downstream.
Open adit adjacent to patented claims in upper Thorne Gulch. The adit is ventilated indicated second opening elsewhere. Below the adit a mine waste dump contains an estimated 10,000 cubic yards of material, actively eroding into creek, is potentially affecting water quality and/or aquatic habitat. Additional sampling of sediments and high flow water levels along with sampling results from the Amy Balch Mine downstream in the spring of 2001 will further clarify the potential problem.
Estimated Costs
Estimated Costs: No costs for remediation or removal actions have been estimated but the likely recommendation would be to close off the adit portal and if contaminated water is shown to be present from future sampling additional actions would be required.
Previous/Existing Assessments
The locations and condition of mine features were compiled in June, 2000. High flow water sampling of the stream water and sediment is anticipated in the spring of 2001.
Risks: Water Quality, Physical Safety
AMLIS #: CA013600005
Location: N40 42 54, W122 43 03
Field Office: Redding
Congressional District: O2
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