Project Description:

The inlet to the principal Starr Pit drain tunnel is connected to a widespread series of surface sluice cuts radiating out in all directions from the tunnel inlet area. These surface sluice cuts were engineered to channel the flow of bank-run placer material into a series of sluice box cuts that allowed recovery of heavier placer gold prior to additional gravel processing in the underground tunnel sluices. A BLM land parcel is located in the center of the pit, adjacent to the drain tunnel inlet.

High mercury contamination levels were recorded from recent water and sediment sampling in the underground sluice tunnel. Water discharge from the tunnel outlet is directed directly into the Greenhorn Creek drainage. This site represents another key mercury remediation pilot project in the watershed.

Previous/Existing Assessments:

The Starr Tunnelo has been subjected to water, sediment, and biota sampling by the U.S. Geological Survy technical team during 1999-2000.  Higth concentrations of elemental and methyl mercury were detected within the tunnel area near the tunnel outlet.

The Starr Tunnel is entirely within private property.  A BLM parcel is located near the Starr Tunnel inlet and drains into the tunnel during winter storm events.

Reclamation/Recommendations:

• None being considered at this time.

Risks:

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