Project Description:
The You Bet South Hydraulic Mine sluice tunnel is approximately 1800 feet in length and is located on both unpatented BLM administered land and adjoining patented hydraulic placer gold mines. The sluice tunnel inlet and outlet are located on BLM administered land. water, sediment, and biota sampling for mercury has been preformed at the sluice tunnel inlet and outlet portals. The sluice tunnel portals are currently ungated.
Previous/Existing Assessments:
The tunnel outlet site has been subjected to water, sediment, and biota sampling for mercury. The sluice tunnel portal is ungated and represented a potential physical safety concern to the public.
Reclamation/Recommendations:
- Public Access and Use: Access to the site is currently unrestricted. The site is primarily accessed used by recreational gold miners, rockhounds, and the curious. Hydraulic mine sluice tunnel sites also pose a high risk to the general public. Mine gates, using bat friendly gate designs, may be erected at this site to deter public access into the tunnel areas.
- Land Status: A cooperative mine restoration partnership has been established between the fee simple owner and the BLM.
- Restoration Methods Being Considered: None at this time.
Risks: Water Quality, Physical Safety, Mercury
Location: N39 12 02, W120 52 05
Field Office: Mother Lode
Congressional District: 02
>
