Courier Gulch/Triumph Mine AML Project
—> Project Photos
These sites are located approximately 1/2 mile north of Triumph, Idaho in the Hailey-Ketchum area of south-central Idaho in the Big Wood River subbasin.
The area is semiarid, dominated by sagebrush, rabbit brush, bluegrass and wild rye. Water in the area is limited to seasonal runoff and precipitation. Shallow groundwater exists as evidenced by springs in the Courier Gulch area. Courier Gulch is located adjacent to the Triumph Mine site and above the town of Triumph.
The Big Wood River subbasin contains numerous impacts caused by hardrock mining since the 1880s. The Triumph Mine was among the most significant mines that produced approximately $40 million worth of gold, silver, lead, zinc and copper from 1883-1957.
Courier Gulch mine waste was not located at a particular mine site. It lies between the Courier Mine (further up Courier Gulch) and the town of Triumph. The waste at this site is probably associated with waste from the adjacent Triumph Mine. Prior to cleanup, the Courier Gulch site consisted of scattered piles of barren, contaminated soil, mine waste, and solid trash over an area of 1-2 acres. No physical hazards or mine workings existed at the site.
Cleanup was conducted to remove metals-contaminated mine waste and mixed solid waste to protect surface and groundwater above the town of Triumph. Approximately 1,200 cubic yards of contaminated mixed waste was removed from the area. Hazardous materials, debris, and trespass buildings were removed on BLM lands at the top of the waste dump west of Triumph Mine. Courier Gulch has been tilled, graded, and seeded to re-establish vegetation and site stability.
For additional information regarding this project, contact the area specialist or call the BLM Shoshone Field Office at (208) 732-7200.
Facts
Location
- Approximately 1/2 mile north of Triumph, Idaho in Blaine County near the Hailey/SunValley area
History
- Produced approximately $40 million of gold, silver, lead, zinc and copper
from 1883-1957
Impacts
- Scattered piles of barren, contaminated soil, mine waste,
and solid trash over an area of 1-2 acres 
- High levels of lead and arsenic
Risks
- Heavily contaminated mine waste in area
- Threat to local groundwater and water supply to the residents of Triumph, Idaho
- Waste readily accessible to public, livestock and wildlife
- Tributary to Big Wood River
Actions
- 1,200 cubic yards of contaminated mixed waste removed
- Hazardous materials, debris, and trespass buildings removed
- Site was tilled, graded, and seeded to re-establish vegetation and site stability
