Image: Drainage from Terrible Two adit at Governor Basin.
Abandoned mine waste is eroding into the headwaters of the Governor Basin watershed. There is also a mine adit which drains across the mine waste carrying contaminated water and sediments into the watershed and an impoundment of contaminated water at the toe of the waste pile. The area is heavily visited by summer recreationists and an adjacent USFS 4x4 road and parking area is contaminated with heavy metals.
A collaboration of mine owners, local stakeholders and EPA / USFS have already partnered on several abandoned mine remediation projects in the watershed. Stakeholders requested a final CERCLA removal action to limit erosion at this location and an administrative settlement agreement and order on consent (ASAOC) was negotiated with the previous mine owner. That owner declared bankruptcy and the Site's new owners have recently indicated that they will they will sign the agreement. The ASAOC will remove contaminated soil from public areas and establish erosion control across the entire abandoned mine waste.
USFS is preparing public notice for the occasional closure of the public 4x4 road and parking area for safety reasons. Work is expected to begin August 2025 and continue until October 2026.
EPA, USFS and the property owner will soon brief Ouray County Commissioners and Ouray Town Council and coordinate directly with key stakeholders such as Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership, Trout Unlimited and tourism industry / local 4x4 enthusiasts.
