News Release Archive

Reclamation invites public to open house discussing Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel Plant redesign plans

Media Contact: Tyler Johnson, 406-247-7609, tjohnson@usbr.gov

For Release: September 25, 2019

LOVELAND, Colorado -- The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Eastern Colorado Area Office would like to announce an open house to present information on redesign plans for the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel treatment plant Tuesday, October 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Colorado Mountain College’s Climax Building (a.k.a. KW Building), 901 US-24, Leadville, Colorado, Room 401.

“This will be a great opportunity for the public to provide input on the redesign proposals,” said Eastern Colorado Area Office Manager, Jeff Rieker. “To optimize the process moving forward, it’s important that members of the public have a chance to fully understand the plant’s processes, and the various treatment options moving forward.”

Throughout its history, Reclamation has performed monitoring and safety studies on the LMDT. The most recent study, completed in the fall 2008, concluded that the LMDT continues operating safely.

The Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel, or “LMDT,” was purchased by the Bureau of Reclamation from the Bureau of Mines in 1959. Originally, the Tunnel was a potential source of water for the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. However, poor water quality required that the water be treated before it could be released to the Arkansas River. As a result, Reclamation designed and constructed the LMDT Treatment Plant. It has been safely and effectively treating water released from the Tunnel to the Arkansas River since 1991. For more information on the LMDT, visit https://www.usbr.gov/gp/ecao/leadville/leadville.html

Media inquiries or general questions should be directed to Tyler Johnson at 406-247-7609 or tjohnson@usbr.gov.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Eastern Colorado Area Office