08 Oct Town of Telluride: Mine-Impacted Soils To Be Hauled Out!
The Town of Telluride announces mind-impacted soils to be hauled beginning 10/9.
Trout Unlimited and US Forest Service identified tailings during Boomerang Bridge replacement.
TU and the USFS are committed to minimizing the impact of these activities and appreciate residents’ patience and understanding during the bridge replacement. For any questions or concerns, please contact Tanner Banks at tanner.banks@tu.org or Jason Willis at jason.willis@tu.org.
Go here for more about the Town of Telluride.
Trout Unlimited (TU) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forest have commenced work to replace the ACROW bridge that spans the San Miguel River on Boomerang Road. This vital bridge connects Boomerang Road (Rd 632) and the HWY 145 Spur, located about 1.5 miles west of the Town of Telluride, near the Shell Gas station. The road is also a key emergency egress route for the Town of Mountain Village.
Meridiam Partners LLC, contracted by TU and the USFS, began equipment mobilization on June 17, 2024, with bridge reconstruction activities currently underway. While excavating the northern and southern bridge abutments, crews encountered mine- impacted soils in greater volumes than anticipated. To address this, Trout Unlimited engaged Newmont’s Director of Colorado Legacy Site Management, Devon Horntvedt, to secure a proper repository for these soils.
On September 24, 2024, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) approved Newmont’s request to accept mine-impacted soils from the Boomerang Bridge site at their Telluride Tailings 5/6 (TT 5/6) facility under RAP Modification 31.
Hauling Schedule and Process:
Starting October 9, hauling of the impacted soils will begin. Process will include:
• Transporting approximately 400 cubic yards of material via tandem axel haul trucks.
• Hauling will require 30–35 trips, depending on truck availability.
• Hauling will occur on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No hauling will occur
on weekends.
• The hauling schedule is weather-dependent and may be delayed due to wet
conditions.
• A second phase of hauling may occur as further excavations proceed.
• All loads will be tarped and secured to prevent the mobilization of soil during transit.
Image, courtesy Visit Telluride & Ryan Bonneau.
Telluride, more:
Nestled amidst the majestic San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, Telluride’s captivating narrative is deeply rooted in the ancient legacy of the Ute tribe, the valley’s original inhabitants, who crafted their summer camps along the San Miguel River, naming the land “The Valley of Hanging Waterfalls.”
In the late 1700s, Spanish explorers traversed the rugged terrain, laying the groundwork for subsequent exploration and settlement. A fervent mining boom followed, igniting a rush of prospectors to the region, culminating in the founding of Telluride in 1880.
Telluride’s allure as a hub of opportunity attracted fortune seekers, bolstered by the arrival of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad and groundbreaking innovations like the hydroelectric power plant in Ames.
Set in a box canyon amid forested peaks at the base of the popular Telluride ski-and-golf resort, the town’s historic district houses landmarks like the Sheridan Opera House and the Telluride Historical Museum while playing host to culture, music, arts, outdoor recreation, and festivals with unrivaled views and dramatic locale.
For more information, please visit online at telluride-co.gov.