Restoring the Callahan Mine Superfund Site

Once an open-pit mine, the Callahan Mine Superfund Site in Goose Pond became a significant environmental challenge due to erosion and metal contamination affecting the surrounding salt marsh. The remediation effort required a multi-faceted engineering approach to stabilize the site and restore ecological balance.

A Complex Remediation Challenge

Decades of mining operations left behind copper, lead, and zinc contamination, which, over time, leached into the soil and water due to erosion and metal precipitation. To address these issues, a series of strategic interventions were implemented, including:

• Excavation, regrading, and slope modifications to prevent further contamination

• Vertical drains and dam height reduction to manage water flow

• Buttress construction and toe stabilization to reinforce the 17-acre tailings impoundment

• Hydraulic evaluations and geotechnical investigations to guide long-term site stability

These measures ensure that contaminants are contained while promoting the gradual recovery of the surrounding ecosystem.

Financial Oversight for Efficient Execution

A large-scale environmental cleanup requires rigorous cost control to stay on budget and on schedule. Project financial management included:

• Quarterly financial reporting and revenue adjustments

• Monthly project forecasts and vendor cost tracking

• Weekly cost tracking and reporting

• Work-in-progress reporting and unbilled verification

By implementing effective project oversight, remediation efforts remained cost-effective and strategically managed.

Restoring a Once-Polluted Landscape

The Callahan Mine Superfund Site remediation is a vital step toward reclaiming previously contaminated land and preventing further environmental damage. With carefully engineered solutions and ongoing groundwater monitoring, this project is helping restore the natural balance of Goose Pond’s salt marsh, ensuring its long-term health and sustainability.