EPA, mine owner and Forest Service outline plan to remove contaminated mine waste at Virginia’s Mine; short summer road closures expected

Federal and private operators outlined a planned removal of mine waste and roadbed remediation at Virginia’s Mine in Governor Basin during the board’s April 22 meeting. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented a proposed two‑year removal project intended to stop active erosion of mine tailings into the headwaters and to rebuild a short section of the access road and the adjacent parking area.

EPA said a settlement agreement with the current property owner is near finalization and that financial assurance will be posted so work can proceed. The project’s principal elements are: removal and consolidation of contaminated tailings lobes away from the creek channel; regrading and recontouring the waste pile; installation of stormwater controls and geomembrane lining where required; and reconstruction of the last segment of Governor Basin Road using clean construction materials. A small parking area at the site will be reconfigured and access controlled during active work.

The agency said work will require heavy equipment and haul trucks and that the very end of Governor Basin Road will likely be closed for site clearing and haul operations for multi‑week periods. Year‑two activities will focus on revegetation and final tamping, with fewer traffic impacts. EPA staff and the property owner said they will coordinate detailed traffic‑control and staging plans with Ouray County and the U.S. Forest Service and will publish a schedule so recreation groups, tour operators and event organizers can plan around short‑term closures.

Commissioners asked about potential use of local rock sources and the feasibility of reusing material from recent road‑fall debris for road base; EPA engineers said much of the rubble cannot meet spec and that borrow sources will be required. Commissioners also asked for outreach to the Jeep and trail‑tour industry; project leads said they would share weekly construction updates and contact information for a project liaison. The board asked county staff to waive routine right‑of‑way fees for the cleanup mobilization so work can proceed with clear county coordination; Road & Bridge staff supported collecting standard project information for the county record and coordinating closures with county PIOs.

EPA asked local stakeholders to identify timing conflicts (major events or guided tours) and to provide contact points so notice can be given in advance of mobilization. Project leads said they expect to publish a construction schedule, safety and staging plan, and contact information before crews mobilize.