Mine Water Treatment System Management at Superfund Site Leviathan Mine
Trihydro delivers full-service management of water treatment systems at the Leviathan Mine, a Superfund site, to mitigate environmental impacts. We are responsible for daily operations, regulatory compliance, and supporting long-term remediation planning.
The Leviathan Mine is a former underground and open-pit mine located high on the eastern slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Due to the environmental impacts of historical mining activities, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated the Leviathan Mine a Superfund site. To address water quality concerns, two water treatment systems that treat acid rock drainage (ARD) are operating at the site:
- A seasonal lime addition high-density sludge (HDS) system treats ARD seepage on the western side of the mine.
- A year-round biochemical reactor system treats ARD from the eastern side.
In 2024, Trihydro acquired Alloy Group’s Engineering and Consulting Division, which had managed both treatment systems since 2006. This long-standing role has expanded to include a wide range of tasks, ensuring the mine operates responsibly and meets environmental and health and safety requirements, including:
- Providing expertise, overseeing execution, and ensuring compliance with EPA requirements
- Managing daily operations, maintenance, and monitoring HDS and biochemical treatment systems
- Coordinating with government agencies and stakeholders, drafting reports, and updating project timelines
- Conducting Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) audits to identify and address hazards and promote safe work practices
- Participating in discussions and planning for future water treatment, surface water quality improvements, and overall site remediation
