Hundreds of abandoned mine lands lie across Wyoming. These historic sites were abandoned prior to the 1977 Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. The State of Wyoming has been working for over four decades to reclaim and remediate these sites to avert environmental and human health impacts. In addition, residents and communities financially benefit from […]
In recent years, a few landowners have discovered some interesting history on their property that could damage future planned structures. Around and in several Wyoming communities, underground historical abandoned mines are present but unknown to most residents. However, through the years these underground workings can collapse and make their way up to the surface, leaving […]
By Kristine Galloway SUNRISE – A one-of-a-kind prehistoric site in Wyoming exists today almost by coincidence. The Powars II Paleoindian Archaeological Site in Sunrise – believed to be the oldest known mining operation in both North and South America – would have been wiped out if former Sunrise resident Wayne Powars hadn’t shown up for […]
A multi-party effort to improve safety and accessibility on Fremont County Road 10, aka Gas Hills Haul Road and Dry Creek Road, is complete. The project, led by Fremont County and the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), will provide safer public travel on this road and reduce the number of travelers stranded miles from the […]
By Kristine Galloway Educational outreach at Lander Middle School was the first piece implemented for the Abandoned Mine Lands Native Plants Project through the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and the Bureau of Land Management. That project is part of an inter-agency effort to restore the fractured sagebrush steppe ecosystem across the U.S. West. The […]
On September 10, 2018, Alan Edwards, Deputy Director and Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Division Administrator for the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), received the Stan Barnard Award from the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs (NAAMLP). The Stan Barnard Award was established by the NAAMLP in 2001. Each year the award is given […]
On January 15, 2018, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Abandoned Mine Land Division (AML) began exploratory drilling at 846 and 900 West Center Street, in Rock Springs. AML is conducting an investigative drilling program in specific areas within Rock Springs to be proactive with respect to identifying the potential for mine subsidence. Exploratory […]
After nearly 20 years of service to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Abandoned Mine Land Division (AML), JaNell Hunter is retiring at the end of December. Hunter has acted in various capacities for AML and the City of Rock Springs over her career and most recently has been the AML Rock Springs Liason. Her […]
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Abandoned Mine Land Division (AML) recently received its Annual Evaluation Summary Report from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE).Within the evaluation, OSMRE praised Wyoming’s AML program. The report said: “The State administers a superior AML program in full compliance with its approved AMLR (Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation) […]
Reliance, Wyo – On April 12, 2016, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Abandoned Mine Land Division (AML) will be hosting a public meeting to present recent data collected and upcoming mine subsidence projects in and around the Reliance community. The meeting will start at 6:00 PM at the Reliance Library, 1329 Main Street. This work is a continuation […]