CHAPTER 12: RESOURCE EXTRACTION
Massachusetts Nonpoint Source
Pollution Management Manual
CHAPTER 12
Resource Extraction
Introduction:
Resource extraction is one of the nonpoint
source pollution categories identified by the
EPA as contributing to the degradation of the
nationʼs waters. Resource extraction includes a
variety of land disturbance activities that can
contribute to NPS pollution, including surface
mining, subsurface mining, placer mining (extraction of mineral deposits from excavations
of sand, gravel, clay, or silt), dredge mining,
petroleum activities, mill tailings and mine
tailings.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Management
For Boating And Marinas
Primary NPS Pollutants and Issues
•
Sediment
Who Typically Gets Involved?
•
Site owners/operators
•
Board of Selectmen, City Council
•
Conservation Commission
•
Planning Board
•
Building Inspector
In Massachusetts, sand and gravel mining and rock quarries are the most common resource extraction activities that contribute to NPS pollution. Potential impacts include:
• Sand and gravel mining can lead to increased erosion
and sediment load, which can have adverse affects
on receiving water bodies.
• Like other types of mining, sand and gravel mining
involves the removal of overburden (layers of soil or
rock overlying a valuable mineral deposit) which
can play an important role in the protection of
groundwater.
•
Sand and gravel mining site.
Stone and gravel washing at quarries and mining
sedimentation if not properly
sites can lead to
controlled.
• Water quality impacts can result from fuel spills and
other hazardous material discharges associated with
vehicles and equipment at the mining site.
A Massachusetts rock quarry.
• Sand and gravel sites can attract illegal dumping if
not properly managed.
Underlined bold blue
indicates an active web link.
Bold purple indicates that
a term is defined in the
Glossary of Terms.
Although resource extraction isn’t as prevalent in Massachusetts as in many other states, best
management practices for several related activities are included in this chapter because they can
apply to multiple NPS pollution problems.
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CHAPTER 12
Resource Extraction
The Municipal Role in Regulating Resource Extraction
In Massachusetts, municipalities can take a proactive role in regulating resource extraction operations by
adopting both zoning and non-zoning bylaws. Example municipal bylaws for earth/gravel removal can
be found at the Massachusetts Citizen Planner Training Collaborative (CPTC) website at:
http://www.umass.edu/masscptc/examplebylaws.html
In absence of local bylaws, relatively limited regulatory control over mining exists through the NPDES permit
process and other regulations listed below. The municipal Building Inspector should also inspect the site on a
regular basis to ensure compliance with local regulations. When mining operations are occurring in proximity
to wetland resource areas, inspection by the local Conservation Agent or a member of the Conservation Commission is also be warranted. In cases where illegal dumping on the site has created a potential public health
threat or public nuisance, inspection and enforcement activity should occur through the local Board of Health.
Massachusetts and Federal Resource Extraction Resources
The Massachusetts Groundwater Supply Protection Regulations at 310 CMR 22.21 (2) (b) 6 prohibits
the sand, gravel and mineral extractions within four feet of the historic high groundwater elevation. Conditions for allowable extraction activities, including exemptions for building foundations and utility work are
also provided in these regulations. http://www.newwa.org/training/drinking_water_regulations.pdf
Both the Massachusetts DEP and the USEPA regulate point source pollutant discharges associated with
resource extraction operations. More information on these National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permits, regulated under the Clean Water Act, can be accessed at:
http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/approvals/stormreg.htm
The Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments (CZARA) of 1990 provide a prevention process
to control the runoff pollution to coastal waters. Section 6217 of CZARA specifies management measures to
protect coastal waters from silviculture sources of nonpoint pollution (USEPA, 1993).
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/czmact.html
The Massachusetts Citizen Planner Training Collaborative (CPTC) is an excellent resource for information on bylaws related to resource extraction sites and a variety of other issues:
http://www.umass.edu/masscptc/resources.html
The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 http://www.osmre.gov/smcra.htm
The USEPA also established a Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Nonpoint
Pollution in Coastal Waters, which established a management measure and best management practices
for resource extraction NPS pollution control. http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/MMGI/
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indicates an active web link.
The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association provides guidance and training to the industry on
NPS controls and other environmental issues. www.nssga.org
a term is defined in the
Glossary of Terms.
Massachusetts Aggregate & Asphalt Pavement Association (MAAPA), 781-681-9554.
Bold purple indicates that
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CHAPTER 12
Resource Extraction
The Pollution Problem: Resource Extraction
Sediment
Resource extraction activities can result in
exposed soil, steep embankments, and deep
holes or ruts in the ground which leads to
sedimentation. Sedimentation is the erosion of
mineral or organic solid material acted upon
by water, ice, wind, or other processes. Eroded
sediments are then transported and deposited
away from their original sources. This process
can be detrimental to aquatic ecosystems in sevSteep embankments and exposed soil can cause
eral ways, including the filling of lake bottoms,
erosion and sedimentation
streambeds, or wetland pools. Sedimentation
often results in the elimination of essential habitat and food sources, decreased water volume,
increased turbidity (resulting in limited light penetration, higher temperatures, and lower
dissolved oxygen), increased flooding, and decreased water supplies (USEPA, 1993).
Sand, gravel and crushed stone washing operations can be a significant source of sediment if not
conducted properly. All sand or gravel washing and gravel sorting should be conducted in areas
well removed from wetlands, surface waters and areas that flood. Proper sedimentation and
erosion controls should be in place to ensure that gravel and wash water that is warm or
sediment-laden cannot enter any surface water or wetland.
Another sedimentation issue related to sand and gravel mining operations is vehicle washing
and maintenance. Appropriate locations and standard operating procedures for vehicle washing
should be established to prevent off-site transport and deposition of sediment.
Nutrients
Nutrients play an important role in aquatic ecosystems. Plant and animal life can be compromised when there is an increase in nutrient delivery to receiving waters. The abrupt and/or excessive
removal of vegetation from resource extraction sites can increase leaching of nutrients from the
soil into surface and groundwater, disrupting the nitrogen cycle. Excessive nutrient loads can
greatly accelerate the process of eutrophication for water bodies, Eutrophication is the “aging” process
that all water bodies undergo as they gradually become increasingly biologically productive and
lose depth due to the build-up of sediment and organic matter. Algal blooms, associated with
eutrophication, limit light penetration, increase turbidity, and can lead to low dissolved oxygen
concentrations that are harmful to fish and other organisms (USEPA, 1993).
Underlined bold blue
indicates an active web link.
Bold purple indicates that
a term is defined in the
Glossary of Terms.
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Resource Extraction
Chemicals
Pollution resulting from mining for a specific mineral is considered a point source pollutant
discharge and is regulated under State and Federal National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permits. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 includes
requirements for the collection of runoff from active mines and treatment of runoff for point
source discharges. This is not to be confused with NPS pollution that occurs from resource
extraction. NPS pollutants from resource extraction practices can include acid, salts, and metals.
The contribution of these pollutants is often from inactive mine drainage and leachate, and
from spoil and tailings piles from both active and inactive mines. These pollutants can result in
adverse impacts including damage to fish spawning habitat and a reduction in aquatic food
sources (invertebrates). NPS pollution from mining can also result in the bioaccumulation of metals in larger fish (LADEQ, 1993).
It should also be noted that inactive mining and sand/gravel sites also have the potential to
attract illegal dumping of materials that contribute polluted runoff to surface water and groundwater. Enforcement and proper closure of inactive sites should be addressed to prevent pollution
related to illegal dumping.
Best Management Practices for Resource Extraction:
There are three primary BMPs that are applicable to resource extraction in Massachusetts:
Sand and Gravel Operations Guidelines
Land Reclamation
Sediment Basin
A summary of these BMPs and links to fact sheets with additional information is provided below.
Other BMPs related to resource extraction that are not discussed in this chapter, such as anoxic
limestone drains and open limestone channels, are practices that are typically employed in states
that have or have had extensive coal mining (e.g., Pennsylvania).
Sand and Gravel Operations Guidelines include such practices as (1)
the installation of ditches and dikes to collect wash water and
divert runoff, (2) berms designed to keep fuel and soil maintenance
areas from contaminating the ground, and (3) land reclamation following completion of extraction activities to restore the site’s aesthetics and ecology while preventing NPS pollution. (FACT SHEET LINK)
Underlined bold blue
indicates an active web link.
Bold purple indicates that
a term is defined in the
Glossary of Terms.
Land Reclamation is the process of restoring damaged land through
land smoothing and/or critical area planting. Steep slopes are
usually taken down to a stable grade for safety and drainage and
natural resources are often restored to a condition that is consistent with the surrounding area. This may include the application
of topsoil, vegetation, proper drainage, and landscaping practices.
(FACT SHEET LINK)
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Sediment Basins are settling ponds with a controlled water release
structure used to collect and store sediment produced by construction or resource extraction activities. A sediment basin can
be constructed by excavation or by placing an earthen embankment across a low area or drainage swale. Sediment basins
can be designed to maintain a permanent pool or to drain completely dry. The basin detains sediment-laden runoff long enough
to allow most of the sediment to settle out.
(FACT SHEET LINK)
For information on additional BMPs, jump to the Interactive BMP Selection Menu
Best Management Practices: Putting Them to Use in
Massachusetts
Case Study: Bartholomew Farmlands Gravel Pit
Reclamation (Sheffield, MA)
The Nature Conservancy purchased the 427-acre
Bartholomew Farmlands Preserve in 1999. This property was once mined for gravel, leaving the farmlands
barren and stripped of vegetation. The open mines
were reclaimed and the landscape’s topography was
restored to mimic the previous terrain. No outside fill
was used and many precautions were taken to prevent
introducing invasive species. Some of the restored area
is available for agricultural use by local farmers, while
half of the site has been replanted with native warmseason grasses for wildlife habitat.
References:
NPS. 1999. Sand and Gravel Pit Restoration: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI. National Park Service.
Accessed August 19, 2002. http://www2.nature.nps.gov/geology/distlands/slbe_restoration/
Underlined bold blue
indicates an active web link.
Bold purple indicates that
a term is defined in the
Glossary of Terms.
LADEQ. 1993. Resource Extraction Section of the Nonpoint Source Management Program. LA Department of
Environmental Quality - Nonpoint Source Pollution Program. Accessed August 16, 2002.
http://nonpoint.deq.state.la.us/ws_amite.html
USEPA. 1993. Polluted Runoff (Nonpoint Source Pollution): Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources
of Nonpoint Pollution in Coastal Waters. EPA-840-B-93-001c. Office of Wetlands, Oceans, a and Watersheds.
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/MMGI/
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