MINE PERMITTING, RECLAMATION & CLOSURE

JBR has offices ideally located to support the mining industry in the western U.S., while providing service to mining facilities elsewhere in the U.S. and worldwide. Clients in the beryllium, clay, cobalt, copper, gold, silver, platinum/palladium, lead, zinc, gypsum, limestone, phosphate, trona, silica, tungsten, rare earth, coal, light-weight aggregate, industrial minerals, and sand/gravel industries recognize JBR as a leader in mining-related environmental consulting services. Our breadth of experience and capabilities allow us to work closely with our clients to provide long-term, reliable solutions to mining-related environmental challenges and problems. JBR's experience in assisting the mining industry includes the following:

Mine Planning

• Identification of environmental issues, scoping, and preparation of permitting plans for feasibility analyses
• Preparing conceptual mine reclamation and closure plans
• Assisting with public and agency scoping meetings and public relations

Mine Permitting (all government levels)

• NEPA and CEQA documents
• Zoning and land-use management plan applications
• Air pollution control permits
• Stormwater management plans
• Ground water protection permits
• NPDES discharge permits
• UIC permits

Reclamation and Closure Planning

Preparation of reclamation plans for agency submittal including:

• Recommendations for workable and cost-effective erosion control, seed mixes and methods, and identification of alternate reclamation methods
• Comprehensive reclamation schedules
• Reclamation monitoring plans
• Closure planning and fluid management for process solution facilities:
  • Long-term water management system design
  • Infiltration modeling for covers and caps
  • Enhanced evaporation system design
  • Ground water monitoring and remediation
  • Identification of hazardous materials and environmental liabilities
  • Management of closure operations

Cost Estimating

• Cost estimates of earthwork, revegetation, and closure processes for bonding
• Cost optimization
• Demolition and long-term management cost estimating

Audits, Compliance Assistance, and Guidance Manuals

• Environmental Compliance audits of existing operations including pre- and post-closure audits
• Assistance with permit renewals and modifications
• Assistance with responses to enforcement actions
• Guidance manuals and staff training documents for operational, pre- and post-closure conditions
• Emergency response manuals and SPCC Plans

Bond Release

• Re-vegetation monitoring surveys
• Calculation of incremental costs for remaining reclamation
• Preparation of bond release applications
• Assistance with agency negotiations and bond release presentations