We stay on top of government regulations concerning water and and water treatment –
– especially how they affect our business and our clients businesses. We focus not only on water recovery but also being efficient with the water we use. For example, we use less than two gallons of water to wash a car. We have to supply our own water to many of the jobs we do so using it efficiently is important.
Most people take water for granted and don’t realize what it takes to have safe, clean water come out of the faucet. Because we’re on all the lists for water related issues, we recently read the notice of changes taking place at the Argo Tunnel Water Treatment Plant. This is a great example of how much is involved in keeping clean, safe water flowing.
BACKGROUND AND SITE HISTORY
Argo Tunnel Water Treatment Plant
The Argo Tunnel Water Treatment Facility was constructed to treat the acid mine drainage from the Argo Tunnel. The tunnel discharge is part of the Central City/Clear Creek Superfund Site. Superfund is the popular name for CERCLA – Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.
The 4.18 mile long Argo Tunnel was originally constructed between 1893 and 1910 for drainage and ore transportation. Acid mine drainage still exits the tunnel at a rate of about 250 gallons per minute. The water contains high concentrations of dissolved metals including iron, manganese, zinc, aluminum, copper and lead. The Argo Tunnel water is very toxic to some aquatic species.
Based on feasibility studies evaluating the Clear Creek drainage basin, the CDPHE and EPA issued a Record of Decision on September 30, 1991, selecting active chemical precipitation of the Argo Tunnel water.
The Facility was designed and constructed during the mid-1990s, and full-time operations began in April 1998. In addition to the Argo Tunnel discharge, the facility treats mining impacted water from two other sources, Virginia Canyon groundwater and The Big Five tunnel drainage.
Clear Creek Runs Into The South Platte River
Now imagine if that 250 gallons per minute was draining straight into Clear Creek! It runs down the canyon into Golden, then on through Denver into the South Platte River.
The number of people, businesses, and acres of land that would be affected would be incalculable. Something to keep in mind next time you turn the water tap.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is the lead agency for operation and maintenance of the Argo Tunnel Water Treatment Facility. Wash On Wheels has a great working relationship with CDPHE.
We spend a lot of time and effort staying on top of water regulations and how they affect our business. We put the same attention to detail into taking care of our clients.
If you have a pressure washing project you need done right, call a company who stays on top of things.
Related pages and articles
- Stormwater Regulations
- EPA Water Recovery
- Water Recovery And Keeping Debris From Storm Drains
- World Water Day Reminds Us Not To Take Our Water For Granted
- New Colorado Water Documentary By Robert Redford
- EPA Violations In Downtown Denver
- National Magazine Features Wash On Wheels
