Projects

 

Dicalite Minerals Corporation operates an open-pit diatomite mine near Burney in Shasta County, California. Treated stormwater is discharged from the facility to an intermittent tributary to Lake Britton. The RWQCB issued orders to address elevated zinc concentrations as well as settleable solids, suspended solids, pH, and acute toxicity detected in effluent samples above those limits set in the WDRs. VESTRA was retained to assist in identifying sources of elevated zinc associated with plant and quarry operations.  Because discharge and background receiving water concentrations are periodically detected above California Toxics Rule (CTR) levels, VESTRA developed a site-specific translator study to set new dissolved metal criteria.  Additionally, VESTRA completed permitting of an 80-acre mine expansion.  Activities include biological and archeological studies, reclamation and mining plan updates, CEQA compliance, zoning modifications, and final permit application submittal.