EPA's Office of Research and Development's Office of Science Policy and Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency Response is sponsoring a 4-part virtual workshop series to address characterization, remediation, and response challenges at Superfund and legacy mining and mineral processing sites. Each virtual workshop will include a short lecture by various subject matter experts in their respective fields but will also allow ample time for the presenters to interact with the audience, including time for questions and answers as well as brainstorming and identifying concerns from stakeholders participating in each virtual workshop. If you have a mining reclamation or remediation site, this is the virtual workshop for you!

The fourth session will focus on the use of big data at mining sites. Topics include new 3DVA efforts at Superfund sites; fate and transport at watershed scales; and visualization of mining data.

1. Katie Deheer — CDM Smith
   
   Abstract: Leveraging Data Analytics to Turn Abandoned Mine Data into Insight
   Abandoned mine land inventories and other publicly-available geospatial data are massive amounts of data; it is not uncommon for EPA, federal agencies (like BLM and USFS), and State organizations to be sitting on goldmines of under-utilized information. Data collection mechanisms, such as sensors, are getting less and less expensive, but the benefits of gathering large volumes of inventory and operational data are best derived through leveraging appropriate statistical and data analytics tools. This presentation will explore recent efforts with the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CHPE) to identify data sets useful for data analytics at large Superfund mining districts like the Bonita Peak Mining District in Colorado and mine lands across the United States. Initial exploration of these data sets demonstrate the potential benefits of leveraging free or low cost data analytics tools and methodologies to turn a variety of environmental and geographical information into insights for EPA.
   
   The goal of this session is to promote awareness as to the speed and ease with which large, complex and multidimensional data sets can be visualized and explored in real time to assist in systematic project planning, conceptual site model development, and other critical project elements. Available tools provide easy access to staff at any technological experience level allowing project teams to explore high density spatial and temporal data sets in real time providing answers to complex and multifaceted questions in an easily consumable format. Data analytics tools can provide site specific insight into a variety of site attributes such as: potential risks across multiple parameters, physical and chemical changes along different time scales and seasons, and potential impacts from wildfires and flooding. This presentation will feature live demonstrations of analytical models with a focus on real time data exploration and use of compelling and intuitive visualizations.
   
   
2. Souhail Al-Abed. EPA ORD. Dr. Al-Abed will use the study performed in a Tri-State mining district watershed to present how monitoring the partitioning of metals (dissolved and particulate) can be used to determine the health of a watershed and perform the selection of remediation Best Management Practices (BMPs). He will also discuss the use of biochar as part of an innovative technology for metal removal in mining-impacted watershed.
   
   Abstract: How metal partitioning affects the remediation approach in a mining-impacted watershed
   The need of reducing the contamination generated by the runoff from mine tailings and transported onto surface water that is used by the population as drinking water sources and for recreational activities is a common issue that EPA helps the regions to address. There are important decisions to be made as the removal of the contamination sources and remediation options for each affected creek that will have a long-term impact in the surrounding communities. This presentation will present the case of the Spring River watershed, which is part of the Tri-State mining district, which was a lead and zinc mining area from the 1850s to the 1970s. In this watershed, we monitored the distribution and estimated the transport of dissolved and particulate zinc in the creeks and rivers tributaries and effluent to Empire Lake to determine the saturation state of the lake and to provide elements for the selection of BMPs for each tributary. We considered the information of the chemistry of the water to select the location and type of BMPs to be applied. Additionally, we explored the use of several adsorbent materials (e.g. biochar, modified silicates, cationic exchange resin, etc.) that might be able to remove dissolved and particulate metals in in-stream applications for the reduction of metal contamination in surface waters.
   
   
3. James Rice (ICF International Inc.)
   
   3-Dimensional Visualization and Analysis at Mine Sites - an Example from French Gulch
   3-Dimensional Visualization and Analysis (3DVA) is a valuable tool for integrating many data sets into a single visual product. Site teams use 3DVA to develop and interrogate the Conceptual Site Model (CSM) throughout the project lifecycle. It also provides an effective platform for communications and outreach. Mining sites present a unique challenge for developing 3DVA because the mine infrastructure, which is critical to understanding contaminant sources and transport, should be presented in addition to the geologic and hydrologic frameworks. Mine infrastructure is not generally available in modern formats suitable for 3-dimensional mapping so it must be developed from available historic reports and maps. Faults, fracture systems, and ore veins can also be important parts of the CSM but are difficult to represent in three dimensions. This presentation will demonstrate how different data types were used to create an integrated 3DVA for an underground and placer mine in Colorado.
   
   The Wellington-Oro mining complex near Breckenridge Colorado, produced zinc, lead, gold, and silver from underground and placer deposits from 1887 to 1972. The adjacent stream and downstream reaches have been impacted by zinc and cadmium emanating from the mine and process areas. A treatment plant has reduced metal loading in the stream, but the source of contamination and discharge mechanisms are not fully understood. The 3DVA team used mine plans, USGS reports, and geologic cross sections from the 1930's and 1950's to model the mine and geologic framework, then incorporated results of surface and groundwater investigations performed by EPA and others over the last 25 years to build the 3DVA. A large amount of data were available, but some data did not lend itself to the 3DVA platform.
   
   

Presenters:

Katie Deheer, CDM Smith (DeheerK@cdmsmith.com)
Mrs. Deheer is a data analytics professional with 11 years of experience implementing innovative technology solutions. Mrs. Deheer's experience spans across multiple industries, including engineering and construction, telecom, commercial banking, and financial services. In her current role at CDM Smith, Mrs. Deheer manages a team of analytics professionals who work with corporate, sales, and delivery leadership roles to develop data-centric solutions that inform strategic decision making and enable smart growth. Her team strives to bring leading edge analytical methodologies, capabilities, and tools to CDM Smith. Mrs. Deheer holds an MBA with a concentration in Finance and an MS Business Analytics.

Doug Cushing, CDM Smith (cushingdl@cdmsmith.com)
Digital Transformation executive with extensive experience leading enterprise-wide Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Vision and Predictive and Descriptive Analytics initiatives. Thrives on understanding underlying business problems and developing actionable insights to improve business outcomes. Enthusiastically embraces understanding, presenting to, and influencing at the president and C-Suite levels. Global perspective with substantial experience leveraging India-based resources. Developed an AI talent ecosystem with firms and individuals in India.

Currently leads multiple aspects of creating value through Digital Transformation for CDM Smith, a $1B+ engineering services firm. Leading initiatives for our computer vision team including implementing vehicle tracking and classification on traffic video using $100 edge devices. Overseeing the Predictive Analytics team in building probability of project win and staff needs prediction. Responsible for creating a Virtual Design and Construction organization and integrating it with Building Information Modeling (BIM) initiatives.

Souhail Al-Abed, EPA Office of Research and Development (al-abed.souhail@epa.gov or 513-569-7849)
Dr. Souhail Al-Abed is a research chemist at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Research and Development/Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response. His research encompasses significant impact on advancing his fields of endeavor in remediation, materials management, and nanotechnology, particularly his work on development and application of novel methods to treat contaminated soil, sediments, and water. He evaluated novel and traditional water treatment options based on sorption, precipitation, bioremediation in bench-scale, pilot and field scale tests. He developed successful methodology to test metal removal with sulfate-reducing bioreactors using real field conditions. The experimental and theoretical work was approached using the principles of sustainability as a core: protection of human health and the environment, and resource utilization optimization to allow the next generations to have the best opportunity with their life quality. Dr. Al-Abed authored and coauthored more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and six book chapters. He is a Fellow of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the Chair of the Environmental Chemistry Division at the ACS. He is also a member of American Geophysical Union (AGU) Hydrology section.

James Rice, ICF International Inc. (James.Rice@icf.com)
Mr. Rice is Senior Geologist at ICF with more than 30 years of experience in the environmental consulting industry. Mr. Rice has been involved in a wide range of environmental investigation, assessment and remediation projects for EPA, DOD, DOE and commercial clients using traditional and innovative tools and approaches. He currently provides technical support to EPA OSRTI with optimization and technology innovation and integration where he helps site teams improve characterization and remediation by applying best practices such as systematic planning, 3-dimensional visualization and analysis, high resolution site characterization and CSM development. Mr. Rice also develops and delivers technical training for several EPA courses including Incremental Sampling, Best Practices in Site Characterization through the Remedial Process, and High Resolution Site Characterization.

Moderators:

Jean Balent, U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division (balent.jean@epa.gov or 202-566-0832)
Ms Balent is on the staff of the EPA's Technology Innovation and Field Services Division where she has worked to collect and disseminate hazardous waste remediation and characterization information since 2003. Ms Balent manages the Clean Up Information Network website and actively supports online communication and collaboration resources available to EPA. She formerly worked with the US Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Engineering Division in the Buffalo District. Ms Balent was also a member of the SUNY-Buffalo Groundwater Research Group where she constructed and tested large scale models of groundwater flow. Ms Balent has also conducted research relating to the Great Lakes, environmental remediation, and brownfields re-development. She holds a Bachelor's degree in environmental engineering from SUNY-Buffalo and a Master's degree in Information Technology from AIU.

James Rice, ICF International Inc. (James.Rice@icf.com)
Mr. Rice is Senior Geologist at ICF with more than 30 years of experience in the environmental consulting industry. Mr. Rice has been involved in a wide range of environmental investigation, assessment and remediation projects for EPA, DOD, DOE and commercial clients using traditional and innovative tools and approaches. He currently provides technical support to EPA OSRTI with optimization and technology innovation and integration where he helps site teams improve characterization and remediation by applying best practices such as systematic planning, 3-dimensional visualization and analysis, high resolution site characterization and CSM development. Mr. Rice also develops and delivers technical training for several EPA courses including Incremental Sampling, Best Practices in Site Characterization through the Remedial Process, and High Resolution Site Characterization.

Webinar Slides and References:

• Introduction by Jean Balent, U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division (1.55MB/PDF)
• Introduction by James Rice, ICF International Inc. (143KB/PDF)
• Slide Presentation for Doug Cushing and Katie Deheer, CDM Smith (6.19MB/PDF)
• Slide Presentation for Souhail Al-Abed, EPA Office of Research and Development (11.6MB/PDF)
• Slide Presentation for James Rice, ICF International Inc. (19.5MB/PDF)
• Closing by Jean Balent, U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division (292KB/PDF)

Webinar Slides and References:

• Introduction by Jean Balent, U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division (1.55MB/PDF)
• Introduction by James Rice, ICF International Inc. (143KB/PDF)
• Slide Presentation for Doug Cushing and Katie Deheer, CDM Smith (6.19MB/PDF)
• Slide Presentation for Souhail Al-Abed, EPA Office of Research and Development (11.6MB/PDF)
• Slide Presentation for James Rice, ICF International Inc. (19.5MB/PDF)
• Closing by Jean Balent, U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division (292KB/PDF)

Additional Resources:

• These materials will be available by Wednesday, October 23, 2019