Hydropower for Mining Area Cleanup

Since 2011, power to operate a water treatment plant at the Summitville Mine Superfund Site in Colorado has been provided by a 36 kW micro hydroelectric plant drawing water from the Whiteman Fork Creek. The hydroelectric power meets an estimated 15-20% of the treatment plant's energy demand and annually avoids emission of an estimated 120 metric tons of carbon dioxide associated with regional electricity production.