THE GOSSAN RESTORATION PROJECT
WORKING TO REDUCE metals loading in Coal Creek

THE GOSSAN

Gossans are naturally occurring geologic features composed of rock with high iron concentrations that tend to occur above other mineral deposits. They are often characterized by distinct colors including red, yellow, brown, and black with stains of azure blue or green.

The Gossan in the Coal Creek watershed is located approximately three miles west of Crested Butte. Below you can see an aerial image of the Gossan as it is today, note the characteristic red and yellow coloration of the soil.
Picture
Aerial imagery courtesy of Google Earth.

RESTORATION NEED

In 1978, welding operations at the Keystone Mine site started a wildfire. Despite fire suppression efforts by the US Forest Service, the wildfire burned much of the gossan. Over 40 years later, vegetation is sparse and run-off and erosion from the gossan remain unchecked. Without human-disturbance, the gossan would likely support a forest ecosystem dominated by lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, and aspen. 
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​Multiple studies have identified the gossan as a primary source of metals loading and one of the pollutant sources responsible for cadmium and zinc water quality impairments in Coal Creek.
A picture of an area of grey and red soil, sparsely vegetated, with discolored water running through.
A view of the lower gossan which lacks vegetation and runoff and erosion are unchecked. This portion of the gossan will be restored as a wetland. Photo credit: Andy Herb, Alpine Eco. October, 2011.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The goal of the Gossan Restoration Project is to improve forest and wetland habitat, eliminate or substantially reduce erosion, and decrease runoff of acidic metals-laden water from the gossan. A series of best management practices will be used to restore the 19-acre area including:
  • soil amendments
  • revegetation
  • wetland restoration
  • appropriately-sized drainage channels

​Due to its location, the project has the potential to improve water quality, aquatic habitat, and riparian conditions in up to four miles of downstream waters in Coal Creek.

PROJECT BENEFITS

Improve Surface Water Quality
Decreasing metals-laden runoff from the gossan may allow Coal Creek to attain water quality standards more frequently. Additionally, lower metal concentrations in the Town’s municipal water supply could reduce the treatment load at the water treatment plant.

Improve Aquatic Habitat
Reducing metal concentrations and sediment loading in Coal Creek may create more suitable habitat for macroinvertebrates and fish.

Improve Watershed Health
By restoring native vegetation and improving hydrologic function, the project will improve the condition of the forest, the downstream riparian corridor of Coal Creek, and the health of the watershed.

making it happen

As of April 2022, CCWC and the project partners have committed just under $900,000 or 58 percent of the total project cost of $1,529,560.

Your tax-deductible donations will help CCWC fund the remainder of the Gossan Restoration Project!

​This is our most ambitious project yet, please help if you can!
​Project Partners: CCWC, the Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety (DRMS), Mt. Emmons Mining Company (MEMC), the United States Forest Service (USFS), the Town of Crested Butte (Town), and Gunnison County (County).