Reclamation of the land and restoration of ground and surface water on Buckhorn Mountain would be extremely difficult and expensive, if they are even possible.
Some watersheds never recover from years of pit dewatering.
Technical experts predict that the hydraulic divide, which directs groundwater to one basin or another, will permanently shift eastward on Buckhorn Mountain, causing a net loss of groundwater flows to the Myers Creek Basin. DNR is also given the authority to delegate reclamation oversight to local governments. However, heavy metals make viable fish habitat unlikely. Technical experts predict that the pit pond will contain concentrations of silver lethal to fish, as well as elevated doses of cadmium, arsenic, manganese, nickel, and selenium. Precise language is needed to redefine reclamation standards to adequately protect both taxpayers and the environment.