We pursue science-based, practical research to create impactful solutions for Natural Resource Extraction Environmental Risks
Established in 2000, the Center for Environmental Remediation and Assessment [CERA] undertakes outcome-orientated research to better understand the nature and extent of environmental impacts and works to collaboratively develop and validate opportunities to remedy these impacts and improve our Planet.
The vision underlying the proposed collaborative research programs is to use the State of Montana’s 50-year history in large and small-scale remediation and restoration as a learning platform for other states and regions. CERA achieves this through development of environmentally acceptable technologies and climate resilient remediation and restoration processes which provide an opportunity for permanent and sustainable site clean-up and restoration; land, water and waste reuse; and increased community value.
At Montana Technological University, we pursue science-based and up-scalable practical research to create impactful solutions for communities, the environment, industry and governments. We achieve these goals through opportunity identification, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
At the turn of the 20th Century, the city of Butte, Montana (home of Montana Tech) supplied the copper needs to electrify the US, creating thousands of miles of abandoned underground hard rock mines. Today, metal-laded acidic waters from these abandoned mines drain into the Berkeley Pit Superfund Site- which is the headwaters of the largest Superfund Site within the US. Beyond Butte, the State of Montana estimates there are more than 3,000 abandoned coal mines and more than 3,700 abandoned hard rock mines in the State. The Western states (including Alaska) have an estimated 150,000 abandoned hard rock mines, and nation-wide there are up to 500,000 abandoned mines in the country. Without intervention, many of these abandoned mines continue to contaminate the environment and in many cases, including that of Butte, Montana, result in multi-generational remediation and perpetuity management problems. However, they also present a potential opportunity.
Questions such as these require the expertise, testing and result communication that this center provides.
Montana Technological University’s longstanding expertise in environmental remediation/restoration, geology, mining, mineral processing, energy and geo-chemistry, in addition to its connection with Highlands Trade and Technical College, positions it well to tackle these challenges. The linked research projects will evaluate opportunities for resilient, effective and value added remediation and restoration of impacted lands— thereby reducing the nation’s protracted site clean-up and underutilization of remediated properties. The program will be carried out in partnership with the on-campus Center for Advanced Material Processing (CAMP), the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG), the Clark Fork Watershed Education Program (CFWEP) and Highlands College- in addition to current and future industry, academic and community partners.
The CERA collaborative research program is focused on both physical and societal aspects of environmental impact and restoration/re-use.