The Role of Politics, Community Involvement and Public Participation in the Reclamation of an Abandoned Iron Mine in Wyoming

Abstract

The reclamation of a tailings impoundment, waste rock dumps, and a railroad grade associated with a taconite operation in Wyoming was a political and public relations challenge. Several stake-holders had strong personal agendas and objectives to be achieved through the reclamation project. Thorough newspaper coverage, numerous public meetings, and interaction with local landowners regarding innovative reclamation techniques were some of the methods used to combat the project's complicated web of miscommunication and misinformation that hindered the public's acceptance of the proposed construction plans and progress of the work.