Problem: In May of 2004, PHC-REC was contracted to close hazardous mine openings in an historic gypsum mining district near Blythe, California.   The photo shows the public safety hazards and environmental degradation associated with the hazardous mine opening that needed to be mitigated due to the extent of disturbance.
	Objectives: The purpose of the project was to eliminate the public safety hazards associated with the underground and surface mine sites while preserving the wildlife habitat.  PHC-REC evaluated the openings considered closeable with foam for access, safety, and scheduling issues. "Bat Gates" were installed to both enhance bat habitat and to mitigate safety issues.
	PHC Solutions: A total of 16 mine shafts were closed using bulk foam and a foam pumping system.  Closure techniques involved shaft wall cleanout, shaft plug construction and setting, foam pouring, fill placement over foam, and final grading of the individual sites.  At six of the sites, bat gates were constructed and installed.
	Results: Hazardous openings were mitigated and bat habitat was enhanced.   [click here for more info on the PHC-REC Team]