How would an earthquake affect the Pit and surrounding area?
This question was asked because a series of faults (including the Continental Fault), which are cracks in the earth’s crust, run just east of the Pit. The answer would depend, of course, on the magnitude and duration of the quake. A major earthquake most likely would cause material from the Pit’s walls to cave in, boosting the water level. And, unfortunately, “earthquake-proofing” the Pit is not possible. However, Montana Resources, Inc. (MR) is taking steps to ensure the stability of the Yankee Doodle Tailings Dam north of the Berkeley, the east end of which sits directly above the Continental Fault. In 1993, MR hired a San Francisco-based engineering firm to evaluate the dam’s seismic stability. The investigators declared the dam “safe” and stated it could likely withstand an earthquake of Richter magnitude 6.5. The consultants’ report also provided specific recommendations for maintaining this level of safety as the dam expands. MR officials said that they have been following the re
