Berkeley Pit: Montana’s Most Fascinating and Unique Tourist Attraction
Situated in the small town of Butte, Montana, the Berkeley Pit is an abandoned open-pit copper mine that has become a fascinating and unique tourist attraction. The Berkeley Pit is a National Historic Landmark and a Superfund site, and visitors can take a guided tour of the area and explore its fascinating history.
About the Berkeley Pit
The Berkeley Pit is a former open-pit copper mine located in Butte, Montana. The mine was first opened in 1955 and produced copper until 1982 when the mine was closed due to the falling price of copper. After the closure of the mine, the Berkeley Pit filled with water and became the largest Superfund site in the United States.
The Berkeley Pit is now a National Historic Landmark and a popular tourist attraction. The pit is approximately 1,780 feet deep and is filled with a toxic mix of water and chemicals. Visitors can take a guided tour of the area, which includes a stop at the observation deck with views of the mine and the surrounding area.
Berkeley Pit Tours
The Berkeley Pit is open for tours from April to October. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. During the tour, visitors will learn about the history of the mine and the environmental impact of the Berkeley Pit. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view the pit from the observation deck and take photos from the deck.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. No cameras or cell phones are allowed on the tour, and visitors should leave all personal items in the car.
Environmental Impact of the Berkeley Pit
The Berkeley Pit is a Superfund site that has had a major environmental impact on the surrounding area. The pit is filled with a toxic mix of water and chemicals, and the water has a pH level of 2.6. The water is so acidic that it can corrode human skin on contact, and the water is so toxic that it has killed over 342 species of birds that have landed in the Berkeley Pit.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken steps to reduce the environmental impact of the pit. The EPA is currently working to develop a plan to treat the water and keep it from seeping into the surrounding environment.
Conclusion
The Berkeley Pit is a unique and fascinating tourist attraction located in Butte, Montana. Visitors can take a guided tour of the area and explore its fascinating history. The Berkeley Pit is also a Superfund site and has had a major environmental impact on the surrounding area. The EPA is currently working to develop a plan to treat the water and keep it from seeping into the surrounding environment.