Laserfiche WebLink
PERMIT#: M-2009-076 <br /> INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: MAC <br /> INSPECTION DATE:November 19,2015 <br /> INSPECTION TOPIC: Hydrologic Balance <br /> PROBLEM:The groundwater sampling methods utilized by the Operator do not conform to the approved <br /> sampling plan. In addition, the above-ground configuration of the two monitoring wells do not allow for the <br /> proper collection of groundwater samples. The approved hydrologic monitoring plan is intended to <br /> demonstrate compliance, throughout the life of mine, with the water quality control requirements of Rules <br /> 3.1.6, 3.1.7, and 6.4.21(12). By not following the approved monitoring plan the operator has potentially <br /> compromised all previous sampling events and rendered previous sampling data irrelevant. <br /> CORRECTIVE ACTIONS: Within 20 days of the signature date of this inspection report, due December 30, 2015, <br /> the Operator shall submit a Technical Revision to the mine plan, detailing the sampling methods, field <br /> parameters, analytes, analytical detection limits, and reporting protocols by which the Operator shall <br /> demonstrate compliance with Rules 3.1.6, 3.1.7, and 6.4.21(12). The Technical Revision shall also address how <br /> the Operator will modify the existing monitoring wells to facilitate appropriate sampling. <br /> CORRECTIVE ACTION DUE DATE: December 31, 2015 <br /> INSPECTION TOPIC: Compliance with Mine Plan and Reclamation Plan <br /> POSSIBLE VIOLATION:The Operator placed unapproved mine dump materials in direct contact with the liner of <br /> the tailings impoundment. The tailings impoundment was an Environmental Protection Facility, designed and <br /> certified to permanently contain mill tailings and be protective of surface and groundwater resources. The <br /> inappropriately placed mine dump materials include angular rock, up to 24 inches in diameter; splintered mine <br /> timbers, up to six feet in length; tree trunks; and metal debris, which have potential to compromise the integrity <br /> of the liner and consume the capacity of the impoundment. The unauthorized use of the Environmental <br /> Protection Facility is in conflict with Rules 3.1.5(5), and (10); 6.4.21(6)(b)(ii) and (iii); 6.4.21(6)(c); 6.4.21(7)(b) <br /> and (e); and has voided the certifications for the facility previously accepted by the Division. This is a possible <br /> violation pursuant to C.R.S. 34-32-124 for failure to follow the conditions of an order, permit or regulation. <br /> CORRECTIVE ACTIONS:This possible violation will require a hearing before the Mined Land Reclamation Board, <br /> tentatively scheduled for January 27—28, 2016. Official notice of the Formal Board Hearing location, dates and <br /> time will be provided under a separate document to be sent via certified mail to the Operator. <br /> CORRECTIVE ACTION DUE DATE: January 27, 2016 <br /> OBSERVATIONS <br /> The inspection was conducted by Michael Cunningham and Wally Erickson of the Division of Reclamation, <br /> Mining and Safety (Division). Patrick Maher and Ron Reeser were present on behalf of Venture Resources, Inc. <br /> The Hukill Gulch Millsite is located approximately 2 miles north of Idaho Springs, in Clear Creek County. The <br /> site is permitted for 8.76 acres and the post-mining land use is rangeland. The Hukill Gulch Millsite operates <br /> under a Designated Mining Limited Impact 110 Reclamation Permit. The operation is considered to be a <br /> designated mining operation as a result of handling, processing and disposing of acid-forming materials. <br /> The Operator is approved to excavate approximately 8,000 tons of waste rock from a historic waste rock pile. <br /> The waste rock is processed at the mobile mill site using a standard gravity flotation process; no designated <br /> chemicals are used in the milling circuits.The tailings produced from the milling process are placed into a lined <br /> impoundment. The tailings impoundment has a composite liner consisting of a geosynthetic clay liner, a 60 mil <br /> HDPE liner, and a GeoComposite liner. The tailings impoundment is being constructed using the upstream <br /> method and will consist of five benches.To date, the Operator has only constructed the first of five benches. <br /> According to the Operator, 150 tons of waste rock were processed through the mill, with the tailings placed <br /> Page 2 of 9 <br />