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Silver Wing Mine NOI <br /> • Stream grab sample (mine side) below the disturbances from the Silver Wing mine site (site <br /> SWM-3) <br /> The Division has requested that the Applicant submit eight samples, equally spaced over five quarters or <br /> approximately one sample every six weeks or 45 days. This request presents some very difficult <br /> logistical and personal safety issues. The last 1.5 miles of San Juan County Road CR-2 between the <br /> Eureka town site and the Silver Wing mine, which provides the only practical access to the Silver wing <br /> mine site, is crossed by five significant avalanche paths and is not normally maintained during the winter <br /> months (November thru April). No maintenance of this section of CR-2 is expected to occur without an <br /> approved avalanche control plan in place which is not expected to occur until after a decision has been <br /> made to begin commercial operation of the Silver Wing mine. Normally, water samples may be <br /> obtained as late in the fall season as the end of November(barring a major snow storm that may create <br /> a life threatening safety hazard from the avalanche paths). Access after that point in time for the <br /> purpose of obtaining water samples would be by foot and backpack. Between December and April, <br /> heavy winter wind-driven snows and snow slide movements generally result in bridging over the Animas <br /> River at the upstream and downstream sampling sites as it flows past the Silver Wing mine site. If the <br /> mine site can be safely accessed,sampling of the mine discharge water can occur continuously. <br /> During the period of the proposed NOI,the following water quality monitoring schedule is proposed: <br /> One sample on or about May 1 (subject to avalanche considerations) <br /> One sample on or about June 15 (near high flow) <br /> One sample on or about August 1 <br /> One sample on or about September 15 <br /> One sample on or about November 1 (near low flow) <br /> One sample on or about December 1 (subject to avalanche safety considerations) <br /> If the Silver Wing mine progresses to an active mining permit with an approved avalanche control plan in <br /> existence and an access road snow removal and maintenance plan in effect,then a modified monitoring <br /> plan will be submitted to the Division for approval. <br /> Water Quality Monitoring Parameters <br /> Initial water quality monitoring parameters and detection limits are those shown on the initial water <br /> sample reports for stations SWM-1, SWM-2 and SWM-3 submitted with the application (see Exhibit C). <br /> Additional parameters will be added at the Division's request. Jo Grant Mining Company Inc. may <br /> request removal of some parameters at a later date if analysis indicates they are not of concern at the <br /> site. <br /> 2 <br />