2016-09-26_REVISION - M1980244 - Laserfiche WebLink

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are compared with historic values to assess trends in water quality and flow and to evaluate whether potential impacts to surface water quality may be occurring. Data for a majority of surface water monitoring sites was provided as part of the Hydrology Evaluation, in Appendix 2 of the Amendment]] application (Volume II). Per our discussion on August 30, 2016, Newmont will submit surface water quality data to the division quarterly beginning with Q3 2016 data. Additionally, a summary of historic analytical data will be provided at a meeting tentatively scheduled in early November. 22. Figure 11-1, Water Monitoring Locations • The green text used to label the groundwater monitoring locations is nearly impossible to read. Please use a different color text and/or subdue the background to enhance readability. RESPONSE: A revised Figure 11-1 is included in Attachment 7. 23. Page 12-12, first Paragraph - Chicago Tunnel Portal Area/Underground Mining • The last sentence indicates the "Portal access will be secured". Please provide more details on portal closure and whether or not bat activity is/will be considered in the closure design. RESPONSE: Newmont has already identified the Chicago Portal as a future potential bat habitat once it is closed. We have had several conversations with representative of Colorado Parks and Wildlife who have provided information about what to lookfor in terms of signs of bats when opening historic workings and how to maximize habitat upon closure. 24. Page 12-13, fourth paragraph—VLF re-contour • The second sentence declares"Portions of the benches created during operations will be retained, as appropriate, for geotechnical and erosional stability." and Drawing F-1 is referenced for final topography. Drawing F-1 indicates slope lengths exceeding 2,000 feet are likely. Such long slopes will be highly susceptible to erosion gullying. The Division is unaware of any stormwater management designs for the VLF closures. As the end of life for the Arequa Gulch VLF is approaching, please commit to finalizing stormwater management designs for the VLFs in order to assure long-term stability. RESPONSE: Appendix H, Volume IV,p. 54 of 109, demonstrates Newmont is committed to ripping the slope along contour for approximately 617 acres of the Arequa Gulch VLF. In addition, Drawing CCVSA1I-3 indicates locations on Arequa Gulch where tree planting will occur thus also decreasing the chance of erosion. Newmont is committed to ensuring the long-term stability of the Arequa Gulch VLF. In addition, stormwater control structures located within Arequa Gulch will be maintained during reclamation. 25. Page 13-2, second paragraph—reclamation grading_ • The last sentence states"reclamation grading, slope reduction, and contouring oftentimes results in a facility encroaching outside its development footprint,resulting in a slightly larger affected area for reclamation". Please confirm reclamation grading will be confined to areas within the affected area boundary as defined in amended AM- II application. RESPONSE: Reclamation grading is designed such that graded materials will remain within the permit boundary. The discrepancy in this statement may have come from previous amendments where the disturbance boundary was a smaller footprint than the Page 11 of 30