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When the spill occurred the mill was in the process of shutting down. The ore feed and reagent additions <br /> had been shut off for roughly an hour or two prior to the spill occurring, fresh water was being added to <br /> the circuit to push the remaining ore through (he float circuit. Therefore the water that was spilled was <br /> even more dilute than the normal neutral pH water.The neutral pH water splashed out of containment into <br /> an area approximately six feet by fifteen feet. The water infiltrated almost immediately, leaving no ponds. <br /> The water that was spilled was even more dilute than normal neutral pH water; therefore CC&V <br /> determined that the best course of action was to send of soil samples to the lab, to determine if clean up <br /> actions are necessary. Pending the results of the soil sampling CC&V will determine the appropriate clean <br /> up action and notify the Division of what clean up actions are taken. CC&V will provide the Division the <br /> results of the soil sampling. <br /> 2) Cleanup Investigation. Rule 8.2.3(e) requires a summary of "results of the Operator's investigation to <br /> assess the conditions". A summary was provided for the "root cause" of the incident, but no information <br /> was provided on the condition or cleanup of the spilled 250 gallons. Please provide some discussion on <br /> the water chemistry and the disposition of the soil on which the spill occurred. <br /> CC&V Response: The HGM has two main circuits; the float circuit contains neutral pH water and is <br /> upstream from the cyanide vat-leach circuit, which is commonly known as the high pH circuit. The two <br /> circuits are kept separated to prevent the volatilization of cyanide. With an average historical pH value of <br /> around 7.5 the neutral pH water is inhospitable cyanide. CC&V has sampled the neutral pH water and <br /> will provide results to the Division. <br /> The spill occurred over roughly an area about six feet by fifteen feet. The soil has a 3 inches cover of% <br /> minus rock to provide a safey walking surface. The soil below the crushed rock is a silty loam that was <br /> brought in to be place between the building and the secondary containment. <br /> Should you require further information please do not hesitate to contact Tyler O'Donnell at 719.689.4056 or <br /> Ty1er.O'Donnell(a!newmont.com or myself at 719.689.4055 or Meg.Burtca newmont.com. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> A----if)--c <br /> Meg Burt <br /> Senior Environmental Manager <br /> Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine <br /> MB/tvo <br /> ec: Tim Cazier—DRMS <br /> Wally Erickson-DRMS <br />