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Responses to Objections 3 <br /> September 5,2023 <br /> 2. Ruth Goltzer <br /> POB 714 <br /> Leadville, CO 80461 <br /> rgoltzer(d)-yahoo.com <br /> RE: Objection to Proposed Amendment to the Leadville Mill Permit M1990-057 <br /> Ms. Goltzer, <br /> Thank you for taking the time to express the objections/concerns to our proposed amendment to our <br /> Leadville Mill permit. <br /> Obiection: 1 object to this application on numerous grounds: use of cyanide in processing tailings; <br /> disturbance of and transport of tailings from East Side of Leadville; no foolproof method to guarantee no <br /> leakage of cyanide & other chemicals from proposed dry stack method of storage of processed materials; <br /> threat of leakage of cyanide%ther chemicals into groundwater, affecting wells, fishing/rafting industry, <br /> irrigation water,potential of environmental catastrophe from leakage of toxic substances(e.g. via air, water) <br /> resulting in extreme adverse affects to County residents, visitors and the tourist economies of Lake County <br /> and neighboring counties;destruction of wildlife habitats and death of animals, fish in Lake Cty and beyond <br /> along the length of the Arkansas River, health risks associated with airborne toxic particulates ("fugitive <br /> dust'). <br /> Following is our response. <br /> CJK's operating plan supports environmental reclamation. Material to be treated is that which was mined <br /> in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and deposited on the surface as waste. This material still exists on <br /> the surface throughout the historic California District and other mining districts in Lake County and remains <br /> an active part(Operable Unit 6)of EPA's California Gulch Superfund site. Surface run-off from these dumps <br /> contribute to acid drainage in surface waters. Placement of this material in a properly designed containment <br /> facility will reduce this acid-metal laden load to the environment and is an approved remediation by EPA. <br /> The material also contributes to the contaminated groundwater within the Leadville Area. <br /> CJK will be moving mine dump acid generating material located within a potentially contaminated <br /> groundwater plume to a lined facility that results in a net overall benefit to the environment and specifically <br /> to improving water quality. <br /> CJK shares your concern for the environment, and like all modern natural resource operations will take <br /> great care to protect it. This will be accomplished in the following steps: <br /> Step 1: Plant Design and Operation <br /> CJK has relied on engineers and consultants with extensive experience in the design and operation of the <br /> process facility. Further, CJK acknowledges and agrees with those concerned that experienced managers <br /> are requisite for a safe and efficient operation. <br /> Step 2: Cyanide Handling <br /> CJK acknowledges the hazards related to CN as well as other chemicals. The handling and use of these <br /> chemicals are common in mining operations,and its safe use to the environment and human safety is highly <br /> regulated by State (Colorado Department of Reclamation Mining and Safety-CDRMS, Colorado <br /> Department of Health and the Environment-CDPHE) as well as federal (Mining Health and safety <br /> Administration-MSHA). Cyanide will be destroyed, and metals of concern will be treated using the lime <br /> used in the milling process. CJK is required by law to comply with regulations associated with the handling <br /> and use of hazardous materials and will use these industry-proven methods. <br /> The cyanide management plan is highly regulated by CDRMS and must be approved before operations <br /> can commence. <br />