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<br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-88-112
<br />INSPECTION DATE 4-2-92 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS HHP
<br />OBSERVATIONS
<br />This site was inspected over several days from April 8, 1992 through April 11, 1992, as
<br />follow-up to the investigation into high cyanide levels in tailings impoundments. A specific
<br />purpose of the trip was to evaluate the AVR system, in order to evaluate why it failed. The
<br />mill, the tailings and collection ponds, the mine excavations, and facilities were re-
<br />examined during this oversight inspection. Part of the inspection was conducted in company
<br />with Jim Horn of the Colorado Department of Health. The inspector was accompanied by Ron
<br />Zumwalt of the mine staff. The inspector also held discussions with Gary Dodson, Rich Neue,
<br />Allen Norris, Paul Arvils, Blaine Olsen, and Larry Schroeder of BMG. The plant had not
<br />operated since shut down on April 1, but re-started at 10:02 on April 8. The Inspector met
<br />briefly with Bateman Engineers representatives, who were on site to aid in applying CYTOX to
<br />the waste stream in order to reduce Free Cyanide levels.
<br />Upon re-starting the mill on April 8, the mine staff began sampling the tailings pond
<br />solutions every 8 hours and sampling the pre- and post-detoxification points every two hours.
<br />Staff inspected the pre-detoxification collection point, the poet-detoxification collection
<br />point e, and the CYTOX application system. The pre-detox is taken from a bucket sample in
<br />leach tank number 8, just prior to the discharge line that leads to the A'JR. The post-detox
<br />sample is taken at any convenient spigot that is discharging to either of the tailings
<br />impoundments. CYTOX is added by hand to a flocculation tank that has bee:i dedicated to that
<br />purpose. Anew flocculant mixing tank was installed outside the mill building in the summer
<br />of 1991.
<br />On April 9, the Division inspector met with Dodson, Zumwalt, Neu, and Arvils, of the mine
<br />staff, Blaine Olsen (BMG metallurgist from Nevada), Dick Eaman and C1Lff Shutt (Bateman
<br />Engineering Inc.), and Jim Horn (Colorado Department of Health). Mr. Docfeon indicated that
<br />the mine wanted to try shutting down the AVR blower for a long-term test. Mr. Zumwalt
<br />reported that 2 ducks had been found that morning in the upper tailings pond slurry area,
<br />that both were on ice, and that DOW had been contacted.
<br />In company with Horn, the Division inspector toured the mill and plant. site. Among the
<br />reagents and chemical used and stored on site are NaCN (208, for Au-Ag leaching), Ca0 (for
<br />pH adjustment), NaOH (for pH adjustment), muratis acid (328 HC1), EZ5O4 (988, for pH
<br />adjustment), (Zn,Fe)SO4 (zinc ferro-gulf at e, CYTOX), and NALCO flocculant. Mr. Horn produced
<br />an inspection report that indicated no discharge from the facility. Mr. Horn and the
<br />Division inspector met with the Co stills County Assessor (Mr. Maclovio Mai•t inez), who voiced
<br />various concerns about the mine operations, the MLRD, and the CDH.
<br />In company with Horn, the Division accepted sample splits from tl;e Upper Tailings
<br />Impoundment. These sample splits were to be sent to two independant labs by the Operator,
<br />and the the Colorado Department of Health.
<br />On April 10, the Operator informed the Division that the two ducks found on the 9th were
<br />being sent to Industrial Compliance for necropsy. The Division was also informed the the DOW
<br />examined the deer carcus that was found in the property fence on April 4. DOW's opinion was
<br />that the deer's death was not obviously related to cyanide.
<br />The Division inspector met with Costilla County Commissioners, Mayor of Sail Luis, and various
<br />citizens and provided a status up-date on the mine's and the Division'ia activities since
<br />April 1.
<br />I 6 E Contact Address ec:
<br />Jim Stevens, DMG
<br />Ken Kluksdahl, BM(.
<br />Dean Massey, PMH&S
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