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(PAGE 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-88-112 INSPECTION DATE 4-2-92 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS HHP, BK OBSERVATIONS This site was inspected over several days from April 2, 1992 through April 5, 1992, following reports from the company that cyanide in the tailings impoundments had reached high levels and because of rumors of a bird kill. The inspectors examined the miles, the tailings and collection ponds, the mine excavations, parts of the perimeter fences, the water supply storage tank, the Rito Seco Drainage, and sediment control ditches and facilities. The inspectors were accompanied by Ron Zumwalt of the mine staff. Ttte inspectors held discussions with Rich Neue, Allen Norris, Larry Schroeder, and Matt Lewis of the Mine Staff, and Bruce Lytle of Halepaska and Associates. The Inspectors also met with Conrad Albert of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The plant was not operating; it was shut down at 17:10 on April 1. On April 2, the Inspectors toured the facility and held discussions with Gary Dodson, Ron Zumwalt, and Conrad Albert. At that time, the mine was being patrolled ay a 24-hour roving guard, and two propane cannons were set up to frighten away wildlife. Mr. Albert acquainted the inspectors with the reports of duck kills. DOW received one gull from the facility; Mr. Albert said the necropsy was negative, and later reports indicated the tissue culture was also negative. In walking the periphery of the lower tailings impoundment, staff noticed footprints of either a coyote or a small dog along the west and northwest aide. Staff also noticed feathers, probably of mallards, at approximately 10 locations around the pond, mostly near the water level. Most of the feather occurrences appeared fresh, not muddy, and appeared to be preening sites. Feathers at one of the sites appeared to be an animal kill. In walking the periphery of the upper tailings impoundment, staff noticed several areas along the north and south Bides of the impoundment and in the thalwag to the faast where drainage from spring runoff had eroded through the dirt cover, exposing the under~irain and synthetic liner. (This problem was repaired after the dirt cover dried and by the time later inspections were made.] Division staff participated in sampling monitor well M-9, which is dowr drainage from the ponds. Total depth of M-9 is 210 feet; the water level was 144 feet; pFl was approximately 7.3; specific conductance was approximately 450 microohms/cm; temperatur~a was approximately 9.8 degrees centigrade. (This sample was shipped to Accu-Labs in Denver, and yielded no detectable cyanide.] All other wells were examined; most were moist in tie bottom, but none contained enough fluid for sampling. Division staff toured the plant including the AVR system. Slurries inside the AVR and the eight vats were being circulated to keep them from settling and aggregating. No discharge was going to the ponds and the mill was otherwise shut down at this time. Division staff examined the laboratory and analytical facilities. Mine :3taff explained the Atomic Absorption unit, the cyanide distallation unit and its procedures and analytical equipment. The mine staff employ the AA for analyzing metals and an ion ~~robe for analyzing cyanide. Division staff and mine staff found a dead deer caught in the perimeter fence immediately downstream of the monitoring wells. The Colorado Division of Wildlife, was contacted to investigate the cause of death. Division staff sensed that the deer died due to exhaustion/starvation after being caught in the fence. [Later investigation by DOW confirmed that exhaustion/starvation was the probable cause of death; DOW elected not to conduct a necropsy.] cc: Jim Stevens, DMG Ken Kluksdahl, BMG Dean Massey, PMH&S I & E Contact Address