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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTZNG ID # INSPECTION DATE 1/13/99 M-77-348 OBSERVATIONS C~ INSPECTOR'S INITIALS ACS The Division of Minerals and Geology is currently reviewing technical revision TR-03 to the Boettcher Quarry permit. This technical revision is a proposal to backfill cement kiln dust (CKD) into a water filled section of the played out A-band quarry. Placement of CKD into the water pored is expected cause an increase in the pH of the water from the current pH level of 8 standard units to a pH of approximately 12. Division of Wildlife biologist Mike Sherman was present for this inspection to evaluate the potential for wildlife usage of the of the quarry pond. Use of [he pond by waterfowl would be of particular concern in that the elevated pH water could lead to wildlife mortality as discussed in the TR-03 application. A CKD dump located to the north of the quarry pond of interest was inspected. This CKD dump has been filled to capacity and capped with calcareous shale overburden. The CKD dump area proposed in TR-03 was inspected. This area is filled with water, has a near vertical B-band highwall at its east perimeter and a steep sided spoil pile at its west perimeter. There are dams co~zs tructed of quarry overburden at the north and south ends of the pond to separate the pond from the ac•t eve and closed CKD dump areas. The active CKD dump area was inspected. This area is located in the A-band quarry to the north of the water pond discussed in TR-03. A small water pond has developed on top of the CKD )~l aced in the active dump. The one upgradient and two downgradient monitoring well locations discussed in TR-03 were inspected. It was noted that the northern downgradient well is located below (to the east; of the active CKD dump. However, Mr. Toelle stated that the well had been installed and an initial water quality sample had been collected prior to the quarry above the wells being used as a CKD dump. 7'he monitoring wells are equipped with dedicated bailers. The operator is directed to keep the monitor~i ng wells locked in order to proteC[ the integrity of future water quality data. Other water filled areas of the A-band quarry, located farther to the north, were inspected. These sections of the quarry are less confined by steep slopes and highwalls at the west ,snd east perimeters, and would be expected to see greater use by both birds and terrestrial wildlife. The truck that is used to haul CKD from the cement plant to the CKD dumps was inspected. The bed of the dump truck is fully enclosed. There is a steel lid over the top of the enclcsed bed. The Division of Wildlife will provide an opinion and any recommendations regarding the potential for wildlife impacts related to the CKD disposal plan presented in TR-03. It will then be up to Holnam and the Division of Minerals and Geology to address the potential for wildlife impacts prior to approval of the technical revision. There is a significant amount of surface water impounded in the A-band quarry. A].s o, water impounded in the active E-band quarry after rain or snowmelt is pumped up to the A-band quarry. Holnam on occasion, uses water impounded in the A-band quarry for dust control. Water captured and impounded in the quarry is unavailable to downstream users. Holnam is directed to provide documentation or a demonstration that capture of runoff in the quarries does not harm downstream water rights. cc: Carl Mount, DMG Mike Sherman, DOW (via FAX) I S E Contact Address ^ CE NAME Michael Toelle ^ BL OPERATOR Holnam. Inc. ^ FS STREET P.O. Box 1548 ^ HW CITY/STATE/ZIP La Porte. CO 80535 ^ HMWhID (CH) ^ SE WQCO (CH)