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ORIGINAL -PUBLIC FILE (Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #; nn-Iasln-yea INSPECTION DATE: 9/~l/OS INSPECTORS INITIALS: -~~ OBSERVATION The Division conducted a monitoring inspection of the site in response to a telephone call from Gary Goodrich, Manager Environmental Resourceful CC&V. Mr. Goodrich informed the Division over the phone about a spill outside of the containment area. Even though UNDER THE MLRD BOARD approved amendment, the mine is only required to contact the Division and other agencies if the spill exceeds the EPA required reporting criteria for cyanide, which is any thing in excess of lOpounds of sodium cyanide, the Division had insisted that all spills outside of the containment area be reported to DMG, and DMG, will make the determination whether to visit the site or not. At the concentration used of the site, which is 125 ppm, it approximates to about 1400 gallon of solution. According to Gary, during a routine inspection of the pad, the operator discovered a small leak along the interface ditch area of the Phase IVC, where the first tiff was being leached. Once the leak was discovered, all the appropriate people for the mine were contacted and the application of solution was stopped and the area where the spill occurred outside of the containment area was excavated and placed onto the pad. Since I was in the field, I contacted Mr. Bruce Humphries, Supervisor of the Minerals Program and informed him that I was canceling my current lnspectlon and was on my way to CCBV. He agreed that was the a good Idea and to let him know of my findings. By the time I arrived on site around 11:30 a.m, Dr. John Luppo, of Golder and Associates, project manger for the site WAS ALSO on site with all the mine mangers. Since fhe area of the leak had an average grade of 6% or greater we were all a bit surprised why it ponded in this area and caused the spill. Given the permeability of the drain cover, it should never have happened. Affer the field inspection we went to the Engineering office to look at the as built designs and area photos of the site that were taken each year to see the location of the road. Once the review of the as built designs were completed, It was agreed by Dr. John Luppo and the mine people, the cause was more than likely the road used to load the drain cover In the area, which might have been compacted enough to cause the flow constriction .All the previous aerial photos and the as built diagrams show there was Indeed a road in the area. Prior to application of any solution in the area, it was agreed to dig this area by hand and rubber tired front-end loaders, so the liner will not be damaged. The Division agreed to come back to the site the next day and wanted the area dug out to be leff uncovered, so we can see for ourselves if the road indeed was the culprit for the spill. CC&V agreed not to cover the Interface ditch area until the Division got a chance to look at it. Since the up gradient portion of the Phase IV C leach pad had not been loaded yet, all parties agreed to come up with a permanent solution once we all had a chance to see the area dug out. On 9/24/05 I arrived on site at 12:30 p.m, the area had been dug out and one can see a small ponding along the interface ditch area, pictures were taken that show the small area of constriction. The total spill was calculated to be approximately 1.3 Pounds of Sodium Cyanide by Tim Comer, at the concentration used on site it translates to approximately 140 gallons, which could have spilled outside of the containment area. The area contaminated outside of the liner was detoxified with Calcium Hypo Chloride. Since the operator and the Division agreed that even though there is no flow constriction that will cause a spill outside the containment area, at present, when the Phase IV C portion is loaded, and solution flow increase in this area, it would be a beffer idea to tie in the solution application system, to the up gradient side to the tertiary solution application pipes and also come up with a permanent solution to the portion of the interface ditch area, be it placing a clean gravel or a small pipe. They agreed to have Golder come up with a permanent solution. Because there was a problem In solution transfer in the area, it was sited as a Possible Problem. Even though the Division understands, that it was not a reportable spill, the fact that there was a problem in the flow transfer, It was sited as a possible problem. Since the solution is already in place page there of the report is not necessary. he operator agreed to look at the area over the weekend and let DMG know of the outcome.