INSPEC33568

• Permit No: M1977342
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: PHOTO LOG
• Inspection Date: 9/3/1986
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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INSPECTION REPORT - PAGE 2
FILE N0. M-77-342
DATE: September 3, 1986
OBSERVATIONS OF IMPORTANCE:
General
1. Inspectors met with Messrs. Charles Jackson and Kurt Keskimaki on-site.
2. The inspection involved only the mill, tailings pond and gravel pit
areas of the permit.
Tailings Dam:
The tailings dam face was inspected. Topsoil distribution was ongoing
during the inspection. Topsoil is dumped downslope, from each lift
bench. The dam face slopes are about 1.25 H:1 V, with relatively flat
benches between each lift. Soil is not compacted during replacement.
Numerous areas of erosion or slumping were observed, and in some places
soil no longer covers the dam face. Raw tailings are exposed at these
locations, and no vegetation has established on the tailing material.
Vegetation establishment is relatively good along the flat portions of
the dam benches.
2. Topsoil distribution depth is uneven on the dam slopes and it appears
that the long term stability of the topsoil cover (slopes) will be a
problem. In fact, short term stability is a problem.
3. Possible methods for reducing outslope gradients and thus improved
surface stability were discussed on-site.
Drainage Control/Water Quality:
1. Upland diversion channels appear to be functioning properly,
2. Tailings seep water is collected along the meadow area below the
tailings dam. It was requested that seep water quality data be
submitted.
3. The operator maintains an NPDES discharge point located down gr~~dient of
the tailings dam. It should be noted that page 6-35 specifically
indicates that the site does not discharge.
Mill Area:
1. Chemical storage facilities were reviewed and chemicals are being stored
properly.
2. Cyanide was previously used in the mill process; however, Mr. J~ickson
indicated that use of cyanide terminated in 1982.