APPCOR10867

• Permit No: C1984065
• IBM Index Class Name: Application Correspondence
• Doc Date: 10/26/1984
• Doc Name: RESPONSE TO DRAFT FINDINGS & STIPULATIONS
• From: STORM KING MINES
• To: MLRD
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

(2) In response to our earlier comments regarding verification of
the durability of the coarse refuse fraction, proposed to be
utilized to construct the upper and outer portions of the
zoned embankment, the applicant has provided a response on
page 16a of amended Appendix 3.3-3a. This response theorizes
that the hydraulic mining process would result in segregation
of the more durable coarse refuse fragments.
Unless the applicant amends the permit application to commit
to the following, our eventual findings document will include
a stipulation which imposes the consultants recommendations,
presented on page 16a, upon the approved plan. This
stipulation will impose the conducting of "visual inspection
of the coarse refuse material" as well as the performance of
"point load tests" to verify the results of the visual
inspection. Further, that stipulation should impose
requirements to tests and require the periodic submittal of
certified reports presenting the test results to the
Division.
(3) In response to our earlier comments requiring the elaboration
of the application's discussion regarding detection and
treatment techniques to be used to preclude development of
hydrocompactible soil problems in the foundational soils
beneath the proposed pile, the consultant has amended page 22
of Appendix 3.3-3a. The amended text commits the applicant
to the testing of in-place dry density and liquid limits of
the foundational soils, which the USGS has allegedly
correlated to the collapsible nature of soils. Our eventual
findings will reiterate the commitment made on page 22 of
amended Appendix 3.3-3a verbatim.
(4) In response to earlier comments regarding the development of
final plans and specifications for the proposed blanket
drain, the consultant has amended pages 24 and 25 of Appendix
3.3-3a. The amended text commits to the construction of the
blanket drain, ..in accordance with general criteria
presented by the US Bureau of Reclamation for filter drains."
Further, the text states that the drain system will consist
of pipes to transmit the collected water from beneath the
embankment. A pipe collector drain would be susceptible to
differential consolidation settlement disruption. If pipes
are included within the final design, blanket drains should
be sized to carry the projected flows without consideration
of the pipeline's capacity. Our eventual findings will
reiterate the commitments contained in the text of pages 24
and 25 of amended Appendix 3.3-3a, concerning specifications
for the blanket drain and collector drain system, as well as
all monitoring operations and facilities associated with the
drain.