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~' ~= M M <br />they were collected, and provide any other pertinent information that would indicate that <br />these samples are representative of the heap leach mass as a whole, if in fact they are to be <br />used for permit-specific uses that will require representative sampling. <br />Aor 13 Letter. <br />Use of Pad #1 Material for Proposed Applications. It is proposed that material from Pad 2 "will <br />be used to construct the Phase II toe berm, the Highway 67 realignment embankment, and <br />will be used as a source of Select Structural Fill for the downstream face of Phase I Toe Berm." <br />Notwithstanding that the geochemical assessment reported in Attachment #1 may be non- <br />representative or inappropriate, and proceeding on the assumption that all units are in "ue/L," <br />the results indicate that the Pad #1 material has the capacity to produce toxic drainage. [Toxic <br />drainage in this context is taken to be that having water quality parameters which exceed the <br />proposed "numeric standards" shown in the Stream Classifications and Water Quality <br />Standards of the WQCC Proposal. The "Temporary Modifications and Qualifiers" were not <br />applied for this assessment. (See later discussion for explanation.)] <br />A comparison of data in Attachment 1 and the proposed "numeric standards" indicates there <br />are water quality exceedances for pH, CN, NH„ NOz, CI. Based on the available geochemical <br />data and knowledge that Pad #2 has not been completely rinsed, I must conclude that the Pad <br />#2 material is geochemically unsuitable for any of the proposed uses identified in the May 2 <br />Letter. Use of the Pad #2 materials in those locations apparently would cause discharges to <br />Arequa Gulch to exceed the proposed "numeric standards" identified in the WQCC Proposal. <br />Responses to DMG's letter of April 2, 1995. <br />1. All of the materials identified on page 4 of the May 2 letter, have been reviewed, and <br />assessments were made on the basis of study and consideration of all of those. <br />The remaining arguments and refutations expressed in this section do not compel me to revise <br />previous interpretations about either the general state of the Cripple Creek ore and waste, the <br />standards by which DMG must assess leaching tests, the results of the tests themselves, or the <br />manner by which the leaching tests were used to determine whether the Cripple Creek ores <br />and waste have or will develop the potential to generate acid and toxic materials. <br />The argument, "ambient" water quality in Arequa Gulch should become the applicable water <br />quality standard, would be compelling if it could be shown that the long-term standards which <br />will be applicable to discharges to Arequa Gulch will be the ambient standards. This is not <br />the case. If and when the ultimate standards for Arequa Gulch discharges are relaxed, the <br />Division should re-visit the issues raised by the operator. <br />2. CC&V argue in their May 2 Letter that upland diversions, bactericides, and alkaline <br />amendments are either too expensive, impossible to install or implement, will have no effect, <br />or will not be necessary. It does not negate the Division's opinion, however, that the ore and <br />2 <br />