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iii iiiiiiiiniii iii <br />9 <br />COMMERCIAL TESTING & ENGINEERING CO. <br />GENERAL OFFICES: 1919 SOUTH HIGHLAND AVE., SUITE 2108. LOMBAR D, ILLINOIS 60148 • 17061953-9300 <br />.~~+ee .von <br />Member DI the SGS GrDUD ISonne Generale 4e Survaillanca) <br />PLEASE ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE 70: <br />490'ORCHARD ST., GOLDEN. CO 80401 <br />' TELEPHONE: (303)27&9521 <br />R C f~ E I ~ / 1-~ 1~1 FAX: (303) 278-7779 <br />October 19, 1992 <br />Mr. Basil Bear <br />Somerset Mining Company <br />P.O. Box 535 <br />Somerset, CO 81434 <br />Mr. Bear: <br />MAY 15 1995 <br />Division of Minerals K Geology <br />Here are the results of the initial Toxicity Identification <br />Evaluation (TIE). I believe the results are very convincing that <br />Somerset effluent toxicity is due to the high alkalinity. Also, I <br />just completed a 48 hour test on the spring sample Randy Litwiller <br />sent last week. The spring sample's alkalinity was about 70 mg/L <br />higher than the effluent and the test mortality was higher as well. <br />These results give further evidence that alkalinity is the cause of <br />mortality and that it is naturally occurring and not a result of <br />mining activity. <br />I spoke with Anne Ihlenfeldt from the Col. Dept. of Health. I told <br />her about the TIE test and the spring alkalinity. She seemed <br />fairly satisfied with my conclusions and suggested that we all sit <br />down and discuss a strategy. Alternatives may be to modify <br />Somerset's permit to discharge so as to include spring alkalinity <br />monitoring. Along with this, I would suggest continued acute <br />biomonitoring with effluent alkalinity reduction prior to test <br />start. <br />I have enclosed, in Appendix B, a narrative for the Dept. of Health <br />since there is no special form for reporting TIE's. You will also <br />notice some changes in the report format. I have modified some <br />sections in hopes of making the information more accessible. Your <br />opinion would be appreciated. <br />Please let me know what further action you would like to take on <br />this. <br />Sincerely, <br />,: <br />;.f ~~ <br />Carla J. Castle <br />OVER 90 BRANCH LABORATORIES STRATEGICALLY LOCATED IN PRINCIPAL COAL MINING AREAS. <br />TIDEWATER AND GREAT LAKES PORTS. AND RIVER LOADING FACILITIES <br />