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Review of Abatement #8 Response August 4, 1993 Page 5 3. In general, there appears to be considerable sample seZec ion for the testing leading to uncertainty in our minds regarding ve~ticaZ sites selected. We cannot be sure that leachate tests were perfprmed at the proper vertical ZeveZ (i.e., at the level where tailings w e deposited during the time when excessively high levels of cyanide we a being put into the ponds). See my comments above. In general, I do not believe t~e pre-cytox tailings fluids were adequately tested. 4. The detection limits for selenium analyses are not Zowl, enough for obtaining significant data. While the detection limit may not be ae low as PASS w uld prefer, selenium, to my knowledge, has not been shown to have a sou ce from the San Luie facility. PAES should be more specific in their re est on this point. 5. It would have been a good idea to perform leachate tests~on the same sample (site 8.5) that pore water analysis were conducted to etermine how much of the metals, etc. were tied up in the solid ph se at that particular location. I believe my general comments about sampling adequacy addres$ this point. 6. There are a number of statements where "the lab was in error'~or "data was aberrant" (e.g. pages 22,29). Zn the past we have observed this type of dismissal of data when ever Zab figures did not correlate th expected results. The latter statement in this comment is an unjustified critliciem of the compilers of the report. Provided there is evidence of past impropriety, and that such improprieties apply to this situation, t would be appropriate for PASS to mention it here. As stated, th comment ie without standing. The observation about "a number of statements" of lab error~or aberrant data needs to be responded to. However, if there are stat mente other than those on pages 22 and 29, the reviewers themselves should identify them. 7. On page 32 the statement is made that rinsed samples were pot used for leachate testing however, in Table 3.8 the report cites dada for rinsed upper impoundment operational tailings. I believe the reviewers are confusing leachate testing wi~h acid/base testing.