1996-03-15_REVISION - M1977342 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

in the existing Pernrit. Areas are correlated [o [he original reclamation map and plan on file at the DMG (not included in this Amendment). The additional acreage extends via a 50-foot wide pipeline route from the present mine site azound the east end of Red Mountain to the site of the old Urad mill. The Urad Mine operated intermittently from the early part of the century until operations ceased in 1974. The site, wholly owned by CMC, was dismantled and reclaimed by Henderson in the late 1970s under a plan entitled, "Comprehensive Plan for Land Reclamation and Stabilization at the Urad Mine." This plan was submitted to and approved by the Colorado Bureau of Mines. Reclamation of the Urad site was considered "prelaw" and was not regulated under the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Act of 1976. Reclamation of [he Urad site has been the recipient of several awards and the subject of numerous technical publications over the years. 2.1 Purpose for Increase io Affected Land Presently, Henderson operates a water treatment system at the mine site. This system treats water pumped from the underground workings and discharges it via a 12-inch HDPE pipeline to the permitted discharge point in Woods Creek. The system, discussed in more detail in the previously submitted EPP, utilizes single-stage (one pH set point) sodium Hydroxide neutralization for removal of manganese. In addition to treatment of mine water, Henderson also operates a water treatment system at the decommissioned Urad Mine site. This system collects seepage from the reclaimed tailing impoundments, treats it with atwo-stage (two pH set points) sodium hydroxide neutralization process, and dischazges the treated effluent into Woods Creek at the permitted point. These two water treatment systems are, to a large extent, duplicative and labor intensive. In addition, each has been plagued by problems in handling of the sludges produced by the systems. Therefore, Henderson has determined to consolidate all water treatment at the mine site into a new, more efficient and effective system to be constructed at the site of the old Urad Mill. This Amendment adds the surface acreage required for [he new system, including an extension of the pipeline corridor, into the existing area of affected land. 2.2 Scope of the Amendment (Exhibit D Information) Preliminary engineering design has been completed for the new water treatment system. Briefly, the system will incorporate alkaline precipitation technology which utilizes slaked lime to raise the pH of the water to precipitate metals. Prior to dischazge at a permitted point in Woods Creek, sulfuric acid is added to the effluent to adjust the pH to within the range permitted in the Colorado Pollution Dischazge Elimination System Permit. The system will produce a sludge that is high density (high in solids; i.e., approximately 30%). The fate of sludges produced at [he facility will be detailed in the forthcoming TR which will address the Environmental Protection Facility (EPF) aspects of the water treatment pla~rt (also discussed below).