1992-06-24_REVISION - M1988112 (2)

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DfRAFT ~~~ M1nUt2S, JUne 24-25, •2 Sub'ectro 6 ~ Board Approval Mr. Bruce Lytle, a consultant representing the operator, addressed the Board and discussed current and proposed ,ground water monitoring systems. He described and discussed the location of monitoring wells and impacts to ground water in detail. Mr. Lytle said the operator will install 2 additional monitoring wells, when a TR has been approved by the Division. He answered questions from the Board. Mr. Scott Mefford, a ground water geologist, addressed the Board on behalf of the Costilla County Conservancy District. Ne discussed the issues of ground water monitoring and the development of containment systems. Mr. Mefford stated that he basically agreed with the information presented by Mr•. Lytle, in reference to the general hydrology of the area of the tailings pond. Hey said it important that a more detailed understanding of the hydrology in the basin in question be developed, because this idill be the location of the containment system design. Mr. Mefford said he aiso feels TR-008 will be adequate to collect data pertinent to the design of monitoring wells. He discussed this issue in detail and answered questions from the Board. Mr. Mike Gomez, a school teacher in San Luis, addressed the Board briefly and stated that he had resolved some of his concerns during discussions with Division Staff. Ne asked the Board to ensure that the citizens of the area are protected from any adverse affects of this mining operation. At this point, Mr. Massey commented on the presentations provided by the parties and reiterated the operator's position, regarding this matter. He discussed the actions taken and planned by the operator, as well as progress made to date. Mr. Massey discussed the current and planned detoxification processes in detail and answered questions from the Board. Staff presented EXHIBIT D, the Divisions recommendations for continued operation of the processing plant. Staff said the Division had reviewed the issue of allowing the pond to remain active during detoxification and found that this would provide some benefit. The issue of ground water impacts was also addressed by the Division. The Division recommended that the operations not be ceased and that the Board impose a 50 ppm standard for cyanide levels to be achieved by July 3, 1992, as approved in TR-007. The Division's second recommendation of a condition for continued operations was that the operator be ordered to maintain or further reduce the 50 ppm level after it has been achieved. The Division's final recommendation was that the operator be required to submit applications for 2 additional ground water monitoring wells immediateiy after approval of TR-008. The operator would also be required to contact the Division of Water Resources and request verbal approval to Install 2 wells and, within 30 days of the verbal approval, install, test and sample the walls. The operator will also provide the