2007-09-05_REVISION - M1977424 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Attachment A 4. All maps must be signed and dated by the qualifred preparer. Response: The maps have been signed and data by OOSI's consultant and preparer as of August 29th, 2007. 5. Please submit either a demonstration that the retort water will be decontaminated enoug/z to meet applicable surface water and/or grouzrd wafer standards wit/tin S years of this date or submit a proposed plan of action to either decontaminate the retorts or prevent (or at [east minimize) water from contacting spent shale as it passes through the retorts. Response: Background Information OOSI has compiled the following background information related to the retort waters and the evaporation pond and pipeline. Records show the MLRB approved the Logan Wash Mine permit in March 1978. During the retorting process bulk sediment and water needed to be separated from the product oil. The "Heater Treater" facility was constructed to sepazate the sediment and water from the oil using conventional tank settling followed by full treatment of the product stream. The treatment included heating the produced oil stream to break down the molecular adhesion of the mixed oil, sediment, and water. The resulting emulsion separates into its component parts and was more easily handled. Later, OOSI tested different types of demulsifiers and found these compounds could be introduced at the retort bulkheads and that, on a pilot scale, the Heater Treater was no longer necessary. OOSI anticipated management of process water from the retorts before, during, and after the retorting process as early as February 1978 when a comprehensive water balance was prepared. In a water balance schematic diagram, retort water was shown to be treated through a progressive process including steam generation (thermosludge boilers), a brine evaporator, and finally, a solar pond. The retort infiltration rate was shown to be 26 to 27 gallons per minute (gpm) and the flow to the solar pond was estimated to be 2 gpm. Mr. Steven G. Richardson, a Senior Reclamation Specialist with the state inspected the mine in May 1981. Mr. Richardson transmitted a letter to OOSI regazding several reclamation issues after his inspection. He stated that the method for handling mine drainage water should be improved. In particular, he was concerned that the amount of retort water produced by the mine may exceed the capacity of OOSI's steam generation system. He said that an evaporation pond might be necessazy. In July 1981, OOSI responded to the Richardson letter and referenced joint meetings that were held with representatives of the Mined Land Reclamation staff, the Water Quality Control Division, and OOSI, prior to the MLRB's approval of the permit. The meetings