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..~ <br />According to the Division's specialist who conducted the field inspection, the Sanbom Creek <br />Mine was not pumping blackish-looking mine water discharge into the river at the time of the <br />inspection. What was being pumped into the river at the time of the inspection was relatively <br />clear mine seepage water. This clear discharge was the discharge that was sampled by the <br />Division for laboratory analysis. The Sanbom Creek Mine personnel explained later that only the <br />mine water pump that was discharging the cleaz seepage water in the mine was operating during <br />the inspection. The water pump that handled the blackish mine water was operating on Friday, <br />September 17, 1999. Mine personnel took a sample on September 17 for laboratory analysis and, <br />when the analysis comes back, the results will be forwarded to the Division. <br />The Division will continue to inspect the mine water discharge at the Sanborn Creek Mine and <br />obtain water samples of any suspect dischazges for laboratory analysis. Oxbow Mining Inc. is <br />responsible for complying with the effluent limits in their Colorado Department of Public Health <br />and Environment (CDPHE) permit. <br />Concerning the two discharges at the West Elk Mine, the Division is aware of the discharge <br />locations since they aze a part of the approved mine plan. The discharge water at both sites is <br />monitored on a regulaz basis for compliance with water quality limitations at the point of <br />discharge and receiving stream standazds set by the CDPHE, as well as for material damage <br />suspect limits set by the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology. To the Division's <br />knowledge, the mine water dischazges from the West Elk Mine are in compliance with these <br />standazds. <br />As in the case ofdhe Sanborn Creek Mine, the issue of water quality at the West Elk Mine is <br />ongoing and will be monitored by the appropriate state agencies. <br />When the Division receives the laboratory analyses of the Sanborn Creek Mine water samples, <br />one taken by the Division on September 16, 1999, and the other sample taken by mine personnel <br />on September 17, 1999, we will let you know of the results. As you had requested in your letter, <br />the Division will keep your name anonymous. <br />If you have any questions, please call or write me. <br />Sincerely, <br />J„~ <br />J <br />Joseph J.~ash <br />Environmental Protection Specialist <br />cc: Jim Burnell (DMG) <br />c:\ms9Tsanbom\citlet I <br />