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-.. <br /> <br />Review of 5/31/94 Golder Response Letter <br />From H. Posey to B. Keffelew; 6/7/94 <br />Page 2 <br />lJ <br />Per opinion and conclusions expressed through various memoranda, document reviews, and <br />Stipulation 17 itself, it should be evident that the Division disagrees with the Operator's <br />Response. Reiteration of data and conclusions presented in the Amenement Application does <br />not satisfy the Stipulation. It was the Division's original position that the data available in the <br />Amendment Application did not satisfy our concerns, and we stand by that position. <br />Rather than re-state our original concerns, the Division suggests that Pikes Peak or their <br />representatives re-examine the Division's adequacy comments, identify those pertinent to this <br />Stipulation, and address them accordingly. If upon reviewing these documents the operator still <br />maintains that adequate information has been made available already, the Division would suggest <br />holding a meeting between Division personnel and the operator so that we can clarify or explain <br />our positions. In addition to adequacy comments furnished previously, the operator should be <br />prepared to discuss the following observations, at a minimum: <br />1. The number and location of samples appears not to adequately characterize the <br />diversity composition and physical parameters of the tailings. <br />2. The cyanide analyses reported in mg/kg should be converted to mg/L, <br />considering the porosity of the tailings, the percent fluid in the pore spaces, and <br />the percent of cyanide whose species will be controlled in order to comply with <br />water quality control conditions. <br />3. Tests for metals leachability, extractable cyanide, and acid generation should be <br />performed using procedures that will mimic the conditions under which the <br />tailings will be deposited. For example, low sulfide samples that will remain dry <br />except for occasional washing by storm water may be appropriately analyzed <br />using a rapid and inexpensive method such as the Meteoric Water Mobility <br />Procedure whereas samples that are saturated or that are oxidizing quickly might <br />require more rigorous longer term testing to prove compatibility of the tailings <br />with their physical surroundings and with water quality compliance. <br />4. Because groundwater and surface water parameters must meet water quality <br />discharge standards at compliance points, all analyses should be collected using <br />procedures that meet or exceed the detection limits required for applicable water <br />quality standards. The operator needs to determine from the Health Department <br />which elements or compounds are regulated by WQCD and which components <br />are present in the Cresson ore and waste. The operator should also determine <br />whether aquatic life, domestic drinking water, or agricultural standards apply, and <br />then measure down to the required detection limits. <br />