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<br /> <br />Memo to Berhan Keffelew <br />Update -Underground Workings <br />page 2 <br />Phase 2. This alternative methodology is acceptable to the Division with the following <br />condition. In order to ensure that the treatment is successful, I recommend that the Division <br />require the installation of a suitable detection device, such as some form of linear resonance <br />cable or simple continuity circuit above each of the geogrid shaft installations. Each of these <br />detection devices should be extended separately to a readout location at the periphery of the <br />Phase 2 liner. If any of the shafts collapse, and its resultant settlement deflection were to <br />propagate through the remedial geogrid cover, it could be detected. If that occurrence were <br />simultaneous with evidence of leakage, the location of the problem could be isolated and <br />repaired, <br />In 1990, Aguirre Engineers Inc. (AE1) was contracted by CC&VG to complete a design study <br />and recommendations for treatment of the underground workings beneath Pad No. 2. In <br />1990 three of the identified workings were excavated and backfilled, as recommended by <br />AEI; Little Nell #3, the Ore House Shaft, and an unnamed shaft, <br />During the subgrade preparation and underdrain construction of Phase 2, conducted in the <br />fall of 1995, these earlier remediated workings were reencountered and one additional shaft, <br />the Raven Beacon shaft was encountered at the ground's surface. Using the earlier AEI <br />report, CC&VG identified what it believed to be the locations of the other historical <br />underground workings. <br />As I understand your verbal comments, CC&VG recently directed its Contractor to excavate <br />each of the suspected locations of the anticipated underground workings. However, CC&VG <br />reports that it did not verify their existence upon excavating to a depth of two feet. Both <br />AEI and Golder Associates originally recommended excavation to 20 feet for backfilling <br />remediation. In addition you reported that CC&VG conducted a ground penetrating radar <br />examination of the phase 2 footprint with negative results. <br />In my opinion it is critically important that the existence of these underground workings, <br />particularly the anticipated shafts, be exhaustively confirmed or refuted. First, the operation <br />and accuracy of the ground penetrating radar unit should be verified by calibration above <br />known underground workings. The surrounding Cripple Creek/Victor mining district should <br />provide more than ample selection of useable calibration sites. If the definitive operation of <br />the ground penetrating radar cannot be demonstrated in the Cripple Creek/Victor District, an <br />alternative diagnostic technique should be identified, calibrated and used. If the results of <br />the resurvey of underground workings, using whatever technology is proven reliable, remains <br />negative, the historical evidence should be revisited to resolve its apparent discrepancy, if <br />possible. <br />