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.. Committee on Mining & the Environment Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. Gold Hill, Colorado R ~ \Id!nn Uievuessoii 23 September 1985 r.o nox ibva aoulUer. CO B03o6 Department of Natural Resources Mined Land Reclamation Division 423 Centennial Bldg, 1313 Sherman St. Denver, Colorado 80203 Gentlemen of the Board: Page 1 of 3 pages Reference is made to the application of Gold Hill Ventures Limited Partnership for an amendment to the mining and reclamation permit for the Cash Mine, and to our letter to you dated 9 September 1985 regarding that amendment. Since writing that letter, a series of meetings with local resi- dents, representatives oS Gold Hill Ventures, and MLRB staff has enabled us to refine and develop our position somewhat. We are there- fore submitting the following comments in support of the hearing now scheduled for the 26th of this month. COMMENTS ON WATER QUALITY ISSUES Comment 1: Permeability of Hoosier Reef In discussions with representatives of Gold Hill Ventures Ltd, as well as in their presentation to a meeting of area residents held last Thursday (September 19th), great stress was laid on the im- permeability of Hoosier Reef "to great depth," as a protection to domestic water supplies in the Gold Hill area. Since Reef perm- eability is obviously of crucial importance to both water contam- ination and flow gradient concerns, we feel [hat substantial objective evidence of the Reef's effectiveness as a water barrier is required. To this end, we suggest that a review of actual drilling experience should supplement qualified professional opinion. We suggest that experienced operators, such as Norris Drilling, be contacted regarding local well drilling results. We are willing to support this effort, if required. Comment 2: Lining of Tailings Pond The Committee strongly agrees with the MLRB staff position that the tailings pond should be lined. We understand that Gold Hill Ventures will be proposing a Hypalon liner; this is acceptable. Comment 3: Use of Monitoring Wells Emplacement of monitoring wells near the foot of the tailings impoundment is required and is, we understand, being proposed. Additionally, one or more wells should be emplaced to monitor the seepage from the Hazel A adit, thus assuring timely response in the event that leakage should prove excessive.