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<br />Minutes, tlarch 22-23, 1989 PAGE 12 <br />Ms. Anne Baldrige, on behalf of Battle Mountain, addressed the Board <br />regarding the acid producing potential of waste rode. Specifically, <br />she addressed the anomalous sample noted by Mr. R. Cohen. She <br />explained that Adrian Smith, who has a Ph.D. in Geochemistry, developed <br />their Geochemical testing program and provided input on the results. <br />They Geochemically tested B waste rock samples; identified 4 distinct <br />waste rock types and tested 2 samples from each type. Fora worst-case <br />test, 2 samples of heap leach ore were used; 2 samples of tailings <br />materials and 3 samples of combined tailings and waste rock were <br />subjected to the "humidity cell test", an 8 to 12-week test where <br />results are monitored weekly. During the test where the anomaly was <br />found during the first week, no measurable levels of acidity were found <br />during the remaining 11 weeks of testing. During re-testing, ph was <br />normal during the first week, as well as through week-12. Doc for 5nith <br />reviewed the results and, in his opinion, the anomalous result found in <br />the first sample was caused by laboratory error, Ms. Baldrige provided <br />testimony concerning erosion. <br />Mr. Jim Johnson, a Registered Engineer in Colorado, addressed the Board <br />and provided testimony regarding short and long term storms at the <br />site. Peak flows were used fora worst case design. <br />h1r. Massey addressed the issue of long term maintenance at the site, <br />and Mr. Johnson discussed the Buttress. <br />Mr. John Halepaska, who has a Ph.D. in Geology, is a professional <br />Engineer and has experience in ground and surface water, addressed the <br />Board, regarding the flood plain (a map was used for reference) as this <br />relates to the heap leach pad. .He said the leach pad is not in the <br />lOD-year flood plain. <br />Mr. Charlie Jaquez addressed the Board regarding the flood plain. He <br />referred to the map developed by the Colorado Water Conservation Board. <br />Idr. Jaquez is concerned that their County's water supply will suffer, <br />because of this operation. <br />Mr. Elmer Valdez, a resident of Costilla County, nave testimony <br />regarding past flooding he has witnessed at the Rito Se co. <br />Mr. Halepaska discussed the issue of ground water hydrology, stating <br />there are several different means for water to pet into the pit: 1) <br />rainfall, 2) seepage from Rito Soto alluvium through the pit wall, etc. <br />Mr. ldassey clarified Battle Mountain's position, regarding the <br />Emergency Response Plan, as this relates to time frames. He also <br />stated that company's intention to comply with obligations, according <br />to SARA Ti tl e I I I . <br />Mr. Gary Dodson and Pir. Jcel Lenz, from Battle Mountain, addressed the <br />Board, regarding the correspondence from Costilla County LEPC/htr. <br />Ortega. At this time, Mr. Dodson stated his intention to reply to i•1r. <br />Drtega's letters. He said Battle Mountain's intention to comply with <br />SARA Title III will also be put in writing. <br />