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1/22/97 -z- <br />effluent limitations. Christine asked if MCC could discharge Pond <br />FW1 at the same time that MB1 was discharged so as to dilute the <br />mine water discharge. I stated my opinion that MCC can discharge <br />from any permitted discharge point, but that NPDES sampling would <br />need to occur at th~~ designated point, prior to dilution from <br />another discharge. I referred MCC to the Water Quality control <br />Division (WQCD) for specific direction in this matter since their <br />questions seemed to involve possible NPDES discharge and <br />enforcement issues. <br />I also stated that MCC should be sure that the water quality <br />sampling being conducted on the North Fork of the Gunnison River, <br />downstream of the mine, represents river water that has completely <br />mixed with any mine water discharge. The downstream sample <br />location is about 100 to 200 yards downstream from the discharge <br />point, and the river sample location is along the river bank <br />opposite the river bank where mine discharge enters the river. I <br />explained that it is possible that the mine water discharge might <br />remain along the sough edge of the river for some distance, and the <br />sampling on the oppo~:ite bank may not represent a complete mix of <br />upstream river water and discharged mine water. <br />I asked if MCC is constructing seals in the flooding areas, and <br />Christine indicated ghat three seals have been constructed, through <br />which pump lines have: been installed. <br />I asked Christine when we might expect the maps of the problem <br />area, and she asked which maps? I reminded her of our conversation <br />yesterday, with Henry, Christine and Paige at which time MCC <br />promised a report of the incident which would include a map showing <br />the location of the current inflow. Christine stated that we should <br />get the materials in a day or two. I told her that something <br />informal would be acceptable, but that we would like to see the <br />inflow location, the fault projection, and the locations where <br />water is being sumpect underground, designated on the submittal. <br />I specifically asked if MCC had identified the projected location <br />of this fault, and Christine stated that there is a map of the <br />local fault patterns of the mining area, and that the map was <br />hanging in MCC's big conference room. Christine admitted, however, <br />that she was not awax-e of the specific fault locations. <br />MCC agreed that continued updates would be provided. I stated that <br />I understood the serious implications of this situation regarding <br />the operational status of the mine, and that I was glad that no one <br />had been hurt. I also stated that once the situation has been <br />controlled, we will need to discuss the regulatory and <br />environmental implicaitions of the water inflow situation. <br />