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' dissolved solids (TDS) and ammonia. The lab determined high TDS <br />(chlorides) as the primary cause of the toxicity. However, a recent review <br />shows no correlation between LCso values and chloride or TDS levels. <br />' BME took the following measures to reduce toxicity of the effluent. <br />' On-site aeration structures were installed for HsS removal before discharging <br />the effluent. <br />1 A pilot test was conducted to identify a flocculent for removing high levels of oil <br />and grease from the effluent. <br />• The main water source of the mine was changed from the high TDS(>5000 <br />ppm) alluvial well water to a significantly lower TDS (500 ppm) surface lagoon. <br />• The raw water tank was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove sludge <br />' built up over years. This sludge was found to contain significantly high levels <br />(1000 colonies/ml) of bacteria. <br />' An MSHA waiver was received to stop the use of Wendon Dustrol-10 <br />surtactant in the water spray at the longwall face. The surtactant has been <br />' found to be lethal to fish life at 500 ppm. <br />The WQCD also sent an effluent sample and prior toxicity reports to the EPA laboratory in <br />t Duluth, Minnesota to investigate the cause of toxicity. WQCD never heard from EPA in this <br />regard. WQCD does not think it is now necessary since the mine has been passing the WET <br />testing during the three (1994-97) water years. Besides no mine water is discharged at this <br />' time requiring WET testing. A copy of the letter dated January 30, 1997 from WQCD is <br />attached in Appendix H of the Thirteenth Annual Hydrology Report. <br />On December 28, 1992, WQCD wrote to WFU (now BME) asking either (i) to develop a <br />control program which eliminates the toxicity through treatment of the TDS or (ii) to perform a <br />' study which determines if TDS is having a toxic effect on the stream and to develop a level of <br />TDS at the discharge point at which an instream impact is not expected. On March 29, 1993, <br />BME submitted a plan to use the Rapid Bioassessment Protocol III per EPA guidelines. <br />' Under this plan, BME would test the extent of impairment, if any, on the aquatic life in the <br />White River due to the mine water discharge. It would involve sampling and testing of micro- <br />' invertebrates. No fish would be collected since the U.S. Fish and Wildlife refused to grant <br />permission to do so because of the endangered squawfish being planted in the river. BME <br />never heard from WQCD or received WQCD's approval of this plan. WQCD thinks it is now <br />10 <br />