2008-02-13_PERMIT FILE - M2007044 (3)

Home Browse Search

Water quality characterization falls under both surface and groundwater. Surface water data required under Rule 6.4.20(11) notes a few ephemeral springs that disappear rapidly into the surface soils of the area within the same general area of the mine. Water quality is noted as being good. It is important to note that the proposed mining is below the aquifers feeding these springs. Energy Fuels activities may help improve these aquifers by sealing off pre-law drill and vent holes which currently allow co-mingling between different aquifers and historic mining features. The applicant has committed to continued groundwater characterization as access to historic areas is achieved. These commitments will allow the Division and the applicant to continue water quality monitoring as work progresses and address issue if or when they arise. stormwater controls have been reviewed per Rule 6.4.20(10) to prevent release of sediments into surface water. Specific measures have been installed to prevent storm run-on and contain all stormwater run-off. Storm run-on prevention measures include the construction of diversion ditches which will prevent precipitation from over running on-site measures and impacting ore and waste rock structures. Since the stormwater diversions collect waters and move them away or around possible impact area liners are not required. Infiltration of stormwater in or through these diversions is considered beneficial. Any stormwater falling on the disturbed areas is collected and directed through the water treatment process prior to release. This will ensure that any surface discharge meets water quality standards. Impacts to the Delores River, some five (5) miles away, will be mitigated because present surface water infiltrates quickly into the natural soils and appear not to reach the river. Groundwater data required under Rule 6.4.20(9) indicates water of poor quality at or near the proposed mining activities. DRMS staff review raised groundwater issues beyond which were originally submitted before INFORM's correspondence. Those issues were addressed by Energy Fuels in the January 14, 2008 and February 7, 2008. Energy Fuels proposal to seal off vent and drill holes may reduce the amount of water interception significantly. As part of the reclamation an engineered bulkhead will be constructed to prevent groundwater above the mine from invading workings and degrading them further. The location of the bulkhead has been pre-determined based on geological integrity. There appears to be no potential for a mine water discharge from the portal which is significantly higher in elevation than the highest aquifer. DRMS will hold a reclamation bond for a contingent bulkhead within the Packrat mining area to ensure that any post mining reclamation does not allow any unforeseen mine discharges. The contingent bulkhead may or may not be constructed based on further hydrological assessments. However, an extensive engineering review cannot be completed until actual water volumes can be assessed. Ten (10) years of mining may reduce or increase water volumes significantly which cannot be thoroughly assessed at this time. Energy Fuels will be required to submit detailed bulkhead construction designs and post construction monitoring plans prior to initiation of this phase of reclamation. Although it is premature to require detailed bulkhead designs now, DRMS will require sufficient bond to design and construct bulkheads in the Whirlwind Decline and, if it is needed, in the Packrat Mine workings. Under no circumstances will Energy Fuels be released from the permit until DRMS is satisfied that water quality is not impacted negatively and there is no potential for untreated mine waters expressing themselves to the surface in some manner.