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that remain in the ECOSA seepage water after whatever neutralization the seepage <br />undergoes en route to the regional ground water table intersected by the Carlton Tunnel <br />then mixes with the other water within that regional ground water table, producing the <br />final water quality that exists the Carlton Tunnel. The final quality of the Carlton Tunnel <br />flow is the same regardless of the flow rate through the ECOSA, and this finding is true <br />regardless of the extent to which neutralization of.this water occurs. <br />VI. U.: Assertions that rni'ning will not and cannot increase the concentrations gf constituents are <br />speculation that hill only be proven via long-tern7 monitoring. E-(humation of and exposure of sulfide <br />minerals to atmospheric conditions by mining activity invariably enhance and accelerate oxidation of <br />sulfide minerals. <br />CC&V Response: <br />CC&V has responded to this comment in the Response to VLA above. We agree that the <br />only proof that the comprehensive evaluation presented in MLE Application, Appendix <br />1, Volume II is correct is to observe the effect. As stated above, CC&V is committed to <br />do this under Colorado Discharge Permit System Permit Number CO-0024562. <br />VI. V.: Whether the oxidation and neutralization behave as predicted will have to be validated by long- <br />term monitoring. The comment on the nioveinent ofair is again speculation, and the true response gfthe <br />system to the mining and waste rock placement, assuming estimates gf travel times are accurate, will be <br />proven through long-term monitoring. <br />CC&V Response: <br />CC&V has responded to this comment in the Response to VI. A above. We consider that <br />the existence and persistence of the neutralization process, which is the controlling factor <br />in quality of the regional ground water- table intersected by the Carlton Tunnel, has <br />already been verified by the observed water quality in the tunnel resulting from <br />neutralization of the products of sulfide oxidation from more than 100 years of <br />underground mining and desaturation of the diatremal rockmass. CC&V agrees that <br />long-term monitoring of the Carlton Tunnel water will provide further verification, and <br />has committed to provide that monitoring under Colorado Discharge Permit System <br />Permit Number CO-0024562. <br />f have y uestions, please do snot hesitate to contact. me at (719) 689-4056. <br />r ch <br />nvironmental Resources <br />Revised seed mixes