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• 0 <br />0 SCOPE OF PROJECT <br />Handling and Use of Biosolids at Climax <br />Climax intends to use biosolids in the development of a soil amendment suitable for <br />plant growth at the Climax Mine. Initial work with biosolids will be conducted on the <br />Robinson Tailing Impoundment. This impoundment was capped in with approximately <br />18 inches of rock in the summer of 1994. Future use of biosolids throughout the <br />property is contingent upon programmatic development of handling methods that <br />ensure the consistent development of a Grade A or Excellent Quality (EQ) product. <br />Winter stabilization of biosolids is of primary concern when handling biosolids at Climax. <br />Summit County produces the most sludge in winter months during the ski season, and <br />there are specific restrictions against application to snow covered land. Climax has <br />therefore located a winter deposition and stabilization area where biosolids may be <br />placed on a sawdust pad. Handling will include incorporation of wood and/or lime to <br />stabilize biosolids in winter months followed by composting in spring and summer, and <br />fall application to coincide with revegetation. The resultant material is expected, in the <br />near term, to be a product between a Grade B and Grade A material. Mixtures with <br />ratios of between 1:1 and 5:1 wood chip to biosolids and 1 to 1.5:1 lime to biosolids will <br />be explored. The ultimate mixture will be determined by economics, the product <br />obtained, and its success as a revegetation amendment. Stabilization will be concurrent <br />with receipt of the material. <br />40 Incorporation of Biosolids <br />Climax will operate the land application site with conventional agricultural equipment for <br />mixing, stacking, and applying the biosolids. A uniform product is desired for suitable <br />reclamation over the entire impoundment surface. Biosolids will be surface applied and <br />directly revegetated due to physical constraints of incorporation into the rock cap. <br />Application Rates <br />Initial Application <br />Based on documented cases of improved reclamation using sewage sludge at high <br />altitudes, Climax will use a one time application rate at the Robinson Tailing <br />Impoundment of 30 tons per acre. This initial application rate will functionally serve as <br />topsoil for revegetation. This initial application will be followed by maintenance <br />applications as outlined below. A brief discussion of biosolids research and supporting <br />literature is provided in Appendix A. <br />Maintenance Applications <br />Upon completion of the initial application phase, application of biosolids on Robinson <br />Tailing Impoundment will be calculated from updated soil and biosolids analyses. <br />• Additional organic materials and fertilizer may be applied with the biosolids. <br />Concentration of plant available nitrogen for any such mixture shall not exceed 75