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In summary, Outfall 001A was recorded as flowing in March 2008 for approximately 3 consecutive days. There <br />was no further flow in 2008. No exceedances were noted. TCC anticipates turning this site into a pennanent <br />CDPS site in the summer of 2009. <br />EmergencyDischarj4e Permit COG-850048 <br />In late August 2008, an unanticipated rise in water levels within sealed mine areas resulted in a condition where <br />water was backed-up against the mine seals in two areas of the mine. Due to concerns of a potential inundation <br />hazard to the safety of the miners, TCC temporarily suspended operations, withdrew all personnel and notified <br />MSHA. The mine was shut down for approximately 10 days. During this period an emergency discharge permit <br />was obtained from CDPHE, and a 12-inch diameter high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipeline was installed <br />from the existing TORT pump to a drainage ditch leading to Foidel Creek. The emergency discharge permit is <br />good for a period of one year. Discharge was initiated in early September 2008. After obtaining the permit, <br />TCC solicited hydrology consultants as to an appropriate form of treatment. <br />During discharge, downstream water quality samples were collected to verify potential impacts. Samples <br />collected at site 1005 (Trout Creek) downstream of confluences from Fish Creek and Foidel Creek. The <br />secondary stream standard of 250 mg/l for sulfate was of concern. In discussions with CDPHE, they indicated <br />that their database showed no down stream portable water users for Trout Creek, so the standard was not <br />is applicable, however TCC was aware that a family (Richard Jones) did utilize an alluvial well for showering, <br />washing dishes and clothes. TCC purchased two 2000 gallon storage tanks for the Jones, and had them buried on <br />his property at his direction with the appropriate plumbing hook-ups to his home. TCC is currently paying for <br />clean imported water (i.e. Raindrop, Inc.) to be delivered to their new tanks, so they would discontinue using their <br />alluvial well. <br />Subsequent water quality data from the TORT raw effluent indicated some exceedances for total recoverable iron. <br />In addition it became obvious that the raw effluent would not be able to pass the required quarterly Whole <br />Effluent Toxicity (WET) test. Note that water quality samples collected at site 900, downstream of the TORT and <br />upstream of the confluence with Middle Creek, passed three consecutive WET tests and met iron requirements. <br />Bench tests on the raw effluent were conducted by the analytical laboratory Aqua-Tox of Wheatridge, Colorado. <br />These tests suggested that elevated concentrations of sulfate and ammonia contributed to the WET test failures. <br />This information was provided to hydrology consultants, and proposals requested for water treatment. Current <br />proposals being considered include a blended reverse osmosis (RO) system, and an electro-coagulation/RO <br />hybrid. <br />TCC has been in contact with Gary Beers and Andrew Neuhart of CDPHE, regarding difficulties in currently <br />meeting WET and iron standards at the HDPE pipeline discharge source. TCC has requested that CDPHE <br />consider that site 900 is able to meet requirements, and allow us to continue discharging until TCC can construct <br />a treatment system. They are considering the request. <br />0 14 <br />