2009-05-12_REVISION - C1981025 (8)

Home Browse Search

SECTION B Rule 4 requires the following findings and specific approvals: 1. Roads - Rule 4.03 All roads have been reclaimed except for those approved for permanent retention in support of approved postmining land uses. Respective land owners requested all such retentions, in writing. A) The Division approved the retention of the haul road depicted on Map No. D-2-3 (loadout area) of the PAP [Rule 4.03.1(1)(f)]. B) The Division approved the retention of the access road depicted on Map No. D-3-2 (North Thompson Creek Mines Land Use Map) of the PAP [Rule 4.03.1(1)(f)]. C) The Division approved the retention of the Stoney Ridge Fan Shaft Road depicted on Drawing D-3-1 of the PAP, including the bridge over North Thompson Creek, as a trail [Rule 4.03.3(7)(a)]. II. Hydrologic Balance - Rule 4.05 A) Water Quality Standards and Effluent Limitations The Colorado Water Quality Control Commission has assigned classifications to the main stem of Thompson Creek and its tributaries. Thompson Creek is described as from the headwaters to the confluence with the Crystal River. Tributaries include North, Middle and South Thompson Creeks. The classification is Aquatic Life Cold 1, Recreation 2, Water Supply and Agriculture. Receiving Stream Standards have been established by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The CDPHE terminated the Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS) permit to Minrec, Inc for surface runoff and mine water discharges from the North Thompson Creek Mines [Rule 4.05.1(3)]. The Colorado Water Quality Control Commission has also established basic standards for ground water. B) Sedimentation Ponds Sediment ponds are no longer required to treat runoff from areas of surface disturbance. Areas of disturbance have been reclaimed and runoff from them has been determined to meet effluent requirements, or the areas of disturbance and associated watersheds are so small that other control procedures than sediment ponds were/are employed [Rule 4.05.2(1)]. In 1992, the Division granted an exemption from the use of a number of sediment ponds for sediment control. This exemption was granted after the operator demonstrated that the vegetation on the reclaimed mine site was sufficient to reduce to compliance limits the sediment levels in disturbed area runoff. A Partial Phase II Bond Release was approved by the Division in North Thompson Creek C-1981-025 Permit Renewal 05 12 May 2009 14