_INSPECTION - C1981025 (20) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hydrologic Balance Since the bond release inspection on April 17, 2007,the mine operator has applied to the Colorado Water Quality Control Division for reactivation of the CDPS discharge permit. The permit will apply to underground mine water discharge which passes through a three-pond passive treatment system, and then discharges into North Thompson Creek. The three treatment ponds are part of the 4.3-acre Developed Water Area that has been approved,as a permanent part of the site. The source of most of the mine water discharge is Mine 3, north of the county road. The discharge has historically had high iron content. Mine water was flowing through the passive treatment ponds as designed. Soluble;iron content of mine water discharges were determined with a Chemets field test kit(see results in table below). Soluble iron appeared to be less than the 7 mg/1 total iron limit of 40 CFR 434.52(b)(2). Discharge T Soluble Fe (mg/l, ( Location (visual pg AS) (emp. using estimate � Chemets kit Mine No. 1 discharge from from air shaft into N. Trickle Thompson Creek via 36" (sulfur 6.8. 2100 56 < 1 ;mg/l culvert next to Mine No. 1 smell) portal Mine No. 1 discharge from white PVC pipe into Long 20 7.5 2164 60 < 1 mg/1 Pond Mine No. 3 discharge from green PVC pipe into Long 20 7.1 1362 60 <3 :mg/1 Pond Discharge from treatment system pipe (to North 40 7.8 1580 63 < 1 mg/1 Thompson Creek, former CDPES outfall 001) Backfill and Grading No problems were found at the Mine 3 portal that was regraded in 2007. General Mine Plan Compliance The operator appeared to be in compliance with all aspects of the mine plan. Fish and Wildlife Although no wildlife other than birds and a water snake were seen during the inspection, evidence of wildlife use of the reclaimed areas was evident in the form of droppings (deer or elk), hoof prints, and browsed shrubs. The mine site appeared suitable for wildlife habitat with North Thompson Creek's 4