2009-09-21_INSPECTION - M1980244

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: m-19Rn-9aa INSPECTION DATE: 9/1 Qngi INSPECTORS INITIALS: R- OBSERVATIONS The Division conducted a monitoring, construction progress of the Amendment 49 area and a split water sampling inspection of the site on 9/14/09. Present during the inspection was Mr. Mark Vanoni. Inspected the Phase IV, pregnant pond area. The low volume solution collection transducer # 1 was in excess of the 24 inch level while # 2 was at 9.9 inches of hydrostatic head. Jody Keel supervisor and other electricians were actively working on the transducer read out box at the time of the inspection. Because the # 1 reading was above the 2 feet of hydrostatic head for a sustained period of time, it is cited as a possible problem for CC&V to come up with a permanent fix for the pumping system. Pump # 1 was at 49.8 inches of hydrostatic head at the time of the inspection. The low volume pumping system for Phase IV has been having problems in the past. Higher capacity pumps were installed with variable frequency , but the problem appears to be persistent. Even though the Division is fully aware of the flaws in the low volume pond design, it is up to CC&V to make sure the 2 foot of hydrostatic head is not exceeded for an extended period like the ones observed at the time of the inspection. Mr. Jody Keel stated that the current plan is to probably place another pump in addition to the two that currently exist and increase the pumping capacity in excess of what already exist even with the booster pumps. If CC&V does not come up with a permanent fix, the next time the head exceeds the maximum 2 foot of head in a sustained manner, DRMS will send a Reason To Believe a violation exist letter and bring the matter before the MLRD Board. While in the area, recorded the following readings from the high volume solution collection transducers. High Volume Transducer # 7 was recorded at26.2 # 8 was at 25.8 # 9 was at 27.7 and # 10 was at 25.6. Inspected the Phase I & II LECCH PADS and collected the following readings from the High and Low Volume solution collection transducers. Phase I high volume solution collection transducer # 1 was recorded at 31.9 C 2 was at 32.2 and # 3 was at 33.4. Low Volume solution collection transducer # 1 was recorded at .38 and # 2 was at .47 Phase II, High Volume solution collection transducer # 4 was recorded at 40.7 # 5 was at 28.2 and # 6 was at 40.3. Low volume solution collection transducer # 1 was recorded at .20 and # 2 was at .58. Split samples from all three low volume solution discharge areas were collected and samples were delivered to the Colorado Department of Health Lab, for wad cyanide analysis. Inspected the under drain area. Both the South under drain and 4 inch pipe were discharging at the time of the inspection. The lower two ponds were holding some water reflective of the recent rain the area received. Inspected the Amendment # 9 construction areas, The Phase V LEACH PAD AREA EARTH WORK WAS CONTINUING IN THE OLD Arequa Gulch overburden storage area, slopes were being worked at the time of the inspection. The new substation should be fully functional by the end of the month and removal of the old substation should commence, once all testing on the new substation which is outside of the permit area along high way 67 south of the view shed top soil storage area, for the city of victor The new load out bin should also be fully functional once all testing of the system is completed. Backfilling of the East Cresson mine was continuing. After the physical inspection met with Tim Comer and Kevin Riley to discuss the two pending Technical revisions. One will deal with potential changes to the backfilling procedure and the new road in the Iron Clad area. The other will deal with the increased capacity of the new carbon columns that CC&V wants to place in the area.