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Based on the chemical analyses of the rock sample, it can be determined that the material <br />transported from the Bowie No. 2 Mine to the Paonia sewage lagoons is not toxic. <br />There are several other analytes listed on the table from BRL that I have not included <br />above or discussed in much detail. First is the textural analysis. This is an analysis of the <br />make-up of the rock itself and is not important in determining whether a material is toxic <br />or acid-forming. Second, there are results listed for Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and <br />Sodium (Na). These three constituents are used to calculate the SAR value and are not <br />independently indicative of any potential problems. Third, I did not discuss the Nitrogen <br />constituents (nitrates and nitrites) as these are primarily plant nutrients and generally do <br />not lead to toxicity (and at the low levels reported they fine). Finally, I did not <br />independently discuss the acid generation potential or the neutralization potential as they <br />are used to calculate the acid base potential (ABP) which is discussed above. <br />After reviewing the sample results provided by BRL for the sandstone, it is my opinion <br />that the rock material is not toxic and it is not acid-forming. The material appears to <br />be basically benign sandstone. This determination, however, is based on the analysis of a <br />single sample which may or may not be representative of the entire 1,700 tons of rock. I <br />think that BRL's answers to the five questions above will give the Division more <br />information and allow us to make a more concrete determination regarding the sandstone. <br />Please let me know if you have any questions or need any additional information. <br />cc: Sandy Brown