2010-05-14_INSPECTION - M1980244 (2)

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-i 9Rn-9ad INSPECTION DATE: -5/1 all n INSPECTORS INITIALS: RK OBSERVATIONS The Division conducted a monitoring and second quarter split sampling inspection of the site on 5/8/10. The main purpose of the inspection was to collect the second quarter split samples from the under drain and ground water compliance well samplings in Areqau Gulch. Present during the water sampling portion of the inspection was Mr. Lawrence Myers, of CC&V, Chief Compliance Coordinator. GW compliance point CRMW-3A and CRMW 3-B, were sampled after each compliance well was purged three pore volumes. A split samples for S04 was collected. Operator also collected for other parameters, including Zinc. The Division, after reviewing the last quarter's data that was submitted, and noticed a bit of an upward trend in the Sulfate readings wanted to collect a split sample. Even though Sulfate is one of the indicators of a probable change in the ore or overburden leachate change from basic to acidic, the PH of the compliance well in Areqau, was still close to neutral(6.57). The Division has asked CC&V to have either Dr. Adrian Brown or one of their resident geochemist to look into the data and explain why the sudden upward movement of the Sulfate in The Areqau Gulch Compliance well. The Division had noticed these sudden upward jumps in the past with drops during the subsequent quarter. This time such a trend was not noticed and the Division wanted to verify the dat by collecting a split sample with the operator. Two split sample for Wad cyanide analysis was collected from the 4 inch pipe (AG-1) and The South Under drain compliance discharge points. Samples were collected by EPA approved bottles supplied by the Colorado Department of Health Environment, placed in ice and delivered before 5:00p.m on 5/13/10. Inspected AG1.5 NPDES discharge area, it was dry. All lower ponds were holding some snow from the recent event. During the active portion of the facility inspection, Mr. Tim Comer, manager Environmental Affairs was present. No liner deployment was taking place at the time of the inspection, due to inclement weather conditions. Inspected Phase I, II, III and IV leach pads and collected the following Readings from the High and Low Volume, solution collection systems. Phase I high Volume Solution Collection Transducer #1 was recorded at 38.2 # 2 was at 38.6 and # 3 was at 41.4. Low Volume Solution Collection Transducer # 1 was at 0.39 and # 2 was at 0.44, Pizometer for the pond was at 50.8 feet. Phase II & III, High Volume Solution Collection Transducer # 4 was recorded at 32.4 # 5 was at 23.2 and # 6 was at 33.8. Low volume solution collection transducer # 1 was at 0.56 and # 2 was at 0.22.Piezometer for the pond was recorded at 33.5 feet. Phase IV high Volume Solution Collection Transducer # 7 was recorded at 26.3 and # 8 was at 26.1 # 9 was at 29.2 and # 10 was at 26.6 Low Volume solution collection transducer # 1 was recorded at 14.0 and # 2 was at 10.1 inches of hydrostatic head.( All transducer readings unless noted otherwise are in feet of hydrostatic head) The area of concern that had off liner solution that was reported along the Phase IV pregnant solution collection area is now lined and properly repaired. Drain cover was being deployed at the time of the inspection. Operator will submit the Technical Revision as noted during the April inspection addressing the permanent fix for the area and the additional liner work that will be implemented along the NEW LOB, area as soon as possible. The Division allowed CC&V to commence with the repair work as discussed for this area given the critical nature and the good window of working conditions. Geomemrane liner was deployed on Tuesday 5/11/10. Deployed liner was walked and appeared to be in good repair. P.E CERTIFICATION WILL BE SUBMITTED FOR THIS AREA AS SOON AS THE DRAIN COVER IS PLACED. Two AMEC, QA/QC personnel were present at the time of the inspection.