Laserfiche WebLink
(Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-1977-300 <br />INSPECTION DATE: 18 May 2010 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: DR? <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This inspection was conducted in two parts. The on-site inspection occurred in conjunction with water sampling <br />on 18 May 2010, and an aerial flyover was conducted on 30 April 2010 by Harry Ranney of DRMS at the request <br />of David Bird. The Schwartzwalder Mine is an underground uranium mine located in Jefferson County <br />approximately 7 miles northwest of Golden. The total permit area of the site is 57.0 acres. The Division holds <br />financial warranty in the amount of $104,082.52 for the operation. The post-mining land use is described as <br />wildlife habitat. <br />Mining operations ceased in May of 2000 and the operator, Cotter Corporation, is in the process of reclaiming the <br />site. Dewatering pumps were shut off in 2000, treatment of dewatering effluent has ceased, and the underground <br />workings have been allowed to flood. Cotter is engaged in remedial activities toward release of the Radioactive <br />Materials License issued by CDPHE/HMWMD/Radiation Control. Many of the original buildings and other <br />structures have been removed, with the exception of the former water treatment plant building, now used as a <br />shop, a 50-ft office trailer, storage tanks, the water treatment holding ponds, power transmission facilities, and <br />miscellaneous small structures. Cotter has sealed the Steve Level Adit which was the primary access portal for the <br />underground mine. Although water treatment ceased 30 June 2002, DRMS has been advised verbally that <br />Discharge Permit #CO-0001-244 issued by the CDPHE Water Quality Control Division, which was due to expire <br />31 March 2010, has been renewed. The Operator currently is in the process of generating an Environmental <br />Protection Plan in accordance with §34-32-116.5(1) C.R.S. for Designated Mining Operations, to address concerns <br />related to future environmental impacts from radionuclides and other contaminants in the alluvium and in the <br />filling mine pool. <br />A possible violation exists at the site for failure to minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance of the <br />affected land and surrounding land. This observation was also included in the 19 May 2010 Adequacy Review <br />letter for the Designated Mining Operation Environmental Protection Plan. <br />Concentrations of uranium in Ralston Creek are now consistently exceeding receiving stream standards. Two <br />mine-related events appear to have directly led to significantly increased levels in the receiving stream. These <br />events are the cessation of water treatment (both from the mine and Sump No. 1) and the cessation of water <br />recirculation from Sump No. 1. The underground mine pool might also be a contributing factor. This has been <br />cited as a possible violation on page 3. <br />Surface water runoff was observed exiting the mine area and flowing into Ralston Creek. This could indicate a <br />problem with water containment that the Water Quality Control Division will want to investigate. They will be <br />copied on this inspection report. <br />I & E Contact Address <br />NAME: Gus Gaviotis <br />OPERATOR: Cotter Corporation <br />STREET: 7800 E. Dorado Place. Suite 210 <br />CITY/STATE/ZIP: Englewood. CO 80111 <br />cc: <br />F CE <br />r BLM <br />r USFS <br />r HW <br />r HMWMD <br />r OSE <br />r WQCD <br />F OTHER