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that could be potentially affected (this was documented within the initial <br />application as well). <br />Based upon the above site conditions it was determined that the UIC program does not <br />apply to the Ruby Trust mine site. <br />6. Page 1, Second Paragraph "Exhibit C-Mining Plan (Rule 6.3.3)": "During mining and <br />milling ...it is assumed that all dissolved solids that enter the ponds remain dissolved and <br />therefore leave with the effluent. Please comment." <br />RESPONSE: DRMS is correct in their statement that dissolved solids would likely be <br />discharged and not settle out as a result of encountering the sedimentation ponds. <br />Regardless, dissolved solids and total suspended solids (as well as total and dissolved <br />metals constituents) are monitored and regulated at the mine site discharge point <br />(located at the portal door) as part of the CDPS permit. Therefore the mine is held to <br />maintain water quality to standards set forth by their CDPHE CDPS permit AT the point <br />of release which is at the portal door. The sedimentation ponds are not acknowledged <br />as a beneficial contribution by the mine, but were put in place to control total <br />suspended solids when the mine is active and can possibly stir up solids underground. <br />7. Page 1, Third and Fourth Paragraphs : "The surface map being used... contains... no <br />labeling of the discharge point, appropriate placement of sediment pond cells... please <br />provide a better description of the sediment ponds and the discharge pipe, and show <br />them on the map.... and a description of the water sampling locations". <br />RESPONSE : The initial surface map provided within the amendment application has <br />been revised. As per DRMS direction, 'TWO' maps have been created; Exhibit E, Map <br />E.1 represents the Ruby Trust Mine Plan while Exhibit E, Map E.2 presents the Ruby <br />Trust Reclamation Plan (ATTACHMENT E). Within Map E.1, the sedimentation ponds <br />and discharge point have been labeled. Please note that the 'discharge point' is at the <br />portal discharge where water daylights from underground. As per State Law, the mine <br />site discharge permit requires that the mine achieve appropriate release limits AT the <br />point of discharge, not at the point of release to Sneffels Creek. Therefore, the sampling <br />location is at the discharge point. As per the CDPS permit requirements, samples are <br />taken every quarter and analyzed for a suite of analytes in addition to bioassay analysis <br />using two aquatic species (Ceriodaphnia dubia and Pimephales promelas). If sample <br />results ever yield values or exceedances of accepted tolerance limits to the bioassays, <br />then sampling frequency steps up until the exceedence has been shown to be corrected. <br />All results are public record. All results are reported to CDPHE using their discharge <br />monitoring report (DMR) records process. A culmination of these results was provided a