2010-09-13_HYDROLOGY - M1981185 (2)

Home Browse Search

Inspection Report Paee 3 of 5 2. It was noted during the inspection that Wildcat Mining Corporation had conducted industrial activities without stormwater discharge permit coverage. The specific activities conducted by Wildcat Mining Corporations are documented in Finding 3 of this inspection report. As provided by Mr. Clements, industrial activities (site preparation for milling activities) commenced in May/June 2009 (see Finding 3, below). Pursuant to 5 CCR 1002-61.3(2), active and inactive metal mining facilities are required to obtain permit coverage for discharges of stormwater associated with industrial activities from the facilities to state waters. Wildcat Mining Corporation did not submit an application for permit coverage under the CDPS General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Metal Mining Operations and Mine-Waste Remediation (industrial stormwater discharge permit) for its industrial activities until January 12, 2010 and Apri115, 2010. The Division expects that Wildcat Mining Corporation provide a written explanation for conducting industrial activities at this facility without stormwater discharge permit coverage. Further, the Division expects Wildcat Mining Corporation to prepare a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) for each of the permit applications it wishes to remain effective (see Finding 1, above). The Division expects Wildcat Mining Corporation to submit the SWMP(s) by September 15, 2010. A guidance document on the SWMP preparation is enclosed with this correspondence. Site Inspection All Best Management Practices (BMPs) mentioned in the following findings must be selected, installed, implemented and maintained according to good engineering, hydrologic and pollution control practices. These BMPs must be adequately designed to provide control for all potential pollutant sources associated with industrial activity to prevent pollution or degradation of State waters. 3. It was noted during the inspection that Wildcat Mining Corporation had conducted industrial activities at May Day No. 1 (Level 1); May Day No. 2 (Level 2); and the historic "Chief"portal, as provided in a, b and c, below. a. May Day No. I (Level 1 site As provided by Mr. Clements, industrial activities commenced at the May Day No. 1 (Level 1) site in May/June 2009. Evidence of industrial activities observed during the inspection included: an improved (elongated) adit entrance, relocated waste rock (from inside the adit to an outside location), a graded site to facilitate industrial operations, and placement of milling preparation equipment at the site (a mill, cargo containers and supplies, generator, and water storage tanks -see attached photographs 1 through 5). The May Day No. 1 (Level 1) site is located approximately 600 ft in elevation above the La Plata River (see Attachment B). Stormwater runoff from this site flows downgradient off the edge of the site, along the path of the access road, or off the edge of the access road, to either Little Deadwood Gulch (State waters - tributary to the La Plata River) or to the La Plata River (State waters). b. May Day No. 2 (Level 2) site As provided by Mr. Clements, industrial activities commenced at the May Day No. 2 (Level 2) site in September/ November 2009. Evidence of industrial activities observed during the inspection included an improved portal entrance-material was moved away from the portal face and deposited in an unstabilized berm running away from the portal entrance, immediately adjacent to Little Deadwood Gulch (see attached photographs 6 7 and 8). (See also photograph 1 in Attachment C [DRMS inspection report]). The May Day No. 2 (Level 2) site is located approximately 200 ft in elevation above the La Plata River (see Attachment B), and immediately adjacent to Little Deadwood Gulch. Little Deadwood Gulch flows along edge of the site and crosses the access road to the site before continuing to the La Plata River. Stormwater runoff from this site flows downgradient to either Little Deadwood Gulch (State waters - tributary to the La Plata River) or to the La Plata River (State waters).