1995-08-11_REVISION - M1977493 (9)

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• contain material with acid-forming potential. Climax concurred with this fact in its response to the DMG (August 31, 1994) when it accepted the DMG determination that the Climax Mine was a DMO under the amended rules. In addition, water which percolates through the open pit area and accumulates in the closed underground workings contacts this sulfide bearing material and, in turn, has the potential to become acidified, thus, meeting the definition of"Acid Mine Drainage" in Rule 1, Section 1.1 (2). The acid-forming materials will remain in-situ at the Climax Mine site following final termination of mining and processing activities. Over time, as natural oxidation occurs, the potential to form acidic drainage will decrease. However, as discussed herein, as long as acidic drainage with the potential to affect the environment is released from these sources, such drainage will be treated according to the stipulations and requirements of the appropriate regulatory permits in place at the time. Climax has retained the services of a full-time geochemist experienced in issues regarding acid rock and acid mine drainage(ARD and AMD). During the next 18 months, these issues at Climax will be investigated in depth resulting in a definitive plan or plans addressing ARD/AMD concerns at the site. • 4.1.2.1 Temporary Cessation Acidic waters at Climax are regulated under the CDPS Permit as discussed in Section 2.2. Under the Temporary Cessation scenario, mine, process, and seepage waters would continue to be managed, treated and discharged according to the conditions of this permit. 4.1.2.2 Final Closure Upon final closure and reclamation of the Climax Mine as described in the Mining and Reclamation Permit, Technical Revisions, and Amendments, acidic waters from the mine, ponded water on the tailing impoundments, seepwaters from tailing impoundments and waste rock dumps, and stormwater will be managed according to conditions of the CDPS Permit. This permit acknowledges that surface water from Climax must be treated to meet effluent limitations prior to permitted release. 5.0 Climax Mine Environmental Protection Facilities • An "Environmental Protection Facility" (EPF) is defined in Section 1.1(14) of the Rules as "...a structure...for control or containment of designated chemicals, acid mine drainage, or toxic or acid- 13