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5.3.3 Tailing and Industrial Water System in the Arkansas River Drainage <br /> 5.3.3.1 Storke Waste Water Pumpback Station (SWWPS) <br /> Description: The SWWPS includes a concrete lined ditch, a holding pond, a pump station with <br /> indoor storage, and two 8-inch pipelines to transfer water 0.9 miles to the Climax tailing system. <br /> The SWWPS collects, impounds, and transfers industrial area and storm water runoff from the <br /> Storke surface facilities, which include about 60 acres of disturbed area. Inside the Arkansas <br /> Pump Station building, located in the storage room, are approximately 70 pounds of NALCO <br /> water softener and one drum of diesel fuel. <br /> Location: The SWWPS is located downgradient from the Storke Hoist House adjacent to the <br /> Arkansas River and south of Colorado Highway 91. The pipeline follows the trace of the former <br /> 37 Conveyor to the top of the hill to the northwest. <br /> Spill Potential: An overflow discharge from the holding pond, caused by a prolonged pump <br /> shutdown, or a major rupture of either pipeline, could cause a spill of storm water and water from <br /> Storke surface facilities into the Arkansas River. If the pumping systems (main and back-up) <br /> were to simultaneously fail, then the likelihood of a spill is much greater. Fortunately, recent <br /> reclamation work on the Storke surface disturbed areas, including a growth media cover, reduce <br /> the potential for metals releases. Sediment loading could be increased, however. The potential <br /> exists for a spill of up to 55 gallons of diesel inside the SWWP; however, it is stored in a drum <br /> on a broad slab of concrete and is not likely to migrate to the water system. Also, granular water <br /> softener could spill from one of the bags stored in the SWWP, but it is not likely to solubilize <br /> and reach the water system. <br /> Potential Volume Spilled: It has been calculated that approximately 13,000 gallons of water <br /> could be spilled if either of the pipelines rupture. Most likely, in the holding pond overflow <br /> scenario the amount of spilled water would be less than 2000-3000 gallons. Under a pump <br /> failure situation, as much as 20,000 gallons could be spilled. As much as 55 gallons of diesel <br /> could be spilled, and up to several hundred pounds of water softener could leak from one of the <br /> storage bags. <br /> Prevention and Control: Stand-by pumps and a spare generator are available in the SWWPS. <br /> Water levels in the collection basin are controlled to allow maximum surge capacity. The pump <br /> system is connected telemetrically to the Mill Control Room and also has a visual alarm light. <br /> Countermeasures: In the event of power failure, the spare generator (diesel powered) can be <br /> used to run the pumps. In the event of pump failure, the stand-by pumps can be used. If the <br /> pipelines break or the collection basin overtops, diking the spill to contain it onsite is the <br /> preferred method. Native soil materials, or even sorbent booms can be used for this task. If the <br /> leak or spill is too large for diking, a small sump may have to be dug by hand and <br /> 55 <br />