Laserfiche WebLink
The uranium ore stockpile in its current location is considered a hazardous condition that has the <br />potential for adverse impacts to persons, property, and / or the environment. The uranium material <br />itself is classified as a toxic material and subject to the requirements of DMO per C.R.S. 34-32-103(3.5) <br />(III). The lack of environmental controls of the stockpile area allows a potential for uranium to affect off <br />site areas. The Division is requiring Cotter to eliminate the stockpile to reduce further potential impacts. <br />Cotter must remove the stockpile within 90 days of the date of the October 21, 2010 letter. Cotter must <br />put the material back in the mine at a location not susceptible to groundwater interaction or ship the <br />ore off-site to a mill or other approved location by January 19, 2011. <br />Pursuant to C.R.S. 34-32-103 (3.5) (III) and Rule 7.1.2 all uranium mines are Designated Mining <br />Operations, therefore the JD-8 Mine is a DMO. In addition, the existence of a toxic material on site <br />creates a condition that requires Cotter to submit the required Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) for <br />a DMO. The EPP must be submitted Per Rule 7.1.3(2) as an amendment to the permit and address the <br />requirements of Rule 6.4.21. The Division notes that many portions of the permit are dated and will <br />require updating of all mining and reclamation plans, and new corresponding maps. Pursuant to the <br />timeline established in Rule 7 2 3 (2) the EPP must be submitted within 180 days of the October 21, <br />2010 notice letter, which is April 19, 2011. <br />Staff hopes this clears up any confusion regarding the compliance dates. As noted in the October 21, <br />2010 letter, if Cotter has any issues with the above required timeline it must contact staff immediately. <br />Otherwise it will be assumed that the requirements are understood and will be met. Please note that <br />failure to comply with any of the required actions may result in the Division scheduling an enforcement <br />hearing before the Mined Land Reclamation Board. At that time the Division can request corrective <br />actions, civil penalties, and a cease and desist order. <br />If you need additional information please contact me at the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, <br />Grand Junction Field Office, 101 S. 3rd St., Suite 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, or by telephone <br />no. 970.241.1117. <br />Sincerely, <br />G. Russell Means <br />Environmental Protection Specialist II <br />Cc: David Berry, Mineral Program Supervisor <br />Cc: Jeff Fugate, Mineral Program Attorney General Consul <br />Cc: Steve Shuey, Senior Environmental Protection Specialist, West Team Supervisor <br />Cc: Ed Cotter, Department of Energy / Stoller