2011-03-14_REVISION - M1977493 (48)

Home Browse Search

Permit Amendment (AM-06) - Climax Mine CM0000078 All of these water sources receive first-stage treatment in either the SDP or the Tenmile TSF water pool, or • both. The first-stage effluent from the Tenmile TSF water pool is decanted into the Tenmile Tunnel through the Tenmile Decant and delivered to Mayflower TSF. The bulkhead inside the Tenmile Tunnel can also be configured to direct water toward Robinson Lake. These valves, however, are normally closed during periods when water is not needed for mine production. The high density sludge generated at the SDP is delivered to the Sludge Disposal Cell located on Tenmile TSF. The influent to Mayflower TSF is dosed with hydrated lime just below 3 Dam to raise the pH to approximately 9.5. This water then flows into the water pool on Mayflower TSF, which acts as the second-stage clarifier. Effluent from the pond is decanted from the pool through the Mayflower Decant system, neutralized with sulfuric acid, and discharged to Tenmile Creek downstream of 5 Dam. The annual volume of water that is treated at the Climax Mine has averaged approximately 8,100 acre-feet from 1998 to 2007. Peak flows through the system are typically in the 20,000 gallons per minute (gpm) range, but vary significantly depending upon climatic conditions. G-2.6 Domestic Water Systems A reliable source of domestic water is currently required in the mill area buildings and in the process water treatment system. The existing system is shown on Figure AM-06-G-01. A schematic representation of the system is included on Figure AM-06-G-08. The domestic water supply, storage, and delivery systems are generally maintained separately from the process water systems. Potable water treatment is performed at the site and is supplemented by supplied bottled water. The primary facilities associated with the domestic water system include the Arkansas Well, Buffehrs Lake and Pump Station, Chalk Mountain Reservoir and Pump Station, the Domestic Water Treatment Plant, and the McNulty Well. G-2.6.1 Arkansas Well The Arkansas Well is located in the Arkansas River basin and pumps water from the Arkansas River to the Domestic Water Treatment Plant. The Arkansas Well is the primary source of domestic water at the site. G-2.6.2 Buffehrs Lake Buffehrs Lake is a domestic water storage facility with a capacity of approximately 100 acre-feet. A pump station at the lake can deliver water to the Lime Station and SDP for use in the process water treatment system or to the Domestic Water Treatment System. Fresh water inflows from the small drainage basin tributary to the lake provide an additional source of domestic water in the system. G-2.6.3 Chalk Mountain Reservoir Chalk Mountain Reservoir is a domestic water storage facility with a capacity of approximately 200 acre-feet. A pump station at the reservoir can deliver water to Buffehrs Lake or to the Domestic Water Treatment System. Fresh water inflows from the small drainage basin tributary to the reservoir provide an additional source of domestic water in the system. G-2.6.4 Domestic Water Treatment Plant The Domestic Water Treatment Plant is currently not being operated to treat water. However, the facility serves as a distribution center within the domestic water system. Transfer pumps located in the plant are used to deliver water from the various sources up to the Domestic Water Storage Tank located on the hillside above the mill area. There are package water treatment systems in operation at 3-Mill and the SDP to provide potable water to these facilities. These two systems are permitted through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). • Exhibit G G-5 May 2010