2011-03-14_REVISION - M1977493 (49)

Home Browse Search

CM0001463 Climax Mine - Robinson Lake Pump Station Replacement Eagle County 1041 Application Submittal • certifications for the existing dam structure. In addition, the design of this project avoids wetlands and sensitive areas. As no federal permits are required for the replacement of the pump station, an EA or EIS is not being generated. The Robinson Lake Pump Station is a private system used to recycle water within the overall water management and environmental protection system of the Climax site. Climax operations within the Eagle River drainage basin include industrial and domestic water circuits, and facilities for water collection and storage. Climax does not discharge any process waters to the Eagle River drainage, and therefore, does not carry a CDPS permit for this basin. A Site Map indicating the location of affected water sources, pump stations, and water conveyance structures is included in Attachment C. The Robinson Lake Pump Station allows for the recycling and re-use of water from the tailing impoundments. Water will be pumped to the mill for use as process water in the milling circuit and the pump station serves a secondary role to provide flexibility in water routing within the Climax water treatment system. Process water recharge into Robinson Lake is accomplished by transferring water from the Tenmile and Mayflower ponds via the Tenmile Tunnel. Robinson Lake captures impacted water flowing as a seep from the toe of 1 Dam, seepage from the Robinson Lake Dam and seepage from the Eagle Park Reservoir Dam (4 Dam). A schematic depicting the features of the process water system is also included in Attachment C. In 1998 Climax sought and obtained approval of a 1041 permit from Eagle County for the use of the • Eagle Park Reservoir for storage of water to be released as a supplemental source for municipal and snowmaking water supplies, and general augmentation purposes in the Eagle River basin. This project also included the construction of a pump station on the East Fork of the Eagle River to deliver water to the Eagle Park Reservoir. An Environmental Evaluation Report was prepared in 1998 for the Eagle Park Reservoir, pump station, and pipeline project, and submitted to Eagle County in support of the 1041 permit application. This evaluation considered site conditions and impacts relative to aquatic habitats, marshlands and wetlands, groundwater recharge areas, steeply sloping or unstable terrain, forests and woodlands, critical wildlife habitats, big game migratory routes, (elk) calving grounds, migratory (waterfowl) ponds, nesting areas and habitats of rare and endangered species, public outdoor recreation areas, and unique areas of geologic, historic, or archaeological importance. As indicated on Figure 1, Eagle Park Reservoir is located in the same general area as the Robinson Lake Pump Station. As indicated on Figure 3, which depicts aerial photography of the Eagle Park Reservoir and Robinson Lake Area, the East Fork Pump Station is located in a subalpine forest setting while the Robinson Lake facilities are located adjacent to existing facilities within more sparsely vegetated areas previously disturbed by mining operations and industrial activity. In addition the alignment of the pipeline has been designed so that no new disturbances of land will occur. Findings of the 1998 Eagle Park Reservoir Environmental Evaluation Report, relevant to the Robinson Lake Pump Station Replacement • 9