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approximately 4,000 feet back from the hydraulic plug where it drains into the <br />existing workings to the 9236 foot elevation mine pool. <br />The new 9400 Level decline is designed so that no water will discharge at a 1% <br />downward gradient toward the surface. The water will be collected from the <br />working face and pumped to the temporary holding pond #1. The holding ponds <br />are designed to handle the maximum amount of water expected, which was derived <br />from known historic inflow rates to Homestake's 9360 Level incline at the <br />formational contact. Although the holding ponds are adequately sized to accept the <br />flow rates, all practical attempts will be made to seal off groundwater that is <br />encountered by pressure grouting, thus keeping the water in the rock. Once the <br />new decline is connected to the existing workings, any water encountered will <br />return to the mine pool by the same path described above. <br />In reference to hydrologic issues of surface and groundwater (Hard Rock/Metal <br />Rules 3.1.6, 3.1.7 and 6.4.7), it is reasonable to expect that the construction of the <br />9400 Level decline will not have an adverse effect on groundwater quality, in <br />particular: <br />a- Any meteoric water that cannot be sealed off during the construction of <br />the decline will be routed from holding pond #1 to holding pond #2, <br />where it will be evaporated; <br />b- There will be no uncontrolled discharge from the portal of the decline. <br />Water encountered in the new decline will be managed through a system <br />of underground sumps and the surface holding ponds (holding ponds #1 <br />and #2); <br />c- Management of the water from the new decline <br />will be temporary (less than one year) as once the decline is <br />connected to the existing mine workings, any water encountered will <br />flow back to the mine pool as it does currently. <br />Regarding the construction of the two separate temporary holding ponds, it is <br />stated in the Second Adequacy Review Letter that the Technical Specifications <br />developed by Stephen W. Rogers Consulting & Engineering, P.C. (SWRCE) <br />include sufficient detail to ensure that there will be adequate oversight and <br />reporting of each step in the earthwork and liner deployment to meet the <br />requirements in the Hard Rock/Metal Rule 6.5 and 7. <br />There has been a slight change in the configuration of the berm of Pond #2. The <br />modified plan for construction of the berm and the liner installation will be <br />112 East 12 Street P.O. Box 610 Creede, CO 81130 <br />719 - 658 -1080 Fax 719 - 658 -1082 <br />