2011-10-11_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M1977215

• Permit No: M1977215
• IBM Index Class Name: GENERAL DOCUMENTS
• Doc Date: 10/11/2011
• Doc Name: Operator's response to Forest Service
• From: Rio Grande Silver, Inc.
• To: USDA Forest Service
• Email Name: RCO
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

i. The SWMP shall clearly describe and locate the practices to be implemented
at the site from all construction site wastes (liquid and solid), including
concrete washout activities.
ii. The practices used for concrete washout must ensure that these activities do
not result in the contribution of pollutants associated with the washing activity
to stormwater runoff.
iii. Part I.D.3.c of the permit authorizes the conditional discharge of concrete
washout water to the ground. The SWMP shall clearly describe and locate
the practices to be used that will ensure that no washout water from concrete
washout activities is discharged from the site as surface runoff or to surface
waters.
RESPONCE: Not applicable. The San Juan Silver Exploration Project will not have concrete
washout activities that are associated with building and /or structure construction work.
8) Groundwater and Storm water Dewaterinq.
i. The SWMP shall clearly describe and locate practices implemented at the
site to control storm water pollution from the dewatering of groundwater or
storm water from excavations, wells, etc.
ii. Part I.D.3.d of the permit authorizes the conditional discharge of construction
dewatering to the ground. For any construction dewatering of groundwater
not authorized under a separate CDPE discharge permit, the SWMP shall
clearly describe and locate the practices to be used that will ensure that no
groundwater from construction dewatering is discharged from the site as
surface runoff or to surface waters.
RESPONSE: There will be no construction dewatering associated with the proposed action.
Underground water encountered during the excavation of the decline will be 1) recycled at the
mine face, 2) used for dust control, or 3) transported to the evaporation /holding pond at TP2 for
eventual evaporation. No groundwater will be discharged from the site. A complete description
of the water handling techniques to be employed at the site is presented in the Plan of Operations
Amendment (2011).
Part 1.C.4 Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) — Contents: Final Stabilization and Long -Term
Storm water Management
a) The SWMP shall clearly describe the practices used to achieve final stabilization of all disturbed
areas at the site, and any planned practices to control pollutants in stormwater discharges that
will occur after the construction operations have been completed at the site.
RESPONSE: RGS will follow the stabilization and reclamation practices set forth in the 2009 Plan
of Operations approved by the Forest Service and the Colorado DRMS. This approved plan
includes concurrent reclamation as and when areas become available for reclamation.
Reclamation practices include regarding, replacing growth medium, seeding, mulching and
stabilization of all disturbed areas. Details of reclamation are set forth in the 2009 Plan of
Operations and The Plan of Operations Amendment (2011).
b) Final stabilization practices for obtaining a vegetative cover shall include, as appropriate: seed
mix selection and application methods; soil preparation and amendments; soil stabilization
practices (e.g., crimped straw, hydro mulch or rolled erosion control products); and appropriate
sediment control BMPs as needed until final stabilization is achieved: etc.
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