1993-03-22_REVISION - M1977378 (2)

Home Browse Search

TR 14 Submittal Page Two Goal - Cont The proposed goal is to install tunnel bulkheads to impound groundwater within the Sunnyside Mine in order to eliminate flow from the Sunnyside Mine property to surface down the tunnels , to restore an approximation of pre-Sunnyside Mine hydrologic conditions and eliminate the need for perpetual water treatment. The conceptual plan does not address the fact that Sunnyside Gold Corporation only has an easement for usage of the American Tunnel and does not own the portal or land the tunnel passes through thereby the right to plug the portal is highly questionable. This was discussed in our 6/26/92 meeting. In addition, near portal plugs would not be below the near surface fracture system. Any plugs in this zone would not impound water within the underground workings to allow an approximation of pre-mine hydrologic conditions. It would just by-pass the plug through the fracture system in the portal area and not improve in quality by producing a flooded or reducing atmosphere within the mine. The proposed site location close to the Sunnyside Gold property line will more nearly produce the goal stated in the conceptual plan for waters originating from Sunnyside Gold property. No action is proposed for the American Tunnel not owned by Sunnyside Gold or water originating from this section of tunnel. Location The conceptual plan is vague other than specifying that ground cover will be adequate to prevent hydrofracturing. There are only two plugs identified. This plan identifies four sites requiring plugs to effectively block all mine related pathways to the surface between the American Tunnel Level (10 , 580 ' ) and the Lake Emma drainage ditch (12, 210 ' ) . The F-Level and B-Level Brenneman plugs will be located along drift connections to the Brenneman/Mogul Mine and eventually to surface. The Terry Tunnel plug will be approximately 3800 feet from the portal and the American Tunnel plug will be approximately 7950 feet from the portal . All sites were selected based on the following: 1) Suitable site locations were based on rock competency, lack of faulting, tightness (ie. lack of seepage) , roughness (to provide suitable shear resistance) and size. 2) The closest suitable site to the main Sunnyside Mine workings was selected in each case. This will maximize high resistance flow path distances to surface and provide additional overburden cover to provide additional protection against hydrofracturing.