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TR -18 to Permit M- 1977 -342 <br />Environmental Protection Plan <br />Sodium hydroxide is used in the mill circuit to neutralize waters in the lead leach process and to <br />make Nokes reagent for use in the flotation process. It is a strong corrosive alkali that can affect <br />the human body through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. Effects can vary from mild <br />irritations to destructive burns (internally or externally) depending upon the type, degree, and <br />length of exposure. Severe exposures, particularly those resulting from ingestion, may lead to <br />death. <br />In the presence of acidic conditions such as acid rock drainage or acid mine drainage, sodium <br />hydroxide reacts as an acid neutralizer and buffer. It is used to raise the pH of acidic waters and <br />soils. Should sodium hydroxide be delivered directly into a non - process water or a non - acidic <br />water environment, it would cause short-term impacts to aquatic communities by raising the <br />system pH to potentially intolerably high levels. Direct long -term impacts would be negligible <br />to non - existent since sodium hydroxide does not bio- accumulate. However, at high pH levels, <br />several metals (e.g. aluminum) increase in concentration and can cause indirect long -term <br />impacts. <br />Hydrochloric acid is used in the mill circuit in the lead leaching process. It is an acidic corrosive <br />that can affect the human body through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. It is corrosive <br />to any tissue with which it contacts. Effects can vary from mild irritations to severe burns <br />(internally or externally) depending upon the type, degree, and length of exposure. Repeated <br />chronic exposure to dilute solutions may cause dermal irritations, whereas similar exposure to <br />vapors or mists may cause erosion of teeth and inflammation of the eyes and mucus membranes <br />of the nose, throat, and lungs. <br />Hydrochloric acid is acid forming in aquatic and terrestrial environments. It can be neutralized <br />with the application of alkaline materials. <br />Cytec OrePrep F -579 (or equivalent) is utilized in the mill circuit as a flotation frother. It is a <br />non - hazardous mixed polyglycol. Direct contact with this material may cause mild eye and skin <br />irritation. OrePrep F -579 is a stable product that is completely miscible with water. It is not <br />considered an environmental hazard. It does not contain OSHA regulated (hazardous) <br />components. <br />Orform D8 Depressant (or equivalent) is a mineral processing aide that is used in the mill circuit <br />to suppress other metals in the flotation process. This is a corrosive material that causes eye and <br />skin damage. The vapor is combustible and may cause respiratory tract irritation if inhaled. The <br />material can be harmful or fatal if swallowed. <br />Pine Oil is composed of terpene alcohols and hydrocarbons and is used in the mill circuit as a <br />frother reagent. In humans, it may cause skin and eye irritation and may be harmful if ingested <br />or inhaled. However, it is neither characteristically hazardous nor listed as hazardous under <br />federal regulations. Pine oil is stable and non - persistent in the environment. <br />Collector Oil (Vapor Oil - Calumet Hydrocal 60 or equivalent; Diesel #2 may be used as a <br />backup) is a light naphthenic petroleum oil which is used in the mill circuit as a collector /rougher <br />reagent. It is non - hazardous and practically non -toxic through dermal or ingestion pathways. In <br />the environment, this reagent is stable. It should be treated similar to any petroleum product <br />should spills or releases occur. <br />Diesel fuel #2 is a combustible petroleum distillate commonly used as a heating fuel. At the <br />Henderson Mill, it may be used as a collector reagent in the milling process in place of vapor oil. <br />Climax Molybdenum Company <br />Henderson Operations <br />October, 2012 <br />Page 10 of 40 <br />