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It is evident from the chemical formulas of these uranium compounds that there is a lack <br />of sulfides. Consequently, there are no acid forming properties evident in the commonly <br />seen uranium minerals of the Uravan Mineral Belt compared with other sulfide based <br />metal minerals. <br />Since there are reducing conditions in uranium deposits, there is some potential for pyrite <br />deposition but it is not a major component like metal and coal deposits. Another <br />important issue presented by the EPA report is the evaluation of the neutralization of acid <br />by the alkalinity released when the acid reacts with carbonate minerals. According to the <br />EPA, this reaction can be an "important" means of moderating acid production. Salt <br />Wash sandstones are commonly calcareous, meaning that calcium carbonate cements the <br />sand grains together forming sandstones. Any acid produced by pyrite would quickly be <br />neutralized by the waste rock. <br />6.1.2 Quantity <br />Currently the mine is not producing ore and there is no ore onsite. Once mining begins, <br />ore will be temporarily stored onsite for transport to an offsite processing facility. The <br />ore storage pad is located adjacent to the waste rock pile and occupies less than 0.25 <br />acres. Ore will be mined at an approximate rate of 50 -150 tons per day. Ore from the <br />stockpile will be hauled to the mill using a first in, first out system. Once mining ceases, <br />ore will removed from the site within 30 days. <br />Waste rock is placed on the waste rock piles as described in the mining plan. Waste rock <br />is also gobbed underground, to reduce the volume of the external waste rock pile. The <br />waste rock proposed for gobbing underground will not be differentiated from waste rock <br />disposed in the surface facilities. Therefore, the geochemical characterization of waste <br />rock provided above and in section (14) Geochemical Data and Analysis is applicable to <br />waste rock that may be placed underground. After mining is finished, the waste rock pile <br />will be reclaimed as described in Exhibit E Reclamation Plan. <br />6.1.3 Prevention ofAdverse Offsite Impacts <br />6.1.3.1 Stormwater <br />Stormwater will be diverted away from the waste rock pile and ore pad via berms and <br />ditches. Diversion structures have been constructed and maintained, and will be left in <br />place after reclamation in order to discourage runoff from coming in contact with either <br />the waste rock pile or the ore pad area. Currently, berms, diversion ditches, and retention <br />ponds are constructed to route offsite runoff around the site or capture onsite runoff in <br />retention ponds. Cotter understands the importance maintaining all stormwater control <br />structures regardless of any other activities onsite. A drainage design plan with complete <br />descriptions of Stormwater BMPs is provided in Appendix II. <br />O'Connor Design Group Inc. U - 9 <br />