2012-10-25_INSPECTION - M1984094

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OBSERVATIONS PERMIT #: M- 1984 -094 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: MAC INSPECTION DATE: September 12, 2012 The inspection was conducted by Michael Cunningham of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division). Michael Pfister of Sandborn Sand and Gravel was also present for the inspection. The Gloria Z Mine is located approximately one mile northwest of Fairplay, CO on the west side of the Middle Fork South Platte River. The site is permitted for 30.5 acres and the post- mining land use is rangeland and developed water resource. This inspection was conducted as a follow up to a citizen complaint from Mr. Todd Sullivan, an adjacent landowner. The Division visited Mr. Sullivan's residential property located approximately 1,200 feet from the Gloria Z Mine on August 30, 2012 and observed that the water from the household faucet had a brown /red tint. Following the visit to Mr. Sullivan's property, the Division conducted an inspection of the Gloria Z Mine and found that the Operator was diverting water from the wash pond into an area of exposed groundwater located along the southern permit boundary. The purpose of this inspection was to collect water samples from Mr. Sullivan's well and from the area of exposed groundwater at the Gloria Z Mine in order to determine if activities at the mine are impacting the quality of water in Mr. Sullivan's well. Pursuant to Construction Materials Rule 3.1.6, Operator's have a responsibility to minimize disturbances to the prevailing hydrologic balance of the affected land and of the surrounding area and to the quantity or quality of water in surface and groundwater systems. The Division collected a groundwater sample from Mr. Sullivan's residence at 9:OOam. Mr. Sullivan's domestic well was capped; therefore, the sample was collected from the bathtub faucet. The Division measured pH, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity of the water sample using portable Hanna meters. The results were as follows: pH = 7.1, TDS = 141ppm, EC = 282 µs /cm, temperature = 47.5° F. All of the measured parameters were found to be within the normal range for drinking water. The tap water was allowed to run for approximately 10 minutes, during which time the water was periodically collected in a sample cup to observe water clarity. The Division did not observe any discoloration to the water, the water appeared normal in both color and clarity. Following the collection of a water sample from Mr. Sullivan's well, the Division proceeded to the Gloria Z Mine. The sample was collected at 9:40am from the area of exposed groundwater near the southern permit boundary. The Division measured pH, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity of the water sample using portable Hanna meters. The results were as follows: pH = 6.8, TDS = 176ppm, EC = 345 us /cm, temperature = 44° F. All of the measured parameters were found to be within the normal range for groundwater. At the time the sample was collected there was a light rain. In addition, the Operator was diverting water from the wash pond into the area were the groundwater sample was collected; the inflow rate was approximately 100gpm. The water samples were immediately placed into a cooler with ice packs following sample collection and were delivered to Accutest Laboratories at 2:15pm. The samples were analyzed for total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, total iron, total manganese, and total copper. These parameters were chosen because one of the most common causes of water is discoloration is due to the presence of minerals. If groundwater has low oxygen concentrations, iron and manganese can dissolve in the water. When the water is pumped from the well it encounters oxygen and the iron and manganese precipitate as small particles of iron hydroxide and /or manganese hydroxide minerals. Page 2 of 3