REV08531 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

_FEB 05 '97 11~09RM DIViMINERRLS&GEOLOGY ^~ DIVESION OF MINElLA45 AND GEOLOGY Dlplr[men[ of Na[ur31 Resources 7]13 Sherman SL, Room 27.5 nenver, ("ulorarlo 80203 F none:1303) 8663 ~fi: FA)<: (3071832-6106 III IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII P 2,z 999 STATE QF ~OLQRAL~Q NATURAL RESOURCES DATE: January 31, 1997 TO: Dan Mathews FROM: Susan Burgmaier~ RE: Aeserado Mine (C-81-O16) Midterw Review Roy Romer Governor Tames S-Lochhcae Evecud~r Di~ccro. Michael B. Long Division Dlreco0. Per your request, I have reviewed portions of the Deserado Mine permit application in conjunction with your midterm review. I reviewed the description of environment pertauning to surface water, surface water reclatnation plan, and probable hydrologic consequences (PHC) for surface water. I also reviewed the designs for surface water routing and treatment structures. I have the following comments. Based on observations in previous inspections, I questioned the adequacy of designs for surface water routing in the D Portal area. It seemed that there was always a considerable amount of standing water in the area, and ditches tended to be silting in. 1 reviewed the designs, and did not find any fault with them. It is possible, however, that the ditches might not have been constructed as designed- I would suggest we verify the ditches were constructed as designed, or have the operator do it. 2. Xou asked me to look into the drainage plan for runoff' from the median between the access and haul road, adjacent to the a ++++~*ative building. I found Map 19, which I sent to you, ? that shows that drainage being routed to Pond DP-2. V/hen we discussed my finding, you ' mentiened you would check it out in the field. Let me know if you need me to do anything further with this one. 3. Prior to my starting the review, you, Larry, and I discussed problems with the performance of two ponds, I2P-2J3 and }tP-4. We questioned the adequacy of the designs since WFU is having to pump water and haul it to other ponds, use floceulents, etc. to ensure that water leaving the ponds meets effluent standards. You and harry suggested, as part of our midterm review findings, we ask WFIJ to assess the problem and devise a plan to ensure that discharges from the pond meet effluent standards. I think that's a great idea, and would suggest we require WFU to submit a plan that dues not rely on manual dewatering of the ponds as is currently the situation. 4. While reviewing the PHC, I didn't find any discussion of increased salinity of surface water as a result of discharges of mine water. It appears that this has been a problem in the past, as referenced in our 1994 findings document. WFLT should update the PHC to include the probable hydrologic consequence of increased salinity to surface waters. If you or the operator have questions or are in need of additional information, please let me know. S13nt013197