2011-11-07_REVISION - M1977410 (4)

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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES Response to Reclamation Permit Amendment Application Consideration DATE: November 7, 2011 TO: Michael A. Cunningham, Environmental Protection Specialist CC: Division 1 Office, District 6 Water Commissioner FROM: Sarah Brucker, P.E. / RE: Cross Gold Mine, File No. M- 1977 -410 Operator: Calais Resources Colorado, Inc. Section 9, Twp 1 South, Rng 73 West, 6th P.M., Boulder County CONDITIONS FOR APPROVAL 4,/e Avdi John W. Hickenlooper Governor Mike King Executive Director Dick Wolfe, P.E. Director /State Engineer The proposed operation does not anticipate exposing ground water. Therefore, exposure of ground water must not occur during or after mining operations. COMMENTS: This is an amendment application to increase the permit area of an existing hard rock mining operation from 2.0 acres to approximately 9.35 acres. The primary commodity to be mined is ore of various metals including gold, silver, lead, zinc and copper. The amendment will provide for surface waste rock disposal resulting from the construction of the Cross Mine Decline portal, a new office /dry facility and a new sewer line and leach field. All other aspects of the mining operation will remain the same. No changes to the use of potable or operational water are proposed as a part of this amendment. There are three existing wells located within the mining area. The well with permit no. 111951 may be used for ordinary household purposes inside one single - family dwelling, and appears to serve the existing cabin. The well with permit no. 111953 may be used for drinking and sanitary purposes inside an individual commercial business, such as the office(s) for the mining operation. The well with permit no. 11655 is also permitted to be used for ordinary household purposes inside one single - family dwelling. Use in a caretaker's residence would be considered to qualify, but use in an office would not. The wells must continue to be used in accordance with their permitted conditions. There are two lined ponds at the site used to treat snow melt and surface runoff that enters the mine prior to discharge to Coon Track Creek. Any storm water /run -off retained in the Tined ponds must be released to the natural stream system within 72 hours or a substitute water supply plan or augmentation plan approved by water court must be obtained. The applicant may contact the State Engineer's Office with any questions. Z. �'J 0 2011 1 Divis cr: of F eciaa:Y at o:', Office of the State Engineer 1313 Sherman Street, Suite 818 • Denver, CO 80203 • Phone: 303 - 866 -3581 • Fax: 303 - 866 -3589 www.water.state.co.us