ML18299A299
| ML18299A299 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 10/24/2018 |
| From: | NRC/OCIO |
| To: | |
| References | |
| FOIA, NRC-2018-000523 | |
| Download: ML18299A299 (792) | |
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~t ,u.. - eaflmD91ata1 DML R/P JPelton, DR APR 2 i 1972 HShapar, OGC LRogP.rs, DREP SSm:J.ley, DML CEdwards, DML DHarmon, DML JYore, ASLAB (1029-H)
JMalaro, DML DTIE - T. W. Laughlin JShafer, DML NSIC - J, R. Buchanan St. Health Di rector, DRL u* i. 011. , a.f1111n, Mlaarale DepartMat
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Director, DRS Director, CO (a) R. Catlin, OEA {a-170) P. o. lox 2180 SLevine, OEA. Houataa, r.... 77~01 HPennington I GN Clare Niles, OIS t'h* At.CJlll.c lnarr, Collltqtoa bu t*aued a Draft Detail*d State*nt on er,irew11tal cenetclenttou mated to the prvpoeed bauance of a Ucaaa* for th* llipl.ad Ural* 11111. A copJ of the *tata-t dated April 5, 1972, b encl*** for yo11r *** Alao au:lN*d ia a copy of a 11otlc11 vhlch bu beea tr911811ltted to th* Office of th* Fat'al lla&i*t*r ~or p*11cat:lon. ( Stacenl:,,
- c. r. Ulrarda Aa*l*tant to th* Director Dtvialoo of Material.a Llc.-lns lac.loeurut
- 1. Draft DetaUed Steh*Rt
- 2. JNaral ~R*f!r lotiea J. Buml,le's li-10-72 ltr. re Lailin~s
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ATOMIC ENERGY -COMMISSION (Pocket No. 40-8102) HU!iBLE OIL & REFINING COMPANY NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF DRAFT DETAILED STATEMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSlDERATlONS Pursuant t.o the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the regulations of the Atomic Energy r.oauniss1on (the Conuoission) in 10 CFR Part SO, Appendix D, notice is hereby given that a draft detailed statement date~ April 5, 1972, on the environmental considerations related to the prop~sed issuance of a license for the Highland Uranium Mill located in Converse County, Wyoming has been prepared and has been 111ade available for public inspection in the Commission's Public Document at 1717 H Street, N.W., Washingtont D. C. and in the Converse County Library, Douglas, Wyoming 82633. The draft detailed statement is also being made available to the public at the Wyoming State Clearinghouse, State Planning Coordinator. Office of the Governor, Capitol Bulldingt Cheyenne, Wyouaing. A notice was published in the FEDERAL R£G1STER on November 5, 1971 (36 F.R. 21298), concerning the availability of Humble 011 and Refining Company's environmental report for public inspection at the above designated locations. Notice of availability of the supplemental report was published in the FEDERAL REGISTElt*Harch 11, 1972 (27 F.R. S265). These reports have been analyzed by the Commission' e Division of Material& Licensing in the
preparation of the draft detailed statement. Copies of the Commission's draft detailed etatem(*nt may be obtained upon request addressed to the U. s. Atomic Energy Commission, Washington. D. C, 20545, Attention: Director, Division of Materials Licensing. Pursuant to Appendix D to 10 CFR Part so. interested persons may, within seventy-five (75) days from date of publication of t:hi.s notice in the FEDERAL REGISTER, submit comments on the draft detailed statement for the Commission's cons~deration, Federal agencies and State and local officials are being provided with copies of the draft detailed statement. Such comments as may be received from Federal agencies* and State and local officials will be made available fer public inspection at the above designated locations, Members of the public sh'>uld a.Jdres& comments on the draft detailed statement to the U.S. Atomic Energy Col'lllllission. Washington,
- n. C. 20545, Attention: Director. Division of Materials Licensing.
Dated at Bethesda, Maryland, this ~~---'/,:,<
~i_______ day of April, 1972.
FOR THE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION Drigina1 Signed by
- c. T. Edwards
- c. T. Edwards Assistant to the Direr.tor Division of Materials Licensing
/
BE~'l' AVMIABLE COl'Y
DM[l' DETAILED STATEMENT ON THE ENVI1l0NM£NTAL CONSIDERATIONS BY THE U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY Cc>>tfISSlON DIVISION OF MATERIALS LlCENSIJ!t"" RELATED TO THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF AN OPERATING LICENSE TO HUMBLE OIL AND REFINING COMPANY
!Q.R THB HIGHLAND URANIUM MILL DOCKET Nn. 40-8102
.rite ev.
April .5, 1972
* - .* - --- --*--* ............. "'t',i;;'"a".1.111 .1..1.\;1:1un: t.o nwno1e uu. ana Ketining Company for the operation of an uranium mill in the Highland Flats area of Converse County, State of Wyoming. This ls an administrative action,
- 2. The Highland Uranium Mill is a conventional acid-leach, so: ent-extraction uranium ore processing plant with a capacity of about 2000 tons of ore per day. Although the present licensing action does not extend to mining, this Statement considers the environmental impact of the combined mit:ing and milling project to be conducted by Humble Oil and Refining Company~
- 3. The environmental impact, including adverse and beneficial environ-mental effect&, of the Highland Uranium Mill is as follows:
, Temporary (12-14 years) reassignment of use of about 3200 acres (1500 are fenced) of land normally used for sheep grazing .
. The extraction and recovery of approximately 32 million pounds of uraniwu concentrates which will eventually be used to pro-duce approximatelr 1.2 - 1.4 x 10 7 megawatt days of electricity *
- A change in the local topography invo:.ving about 600 acres and 120 million cubic yards of earth as overburden removal from open-pit mining. Following reclamation and restoration, this change vill probably be unnoticeable except for two small lakes of 50 acres each which will be created *
- Rem.oval and subsequent release back into the environment of approximate!y 500 - 1500 gallons per minute of local ground water,
- Stimulation of the local economy through taxes and direct employment of about 170 r,ersons in Converse County over the next 12-14 years.
- The creation of a stabilized tailings pile covering about 250 acres and involving 11 million tons of tailings containing solidified waste cheadcals and low concentrations of radioactive uranium and its*daughter products.
1 BE~1 AVMIABtE COPY
into tne 1oca1 env1rone.
, A temporary (12*14 years) adverse aesthetic impact on the local area from open-pit mining.
4, The following alternatives to the Highland Uranium Project were considered:
- Construction of the mill at an alternate aite *
- Underground mining rather than open-pit mining *
- Construction of the tailin11 retention system at an alternate location at the Highland aite.
, Alternate equipment and operating procedures.
, Use of alternate mill process. *
- Transporting and milling the ore at an alternate mill.
- 5. The following Federal, State and local ase.nciee have been requeeted to co11111ent on this Draft Detailed Environmental Statement:
Council on Environmental Quality Dep~rtment of Transportation Department of Comnerce Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Department of Army Federal Power Commiaeion Department of the Interior Department of Agriculture Department of Housing and Urban Development Environmental Protection Agency State Department of Public Health, Wyoming State Department of Labor and Statistics, Wyoming Converse County Conmisaion. Wyoming The date on which this Draft Detailed Environmental Statement is being made available to the public, to the Council on Environmental Quality, and to the other agencies noted above is Ill 2 5 1972 ,
sumury Foreword *...... , *.* ~ ... , . , ....... , ...... , . , . . * . . . . . . . . . . * . . . . . . . . v I.
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Introduction ................................................... 1 lI. Site ....................................................... 3 A, Location B. le9ion1l Damography and Land Uae I I I I
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*i*************** I., I I I I I I 14 IV. Environmental Impact of the Proposed Act ion . ........... .. ' ' 18 A. General ***************
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- I I t I t I I 20 D. Environmental Concentrations and Effect on Loc&l Biota .. * **** **
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Pa,e V. Advene iff acta Which Cannot Be Avoided ************* , ** , , ,
- 30 VI, R1lation1hip a.tween Short-Term Uses of the Environment and Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-Term Productivity. 31 VII. lrr1v1raible and Irretrievable Commitments of Re1ource1 **** 32 VIII. Alternatives To The Proposed Action **.*****.********.****** 33 IX. Benefit-Cost Analy1i11 *** , ** , ** , , ************ , **** , ***** , , *
- 35 A,. Benef.it1 .*.*.* ,,,,.,, **.* *.........*.*.*.....*...**..... 35 B, Coat 1 , , * * * * * * * . , , * . *.* , * , * , . . . , , * * * * * * * . * . * * ******.**** ,
C, Benefit-Cost Balance ......... ...... ................. . 3736
Pia l Wyoming State Map and Location of Site .............. .... , 5 Fi& 2 General Area.Details *.**************************.******.. 6 Pig 3 General Mill Area Detaila *.**.*******.********.*.****. , * . 7 Fia 4 Mine and Mill Area .**..**.***.** ' , , *.*.*..* , , ***. , **** , * *
- 8 Fi& 5 Final Mine Area * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
- 13 Fi& 6 General Plot Plan * * * * * * * * * * . * * * * * * * * * * * * * . * * * * * . * * * * . * * *
- 15 Fig 7 Appearance of Mill Buildings ******************* ; ********* 1~
Fi& 8 Proce11 Flow Sheet **** , ****.********** , * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
- 17 Fia 9 Final Mine Pit . , ..* , , **.**.*.*****.***...****.* , ****** , *
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Table I List of Regulatory Approvals and Permits ............. 2 Table 11 Population Data of Area *.****.*.*..**.*...**.******.. 4 Table Ill Water Quality Data ********.* , * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
- 10 Table IV Air Effluent Standard, *************************.***** 22 Table V Airborne R1leaeee of Radioactive Materials *****.***** 22 1
IIE~'l AV1ll~Ultl! tOPY
Thia draft detailed statement on environmental considerations aa1ociated with the proposed issuance of an operating license for the Highland Uranium Mill (Docket No. 40-8102) to HWPble Oil and Refining Company (applicant) has been prepared by the Division of Materials Licen1ing (the staff) of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in accordance with the AEC's regulation revised 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix D1 implementins the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Thia statement is based in part on information available in the Humble 011 and Refining Company Environmental Report, dated July 1971,
- nd its Supplement, dated January 1972, Additional information is con-tained in the applicant'* license application dated August 12, 1971.
Copies of these documents are available in the AEC Public Document Room, 1717 H Street, N.W., Washington, D. C. 20006; the Wyoming State Clearing-house, Capitol Building, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001; and the Converse County Library, Douglas, Wyoming 82633. This Statement represents an independent evaluation of the applicant's proposed activities b),* the AEC Staff. Independent calculations were made and used as the basis for the AEC's assessment of th~ environmental impact. In addition, information was gained from consultants in various disci-plines connected with the environmental evaluation. The applicant must comply with all applicable requirements of Section 2l(b) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, under terms of the operating license to be issued by the Couanission. Thb license will contain a condition to the effect that the applicant shall observe such standards and requirements for the protection of the environment as are validly imposed pursuant to authority established under Federal and State law and as are determined by the Commission to be applicable to the facility covered by the operating license.
Exploration by the Humble OU* and Refining Company led to the discovery of a aignificant uranium bearing ore body in the Highland Plat, area of Converse County. Wyoming. in 1968. Based on the antici-pated damanda for uranium in the nuclear power industry (over the next 14 years, the demand for uranium mill concentrates is expected to increase from 6900 tons in 1971 to 59 1 300 tons by 1985) 1 Humble Oil and Ref1n1ng Company initiated a mining and milling project Jn 1970 consisting of an open-pit mine and a 2000 ton per day mill. Mining activities commenced in 1970 and ~ill start-UJ* .lh scheduled for September 1972. Under the Atomic Energy Commission's regulation, 10 CFR Part 40, an AEC license is required in order to mill ores containing 0.05% or more of uraniU1D, Moreover. Appendix D of the Commission's regulation, 10 CFR Part 50, provides for the preparation of a Detailed Environmental. state-ment purel.lant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 prior to the i1ausnce of an AEC license to authori2e uranium milling. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 became effective on January 1, 1970. Pursuant to Section I02(2)(c) of that Act 1 Federal agenciea must include, in every major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, a detailed statement by the responsible official on:
- 1. The envfrorunental impact of the proposed action; 2, Any adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented;
- 3. Alternatives to the proposed action;
- 4. The relationship between local short-term uses of man's environ-ment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity;
- 5. Any irreversible and irretrievable connnitments of resources which would be involved in the proposed action should it be implemented.
By application dated August 12. 1971, Humble Oil and Refining Company applied for an A.EC Source Material License to authorize uranium milling activities at the applicant's proposed Highland Uranium Mill (HUM) presently under construction. In conjunction with the application for license. the applicant filed an environmental report (supplemented January 1972) 1 Statistical Data of the Uranium Industry, U. s. Atomic Energy Commission. January 1, 1971. BEST AVJIIIJBLE CUPY
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Converse County, Wyomin&." dated July 1971. This rt-port discusses the known and potential environmental impact associated with the proposed mining and milling acttvlti~s to be conducted by the applicant. AEC regulations do not require mtnfng activities to be licensed-by the Comai1ston, However, for the purpose of this detailed statement. the combined env1 ronmental impact from both the mining and milling activities Is considered since they are interrelated. Additional applications, approvals.and regulatory requirements for the Highland Uranium Project ,tre listed Jn Table l. Table l List of Regulatory Approvals and Permits ~nment Agency Tm or APJ?lJcation Q!!.!__~Approval Wyuming Department of Health Embankment Retention April 29, 1971 and Social Services System Wyoming Department of Health Sewage Disposal September 8, 1970 and Social Services System Wyoming Department of Health Air Quality Act None required and Social Services Wyoming Department of Heal th Water Quality Act None required and Social Services Wyoming Land Commission Open Cut Land August 3, 1970 R.eclametion Act Wyoming State Engineer Water Use Permits April 22, 1969 and June 27, 1969 Wyoming State Engineer Diversion Dams around June 18, 1971 Tailings Pond
A. LOCATION The HUM is located in Converse County in eastern Wyoming (Fig. 1). The 1ite 11 approximately 75 miles west of the conmen point on the Wyoming - South Dakota - Nebraska borders and about mid-state in the north*1outh direction. It is about 130 air miles to Montana on the north ind 140 miles to Colorado on the south. Th, neareat major city. Casper, is about 50 air miles west-southwest. Douglaa and Glenrock are incorporated towns located about 24 miles south-1outhea1t and 1outhweat, respectively (Fig, 2), The settlement of Orpha ii about 15 ~iles south, and the settlement of Bill is located about 18 milei northeaat, The site may be reached from Highway 26 via the Orpha-Rois lload near Douglas or via the Glenrock Road near Glenrock, The Highland uranium mill anJ mine are located at an elevation of 5300 feet above sea level within an exclusion area of 320*0 acres owned or controlled through long-term leases by the applicant (Fig. 3). Within thie area. a 1SOO acre site. on which the mine and mill are located. is fenced with sheep*t1.ght feoce (Fig, 4). The site topography is typical of eastern Wyoming plains with moderate elevation changes. i.e ** the topography of the vicinity is characterized by rolling hills and valleys. Elevation differences of 300 feet are present within 2 to 3 mile distances. Local slopes are 20 to 50 percent, B, M_GI~AL DEMOGRAPHY AND LAND USE
- 1. Populatici,n The area surroundins the Highland mill and mine is sparsely p~pulated, There are only two residences within a five mile radius of the mill. the nearest being 2,9 miles to the northeast. Population data for the area are shown in Table 2. The average population for Converse County, excluding the towns of Douglaa end Glenrock. is 0,4 persons per square mile. For the 113 square mile area around the site shown in Figura 3, the population de.nsi.ty is between 0.00 and 0.04 persons per square mile, depending upon the season of the year.
POPULATION DATA Gain or (Losa) %Gain Actual Data I 1970 From 1960 or (Lope) Casper 39,361 431 1.1 Converse County 5,938 (428) (6. 7) Douglas 2,677 045) (5.1) Glenrock 1,515 (69) (4. 4) . Converse County less Douglas and Glenrock 1,746 (214) (10, 9) The F2,lJ....owing are Eati~&t,!s: Orpha 15 Bill l Vollman Ranch 2 (part time)* Fowler Ranch 2 (part time) 2, Land Use Prior to the present activities in the area undertaken by the appUcant, the only use of the land within a five mile radius of the site was sheep ranching and limited hunting. Several miles to the south of the site, limited farmtna activities are conducted on land irrigated by surface and ground water from the North Platte River drainage system. The production of oil and coal near Glenrock and natural gaa near Shawnee east of Douglas conatitutea the major utilization of land ia~the nearby vicinity of the site, Ul!~'I' AVAIUHU! COPY
SEE ffCUIE-l FDR CEIEIAL AIEA DUAi 0
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The nearest historic landmark listed in the National Register of Hiatorlc Sites is Fort Fetterman about 15 miles south of the Highland lite. The Glenrock Buffalo Jump. about two miles west of the Glenrock Interchange on I-25. is about 30 miles southwest of the Highland site. Neither landmark will be affected by the HUM. DI HYDROLOGY 1, Surfrce Waters The local ourface drainage ares of the Highland site is about )Q .. square miles and is to the east of the site through the Bcx-Lightning-Lance Creek system into the Cheyenne River, a distance of about 70 miles. Becauae of the low precipitation in the area, the Box-Lightning-Lance Creek system does not constitute a continuously flowing system at any time during the year. The North Platte River, the only continuously flowi"g stream in the area, is 15 miles to the south ~f the site, Because of the local topography, surface drainage from the HUM does not reach the North Platte River. 2, Groundwater Ground water is present in the sand beds underlying the HUM and local area, Since there are no reliable sources of surface water at the HUM sitet process and potable water will be obtained from subsurface deposita. Apprcximately 500 - 1500 gallons per minute of water will be pumped from the ground around the mine, as the ore at the H1.JM is below the water table. The quality of the local subsurface water (which is potable) is shown in Table J.
Table 3. Water Quality Data Contaminate Concentration Uranium 1-100 part& per billion Areen1c <O.OS parts per million Selenium <0.02 parts pEr million Iona 4.5 - 20 meq/1 pH 6.2 - 8.0
-10 .
- Radium 22~ 4.2 x 10 uCi/ml Thorium 230 9.9 x.10-8 µCi/ml E, GEOLOGY The s1 te is located at the eastern edge of a topographically high area known as Highland Flats. The outcrops of this area are composed of Tertiary rocks. from the Wasatch formation. Underneath the Wasatch formation is the lower Fort Union Formation of the Paleocene Epoch (this formation is also present at the surface in some sections of the HUM area) which ia estimated to be 2000 feet thick. It is characterized by sharp facles changes caused by channel sand deposits which have been incised into the finer grain elastics. Typically, it is a fine~grained, cla~*-rich sandstone and silty claystone. However, at HUM the boat sand*
stones are fine-to-course-grained and arkosic. No faulting has been detected on the surface or subsurface in the local area, F. CLIMATE There is no official weather station in the .immediate vicinity of t:he HUM. However, the climate is probably not significantly different from that of the general area which ts semi-arid and cool. Total pre-cipitation averages about 12 inches per year with snOW'fall ranging between 35 and 65 inc~es per year. Avera1e summer temperatures are in the high 60's
ana !OW ,u*s and average winter teuaperatures are in the mid 20's. Extreme* temperatures may exceed 100° in the BUD1Der and -40° Jn the winter. The average srowing season is approximately 120 days. The prevailing winds are from the. southwest about 25-40% of the time with an average wind speed of about 13-14 miles per hour. The average evaporation rate is ab~ut 50-60 inches per year, G, ECOLOGY A biota inventory of the HUH site will be undertaken by the applicant in the spring of 1972. It is believed that*the flora.and fauna of the area immediately surrounding the site is similar in species and quanti-ties to that in other areas in mid-eastern Wyoming. In general, cattle, sheep, coyote. prairie dogs, ground squirrels, field mice, pocket gophers, small birds, cottontail rabbits, antelope and deer would be expected to inhabit the area. There are no known reports of endangered species in the area of the site. Natural vegetation consist~ mainly of wheat grass, range grass, sagebrush, yucca and cactus and the maximum ground cover is about 40 percent. Small patches of cottonwood trees, greasewood and other shrubs are found in isolated locations along drainage bottoms.
1II. MINE AND MILL A. THE MINE The ore body at the HUM site ia thin, sinuous and located 100 to 450 feet below the ground surface. Mining will be conducted by the open-pit method which consist& of overburden removal followed by removal of the ore. Topsoil is first removed and s_tored for future use during reclama-tion and restoration activities. Waste overburden, consist~ng mostly of poorly cemented sandatone and mudstone, is then broken and loosened with ripper-dozer&. The broken material is loaded into scrapers using pusher~ dozer*. After the ore has been exposed, it will be removed using hydraulically controlled, diesel-powered shovels. The mining rate will be 1400 tons per shift, two shifts per day, five days per week. The waste overburden (approximately one million cubic yards per month) will be initially stored in waste dumps (see dumps 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 on Fig. 4) 2000 ~ 4000 feel away.from the pit. These dumps are located away from water courses to minimize poasihle erosion. Also, the dumps are located to extend ridge lines of hills so that they blend naturally into the local topography rather than distractfrom it. After a dump contains the intended amount of waste, it will be covered with a layer of topsoil and planted with native gra~s. During the life of the project approximateiy 600 acres of land (including 250 acres as waste dumps) and 120 million cubic yards of earth will be disturbed. The initial proposed mining area of about 60 acres is illustrated in Fi1ure 4 as "Phase I" area. As mining pro-gresses, the overburdenwill be used as backfill rather than being placed on dumps. Figure S depicts the anticipated final disposition of the local area upon termination of mining activities in 1984, The ore at the HUM site is located beneath the local water table. This will necessitate lowering the local water level in order to opel'ate the mine. While the method for accomplishing this has not been finally determined by the applicant, it will probably be done by the traditional method of allowing the water to drain into'a sump via drainage ditches. From the pit, the water will then be pumped (500 - 1500 gallons per minute) out of the mine through a series of.settling basins for clarifi-cation and released into the Box-Lightning-Lance Creek drainage system. Another method of dewatering which is being considered is to pump water from a ring of wells drilled around the periphery of the mine. Table III shows the quality of the local ground water.
SN.IS Sec.~I Sec.U SNEE,- TteHT FENCE FINAL MINE ARE
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B, THE MILL The proposed facility is a conventional acid leach uranium ore processing plant, Its function is to extract natµrally-occurring uranium from ores mined in the immediate vicinity of the plant. The nominal throughput of the mill is to be 2000 tons of ore per day with an average uranium content of about 0.20 percent. Presently known reserves are estimated to be Aufficient for plant operation through 1984 at the currently planned processing rate. Major plant features include an ore storage and blending area. a crushing buUJingi a mill building containing grinding equipment, leaching tanks, precipitation tanks and concentrate. drying and packaging equipment; a solvent extraction building; five thickeners located adjacent to the mill buildin8i a tailings retention system; a sewage treatment system; and several ancillary buildings needed for offices, maintenance. etc. A general plot plan of the plant is shown in Figure 6. Although the location to remote, the slopes, silhouettes, and colors of the buildings were selected with appearance an important criterion. An artist's conception of the HUM is shown in Figure 7. The proposed uranium extraction circuit utili~es the conventional acid-leach, eolvent*extraction process for which the technology is well defined. Ores are initially blended and crushed to a minus 3/4-inch. The fine Qre is wet ground in a 9 x 15 foot wet rod mill to minus 200 mesh. The ground ore slurry is then pumped to leaching tanks where it is contacted with sulfuric acid and sodium chlorate oxidant. The leach tanks discharge to a five-stage countercurrent decantation (CCD) system where the uranium~ depleted residues (tailings) are separated from the pregnant solution, 'washed counter... currently and pumped to the tailings retention system, The pregnant solution is clarified in sand filters before being pumped to the solvent extraction building, In the solvent extraction circuit the urani.um is purified and concentrated by extracting tt from the pregnant mill solution into an amine-kerosine organic solvent, then re-extracting from the organic into an aqueous ammonium sulfate strip solution. The phases are separated, the organic solvent is recycled, and the uranium is precipitated from the strip solution by ammonia addition. The resulting concentrate is centrlfuged, dried at 600°F in 8 gas fired furnace, pulverized. and packaged for shipment. Figure 8 provides a simplified block diagram showing the major features of the milling operation. B~~TAVMWtn COPf
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IV. ENYIROfiMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED ACTlON A. GENERAL The radioactivity a,soclated vlth uranium minina and milling results from natural uranium and its daughter prod~cts present in the ore. Durin& the milling process, the radioisotope that is separated and con-centrated 11 the natural uranium. the bulk of the radioactive uranium da~1bter products in the ore remain in the uranium-depleted pulp (tailings) that 11 pumped to the tailings retention system. Since uracium milling deals only with very low-level and dilute con-centration, of radioactive materials, there are no operations or activities a11oclatad with the milling proceee itself which could re1ult in a serious radiation expoaure to either mill employees or membert of the general pub-lic even in the case of an accidental release of redioactive material9. External radiation levels associated with uranium milling activities are low, rarely exceeding a few mR/hr, at surfaces of process vessels. Liquid and solid wastes from the milling operations co~tain only low level concentration1 of radioactive material&. These wastes are retained and 1tored in an earth-dBlll retention system on the HUM site. Concentrations of airborne radioactive materials escaping into the surrounding environs are not expected to be more than a Jew percent of limits specified in 10 CFR Part 20. Even though the mine and plant are located in an isolated area, access tu the mine, plant and tailings retention system will be controlled by the licensee. The entire mine and mill site is fenced, and there are mill amployeee on the HUM 1ite at all times. The Raaulatory staff has evaluated the proposed criteria for the accumulat.ion and storage of tailings and the applicant' a methods and equipment for minimizing release of radioactive and non-radioactive mate-ri1l1 to the surrounding environs of the proposed mine and mill and bas concluded that the applicant's proposed criteria, methods ana equipment will result in effluent concentrations being as low as practicable based on pre1ent technology. The Regulatory staff has also concluded, as out- .lined below. that the activf tieo planned by the applicant are not expected to produce detectable biological effects on the biota in the vicinity of the prapo1ed mill. B. SOURCES OF EFFLUENTS Solid, .liquid, and airborne wastes will be generated at the HUM* site. Th* majority of 1olid wastes will be in the form of tailings (the finely
1ruund wa1te sandstone and silica particles from which the uranium hae been chemically extracted). Other solid wastes will consist of trash. (auch ae chemical containers, cardboard, paper, etc.) and sludges from the sanitary sewage system. Approximately 2000 tons per day of solid waste tailings (slurried in 3000 ton1 of waste milling solutions) wUl be generated at the HUM. The8e tailings will be atored in the tailings retention system and will contain the bulk of the radioactive uranium daughter products initially in the ore plus traces of waste chemicals and other constituents originally in the ore. Liquids gen~rated from the project consist of about 500-1500 gallons per minute of fresh water pumped from the mine and about 3000 tons per day of waste milling solutions containing spent chemicals picked up in the leaching, grinding, and washing circuits of the mi 11. As indicated previously, e1cess water from the mine will be released. The waste milling solutions will be stored in the tailings retention system with the solid tailings. These solutions contain the unreacted portion of the sulfuric acid used as the leaching agent in the mill process and ~111 1n1ti~lly have a pH of about 1.5 co 2, The solutions will also contain calcium sulfate and other sulfates, as well as some silica as the primary dissolved solids; 0.01 grams of uranium per gallon of solution lost through the CCD system; traces of potassium chlor1te 1 a pclyacrylamide flocculant, amine-kerosine*decanol solvent; traces of other soluble metals which may be present in the ore; radium 226 (3.S x 10- 7 ~Ci per ml); thorium 230 (2.2 x 10-s uC1 per ml); and trace quantities of short lived radon daughter products. Airborne wastes may escape into the local environs from: (1) wind erosion of the ore storage piles and the tailings retention system; (2) duets from mining activities and haulage roads; (l) the exhaust system serving the ore crushing operations; (4) the exhaust system serving the yellowcake drying and packaging operations; (5) the leaching tank vent ayatem; (6) the solvent extraction building ventilators; and (1) the process and heating steam boilers. The significant contaminant& from these sources will be: (A) silica, uranium end uranium daughter products (thorium 230_ radium 226. radon 222 and radon daughters) from the ore pilee, tailings system and ore crushing ventilation system; (B) CO2, co. and nitrogen oxides from the boiler discharge (natural gas is the fuel which will be burned); (C) radon from the leach tank vents & (D) vaporized organic reagents (mostly kerosine) and ammonia from the solvent-extraction building vents; and (E) natural uranium from the yellowcake ventilation system,
C. COHTltOLS OF WASTES AND EFFLUENTS An earth fill, clay c.ore dam ret.ention system will serve as a collec-tion and atorage ay1tem for all of the liquid and solid waates generated in the milling circuit, It will permit the evaporation of moat of the contained waste liquids and aerve aa a permanent receptacle for the residual *olid tailing,. This system will be constructed by erecting an earth fill, clay core dam acroas a natural basin (see Fig. 4 for location) using A.EC recommended construction practices for earth dam retention aystema. 2 The initial capacity of the system is such that it will hold about 1,500,000 tons of solid tailings. The initial dam ie approximately 100 feet high and has a top width of 20 feet. The sideslqpe ratio, are 2-1/2 to l for the downstream side of the dam and 2 to 1 for the upstleam aide, At a later date tbe dam will be raised approximately 60 feet and at that time the system will have a capacity of about 11,000.000 tona of tailings with a minimum freeboard of 5 feet. The aurface area will then be about 250 acres. Tallirygs will be initially discharged at the bottom of the toe of the upatreSDI face of the dam, The discharge will always be onto existing tailil\81 and not onto the embankment, As additional tailings are dis-charged into the syat~~. the larger sand particles will settle out of the slurry near the dam and the slimes and liquids will drain a~ay from the face of the dam. I11itially I some aeepage (about 80 gallons per minute) would be expected. However, the slimes and sands are expected to eventually seal the bottom of the system and liquid losses will b~ entirely by evapora-tion (4,2 feet/year). If significant seepage occurs the applicant will install a collection basin at the toe of the dam and pump any seepage back into the system. The chance of failure of the retention system due to flooding is remote since the average precipitation in the area is only 12 inches per year and the limited drainage from the area above the dam (as shown in Figure 3) has been minimized by constructing cutoff dams (see Figure 4) around the aystem, Maintenance crews are required to inspect and repair, 1£ necessary, the tailings dam and cutoff dams on a daily schedule to insure proper functioning of the entire retention system. The applicant will minimize the release of airborne contaminants to the surrounding environs by utilizing various air cleaning equipment, Vapors*and dust, from the yellowcake packaging and drying operations are 2 AEC Licensing Guide, "Information and Criteria Pertinent to *Evaluation of Embankment Retention Systems," USAEC.
passed through an air cleaning scrubber with a cleaning efficiency of 99.3% prior to being released through a ru!ll discharge stack. Dusts from ore crushing, which are expected to be minimal because of the high moisture content (12-15 percent) of the ore. are passed through a fan-powered wet collection system with a 95% collection efficiency. Air from the laboratory sample bucking room passes through a wet dust collection with an efficiency of 95% prior to release. The leach tank fume system will not include a coJlection system since only minor quan-tities of acid fumes and radon are expected to be released in the wet leach procees. Also, the average velocity of air movement across the tops of the leach tanks will only be about one-half foot per second, This results in only minor quantities of fumes being removed. The air (27,000/cfm) from the aolvent extraction building will not be cleaned ur filtered since less than one pound of kerosine vapor per day is expected to escape from the building. Since the average moisture con-tent of the ore wi 11 be 12-15 percent, the ore storage piles are not expected to be significant sources of airborne dusts. Moreover, the piles will be wetted down with water should they dry out and become sources of dust. The tailings retention system will be operated in such a manner so as to keep the tailings inundated with waste solution to minimize wind erosion of tailings. Excess mine water may also be used if needed although this is not expected. Dusts from haulage roads and mining activitie~ will be controlled by water sprinkling. Wind and water erosion from other exposed surfaces. such as mine waste dumps and mine pits, will be minimized by replanting such surfaces with native grasses as soon as possible after the disturbance has ended. In this regard. mine dump number 1 was covered with topsoil and successfully seeded during 1971. D. ,JiVIRQNME;NTAL CONCENTRATIONS AND EFFECT ON LOCAL BIOTA The concentrations of airborne radioactive effluents released into the unrestricted environs must be as low as practicable and not exceed the limite specified in 10 CFR Part 20. The concentrations of non-radioactive effluents must be as low as practicabl~ and not exceed the standards eetablished by the S... ,t,,. of Wyoming as .listed in Table IV.
Table IV Air Effluent Standards Pollutant Concentration S8!J>le so 2 0.02 ppm Maximum annual average Sulfuric acid fumes 4 micrograms/Ml Allowable maximum annual average Cr..1des of nitrogen O.OS ppm Annual arithmetic mean Others Specified by EPA Specified by E~A The controls installed by the applicant to minimize airborne effluent releases are e:Kpected to maintain concentrations of non-radioactive
- effluents below appropriate etanJards at points of release. By the time these effluents reach unrestricted areas they will have been diluted on the average by at least a factor of 103, Based on the small quantities and concentrations of chemicals reaching unrestricted areas. it is unlikely that there will be any detectable or harmful effect on local biota from non-radioactive effluents at such low levels. Moreover, buildup in the environment is considered unlikely in view of the chemical characteristics of the particular contaminants and their extremely low concentrations.
The maximum quantities of radioactive materials expected to be released per day from all sources of airborne dusts, fumes and mists from the plant, ore pile, mine ~nd tailings system into the environs are shown in Table V, Table V Airborne Releases of Radioactive Materials Radioisotop~ !l!antity (1,1Ci) per day Natural Uranium 560 Thorium 230 308 Radium 226 308 6 Radon 222 0.12 X 10
Assuming average wind conditions, the annuai exposure to a person, if present. et the nearest boundary to the mill assuming cont1nuoua occupancy (24 hours per day, 365 days a year) would be about J millirems per year to the kidney, 11 millirems per year to the lung and 45 millirems per year to the bone. However as a practical matter, actual exposures are expected to be far less due to the uninhabited nature of the site. Based on the s.ame assumptions of continuous occupancy and average wind conditions, the annual exposure to a person at the Volman ranch located 4,1 miles from the mill would be 0.03 millirems to the kidneys, 0.15 millirems to the lungs and 0.7 millirems to the bone. The annual exposure to an individual at the Fowler ranch located 2.9 miles from the mill would be 0.45 millirems to the kidneys t 1. 65 millirems to the lung and about 6-7 millirems to the bone. Both of these ranches are occupied for only about 60% of the year. In comparison, whole body exposures from natural background radiation for the State of Wyoming are estimated to average about 150 millirems per year. Exposures from uptakes through the food chain are expected to be nevligible in view of the small quantities of radioactive effluents released and the fact that the aurrounding area is uncultivated and used only for grazing by a small number of sheep and wildlife. The impact, if any, on ether biota of the surrounding area from radioactive materials ie not expected to be detectable. Also, because of the low quantities and concentrations escaping from the site, significant buildup in the environs is not expected. There will be a short term effect 0,1 the local ground water level in view of the necessity to dewater the mine, As noted previously, approximately 500 to 1500 gallons per minute of water will be pumped from the mine pit area. Of this water* approximately 500 gallons per m1n11te will be used in the plant process. The remaining water wi 11 be released into the normally dry bed of Box Creek during dry periods of the year which will preclude the flowing of the water into any navigable waterway. The water will either evaporate or soak into the grouml re-entering the water table at a lower stratigraphic level. At the termination of the mining project. the local ground water supply is expected to be recharged to its present level, thereby having little, if any, long term impact on the local ground water hydrology. E. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING The effluent from each process stack at the mill ~111 be monitored regularly to assure that applicable air quality standards are met. Additionally, airborne samples will be collected in locations around the entire site in order to insure that airborne concentrations of radio-active and non-radioactive materials are being maintained below the BES'f AVAl~lBLE COPY
standards. The applicant will also conduct a sampling program to detect any buildup in soil and vegetation in the unrestricted areas around the slte and any uptak~ in the food chain, This program will include trapping wild rodents for analysis. Since the rodents have a limit~d forage range, subsist mainly on seeds and grasse~ and they themeelve~ serve as food for predators, chan8es in rodents' body content insofar al chemical and radioactive constituents are concerned would serve as an indicator of potential effects on the environs. Assays will include natural uranium, thoriUIJI 230 and radium 226 as well as appropriate chemical components. In view of the limited seepage expected to occur from the applicant's tailings retention system and the ability of most soils to remove contam-inants from liquids by absorption and ion-exchange, no appreciable migration of waste chemicals or radioactive materials from the retention system is anticipated. To confirm that migration is not occurring, the applicant has drilled a series of four sampli.ng wells around the tailings retention ayatem. Samples will be taken from these wells monthly and analyzed for
- uranium, arsenic, selenium, anions and cations, pH, radium 226 and thorium 230.
The applicant's environmental monitoring program will be audited periodically by the Commission's Division of Compliance during routine inspections of the applicant's milling activities. The results of findinss during such audits will form the basis for Regulatory action on a ti111ely basis if corrective action or changes should be required. F. MISCELLANEOUS The project to be conducted by the applicant at the Highland site will not cause any real conflict in land use. Only 3200 acres of land in a vast, relatively uninhabited area, will be restricted for about 12*14 years. The limited sheep ranching and hunt!ng formerly conducted in the area will be restricted on the site but vast nearby substit~te lands will preclude any mell&urable impact on either activity. There will be a significant change in the local topography involving about 600 _acres and 120 million cubic yards of earth from open-pit mining. The land will be reclaimed and restored so that it will be difficult to differentiate the mined area from other nearby areas. Significant changes in population distributions associated with the project will not occur. About 170 jobs will be created in connection with mill and mine operations, most of which will be filled by local residents
already living in Douglas, Glenrock and Casper. However. a small overall increase in the county population might occur. A 1ewaae tredtment plant has been constructed at the HUM site to aerve the needs of mining and milling employees. The system consists of two mechanically aerated lagoons and was designed for a population of 180 people. The design and conetruction of the system have be~n approved by the Wyomtng Department of Health and Social Services. Each basin is lined with rubber to assure that untreated or partially treated water cannot seep into the ground. Any accumulation of sludge will be removed from the basins and buried in the waste dumps. The treated effluent from the system will flow into a pond which serves as a collection basin for mill process water pwnped from the mine. The only release from this pond other than process water is into the tailings pond. Therefore, the pro-posed sewage treatment system 1~ not expected to produce any environmental effects. Even though the mill is located in an isolated area, the mill process buildings have been designed to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible. Figure 7 shows an artist's concept of the plant bui l.dings as they wi 11 essentially appear when construction is completed. Aesthetically, the mining activity will create an adverse impact until such time as the site has been reclaimed. G. ACCIDENTS We have considered the potential environmental impact associated with the three types of accidents most likely to occur in connection with the proposed activities. The three accidents considered are a tailings dam failure, a Ure in the solvent extraction building and a transportation accident involving the shipment of the uranium product. There are three potential types of accidents which could occur in connection with the tai'lings dam. Two of these are related to natural phenomena, i.e., failure due to flooding and failure due to an earthquake. Failure to a far lesser degree could also result from an equipment malfunction (such ~s the rupturing of a tailings distribution line) or operating mistake. Failure due to an earthquake i@ extremely remote since the site is in the Zone One seismic risk category. Thie ,one is defined as "minor damage." This damage would not be sufficiently severe to cauae failure of the system based on an engineering assessment of the structural integrity of the dam. Failure by flooding is also extremely remote *in view of the semi-arid.climate of the area, the j
limited 4ra1nage area above the ey1tem and a required 5-foot minimum freeboard to be maintained durins use of the system by the applicant. An operating error or equipment malfunction could occur but the entire ayatem will be inspected daily by the applicant, thereby minimizing the poastbility of this type of occurrence. Should an accident occur, the stored solids will be transported down the local drainage, system for a relatively short distance and be deposited in accordance with the laws of sedimentation. Liquids will also flow down the drainage system an undetermined diatance until they are lost by seepage and evaporation. However, the quantity of liquids stored at any one time in the system would be too 8111&11 for waste liquids of significant quantities to reach flowing streams. Should such an accident occur, the affected drainage system would be surveyed and all waste solids and contaminated soils would be removed and.buried or returned to the tailings system. Thus, the residual environmental ~mpact 1 if any, would be small. The solvent extraction (S-X) building. where about 60,000 gallon~ of kerosine containing about 600 pounds of uranium is used in the refining process. represents the greatest potential in the plant for a serious
- fire. Tbe effect of a kerosine fire would be slight except within a few hundred feet of the S-X building. If such a fire should occur, the surrounding area would be surveyed for uranium and all contaminated soils removed and buried or recycled in the mill circuit, thereby minimi1ing any environmental impact, Special precautions to reduce the possibility of a fire include the prohibition of smoking or open fires in the S-X building, special instructions to personnel. and permitting maintenance in tbe building only after a permit is issued by a supervisor.
The vehicle transporting uranium concentrates from the mill to a UF 6 refinery could be involved in an accident *. The severity of an accident would determine the amount of concentrates (packaged in 55 gallon 18-gauge drur,d) which might be released. Inasmuch as the only radioactive material that would be involved is natural uranium which has a low radioactive specific activity (one curie per 6615 pounds) no severe radiological safety hazard is possible. Also, an average of only 1
- 2 shipments of concentrate per week will be required from the mill. The area sur-rounding the accident would be surveyed and any concentrate or contaminated soils removed and returned to the plant. Thus, ft appears that any environ-mental impact from such an accident would be small.
H. RECLAMATION AND RESTORATION When milling activities are terminated, the building and equipment wi 11 be removed from the site and the terrain essentially restored to its BEST AVAIWU~COPY
original state. The tailings pile will be graded, covered with earth and top1oil and seeded. Approxima_tely 250 acres will be involved. The coat of thla reclamation baa been estimated to be $1000 per acre. In order to guarantee that funds will be available for reclamation of the tailings area when milling activities are terminated, the applicant is posting a surety bond with the Wyoming Land Commissioner at an intitial rate of $1000 per acre of tailings. This bond is subject to an annual review by the Commissioner whereby the rate per acre 111&y be increased or decreased de-pending on the then current methods and rates for stabilizing tailings. Thus, should cost estimates increase in the future, adjustments can be made in the bond to insure that sufficient funds are available for tailings stabilization upon termination of the project. Also, the applicant will subject the land on which the tailings are stored to the following restrictions in the form of a land covenant,
- The owner will not permit the exposure and release of the tailings material to the surrounding area.
- No structures which man or animals can occupy may be built on the covered surfac~.
- The covered surface may not be subdivided,
- No private roads, trails, or rights-of-way may be established across the covered surface.
These restrictions will be binding on the applicant while it owns the land, and on successive owners thereafter, for a period of SO years or until such time prior to the expiration of the SO-year period as government regu-lations are instituted to control disposition of uranium mill tailings. The staff intends to further discuss these proposed restrictions with the applicant as well as State and EPA officials in order to insure control over the tailings past 50 years, if required. To the maximum extent possible, the applicant plans to backfill the mine pits. However, since the initial waste overburden has to be stored in spoil piles, there will not be enough wastes from current stripping near the end of the proj~c.t to fill the final one or two mine areas. These final pit area, will be reclaimed (subject to technological im-provements in the future) by drilling angle holes in the pit walls. loading the holes with a blasting agent and blasting the upper portion of the pit walls into the bottom of the pit, Dozer tractors dragging a heavy "anchor" chain between them will level the uneven surfaces of the new pit wall, After the walls have been gently and evenly sloped (approximately two horizontal-to-one vertical elope), they will be revegetated. Since the ll~~T 1\VAIIJ\BIJ~ tOPY
pit 1 s bottoms are beneath the local water table, small lakes will be formed when the water level returns to its normal level, as shown in Figure 9. Following reclamation and restoration, *tt is not anticipated that the site will appear significantly different than the general area except for the one or two small lakes. Due to the arid nature of the area, these lakes will probably enhance the usefulness and aesthetic nature of the area when operations at Highland are terminated.
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V. ADVEBSE EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED The enviromnental effects which cannot be avoided are:
- The releaae of e111all quantities of radioactive and non-radioactive materials into the environs surrounding the plant.
- The relocation of approximately 120 million cubic yards of earth resulting in a pennanent change in the local topography.
- The creation of a stabilized tailings retention system covering about 250 acres.
- The withdrawal of approximately 3200 acres of land from other poasible uses for the next 12-14 years,
YI, RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHORT-TERM USES OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF OF LONG-TOM PRODUCTIVITY The local abort-term effects of the proposed activities are those aaaociated with the construction and operation of any large ore refining facility, Releases of radioactive and non-radioactive materials will be maintained at low levela, i.e., only a few percent of applicable limits. A continuing environmental monitoring program will provide a basis for detecting and assessing any environmental impact that might lead to long-term effects so that .timely.corrective action can be taken if required. In the long-term, 1liO&t local areas influenced by the mining and milling activities will be reclaimed. Except for the two small lakes and the stabilized tailings pile, the appearance of the reclaimed site will be little different from the surrounding area, BEST 1\VAIIABLI~ COPY
VII. llUlEVERSIBLE AND IlllETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OP RESOURCES About 32 million pounds of natural uranium will be removed from ore for use in power generators. In addition, about 250 acres of land will be covered with tailings and probably removed from any further productive uae except perhaps for grazing.
VIII. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACI'ION
- 1. Alternate Mining Method It 11 poseible and physically practical to mine the ore at the HUM
- 1te by underground minins techniques. This involves sinking shafts and developing an underground ayatem of tunnels for access to the ore and for ventilation. The short-term advantages would include reducing the quantity of earth that would have to be moved and the amount of land surface that would have to be disturbed. The land surface area required for underground minins would be quite amall, measured in tens of acres as compared to hundreds of acres for open-pit mining. Also, the total amount of earth that would have to be relocated would be only a small fraction of that which must be relocated by open-pit mining. From a long-term standpoint, however, the applicant's restoration and reclamation program will minimize these advantages.
Even without considering the cost of amortizing the mine surface plant and the underground development coat. underground mining is estimated to cost 20 to 30 percent more per pound of concentrate than open-pit mihing. To offset this higher cost, the cut-off grade between ore and wa1te will be higher, Thus, about 20 percent of the ore that will be mined by op~n-pit method, could not be mined economically if underground method* were uaed. Moreover. lost time and accident statistics show that widerground mining is more hazardous than open-pit mining and that the radon health hazard to underground miners is greater than to open-pit miner,,
- 2. Alternate Mill Site The mill could be built at another site even though the mining activities would have to be conducted at Highland. Thia would shift any environmental impact reaultins from milling activities to another site, However. it appears unlikely that another site could be found in the United States where the milling activitiea would produce a leaser ,nviron-mental impact than at the Highland site.
Millin& the ore at an alternate site would increase the cost of the uranium cobcentrate, The coat would depend on the location of the alternate site but the unit coat for transporting ore is about five cents per ton-mile, There would also be an increased probability of a transportation accident involving ore carrying vehicles,
3, Alternate Mill The ore from the HUM site could be milled at an existing mill at another location. This would completely eliminate the potential impact at the HUM site associated with milling activities. However, the nearest 111111 to the HUM site is over 100 miles away. Thie means that the milling cost of a pound of concentrate would be increased from less than $1.00 to about $2.25 (i.e., an increase of about 40 million dollars for the 32 million pounds of concentrate to be produced). Further-more1 there would be an increased environmental impact at the alternate mill site due to increased production plus the increased probability of tranaportation accidents involving vehicles transporting the ore.
- 4. Alternate Mill Process The use of a carbonate leach process is a possible alternative but there are no known advantages. The potential environmental impact and the operating costs would be essentially the same. The most significant disadvantage of the carbonate leach procP.ss would be a lower recovery rate of uranium of approximately five percent. ,
5, Alternate Tailings Location Local alternate sites for the tailings retention system have been con-aidered in connection with minimizing potential releases of radioactive and non-radioactive contaminants into the environment by seepage and wind erosion. However, there are no other natural basins in the area with sufficient capacity. So, a system at another location would require construction of a 3 to 4 sided structure. Thia type of structure is more expensive to build, more difficult to maintain, more prone to wind erosion and would be harder to reclaim, Since the subsurface of other potential sites were no more likely to result in leas seepage and in view of other less desirable characteristics, alternate sites were rejected.
- 6. Alternate E9-!ifment and Operating Procedures Additional ventilation and air cleaning equipment and modifications in operating procedures (such a1 the elimination of ore blending) might reault in a minor reduction in the amount of effluents escaping from the mill, However* in view of the efficiency of the proposed controls (see Section IV C), the extremely low environmental concentrations of contami-nants anticipated, and the minimal :Improvement which would be expected from such changes, it does not appear justified to require the additional capital expenditure necessary to make theee changes.
IX. BENEFIT .. COST ANALYSIS A. BENEFITS The benefits expected to be associated with the HUM are itemized below. These benefits are quantified insofar as possible. 1, The project will result in the direct employment of about 170 persons in Converse County over the next 12-14 years plus the employment of about 150 construction workers over a 15-mooth construction period. Grose annual wages and benefits of employees at Highland are expected to be about 2.S million dollars. Employment opportunities in the area are low and the population has been dec"reasing over the past several decades. Ther!fore, the project should provide an important economic boost to local nearby communities.
- 2. The project will generate about 400-500 thousand dollars per year in tax revenues for local and state governments. These taxes could be used to provide improved co11111unity services such as improved schools, roads, sanitary facilities, and other public benefits.
3, Approximately 32 million pounds (16,000 tone) of uranium concen-trates will be produced during the next 12-14 years for use in generating electricity in the United States. Assuming present technology and efficiency of nuclear power plants, this amount of uraniu' could be converted into sufficient fuel to generate 1.2 - 1.4 x 10 megawatt days of electricity. This would be sufficient to supply about one-fourth of the electrical energy annually consumed in the United States at the present time. 4, Other natural resources (gae, oil, coal) will be conserved for use in other application,. The amount of uranium to be produced at Highland represents nearly 200 million tons of coal, 1 billion barrels of oil or 4.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas based on present technology of generating electricity, 5, The one or two small lakes to be created at the site will provide a fresh water source in a semi-arid region. These lakes will probably be ueed as a 1ource of fresh water for livestock in the future and may also improve the long-term recreational value of the area.
B. COSTS The expected social and environmental costs associated with the HUM are itemized below. For the,most part these costs are not quantifiable.
- 1. The Land There will be a temporary reassignment of use of about 3200 acres of land normally used for grazing sheep. This amount of land at the Highland location is estimated to represent a profit of about $0.75 per acre per year as pasture land for sheep.
There will also be a change in the topography of the site involving approximately 600 acres and 120 million cubic yards of earth resulting from overburden removal durina open-pit IQining. In view of the restoration and reclamation program (Section IV) to be carried out by the applicant, the 1500 acre site (excluding the tailings retention system) is expected to be restored to its former productivity upon completion of HUM activities. Thus the land costs are considered to be essentially those associated with removing 3200 acres of land frolD grazing for approximately 12.. 14 years. There will be created a stabilized tailings pile covering about 250 acre1 and involving 11 million tons of tailings containing solidified waste chemicals and dilute concentrations of radioactive uranium and ita daughter products. This land will be restricted *from uae except for grazing for an indeterminable length of time.
- 2. Cultural and Social Considerations There will be a slight increase in population and additional traffic generated in connection with the HUH project. Whether any re~l value can be* assigned to resulting changes in the cultural and aodal factors of the area is debatable. However. the staff's judgement is that the financial benefit& to the area will outweigh the possible social and cultural costs connected with the project. *
- 3. Ecolodc,!!_
The proposed activities by the applicant will result in small releases of che1Dicals and radioactive materials into the environs surrounding the site. Because of the small quantities of materials involved and the dilution
and diaperlion that will occur. the potential environmental impact is not conaidared mea1urable. '11lus 1 the environmental and ecological costs are egpected to be indeterminably small.
/
- 4. Depletion of Natural Resources The project will result in a permanent depletion of 32 million pounds of natural uranium as a natural resource.
C. BENEFIT - COST BALANCE The ultimate costs resulting from the licensing of the Highland Uranium Mill are found to be: minor changes in certain social and cultural circwnatancee in nearby communities; a temporary reaeaignment of land use; the creation of a stabilized tailings retention system which may have to be restricted for an indeterminable length of time; depletion of a natural resource; a temporary (12*14 years) adverse aesthetic impact from open-pit mining; and the discharge of small amounts of chemical and radioactive effluents into surrounding environs, The benefits are expected to be: the recovery of 32 million pounds of natural uranium for use in generatins electricity; stimulation of the local economy through taxes and direct employment, the conservation of other natural resources (gae, oil, coal) for use in other applications; and the creation of tvo small lakes in a semi-arid region. While th, l'Ullllina up of the coet* and benefits_ cannot have* purely quantitative ballis, the anttc1pated benefits appear to be substantially greater than the environmental costs. which for a significant part have already inc\lrred, Because the applicant must apply the neceBBary precautionary measures to minimize releases of effluents in accordance with C.ommiaston regulations and muet restore and redaim the land affected by his operations, adverse environmental effects are expected to be. far outweighed by the benefit& to be derived from the project.
- UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
'l,,A'St!INC.ION (J( ,II)'**
FILES THRU: J. C, Halaro, Oiief, lfaterials Branch, Liceni,1.ng VIS IT TO HUMBLE OIL HIGHLA.'iD URA'llUM MILL, DOCKET NO, 40-8102 Attached is a report of ~y visit to the subject facility on
, October 30-31, 1972.
John F, Kendig Materials Branch Directorate of Licensing
Attachment:
Trip Report 9706090038 721204 PDR ADOCK 04008102 C PDR
TRIP REPORT HUMBLE OIL Hl<IIUHD URANIUM MILL CONVERSE COUNTY WYOMING. DOCKET NO. 40-8102
- 1. On October 30-31, 1972, I conducted a visit of the Humble 011 Highland Uranium mine and mill located in Converse CoW1ty, Wyoming.
A day and a half was planned for the 11idt but, because of adverse weather conditions (snow stordl,), travel to the mill was slow and the time spent was somewhat lees than planned.
- 2. Persona contacted during the visit were:
- a. Mr, Morrie T. Worley, Manager
- b. Mr. Gerald Ortloff, E;.avirunnier.tal Advieor
- c. Mr. ~'ohn A. Abramo, Mill Superintendent
- d. Mr. Alonio J. Barry, Safety Engineer
- 3. 'lbe mine, mill and tailing impoundment area were toured. The former and latter being hampered by a unow storrn which made travel over the rough terrain, especially the tailing impoundment area, treacherous.
Various itelD8 of the mill radiation protection program were discueeed and ate summarized below.
- a. Inplant Radiation Safety Program.
(1) SOP's relating to radiation safety program are more or less general, such aa published, "Outline of Radiation Safety and Environmental Monitoring 'Requirements, .. and "Safety Rules and Regulatione for Employeee ." However, there does not appear to be any detailed procedure for the individual who is responsible for the overall program or who must perform the operational aspects of the safety program that will provide him with instructions as to what will be done or how it will be done. This information appears to be scattered throughout the license application, environmental reports or in the outline mentioned above. 1 BES1 A\1MIAULE COPY
. . ' . . . . {")
e e At the time of the vtsit 1 the plant could be described as being in the 11 checkout" phase in which a step wise pro-cedure was being utilized to check out all systems frOlll beginning to end. Whenever an operational problem exists. they work out the problem 1 then proceed to the next phase of operation. Up to this point in time, they have run the system up through the yellow cake precipator, but not through the dtying and barreling operation. During my visit the mill wae not operating because they had a problem (block) in the tailings transportation system. Picturee of the mine, tailing pond, panoramic views of the outside of the plant, and a few shots of the inside of the mill are attached at the end of this report. (2) Areas to be monitored are described on page 16 of the license application and have been idientified ~s the S-X area, precepitation area~ yellow cake barreling operation and the crusher area. At the present time, there does not appear to be any contamination survey of the facility* particularly in tho~e areas which are to be identified as lunch rooms. Again after diecussing this part of the pr?gram, it was stated that thi& wae something that they should look into. (3) The calibration procedure for portable radiation detection equipment is weak in that, for the present, it consists of checking the operation of the equipment with "button like" cl.ec'~ sources. After being asked what I thought would be an acceptable calibration procedure, it was stated that they would check on this part of the program with the home office. (4) At the present time, 18 persons are on a personnel dosimetry program, Those persons who work in the areas identified in a(2) wear the dosimeter. They anticipate that the program may be expanded and approximately 90 employees will be under the personnel dosimetry program. The program is presently contracted out to Eberline Instrument Company and the dosimeter supplied is the TLD. b, In Plant Air Sampling Prograru (1) Air sampling is generally tv be accomplished where people are located in the mill processing bu~lding and in particular in the crusher building, fir~ ore bins, rod mill. counter circuit. leach area, S-X, yel1ow cake pre-cipitator, drying and packing room, sample prep room,
analytical laboratory, metalurgical lab and sample tower. Currently samplins is planned to be accO!llplished every 3 montha in some areas and 9 months in others. The sampling frequency ia subject to change, i.e., more frequent sampling, and is to be evaluated as soon as they gain operational experience. (2) Instruments that are uaed to collect air samples consist of a MSA portable pump, model G, Gelman Nuclear Air Sampler, and Staplex High Volume Sampler. These devices are cali* brated quarterly and the procedures appear to be adequate. Records of calibration were available. Time weighting factors are to be used in the air monitoring program, and this data will be recorded and kept on the company time cards. These cards show the areas where the man worke and the time spent in the area.
- c. Personnel Protective Equipment The protective equipment program consists of issuing coveralls to the employees. The ehif t foreman ia responsible for seeing that each e111ployee is wearing the clothing. In addition, the employee 111 told that he will be working in an area where protective clothing is required and picks it up in the ehower./change room prior to reporting to the area. R.e11pirstors are available; however, for the moment, no organized respirator program is in operation, i.e., the employee is issued a respirator, but no formal program of fitting, maintenance or storage exists. A shower room is available for the employees and they are instructed to take showers and change clothes or be surveyed by instrument to assure that they are not contaminated.
Protective clothing that is worn in the barreling operation is to be laundered in a waeheteria set up in the mill. Wuste water and water from the shower room are returned to the mill circuit. While touring the shower room, a bin of used covera.!a was noted. When asked if those coveralls were free of contandnation, the response was one of uncertainty, When it was deterllline<l that clothing wom in parts of the mill other than the barreling operation ia sent out to a commercial laundry, it was suggested that the clothing be shown to be free of excess contamination before being released. *
- d. Environmental Monitoring The environmental monitoring procram consists of taking air samples, water samples, soil, vegetation and rodent samples.
The locations in which samples are taken and frequency of
* - 4 ..
sampling are described in the license application and/or the applicant's Environmental Reports. The soil, vegetation and rodent sampling program is to be changed from* annually to semiannually. A conmercial laboratory performs the analysis and the samples are analyzed for uranium, thorium, radium and in some samples for Lead.. 210. Any water that will be discharged from the mine into the Box Creek water shed will be monitored. Additionally, the potable water for the mill is monitored.
- e. Air Pollution Control Systems
'l'he pollution control systems for air effluents consist of wet scrubbers. Wherever it is known that dust will be generated, the air is drawn into a duct system and piped to the various wet scrubbers. Stack sampling is to be accomplished by use of the "EPA Sampling Train." Samples are to be analyzed for total dust and uranium. At the present time, no sampling is accomplished for non .. radioactive effluents, but if the EPA or St~te imposes the requirement, those elements for sampling will be connected into the sampling train. No operational procedures are now in existence for checking the operation of the scrubbers. However*
when the mill becomes operational, procedures will be developed. f, Safety Training Safety training sessions were incorporated into a program which was conducted by,Caeper College~ This program was described aa a program for the mill employees which covered all phases of mill operation and the associated safety problems. It is not known if a refresher course is offered or a new employee training course is conducted. Humble appears to be putting special emphasis on good housekeeping procedures and a clean plant. SpillsJ dust and general clean up is to be with water or other wet. techniques. 8* Emergency Procedures Emergency procedures are contained in a manual titled, "Emergency Actions Plan." However, the written emergency procedure does not include the AEC criteria for emergency notification. 'lbia inforrnation and criteria were pointed out
* .. s -
and it was suggested that it be incorporated in the plan. The 5-X portion of the mill is equipped with autoinatic switches to pumps and mixers which shutoff the flow of the flammable solvent to and from the circuit in order to prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the circuit. These switches are
~oupled to the fire alarm and overhead sprinkler system in the S-X building.
h, Area Control Restricted area co.1trol is provided by signs on the outer perir.neter fence leading into the mine and mill area and by a fence and mechanically controlled gate next to th~ mine and mill site.
- 4. One of the accompanying photographs shows the yellow cake barreling area. This process is accomplished in a separate room that is under negative preseure with respect to the rest of the mill, No one is in the room while the barrel is being filled. The operation consists of an employee bringing a barrel into the room. placing it under the delivery hose, screw!ng the hose into the center bunghole on thr '>a~*rel and then departing the room, The filling operation then co*llili.,:; ....:es, When the barrel is full, as sensed by a radiation detector, the fill procedure stops. A man then enters, closes the bunghole and removes the barrel. Should a spill occur. the yellow cake will be hosed down into a e ump and returned to the mill
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- s. II. 8111197, Deput, Dlnctor for Pnl* A1MI Mat*riab n1rectorate of Licens!aa HUMBLE OIL Ali'D iEPIHING COHPAJn'
- LICENSI ISSUAN'CI Subject to your approval, I vlll l*1Ut1 to th* HUfflhl* Oil and lefint111 Co~pany a source lllllterlal licen,. authortstnR the conduct el. urant1111.
*illinR operation* 111th the e-,,aa,*1 Highland Uraoiua fUll, Couw*r**
County, Wy01111Dlh for
- period ot four (4) aonthe.
'Ihe proposed licanee will aer.e ia an inter!* capacttJ pr*~id*4 fOiT under Paragraph A.14 of Appudla >>. 10 era Part 50, '1\t ncl.o-,ad Min:l*£nYlro111eatal lnlav *nu ** the baala for ta,unM of th*
propoaed ltcanae. rPRIGINAL SJG?\'ED if"
~ C. MA.lAHO .
Jm.. c. Malar.o. C1'.t*f Mated.alt l'ra~1'1 blrec:torat* of ttcto*i~ Bne1oa11ra1 Hi11l*£nvlr01111eatal Rni.lW Or18'na1 Signed b1 Approwcl1 6, H. Smile)' 8, H. Slllley
- DaUI _ 1uJ'f/.7 rA.
9706090043 72100, PDR ADOCK 04008102 C PDR
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MINI*INVIIONMENTAL REVIEW llighland Uranium Mill - Hulliile Oil and RefininR Company Coianission Determination to Grant an Interim L!.cense Pureuant to Paragraph A.14 of .Appendix D. 10 en §0 September 1972 BE~'UVMUBIJ! fiOPY
Hunble Oil 41nd Refining COlll)ariv, lloueton, Texas, a wholly-owned auhaidiary of Standard Oil Company (Nev uereey) has decided to develop a ui:-antum mine and 11111 :ln Wyoatng. Hullll,le 'a decision to develup the Highland minina and milltna operation at the tiae was based, in part, on AEC forecut* indicating an increased demand foT uranium during th_e 1970'* which woald appear to necese:l.tate a 111everal-fold increase in such facilities in order to meet the anticipated delll8.lld. The Highland opera-tion conatftutee a significant contribution to the induetrial expansion. Thie operation consists of an open pit uranium mine located in Converse County, Wyoaing, adjacent to which the mill is beins cone tructed. Approxiutely 1,500 acres :ls affected *by these activities. The nearest city 18 Caper. Wyoming (40,000 population), 50 miles west-southwest. The towns of Douglas and Glenrock, Wyoming (2,700 and 1,500 population), are located 24 mUea southeast and eouthweet of the site, respectively. The settlement of Orpha, Wyoming (15 residents), is 15 miles south, and 8111, Wyoming (one resident), is 18 Idles northeast. The Vol1D1an Ranch (two part-time residents) is 4 miles west and the FCJ&1ler Ranch (two part-time res 1dents) is 3 mi lee northeast. Prevailing winds are in the direction of the Fawler Ranch and Bill. The uranium ore body to be exploited is a thin, sinuous deposit lying at a depth of about 100 feet with a cover of sandstone and shale. The applicant states that he owns or controls about 3,200 contiguous acree in this area. About half of this will be disturbed by the mining opera-tions. Presently, about 20 million cubic yards of overburden have been removed to expose &ODIE! 60 acres of c,re-bearing rock. Thia overburden has been deposited nearby, preparatory to restoring the disturbed erea at the conclusion of mining activities. Operation of the mine was begun on July 11, 1972. When 111111 operations normalize, ore will be produced at the rate of 1,400 tons per shift and 10 shifts per week. Construction of the ore processing miii being erected nearby was scheduled for completion and startup by September 1, 1972. It is designed to process 2 .ooo tone of ore per day continuously and to pro-duce nearly 8,000 pounds of U309 per day in concentrate fonn, It will
,use the conventiona1 acid-l~ach, solvent-extraction process. The leach residue, amounting to nearly 2,000 tons per day, together with waste solutions in the amount of 2,500 tons per day, will be sent to the tailings pond for permanent retention. Waste reagent chemicals employed will be entirely contained in these wastes. No waste liquids will be discharged into the outside environment. The dam across a natural valley behind which the tailinas solids and liquids are to be stored
- vill be nearly 3,300 feet long, 400 feet thick at the bottom, and 20 feet thick at the top. It has a atrengtbentng core of compacted clay
* - 2 ...
and qhale 20 feet thiek. at the boctom and 10 feet at the top. The applicant propoaes to periodically raise Che dam from an initial height of 85 feet to
- final height of eome 12.S feet above the oi-iginal ground.
The Department of the A~my. South Pacific Division. Corps of Enaineere has raised some question concerning the aethods uaed to raise tailing* dams. The Collllliaeion proposea to reaolw theae questions with the Corpe of Engineers before authorizing the applicant to raise the dam. It is
- estimated that the applicant can operate the proposed mill for two years before the dg would have to be raised. The applicant's license will be conditioned to prohibit raising of the dam without specific approval from the Coumission.
Virtually all of the process dust generated by the ~illing operations wili be collected by fan-powered wet collection systems. The design features of the processing plant relating to the control of effluents have been examined by the staff, and it is concluded that concentrations of radioactive and nonradioactive contaminants of air and water releases to the environment beyond the site boundary are expected to be et acceptable levels. The licensee will conduct a water and air monitoring program to confirm this. Accident possibilities, associated with the operation which could have a significant impact on the environment a~ rupture of the tailings dam, fire in the solvent-extraction area, and a potential spill of the uranium concentrate product in transport. With regard to a tailings da~ failurep there are several events which could result in overtopping of the dam. These have been identified as an erosion of the top of the dam c&Wiled by a continuous overflow resulting from:
- An equivalent rainfall of two years within* period of approximately one week.
- Failure to maintain the proper ~inimum freeboard height; e.g.,
either as a result of improperly placing discharge tailings lines, or wave action of the ponded water.
- An earthquake which would dislodge mine overburden which has been stored along the southwest side of the basin and cause it to shake into the basin and displace the fluid in the pond within a short period of time.
- The coneequence of a dam failure could result in the emptying of the liqUid portio of the pond within a few houl'6 with a high percentage of the solids remaining in the tailing* retention area. The spill would be expected to be confined t.o the drainage ar.ea below the dam. Because of the low level.I of radiation involved, no immediate or long-term effects whi.ch are dangerous to the environaent can be* attributed to a dam failure.
Should a fire accur in the solvent e*traction building, the effect of the fire on the enviroRDent would be expected to be confined to within a few hundred feet of the building, Because of the low levels of radio-active material involved, no environmental problem is expected.
- transportation accident involving the ehipme.nt of the finished product igy truck or tx-ain may occur. Such an accident may reault in the rupture of one or more of the containers. However, any material which is spilled from the container will be confined to the immediate area of the accident scene and be easily identified and cleaned up without producing any hazardous short-term or long-term effects to the environment.
Various alternatives have been examined, including not conducting the mining and mUL.ng operation et all, locating the mill at a different site, and using a different method of mining. None sufficient to warrant a different course of ection were fowid to exlet. Based on the foregoing considerations, **and in light of the evaluation embodied in the Commission's draft detailectstatement. we conclude that the Hishland mining and milling operation can be conducted with a &mall environme~t~l impact. With respect to the specific factors that must be considered on a request for an interim licenae pursuaut to paragraph A.14 of Appendix D, 10 CFR Part 50, the following additional concludons have been reached,
- 1. Whether _redress of any adverse environmental impact from milling
_!Ctivities can reasonably be effected should such redress be pecessary. No environmental impacts are expected that woulC.: be of such a magnitude so as to greatly accelerate t.he natural succeesional ecological processes. However, should any adverse impact occur, redreas could be accomplished within the scope of reclamation and restoration procedures recognized in the Commission'* Draft Detailed Statesaent. Additiooally, the applicant baa stated that he would take the necessary stepa to redre** the adverae impacts. Bl!~T AVAIUllli~ tOllf
- 2. Whether operation of the mill during the interim license peri(?!
would foreclose 1ubseguent adaption of *alternatives. Operations under the four-aonth license would not affect the design or co111truction of the mill or result in any irretrievable commit* mente of financial resources by the applicant.
- 3. The effect of delay ,in issuance of an interim license.
The effect of a delay in the isauance of an interisn license would be the loBB of jobs for aome fifty employees. In addition, a delay would result in a substantial financial loss to the Company in terms of interest charges on the Company 1 s investment end e tand-by mainte-nance costs of the mine and mill. ln SW1ID8ry 1 based oo the analysis and conclusions embodied in the Coamiaeion's draft detailed statement concerning the Highland milling operation, end consideration and balancins of those factors specified in paragraph A.14 of Appendix D, 10 CFR 50, it has been determined that the interim license requested thereunder should be granted. The licenae ao issued wUl be appropriately conditioned and will expire in four months or upon co111plet1on of the NEPA review and the iHuance of
- regular license whichever co** sooner. The license shall be without prejudice to any subsequent licenaing actions which may be taken by the Commission regarding enviromaental aspects of the activit:l.es.
BIT AVAIWt~ mPY
- UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION WASHINGTON C.C .105,45 Date: Dece!lber 8* 1971 WCAJ, PURJ..fC nor.r.JMENT ROOMS F.ndo6£!d are the following items submitted by Division of ~f!,teT'ials Licensin&
for Humble Oil __ & RefininJ. Co.!!I.P~".....Y_ _ Docket No, ~-8_l_Ol_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1 purs11a£1t tn arranf\eml'*ni-s m.:ide with the Public Proceedings Branch, Office <f the S£il*r(>tAry 1 for use by the puhltc: Appl1r*;ttion (Parr "A") r..:ontaining General and Financial l:1fonnat.il>n
~'.:\fety An.1lysfs RPport, Volume6 (Part B") l'Onta1n1np. Technical l11formatum ( ____ PS,\H; ==-FSAR)
I I Amendments ti.) t\pplit*,1tion and/or Safety Analysis R(:>port 1l f.nv1ronmental Fil~ (Applicant's Environmental Report, AEC's Environmental
~t.:1Lement 1 r:,,l'llllents lr0m Feder l, state and loral offklals)
C:nrrpspnndenr.<> to and from applic&nt (Excluding Environmental and ,\nt!trust) Antitrust File
/-/ Adjudicatory file (Notices of hearing, safety evaluatiun, ACRS report, Initial necJsion and othPr orderB}
/_/ Other
~-~~~------------------------------*------
WherE' possibl<!, the matC'rfal should be punched and filed in folders, Libeled in ilClorcfonvt:' with the forego1np, c.ategor1es.
))1,4 : KJ , J?( /6 r-,..;:t__ _
Office of the Director of Regulation
UIIITED aTATD A'l'ONJC DmtOY OOMNIIIIOJI
*m *m UCIIII Punuoat ID tlMt Aloauc liwn Aol
- 1164, CIIM1 Title 10, C-af ,_...ra1 J-4ulotiau. Cacapter 1, ii.....,, ..... ~ ... ._.._
Put 40, "lciolNfee of louraa llamiQJ. m ia reliaaoe on . .. _ ... and ..,.,...atalioal t.nta6o..
. . . . .,, . . . . . . . . . . Q .liaaut to ....... , _ CUld llltport aetmal tlaapGW Wow; 11> w __. aalltrial b 1111a ,.,,..c-, uc1 GI . . plom(s) i OCIODNUCl9 WIit . .
- =:!:.:.:.-'~-~~
- r. .....
...._aw ~ i au to Mli'M or trcullltr . _ aolldal ID pe1m alllllorillcl lo . . . . . it iD vi;.-
ill mid Part. fllil I i - llacaU ..
--..c-llJ lwwc~~~ - . ll8'DOW a:
ii*- a!!_!.~~o=~,..10' _ _ , Ul ._,..io ID mmlaia Ille aadlliaal Codi * , . .ro1 ......... Cnptn l. Part ao, Stcuulardl lor ProlW!tiae Agaimt lladlotialt," ond ID cua, 01111cliiiou IPNiW helow. LimmN l 3. Licew tio.
- l. Na* lill*ble Oll
- left.ala& IUA-1139 C*paa, ,. lqiinatiaa Deale faur --(4l *- *- **--
- 2. Acldrelt P.o. lu 2180 aoatbl fr* tba ieauance K011atoa. Tuu 77001 _jlta 1pacifl.ed belo1t..---
- s. Dock.t No.
- 6. Source MatniGl
*-*---*-*-*-*--. *--*--*--*-----*--"----*~o
- 7. Naaia1UD
._,,_1
. .....02____ .
quantity of ID~ 111e1*riol which lieeUN IIUlJ PcaNII GI QllJ OM . . . l&Dder tbilU... Urealua Uallalted CONDITIONS
- 8. btboriaM 111111 (UalNI odlerwue apeciW, Iha aulborilacl pla~ oi 11111 ia tile lio**** addNII
....... a ......)
Tille llcenae .. tborls** uraalu* ore proca11t.na at* naatnal daraupput of two tbouaand (2000) tona per cl&f ln accordance wltil tbe procectu.re, de1crlbed in tbe licelllH
- appllcatlon
.. ted Auau1t 12 1971, ** euppl..aated in appllcanc*1 letter dated June 12, 1972.
- 9. Auta.rlaa4 Place of Uaec Tb* lleeHM'* Hi.abland Uranlua Mln*
ln Coa**r** Ca111t,, lfJ*lna. llO. TIie lleersM l* llerel,y ea-,t froa tbe r..-lr-nta of S.etl*
- 20. 20J(e)( 2) *f 10 en 20 fer ar*** llltllla die *lll p:rovlded .
all ..tr*..** to tile alll are c0D1p~a11eua1, po1ted ln aoeerdaaee vltta leetlen 20.203(e)(2) and vll:b tbe wonl*
"Arly aru wltllta tbta alll **Y contain radioactive aaterial."
1~=: c biA8SVo, PDR 1 HE~'l AVAIIJ\HLE t~OPY
NATIIIAL Ut...11
...........try .....
- 11. t'b* llc*... 1bell l***L*t*lJ 11otlfy Reale 1,. Dlrretorate of t.auleter, Operatle111, UIMC, Denver, Colorado, by telephone and tel*ar*plt el *n, tellm-* la an e1rtb ... retantloa ,,,t.. whlch r.111lt, le* rel.... of radleactlv* ..cerl*l lato unre1trlcted
.,...,. 11ll* recaulr-t la L* addltlon te tile r"u.1r-t1 of 10 en 20.
- 12. Tba llNIIN* at.ell d*t.,..,ae dl*t ..,1.,..,
t:HtMUhd wldl r ..ioaetl** *t*rlal1. Wb.- an Nfloyee he1 1**1111 work *r* not
................... clotua prlor to l***uaa work, he .., be
***llllltd to be free of eont..laetloa.
- 13. Cb*nae* la tu lllll et.reult or equl.paent, Laellldlq Mlnt*n*nc, actlvltlee, .a..11
- apprne4 ln ffltlaa bJ the Nlne Nauaer.
Dlarlna *
- cheap, aad aotl*ltle,, radlatlon **fety *CJn*Y*
ahall be coedwcc., to **teraLae *a,loJ.. **po111re1 to radlo* aetlv* .. terlale. 14, Tbl1 lleeu* l1 vltbO\lt prejudlee to IDJ 1ub1equent llc.n1ln1 act1oe1 wblab .., t.. taken by th* CoalllaaLoe r*a*rdln& aawlrOb*
**t*l aapeet1 of tile *ctlvltle1. .
- 15. TIil* lleena* doe* not autborl** ralelna th* h*labt of the talllna*
d* above lt1 orl1ln1l belpt of 85 feet.
, . the U.S. Atomic Energy~
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~-llOZ Hr. Richard s. Jo;1c1 l>l.vlolon *of J,t1 1.t tennaHee VaU,:y /.*1tbortt7 Kooavllle. T,-~.,or:: co 37902 Dear Mr. JOMBI Coploa o! r**.~:1roo11catal npoi-t* .auimttted b7 Rio Aleem Cor~'>t'4tlo11 n ,~i :***. ~,le 011 6 ltcfLnlni C;::* ;,c~;, ~L:1vo liacn tort*ar,*::.~
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HUMBLE OIL &. REFINING COMPANY HOUSTON, TF.XAS 77001 MINUALe DIP,HTMINT Deceaber 19, 1972 Mr. John r. Kendig Materials Branch Directorate of Licensing u.s. Atomic Inergy COJD11isston Waehington, DC 20545
Dear llr. Kendig:
Ae you requested, I am enclosing a tabulation of the results of recent analyses of recent water eaaples from the Highland mine water retention pond and the two water source wells that we sample regularly in the environmental monitoring program. You will note substantial variation in the radium and thorium concentrations during the past tour or five montha. We don't know yet whether the variation is real. Because ot the very low concentrations and because the highs and lows tend to occur at all locations at the same time, we suspect analytical problems. Hazen Research is examining its analytical procedure and is currently running all of our samples in duplicate. Please let me know if I can provide any other information you need. Sincerely yours,
~~.tdldl Gerald D. ~lof/l Environmental Advisor vj1.
Attachment COPIES SENT TO COMPtJANct
,106100198 72lil1' f'DR I\DOCK 04008102 C . . fl PDR
SUMMA.RY IIES'r 1',r1u1J1111J~ (~011r RECENT WATER MONITORING DATA - BIGHIAND MINE AREA \ Radium-226 Thori.um-230 uranium (eCi x 10-8/ml) (JiCi x 10-6 /ml) (l!Ebl b Location Location Location Location Location Location Location Location Location 3 8 7 3 8 *7 3 .!l 7 8 0.25 o.24 !i .s. *<0.01 <0.01 N.S. 25 29 x.s. 0.20 0.10 N.S. <0.01 <0.01 x.s. 25 8 !J.S. 0.10 0.07 0.12 <0.01 0.02 0.02 26 3 1 Dry 0.52 0.12 Dry 0.004 0.001 Dry 18 N.D. 0.14 0.02 0.16 0.01 0.031 0.01. 19 13 1 0.38 o *. s2
- 0.28 0.°'2 0.445 0.012 102 10 !f.D.
o.os 0.04 0.05 <0.001 0.001 0.001 174 14 ., o.64 0.42 0.46 0.075 0.021 0.054 174 15 1 Locat:lon 7: Mine water Retention Pond Locat:lon 3: Water Source Well - Highland tl6 Well (completed ~n all ore sands - 129 feet of pe:r:fo:rated interval over depth :lnterva.1157 to 364 feet subsur:race) Location 8: water Source well - Hi.ghland #3 Well (completed only in the upper o:re sand) s.s. Kot Sampled (' ;
- None Detected r* :.
C-! C.. J Badium-226 and Thorium-230 analyses by Hazen Research. Go1den,Co1orado, Uriniiiii analyses by chemical and Geological Laboratories, Casper, Wyoming
HUMBLE OIL &. REFINING COMPANY H0l 1 6TON, TEXAS 77001 IIINUA,_. DS,AIITMINT Dec8fflber 12, 1972 ..09T Of"~ICt: IIOX 1110 J PAUi. TIDW..1.1. a1w*11*L 11,Uit&GIJI 11 I: IIOHH Docket No: C0-8102
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Chief, Materials Branch /'..:.J r\:--; ......, \:. : D1:rectora te of Licensing f~ :*\ w' wl ;,, io *
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Dear llr. llalaro:
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This le to notify you of a change in the organization of tb~/B1ghland Uranium Operati.ons Group ae shown on Supplemental Sheet 2 of our application for Source Material License for the milling of uranium ore at the Highland Uranium Mill in Coverse County, Wyoming. lffective December 15, 1972, the functions of the Safety Engineer will be divided between two positions with responsibilities as follows: Safety Engineer - Responsible for the mine and mill ind.str1al safety program, excluding radiological safety and monitor* ing in the mill. Metallurgical Laboratory Supervisor - 8espons1ble for radiological safety and monitoring in the mill and for environ-mental monitoring and record-keeping. fhe Safety Engineer is Mr. Arnold Acosta, who was employed by HU11ble l~a December 1972. During the past ten years, Ir. Acosta bas had various safety engineering and supervisory positions with Kennecott Copper Corporation, where he planned and administered aafety prosra.. in both ainin1 and metal refining operations, and planned and conducted courses in industrial safety for supervisory personnel. Bis degree 11 a B.A. in Secondary Education, which he received from New Mexico leatern College in 1961. He has completed many specialized courses in industrial safety and hygiene, including a course in radiation monitoring conducted by the University of New Mexico. He holds an inmtructor'e rating in first aid from the U.S. Bureau of Mines. The Metallurgical Laboratory Supervisor is Mr. Carl w. Lembke. llr. Lembke received his B.S. in Chemistry from Chadron State College, Nebraska, in 1955. Be was employed by Humble in April 1972 after extensive experience in the uranium milling industry. Be served as Chief Cheai*t for Susquehanna - We*tern Corporation for seven years, Chief Cheaist for federal Partners 1n Riverton, Wyoain1 for five rears, and as Laboratory Supervisor for Petrotomica Company for three
llr. James C. lalaro Pa1e 2 December 12, 1972 rears prior to joining Rumble. llr. Lembke is thoroughly frun.iliAr with radiological safety and lll<>nitoring requirements and methods in uranium milling operations. If you need any further information about these changes, please let us know. Sincerely, J. Paul Tidwell GOO:seb
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J:icket No. 40-8102
. :,: .. IGBLAfffi : 7-1 *6 llr. James C. Malaro Assistant Chief *-
Materials Branch Division of Materials Licensing U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Washington, DC 20545
Dear Mr,
Malaro: Rumble 011
- Refining Company is currently operating the Highland Uranium Mill under an interim authorization (License No. SUA-1139) expiring February 5, 1973.
It appears that tbe review process under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act will not be completed before the expiration dat'e of the interim authorization, .we, therefore, request that the AEC issue 1 an interim authorization effective February 5, 1973, authorizing uranium milling operations at the Highland Mill tor,an additional four months or until the Source Material License issues. The factors outl:l.ned in our letter of July 20, 1972, in which we requested the initial authorization are still applicable, and we request your consideration of those factors in determining whether additional interim authorization of milling activity is warranted. Sincerely, JPl':vjg USA~C
;*.~*c. 71972... 11
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, .. ~ MAil SECTION , 1:~
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9706100203 721~04 -* PDR ADOCK 04008102 C . PDR
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U, 5, GOYlllHMtNf AGENCY l f *----**-*-.u.. , * -*****-*-.,. * - - * * - Q AODlltU eu1LD1H6, 5TR[U APPL IUNT'S COMMUN1tATION OAUO, CIS 'I OSIGliltO TO: l,l[QICAl l11Sr1TUT1DN
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ZIP CODE l2I04/72 u
£ NCLOSUREsT'"'*-----.. *-- --** .. ---*-*- *-****-*--*. -*--** ..- - - - - - * - - - * - - - - - - * * -
UNCLASSIFIED DESCRIPTION: Ltr., requesting amendment to SUA-1139 that AEC issue an interim uuthor1~at1on eff February 5
- 1973, authoridng ur.nuiu., mil Ung operations at the Highland Mill for an aduf.tional four 111onths or until the Souce Material License is issued.
DISTRIBUTION: RO PDR ACKNOWLEDGED
*no NOT REitOVE OTHER REFERRALS NAIIIE DATE NAME DATE Malaro:
W/Reg. file cy 12/7
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*
- UNITED 6T,t.TES
- ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION WA9HIHG'r0N, D.(':. 109'1 I
~TOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION i
I (Docket No. 40-8102) HUMBLE OIL & RF.FINING COMPANY Notice of Availability of Applicant's Environmental Report Pura~ant to thP. National Km**ironmentel Policy Act of 1969 and the Atoaic Energy Commiesion's regulations. n~tice is hereby given that a copy of a report entitled "Applicant's Envi,otunental Report - Highland Uranium Kill" submitted by t:he Humble Oil & Refining Company and dated July 1971, ta being placed for public inspection in the Comm1ss1on 1 s Public Document llooin, 1717 II Street, N.W., W:1shington 1 D. C. 20545. A copy of the report ie alao being placed for public inspection in the-Wyoming State Clearing-houae, State Planning Coordinator, Office of the Governor, Capitol Building, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 and in the Converse County Library, Douglas, Wyoming 82631. The report involves the application by HWDble 011 &. Refining Co~pany for an AEC license to authorize uranium ~illing activities in Converse County, Wyoming. Comments on the report may be sub-mitted. by interested persons to the Director, Division of Materials Licensing, U. s. Atoffiic inergy Commission. Washington, D. C. 20545. A *upplemental report to include informal on required by the Commission's reviaed regulation implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Appendix D of 10 CFR Part so. ts expected to be submitted by Humble Oil, Refining Company. Notice of availability of the supplemental report will be pubU*hed in the FEDElla\lJ REG1ST£R.
After tbe reports have been revie11ed by the Commission's regulatory ataff. a draft Detailed Statement on environmental considerations related .to the proposed activity will be prepared. Upon completion of the draft Detailed Statement, the Commission will, amung other t.hings, cause to be pubU.Bhed in the FEDERAL RECISTRR a summary notice of the availability of the Applicant's Environmental Reports and the draft Detailed Statement. Tbe summary notice will request, within seventy-five (75) daya or such
- longer period as the Commission may determine to be practicable, cormnents from interested persons on the proposed action and on the draft Statement.
The summary notice will also contain a statement to the effect that the comments of Federal agencies and State and local officials thereon will be available when received.
~*
Dated at Bethesda, Maryland, this,..CJ day of C..(t.r~ 1971. FOR THE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
** * * ~.: ~i,n~t !,;
I ~ tu 11nin1itur11 Richard E. Cunningham Acting Di rec tor Division of Materials Licensing
It DMff PUii.IC AIIIOUIICIIIIIII' ABC UCllVES ENVIICIOl!lff AL IBPOITS POI. 'l'VO PIOPOSID UMHlllf MILLS Th* Atoaic Ener11 Co*i**ian ha* received emrtroaaental r*porr*
- for uranit.11 *lll* betna can*tructed by lio Al1oa Corporation in th* Iii ln4un Diatrict of aoutheaet*rn Utah and by Hable OU , leftntna CoapaaJ tn th* Powder River la1in of ea1tern w,~1111.ns, The two reports were prepared before the Co*i11ion publ11had, on Septeaber 9, 1971. new reaulettone iapleaentlng the National Environ-
.. ntal Polle, Act. Under th*** new re1ulation1, the ABC 1* required to
, ****** the total environaental l11pact of theee fac1litte1 before ltcen1H can b* 11*ued. In order to make thia evaluation, 1uppleaental report,,
. contetnin1 additional environmental 1nfo~t1on, vlll have to be 1ub-
.. .m1tted by each c01111>any.
l Copie1 of th*** environaental raporte and the supplemental report* when they becoae available v111 be aade available for public inapec:tion* et th* AEC'* Public Doc\lllent Room, 1717 ff Street, N.w., in Waahtngton, and local public docuaent roo111 ~aped.ally eetabliahed in the vicinity of
. each project. For the ato Al.1011 facility in Utah, the docuaent roo* has been e1tabli1hed at the San Juea County Library, Monticello, Utah 84535, Por HUllble 011 1
- f aciltiy in Wyoalng, 1t *
- been 1et
- up at the Conver**
Co1mt1 Libral"J, Doutl**, W,Ollilll 82633.
,/
ln addition to tb* above location*, report* will b* available for public lupection at th* Utah State Cl**dnahou**, Utah State Plannina Coordinator, Stat* Capitol luildtna, Salt Lake City. Utah 84J.14 for tu I.to Al** Corporation application and at the V,oatna State Clearlna* house, State Plannlna Coordinator, Office of the Governor, C.pltol Buildtna, Cbay*nnc, Wyoaiq 12001 fcir the lluabl* Oil , bft11ing Coapaay
\ ',
l application.
/
-~
- e HUMBLE OIL &. REFINING COMPANY HOUSTON, TEXAS 77001 MIHalllAL* DU'ARTMIENT November 13, 1972 "OIIT Ol'P'IClt *OX 1180
'-* * '-- v Mr. John F. Kendig Materials Branch Directorate of Licensing u.s. Atomic Energy Commission Washington, DC 20545
Dear Mr. Kendig:
As we discussed by phone last Fridayt I am sending you a copy of the Hydrometallurgical Plant Manual which we reviewed during your recent visit to the Highland Mill, The manual was written specifically for and was distributed to the operators in the mill. We believe that the manual has been very helpful in getting our operators started off properly. We intend to keep it up to date with revisions and added material as necessary. Since the manual was written for our mill employees, I would appreciate it if you would treat it as a reference for your awn personal use. Certainly it is not intended as an official submission to the AEC. Enclosed with the manual is a copy of the reference material on cation exchange characteristics of natural clay minerals that I mentioned to you. I hope it is helpful. I have checked on the availability of photographs of the Highland Mill that might be suitable for the AEC Annual Report, and I should have one that I can send you by about November 17. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance as you c~ntinue with the NEPA review of our mill license application. Sincerely,
~~
Gerald D.'* IPll1f-Ortloff Environmental Advisor vjg 9706100206 7.11113 PDR ADOCK 04008102 C PDR
' * *
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Au1U9t u. 1972 . Kr. C*r*l4 D. Ortloff. lnvlroaaeut*l Advieor Jlulal* on ,. hflatna eo.,_, P. o. loJC 2180 Rouatn. Teua 77001 Riahlmd 7-t .. 6
Dear Hr,
Ortloff: In reply to Jour letter of At.aguet 1 1 1972, w concur that Mr. l'ate 1 1 ., report 11 *ult*b1* for a *****ltne biota iD.,.ntory of th* Hlghlaud ~ Flat, Area of Cottver,e Caua.ty. 'l J
!our *11CPn11ed lntent to uH our coa.Dtl dd informU.011 to 11Uimha .
bneflcht *ff*ct1 and llilliiatH &11.J potentl*U, adwrH illpacta ll vary CCNalllUb i.
- I 1Hd 011 the et.arreat eooperattw attttudat aa, rel*tlo111lalp1 1 va too, look fon,ard. to I beuftclal ead nault in the tnterelt of tha public, Siacerely, JIW1H1111j1h su,.
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JOHN L.1-0r?t*. JA. Yl(.l ,,A,llD[Nf I, Otfllf.TOII July 20, 1972 Docket No. 40*8102 RfbffURD: 1-t-s llr. Jame* c. Malaro Aa111i11tant Chief Materiat. Branch Division of Materials Licensing
- u. s. Atomic Energy Commission Washington, DC* 20545
Dear llr. llalaro:
Humble Oil* Refining Company applied to the Atomic Energy . Commiasion on August 12, 1971, for a Source Materials License to permit the processing of uranium ore at the site of Humble's Highland Uranium Mine in Converse County, Wyoming (Docket No. 40-8102). With the license application, Humble submitted an Applicant's Environmental Report aB r3quire~ by ABC regµla-tiona. On January 13, 1972, Humble filed a Supplement to the Applicant's Environmental Report to answer specific que&tions raised by the AEC. On April 2~, 1972, the AEC releaaed its Draft Detailed Statement of Environmental Considerations relating to the Highland Mill application. The period allowed for comment on the DJ.*aft Detailed Statement has expired, and the comments received are being considered by the ABC prepara-tory to issuing the Final Environmental Statement. Construction of the Highland Uranium Mill is now 'more than 90! complete and the open pit mine is beginning to produce ore. It appears that the review process under the National Environ-mental Policy Act will not be completed in time to allow the isauance of a license before the planned start-up in early September, 1972. We therefore request that the ABC issue an interim authorization of milling operations at the Highland Mill, effective September 1, 1972, as provided in the AEC's replations. We request your consideration of the following factors deciding whether an interim authorization is warranted BE~TAVAIIILECOPY .,._,,...
/R.
- I
Ill" * .Jaae* C, llalaro
\
.... 2 July 20, 1972
- 1. The act1v1t1ea which would be conducted at Highland during tbe pr01tpecttve review period will not give rise to*
*lcniticant, adver*e iapact on the environment. A* atated in the AIC'a Draft Detailed Statement, and aupported by Huable 1 1 lnvironaental Reports, the environmental and ecoloeical coat* of the propoaed activities are expected to be indetenainably amall.
- 2. ln the h11bly improbable event that adverse impact on the environment *bould reault from activities at Highland durin1 the continuina NIPA review period, Bumble would take the
*t*pa neceaaary to redreaa auch impact.
- 3. lillin1 activiti.ea during the prospective environmental review period would not prevent the adoption of alternatives ot the type that could result from the ongoing environmental review.
- 4.
- The be11t interests of the public will be 11erved by the timely start-up ot the Highland Mill. Subatantial delay beyond the projected start-up date could not only result in tbe lay-oft of aome fifty employeea who are now being trained to operate the mine and mill but alao deprive the public of a needed energJ aource,
- 5. &ven a abort delay would reault in a substantial financial 1088 to Bumble. Payroll costs, interest charges on Bumble'&
f20 1 000,000 investment, and stand-by maintenance costs of the mine and mill are in excess of ,22G,OOO per month *
.* le believe that the factors we have listed are aufficient to justify interim authorization of milling activities at Highland.
Yours very truly,* I I* GDO:vjg
............111 ................ ,1 ..... ,.
DATI tAfl
- ..... - ................. -t--........ ~-,a;;;;-oii&.l~- 1------------
* u.L-Wfo.wh Ill U. $. Gowern1M111 Printing Office, 1961 - 296 - 614 MAJL CQ~~~~Oll\r9J
- e@1M~lr ~a 1/d - WO .2. Ftl:GULATORY F,LE CY HUMBLE OIL Bt. REFINING COMPANY HOUSTON, TEXAS 77001
................... June 12, 1972 Mr. Jame* C. llalaro Aa11i11tant Chief Material* Branch Diviaion ot MaterialR Licensing Atomic Inergy Commisaion Wubington, DC 20~45
Dear Ill',
llalaro: rollowin1 are several comments and questions concernin1 the Draft Detailed Statement on The Environmental Considerations, etc., dated lprl1 5, 1972; and a request for advice concerning a po1*tble amendment to our Source Material License Application for the Hiahland Uranium Mill. COIIDlents on Draft Statement
- 1. Refer to Pase 12, Para1rapb 3 of Draft Statement (aleo Pa1e 6 ot Bumble'* Enviro,amental kep>rt', July, 1871). The initial m1ninc area ahouid be ilo acrea rather than 60 acres.
(In Rumble'& Report on the nameia&e, the total open-mine area should be 300 acrea rather than 120 acres).
- 2. Refer to Page 14, Paragraph 3 of Draft Statement, The ore will be ground to minus!!. mesh rather than minus 200 me&h.
- 3. Refer to Pare 23, Paragraph i of Draft.Statement. All of the exposure data ha* been increaaea by three fimes as compared to the expo1ures calculated by Humble in Exhibit H of Bnvironmental Repgrt.
- 4. Refer to Page 9, Part D, 2; also to Page 23, Paragraph 2 of Draft Statement. Based on actual measurements of water
- production from the first-phaae of mining, the water produc~
tion is about 500 &'&llons per minute or just about the proceaa requirement.
- 5. Refer to Pare 19, Para1raph 3 of Draft Statement, The data on mine water production (Item No, 4 above) should make it unnecessary to releaae any water whatsoever. Any temporary production of mine water in excess of reaervoir capacity can BE~T AVAIIAIIUI COJ,y 9706100224 720612 PDR ADOCK 04008102 C PDR j
Ill'. Jaan C, llalaro
,.,. 2
.June 12, 1972 be relea1ed to the ta111n1 pond. rt i* unde*irable to mix thi1 tre1h, near-potable water with the tailing solution and will be reaorted to only in emer1ency *ituattona.
It vou feel that these comment* are *t1ntticant enourh to require a further eupplement to our Environmental Report, pleaae let us know. Aaendlllent to License Applic*tion
- l. Refer to Pa1e 12, Item 11, first paragraph which rellda:
"Samples will be collected on 37 mm membrane filter& to be c0111patable **** " Our X-ray analyzer accepts 47 mm ***plea rather than 37 11111. Should we change our application tor tbia aize di*crepancy?
2, Refer to Page 16, Item 15, second para1raph. We have found that "The:rmolumineacent Do11imetere are preferable to Pilm Bad1e11." Would these doahetera be lncludable under the
or other peraonal monitoring device*" or ahould we amend our applicatlon deleting reference to film badges and 1naertin1 thermoluminescent dosimeters?
Yours very truly,
'c-,-:--)
E;::, ~s~~*....:.1-*,l;..)">---
- 1. 8, Rouaseau Staff Bn1ineer ISR:vj1 IIES'I' AVAIIJUILE (lH*Y
1 ....t:::..
, ... , 11' .
IMTS 0~ DOCUIHJt~ DAH~ NO.:
* . 1.1,11 I
- ld..:.:**et111 Ir I 4 *-u-n OT COHCUIUIIINCI! DATJ,..,.IWU*D:
CCIMllll'NT WI:
- lllfUHOTO IIKINIJO *y °""'
DO NOT REMOVE
. ACKNO,.WLEDGED l--UI...... , ~--+- r t U,I, G0V<<91'fMf.N T ~lttN flN(I Qf"FIC I: ltJI ... Ho41U
r
\, t ** J HUMBLE OIL &. REFINING COMPANY HOUSTON, TEXAS 77001
~ Ofl'l"ICI' IIOI atM february 24, 1972 Mr. Jame* C. Malaro A**i*tant Chief, Material& Branch Dlvi*ion of Materials Licenaing
- u. s. Atomic EnergJ Commission Wa*hinrton, DC 20464
Dear llr. llalaro:
Attached is a sketch of the Highland Uranium Mill complex as requested by Mr, Harmon. I am sendlni a film poaitive as well** several xerox cnpiea. The film should a.low you to make better copies than a xerox or other print. If I may be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me. Very truly yours, E. s. Rou*seau 18R:vj1 A ttachmenta
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U. 6. iOVUHJMLllf A6UICY CL AS~ If ICU WN Aii&IGIII.O TO: RfSUl.flllG olMU. Nil. Augu1t 12, 1971 l1 1:ric*1:osuAi.s ... .... . 11 Appltcent*1 Envtronmental Report Highland UJ"anhnn Mill Converae County, Wyomlna" dated July, l 97 l
<*** 1*p*rate tlcket for diatrtbutton of EnvlroRllltntal Report) u NC i:Aisi FIE o**otsi: RIP T ION,-** .. -*- -*-. -**** ..... **-******--***---* -* ****--*-*--*'
AIC*2 (ln binder) for llcenae to cover un1peclfled quantltlty of uranium., ****** I- * " 015TAiBUTION: *. *- *-*---*-*-* .., *-*--*** *----- --- ...... _ ... _. -* ****-- -* * *- *****-- '*---******** **-******--*----------** * - - - - - - - - l*POR cy, l-c0111pUance cy. OTHtR R.EFlARALi NAME DAH. NAME *- - * - L,A TI; **-- t'll'ftlll\ 08/16/71 w/f Ue cy ** k ttla
- A PPl, IC ~J ' 8 EtiV JRONME N'J'A I,_ HE J~!_ll T - HI GIi LA ND URAN lUM MI I.I.
Conv ol*fiu County, Wyomj 11~ - Suhmi t led hy - HUMBLE Oil.. & REF"JNING cmlPA~'i Ml SERA LS DEPARTMENT
- r. o. Box 2180
- Hnu:-.ton, TcxaH 770Ul - July, 1971 9706100245 710731 PDR ~DOCK 04008102 B PDR
- TABU: OF CONTENTS
- I.
TABLE OF EXHI B11'8 . INTRODUCTION Vi l JI. GENERAL . . . 2
- A. The Uranium lndustr,y and Nuclear Pow*H*'s Contribution to Domestic Power Rrquircments 2 - B, Loe a tion
- I * *
- I I J
- 3 C. Physical Charactm*istics of ttw t'nc*ility
- l. Land 0<"cupa11cy Requirements . 4
- a. Waste H~moval . . 5
- b.
C, 01'<' Mini.II~ 0J'l! ~Ii J I i 11g
- n 7
- d. 1' n i 11 n ~ ll is pos a 1 7 7
- 2. Mine a.
Chronology . . . I I
- t 7
- b. Mining Rnt~H 8
- c. Mining Methods 8 l) Waste Removal 9
- 2) Oi*e Remova 1 . 11
- 3) Water Removal 13
- 3. Mill . . . . . . 14
- a. Chl'onology .. '. 14
- h. Bui Jdin~s * . . . 15
- c. Procc1-rn . . . . . .
- 1) J>l'eparation of the OrQ al Ore Blending and Stol'agl' , . .
16 16 16 19 - hl 01*e Crushing and Grinding ,
<1) Apron rc~edcr . . . .
(2) Screcn1n~ and Cl'U!:ihinrz:
- 19 19 (3) Fine Ore Bins 20
- (4) (5) (6) Grindin~ . . . . Dust Collecton; Qeneral 21 21 24 2} Leaching . . . . . , . . 24
- 3) Rer.overy of Uranium from Leach So l u L i on . . . , * . . . , . . . . 25 a) Separation 01 Solution from
- b) Waste Solids . . . . . , . . Solvent Extraction . . . . 25 28 c) Pi*ecipitation . . . , . . . . 29 - d) Drying, Packaging, and Storin~ of Y~llow Cako ....... . 30 i
- 4. Storage and Disposal of Solid and Liquid W1u:itcs * * . * * *
- 32
- a. Design of Mill ..... 33 b, Design of' the Tailing Pond 34
- 1) Description of Basl" 35 a) Surface . . . . 35 b) Subsurface . . .
. . 37. - 2)
(1) Tailing Dam Shale C2) Ground Water Description of Eu* th fi 11 11am a) Site Preparation 37 39 40
- b) Clay Core . .
c) d) Upstream Slope Crest and Downstream Slope 40 41 42 43
- e) f)
Settlement Capacity * . g) Revegetation
. . . 44 45
.45
- 3) Storage Method 46
- 4) Elimination of Wat.E*J' 48 a) Seepage * . . 48 b) Evaporation , 51
- 5.
c) Entrained Watur Road Systems . . . ... , 52 52 a. h. Publi<.* Roads . Site, Roadr; ... . .. 52 53 D. Environment in the Area 54
- l.
2. Drainage Area - Topography History of Area * * . * . . .. .. .. 54 55
- 3. Site Description . . . . 56
- 4.
- a. Vegetation . .
- b. Animal . . . . .... 57 57 Wen the1* and Clim.ate . . . . 58
- 5. Economic Description of Converso County
- a. Population . . .
- b. Provision for Population Gt*owth .
59 59 61
- c. Land Ownership and Land Use
- d. Business Acthity . .
1) 2) Agriculture . . . . . Extractive . . . . ,
' I 41 t I
I J 63 63 63
- 64 I f I I
- 3) Recreation . . . 65
- 4) Wholesale Business 65
- 5) Unemployment Data 66
- 6.
7.
- 6) Types of Business Which ~ight be Geology .
Attracted to ConV<H'sC? County I *
- I I i, 66 66 Basr. Line Wa te~ Sample Data . . . . ,
- 8. Dase Line Air Sample Data . 67
- 9. Base I;J ne Soil and Vegetation Samples. 68 69 1
ii IIII~'l AVMIJHU~ tOPY.
- !~ill,f' J II. ENV l RONMENTAL A r>PROVA LS AND CONSUJJl'AT rON 70 - A. Air Quality At'l (Wyomi 11g) . 70 - B.
C. Water Quality Act of 1965 (Wyoming) Law on Protec t.1 on of Public Watc,* SujJply .. 71 72
- D.
E. Open Cut Land Reclamation Refuse Act oi' 1899 Law
.... 72 73 F. Water Use Permits . 73 - IV.
G. Planning Authorities ENVIRONMENTAL I MPAC'r OF THE MIU, 74 75
- A. Land Use Compatibility .... 75
- 1. Impact on Pl'CHen t Land USi1 75
- a. Sheep Ranching . . 75 b.
c. Soil Erosion Huntin,z . . . . .. . . . 75 76 d . Po pu la ti o 11 \ Dis t r i bu ti on Changes 76
- 2. Impact on Future Land Use. 76
- a. Sheep Ranching . ..
. 77
- b. Population Distribution 77
- c. Other .
.. ' .. . ' .. 78
- 3. Specific Measures to Presel'V the Natural Environment. . . . *
- l
.. ..... 79
- a. b.* c. Overburden Storage Areas Revegetation Test Disposal of Solid and Liquid Waste 79 79 80 - d. Cutoff Dams . * .. . RO e, Design of Roads . . . 81
- f. Process Dust Col Jee tors . 81
- g. Air Sampling Program ........ '
82 - 4.
- h. Soil and Vegetation Samp 1 i ng Program Areas of Historic S1gni ficance 82 H3
- 13. Water Ui;e Com pa t.i bi li ty ...... Description of Surface and GJ:'ound Water 83
- l. 83
- 2. 3. Impact on Wa tet* Supply Specific Measures to Protect the
... . 85 Environment .. . . .. . . . 85
- a. b. c. Containment of Process Solutions Selection of Tailing Basin Site Watel' Sampling Programs .... 86 86 86 d. c. Cont 1*01 of Mine Dewatering Water Disposal of U&cd Engine 01 l .
.. 87 87 1
- iii IIUS'l AV1UL1UILI~ cot*Y
- 87 C. Heat Dissipation
- I
- I I I
- D. Chemical and Hudioactive Discharge 88 Dust Discharges . . . . 88 - 1. a. b. Dust from Barren Mine Rock Ore and Tailing Dust
..... . 89 89 90
- 1) Fug~tive Oust .
- a) Ore b) Tailing Pond (l) Design and Com;truction 90 91 91 - 2) ( 2) Pa*ocess Dust a) Opera ti on Amounts , *
- 92 94 94 ti) Exposure at Unrr.strict.cd Loe a tion . . . . . . 95 Liquid Discharges - Tailing Pond Seepage 97
- 2. 97
- a. Analysis of Tailing Solution
- b. Moni tol'ing Program l) S.tmpl i ng Program a) Sub-shale Samplin~
. 99 99 99 100
- 2) b) Shale Sampling c} Analysis of Samples . Corrective Action Program . . 101 101 a} Produce Water. 102 b) Water Treatment . . 102
- 3. Gaseous Discharges . . . 103
- a. Pl*oducts of Combustion "' 103
- b. c. Radon Gae . , . . . . Process Vapors . . . . . . 103 104
- 4. Quantity of Principal Radionuclides Expected to be Released . . . . . 105 Important Pathways of Exposure to Man . 106 5.
- 6. Radiological Effects with Respect to Important Species Population 107
- E. Sanitary Wastes . * . ,
- 108
- r. Discharge of Fresh Water ... 108 G. Biological Impact . 109
- H. Con*struction Effects 109 110 - 1. Construction Schedule . r
- t 1
- a. Mine * . 110
- b. Mill .. 110
- c. Roads , ... 110
- 2. lctivities to Minimize Impact on Envirunment . 111 iv
- I. Aesthetic!i, .... . . .. . . 1 J.1 V. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED, . . 112 - A, Permanent Effects *. , . 112 - 8. Temporary Effects
- l. Airborne R~dioactivity . . . . . .
112 112
- 2. Possible Seepage from Tailing Dam.
- 3. Animal Life . . . . . 113 113 VI. ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION. 114 - A. Alternate Sites . . . . .. 114 B. Alternate Minin" Method. a t
- I t I 114
, c. Alternate M11Ung Method 115
- VII. THE RELATIONSHIP or BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES MAN 1 8 ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCIMINT OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY.
- f I * . 116 A. Short-term Use . ' .. . ... 116
- VIII.
- 8. Maintenance of Long-term Productivity ANY IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS 117
- OF RESOURCES WHICH WOULD BE INVOLVED IN 'fflE PROPOSED ACTION SHOULD IT BE IMPLEMENTED 118 1 HES1 1'V1lllJlllLE COI*Y _ - y
- TARI£ OF EXHIBITS - Exhibit A Figure l - State or Wyoming - Figure 2 ~ General Area Details Figure 3 - General Mill Arca Details Figure 4 - Mine and Mill Aren Exhibit B - Figure 1 - Genera 1 Plot Pl an Figure 2 - Pl*ocefls Flow Diagram (in 2 par*t.s)
- !!!!_f bit C Figure l - Tailing Dam Shale Isopa1'11 Map
- f'igurc 2 - Tailin~ Dam Shale, A-A' Figure 3 Cl'o!:is
- Tailing Dam Shale, B-8 Cross Section 1
Section Figure 4 - Tailing Dam Shale, C-C' CrosH Section
- Figure Figure Figure 5
6 7
- Typical Initial Dam Section Profile of Tailing OepoHilion
- Tai 11 ng Pond Capacity Dn t.1 Figure 8 - Typical Ultimate Dam Section Figure 9 - Contour Map of Top*of Tailing Dam Shale Exhibit D - Evaporation Losses. - Proposed Tailing Reservoir
- Exhibit E - Sunimary of Monthly Wate1* Sample Pata Exhibit F - Preconstruction Environmental Surv~y - Exhibit G Part l Part 2
- Approval of Embankment Retention System
- Approval of Sewage DiHpoRal Sy~tem
- Part 3 - Approval of Permit t*or Open-cut Mining - Exhibit JI Figure 1 - Calculation of Radiation Exposure6 From Dust - Coller.tor Discharges at Property Lines (Unrestricted Area) Figure 2 - Estimated Wind Rose for Highland Figure 3 - li:xposurcR for lOOCJ Occupancy at Unrestricted Areas Figure 4 - Total Annual Exposurv - Table Vi
Exhihil I Exhibit J
- Calculation of Exposu1*c! from Radon-222 at Property Lirll' (Unrrn~tricted Arca) Ouc* to Radon Heleaiw at Tai 1 i ng Pnnd
- Estimate of Radionuclide R~l~ase
- ExhilJit K Exhibit L
- Pn t11wayfi or Exposure lo Man
- Design C1*1tcria for l>omf'Hti<* t:t.ililics at Highland Uranium Mine
- Exhibit M - Compa1* i son of Underground a11<1 Open-pit Mining Costs
' Vii
- ~l_>PL!Ii\~T '8 ENV IRONMENT,\I._ HEPOIIT -
- t. INTROUUCTION This repoi*t di:-.vus~c.iH llw k11uw11 .11,d pott.*11tial cnvin,n-
- mentnl impar.ts ot the IUghJand Uranium ~Ii l J, which will be - consti*uctcd by tl11* llumlllc Oil & Ri:*1 tni11~ Company (Humble).
The report is J'PquiI'<.'d by 10 CFR 50, -\r>pc.*ndix D, as
- revised t.o implement the National E~1\'ll'nmn**11Lal Policy Act of 1969 and t lw Wa tor Q~ali ty Jmr1*riv,*m<'J1t AC't of 1970. - Humble haH applied lo the Atomic* E111*r~y Commission <AEC, - for a li1'PllHu to op<'l'iltt.* a uranium 1* 2 11 1n FlalA area of Col1Vl 2*se County !11 l':t~-1,,rn Wyoming.
1 the Hi~hlantt The mill
- will become part of the Hi1,thlnnd U1*a111um Operntions,of thl' MinPt'als D(*partm,rnt of Humhlc .
- Humble is a wholly-owned subsid1;1n of Oil Crnnpally (NPW ,frrsoy).
the Standard
'l'ht' lli~hl.111d uranium pt*oje,*t w111 111c:lud(1 an ope11-pil mirw, a11 ore* r11*m*c*s~;ing rn111, i,;t.ora~,* a1*c*as for IJot.h mine
- and mi I. J waH l(* p1*odu<* t~, a11d :rnc i 1 J ary t-YHt~ms.
~ Lono 01*~ with ul'anium mi11cralizat1on discovered hy Humble The sand-
- in I96R in lht' PowdC'r River Basi11 ol \\'ynming will b~ mined - and J'l'oc:w,~t.*d. 1'he uranium p1*och11*1*cf ""i 11 supply a portion of tho ~1*cnlly inc*rcasiu~ uranium dPm:rncls oJ Lhe electric 1 1iowt 1* J.tt'IHJl'at ion imlu~try during I ,1Js dt 1 <'nc.f<1 and into the nc x t. A. The u~:!!.1.!.~ncJu:-;try and Nul'lt*_:11*_1~1!..1.1,els Cont.i*ibution to Uom*:.:"l~~>wer Requiremeujs - Total ,*nt'l'J..tY consumption nl th~ United Slates has been increasing significantly a11d. is f..!Xpectcd to grow
.1t a rapid ratu during this dl~cad<i. The most- &ctive
- J.tl'owth t-rnc*to1' of tile enei*gy industry is pro,jected by 1 the- F'l dPra l Jlow1~1' Commission to ht' l' lfJl' ll' ical power .... J,tc1w,*at1011. Consumption or elrc*tridty inc:reased 8,4'; pc>l' yl'al' fr om 1 H50 to uno and is I Ol'L*cas t by the - .[,\,lfC't'al PoW£'1' l'ommission to J.!l'ow at 7.3'.; per year - d1ni11~ tho 1~70':;, 1 ol :Ho,,mo
')
Y<rni*-end IH7n (*l<~ctrical capacity MW- w.i l l grow to about 670,000 MW 1 f capa- - hJ I 1 1 y 1 s lo ma td1 ~1*ow l h in consump Li on . - 1 2 N4~Ws lt1*lP-as(i, J,',.,df*r*al f'owcr Comrnis:-;inn. Scpt<>mbc,r 24, 1969. 1971 Htatisl.it'al Rr*po1*t . .Elf~c*t.ncal Mal'C'h 15, 1971. World,
TIH.* AJ::C lon:castH Lhat. by J!,HO about 150,000 lt1W of nucle>ar capacity will be in orw1*.,t.1on providing ncnrly
- one-fourth nf !olal lJ. S. clc!L't1*:,*al w>wer necds.~l Tr
- achieve thi~ position, the AEC p1*n.J('('ls that nuclear wil J a,~c*ou11t I or ahout
- hnl f' ol l l,t* 1:Jc,*trical powe1*
- growth from l!>iO lo lHAO. Con~-idc'I J11...c nuclear plants - operr~ti111:* at 23-fold t11e t*1Hf t'Xpa11~1n11 of 1970, thi:,.; .rnL1Jd l'<'present :,
of nuclealH ,*n11t1'ihution.
- P1'l!Hl'II L uonws ti<: m1 ne antl m1 I tons pc*r yl'*a1**1 iixc*cf:'ch; c*u1*1*c*11 t t*
I * ;w;H: t Ly ot .1 iv 11 i :in rcquircmen t1-1 O, 000
- for lJ30a, ltrHH~VC!I'. t lw AEC f m'flc* aH t ~ a 1*apid i nc?'case in uranium dPmand to :11.000 tonR U30H per year, which - will 1*equi1*c r>riniary 1n*oduclion !a<:1litics of U30a to he I ncrcascd 2*-1 :,1 t imm; from t hu <"urren t lcve 1 by 1980.
Consideri11~ tho imµortance al nuclea1* cnel'gy and
- Urn need to rapidly increase mine 'mill capacity, the llighlantl .1ddit.ion h; part of a11 Ol'd(*rly and neccR1:rnq* - buildup ol domt*stic: U30H pruduction c*11pacity to meet
- B* lhiH C.'OU1Jt1*y*~ I.ol' a t i on tul.Ul'l' CllfH'~Y l!C(*ds. - 'rite* Highla11d Cranium Opt*J'alirmfi ,u*r located in nortlltH'n ConVl*l':-il' Count.~*. '4hic*h J!:i in ('ll!itc.*rn Wyomi111,t - (Sot.> J<.:xhihil A, Figure.* ).). 3"Mn,joJ* A<*tivitit*~ in Alomie Enl*l'i.:v Programs," AEC, ,January, - 1971.
;11'ho
~11c:l1*;.li' lndlJ:-ill"\' _____
... __._ 1!370, AEr. '-:oVl'mlll!I' 18, 1970.
1
. BE~1 AVAIWtE COPY
Tl1t* ~ii,. i~ *,-5 m1 lt*~ \H.!!*H or 1111* <*ommon point. on
- llw Wyom1111!-S0ulh Dakota-Nchraska IHWc.hir~ and alJoul mid-stalC' 111 IIH* no_l'th-soutl, cHl'r*r*tirrn. I t h ; about
- 1;rn air mlh1H to Montana on .t.Jw no1*1h and 140 miles Lo Colorado nn Ill~ i,;outh. - Tho 1warNil major c.ily, Ca:-qu*r, j~ about 50 air mil o!:I Wt.'1:il -~out hWl'H t. Dou~ J.rn il nd Ci l cnrock . arc i ncor- - pora I cd town:,; lcH*at.cid about ~*1 m1 IP!-: Routh-southeast - nnc.l ~OlllhWL*Sl., J't:>Hpectivc}y 0:Khillil A, Fi!,;Ul'l' 2).
The sot t.lomPnt of Orpha is ahout lfl mi ]us south, and
- lhc* s,~tt l(i1111*11t 111 Oill i!; l,wat,:d al,out lH miles north-liast. Clwyl~n11<:, lhc State eapi 1.11, and Laramie ru*e - lo'-'attid ahout 1:rn miles to th(l !-iOlllh. Hapid City,
- - C:.
South Dakota, is locat.c:d 140 mi leH northeast of the s j t I.'. PIJys_~.£.i~! Char:w tc1*it;;lics oJ' th,! f'aci lit~ no I h rn i n i 11 ~ a n d mi 11 i 11 f.( 1 1 ! *
- h II i q u (' Fi and m11 l i n s ta J ..
- lat.ion:,; wi I I l~t!IH!l'ally fol lo\\ i11c.luslry practice lll'OVen
- ovv1* Llw past. 20 ycari,;. I. Land Ot*_n1pan<*y Rc9u1rcm".!U...~ - JfumhlCJ owns 01* C'O;ltl'o)s through long-term leasr*R nhout :i, 200 ront i1~uou~ acres of land - around th~ Highland siU* <Exhit1it A. Figure 3). - Of this land, nllout 1.500 acr1.*:-. ai*r! 1ent'ed with Silt'Op-tighl lenc'(* O:xh1hit ,\ 1-'11,ture 4)
- a. Waste Removal
- * *rhc u1*anium ore lies hcnualh a cover or vallll.'l1*sH sandstont:1 a11d :,h:tl1... In lho scqu,:nc*c
- 01* the pi Jlf.': I oporations, ovc1*hurden remove 1, or strip-iH the first activity. There are di ff'erent OV Cl" Im rdt.! 11 Sl01'3Ke pract.i<.*os 1 each requiring di ff l'l' i JI~ amounts of surfal'e a1*ca. Humble has AClC('t~d a met.hod which wi l I utilize a larger
- a1*trn t ha11 might hy fipl'l.'ading lhe othc,*wi H< tw required.
OVOl'hlll'd(~U OVCl' larger However 1 areas 1 th<: lwights of the pi.lt*r-; nl'l.! reduced; and it
- is ,rnsier to blend the pi lcs into the natul'al t.opoi..:a*aphy of Lhc count1*ysidc. Al_though _the
- - total :in~a aJfocted hy tho storage~ will be about 250 acl'es, the c11vil'onmental impact will be temporary and small. The storage piles will bt* low in profile. Thu. sidci slopes will have
- a nli>JH,1 of .3 horizontal to I 11er*tical. This .... flat. H l npe wi 11 appear mo1*c IHl tural to the ohs~rv~,* and will allow lhe operation of the mechanical ~rass sesdcr for revegetation. The initial dump ~ovurod 60 acres and has - a 1 ready hmm re-covc!J'l?d wt th topsoi 1 and seeded - wj th rwtural g1*asse,-:: in a r,*vc~~C!t.alion test to h<:> dcs,*1*ibcd more fully in P:ira1,traph IV. A. 3. - b, (fioc ah;o Exhibit:\, Fi~ure 4).
-* b. Ore Mining
- The Phase I min~ wi 11 havu ;1 pi l-bot t.om a1*ea 01' about 60 acres (J:;xl11hit A, 1i~ure 4).
- At the lime ore mining commonccs in Phase l, overhurden removal will hel,!,in on Phase II - mine. The bottom area of this mine will al be about 60 acres. As pre~ently envisioned, - tho total open-mine area at any time will be - about 120 acres. This i ~ a<"complishod by hat*kf 111 i ng m1 ned-ou t. arNHi as soon as the - om is 1*cmoved ,
The final pit confi~u1*aLion will be deter-
- mined by an economic cvalu:,tion of the ore in *- each an*a. The conf igura t iou could there fore he altered slightly if the actual costs sellini:: price for the product va1*y significantly 01*
from those anticipated.
- A slope stability Ht\1dy has been conducted
- for Humble by a consultinR soils engineering firm. This study dcmo11st1*ated thnl the pit
.. walls could be made rclativc*ly steep, thus rcduc ing the amount ot Hur face which mus l be
- disturt.wcJ and t.he nx 1 ('ll r. of the tumporary
- l"'IIV i 1*omri<~n t al irnp;u* t . Th 1s w i 11 a 1 so pPrmi t the mining of lower ~**ad,! 01*,*, material which previ-
- ous)y would have he.*cn u1H..*conomical to mine and JH'Ot'.CSS, c, 01*1.! MjJling The ore processinf.{ rni 11 1s located in the
- Wt'i*d1*1*n JH>l't.ion of the f Prw1*d ,.trl'll (Exhibit A,
- 1i~u1*0 4). The oflku and mill buildin~s oc,1upy about 30 acres (Exhibit B, Figure l).
.. d, Tai ling u1s1>psal .
The tailing or millMwaste storage area is
... Jocatod in the onst<.H'n portion of the fenced
- aroa (Exh~ bit A, Fi l!lll'c* 1 l. The surfa(*o area bou11dod by thu 5. '()O-l'ont.-olevation contoui*, - whir.'ll is the t.op
.nhout. 125 ac1*es.
01 tilt.' i11itial dam, encloses Ovel' tlw lit'c of the opera-
- tion this area will hn irwz*cased to about 250 acres by consti*ucting :tddltional dams atop .the d~posited tailing.
2, Mlnti The Hiu-hland mine will he tho only lar1te uranium - mine opc*rat.ing in eastcr11 l'tyomin~. There al'e no - opcr.1ting mills in the eastt'l'n pnz*t of the state. Small minr.s in 1101*thoast,~1*1, Wyundng ship ore to a 500 TPU mill loc,,tcd 111 South Dakota, supplying .. only ,l pol't.1011 of the ltJe,I ratli,
- a. Chronology
- Enrly in 1970, a f'tt*r an exploration and
. t!V:1h1ation p1*o~rnm 11,*hic.*h harl extcnd<~d over the
- r,rior lH months, lfumhlc announced its intention
- to opcm the Highland .uni to c.:onstru<.'l an 1ni Ill' Ol'l' lll'm*essing mill. About mid-1970, Mullen - Minin~, a division of' Mui Ion Corporation, as - an independent contrartor, wns awarded the c:'Ont.ract to .remove tile bar1*cn material which lies nbove the ore. By ,Ju I y, 1972, when .. .Humble will be~in ore minin~, the stripping
<:911 trac to1* will have movt~d nbou l 20-mil lion-
- cubic ya1*ds of overbul'dt.i11. i\ccol'ding to pi*cs<*nt planR and economic - L!o11d i Ii on8, it appears t ha l the ore 1*eserve will be depleted and ttw minc, closed down in - about 1984 .
- b. Mining Rates During the period heforo milling operations bcgi n I the overburden r*f.. mov al ra le wi 11 ave_rage about 1-million-cubi~ yafdH per month .
... Ore mining is plalllH1ll al a yearly average
... rate of' 2,000 dry tons pPI' day to mntch the c*apiwi t y of tllc mi 11 .
The bulk drnsi ty of t.lle overhurden is esti-mnted to avera~c 1.6~ tons per cubic yard.
- The average strippin~ ratio over the life of - c.
the mine is about 30 Min 11115 Methods to I.
- The mine will be operated as an open-pit mine. Tho open-pit method was selected.
-.- lw,:auHl.' the ore J.s Jcwal<'<I hL~tv.:ecn JOO and 450 feet beneath tho fiUrfaru in the rather thin, Hinuous ore body. The apparent depth - di fJ'erences* are due mainly to a rise in surface elevation from the south to the north - end of the ore body. Overburden removal is a brul~*force, high- - volume task where low operation cost is economi- - cally important. Ot'l' mitlillt.{, 011 hand, iR a very sele~tivo operation. the other It is - important that a maximum nrnoun t of ore-grade material be removed with a minimum amount of - dilution by harrcn mntt*rinl. BecausQ of these diver~ent. needs, diffcnmt r,hilosophies of mining practice and different types of mining - equipment are necessary to minimize production costs. The overburden or waste removal opera- ... tion utilizes 1'ast-loading 1 hir,h-volume equipment
*wh i lt! the ore I oadin~ and hauling utilizes sm:1 l lcr, moro p1* Ol' hw l y co11 trolled cqu i pmen t.
- l) Waste Removal The poorly l:umcn t c<I sands tone and mud-
- ,:; t.on" overllui*den 1.!-i hl'okc:*n and loosened wi I h ri ppc1*-doz,q*s. Ttw hrokcn ma lerial i:; loaded into ~c*rap1*l'H usin~ push~1*-dozers to assist in the londillJt. The scrapers
-. *haul the waste tu tlH' various storage areas Jot*ated 2,000 lo *1,(1()0 lecil away.
roads are "ontinuom-dy m,dntainPd with The haul
- motor graders and "a lt.'l" l rue ks.
The ore occul'J'Pllcl*s in the mine vary significantly in t.onna~e and grade (uranium
.. contcmt) with loC'ation. In order to present a nvnr-constant feed grade ~o the mill and
- thereby minimize lossrns, it is necessary to develop a rather Jan~n minin~ area or pit.
- Humhlc has detcrmin<:cl that a pit wit.ha 1,ottom 111*ea of ahoul 60 acres will be - required to initially meet this constraint .
- - The GO-acre. pi l wi 11 rcquire the removal of about 20-milliou-<:uhic yards of' material.
The waste stora1,;e. sites were selected to he away from the ma,jor water courses to minimize the possibility ~r significant - cl'osion of the pi le and accompanying stream pollution due to P.rosion. Further, the - piles will be located to extend the ridge lines of hills so lhat they blend into the - la11d!-:c:1pe rathe1~ than lll'otrude and draw - at tent ion. Thl" waste ro,*k i:,; similar to the ore in consistency <:'xccpt that it is barren of
uranium values. Silica is by far the major constituent and there are varying amounts of ('alcite present as the ccmanting material. - Only minor amounts of carbonaceous material arc present. Minor amounts of pyrite have .... been noted but not in hi~h enough concentra-tions to allow a<*id ~<meralion in the dumps., - The cnlcito will neutralize any acid formed. - The strippin~ contrat't*or employs about 60 men .and operates the following suite of - oqui.pmeut: 11-40 cu
- yd. HC 1':t l)('l'S 2-32 cu. yd. scl'apers Csel f loading) 1... 32 cu. yd. scraper.
J-009 pusher-dozer 2-D9 pusher-dozurs l-09 ripper-dozer - l 1-08 ripper-dozer - 2-No. 16 heavy-duty road graders 1-No. 12 heavy-duty road grader - l lubrication truck 1 water truck (for roads) - 2) Ora Removal - *rhe ore wi 11 lw mi 1rnd by Humble employees. The mine will operate two shifts per day, - five days per wo~k. The mining rate will be 1,400 tons of ore per shift. As mentioned nhovc>, ore* blending t'or
- mi 11 feed control i~ VC'l'Y im1>ortant.
Sl'lC'etivc mininv; is lllic*m;sary to assure
- thnt the maxi111um amount of ore is mined With a minimum amount of waste. To acc:om- ... plish the selectivity required, Humble - plans to use hydraulically controlled, diosol-powered shovels. These shovels - pc1*mil ho1* izonta l l' rowd in to the bank.
Extrt.*mely close ho1*i~o11tal and vertical
- control of the di1.rni 11g if!; possible I perhaps - within inc-hes. The shovels wi 11 load t1*ucks which wi 11 haul the ore to the ore
- - storage area at the mill.
Humbl~'s current plan~ envision a mining work fort*e of 18 men operating the - fol lowing equipment: 3-2 cu. yd. power shovels - 6-35 ton end-dump trucks 2-5 cu. yd. front-end loaders - 2-D9 ripper-do~crs - 1-3 cu. yd. back-ho<. water truck (road sprinklin~) hca~y-duty road ~radcr
- 3) Wa tm* Removal The ore is 1,wat,!d h1*1wath lhc water tahlc, and il will h~tvc lo IJt* lowered in
- ordur to operate the mine. The method which Humble will use has not beeri - selected. A pumpin~ test is currently under way, and the re8ults will allow a - d~cision to be made. - The traditional and an effective mPthod is to allow the wat~r Lo drain into the pit
- and to collect it in a 8ump located in one pit through ditches. From c*o1*11N' of the the sump it is pumped out of the pit. This method rcquir~~ care in scheduling the mining to assure that the sump is
- always the lowest point. It also requires reKular, and sometim~~ continuous, mainte-
- nance to keep the sump and di tc:h network .... clear. Also, the water present in the pit walls reduces their strength. making necessary flatter pit slop~s and larger stripping r~quirements. In the evaluation of this alternative Humhlc rcco~nizt*s that there mi~ht be sedi-ments in the watrr, and that rlarification will he required hP.fore> the water is released. - Another method of dewatering is the use of n ring of wells located around the - periphery of tho minr. With proper plicc- - ment these wells caus~- a lo~alized depres-sion in the water table and a drier mine. ... This method produces clear water which could be used directly or discharged to - return to the ground water at another - location, probably without further treat-men t. -. There are no non-Humble wells in the area which will be affected by the mine - dewatering operation.
- 3. Mill The ore processing mil J wi 11 operate on a three-
- sh if t-por-day, 365-day-per~ycar schedule. It has - been designed to process 2,000 tons per day of uranium ore assaying 0.21 U30g. - a. Ch1*onology The detailed engjneering for the mill began - in Au~us t, 1970. by Fluor Utah Engineers and - Constructors, Inc., a long established designer of uranium mills. The basic process design - was prepared by A. JI. Hoss and Associates, rerognizcd authoritivs in uranium milling.
-.- The engineering waH ~omplcle~ in May, 1971, and construction, also by Fluor Utah, was begun durin~ th~ same month; - Construction will be complete and start-up begun ctur i ng September, 1972. Ra led tonnage - production iH scheduled ror_January 1, 1973.
A minimum 12-year opcrat.in~ life is anti-
- cipated. The actual life will be determined
- by the t*c*onomir. C'ondilion~ of cost and selling prke which ~XiHt at Lhe t im('. These condi-
- tions di<'tat.c tht* cut-oif l>ctween ore and waste, ehan~inl{ the lonnn~t* ol ore available.
- b. Buildings
- - The milling operations will be conducted in and around four major buildings (see Exhibit B, Figure U: I) Crusher building, 2) Mill huildin~, 3) CountercutT<<>nt decantation (CCD)
- pump house, and 4) Solvent extraction (S-X)
- building. In addition, t.hcl'u wil 1 be several ancillary outbuilding~. - Although the location is remote, the shapes, silhouettes, and colors of the process buildings - we?re selcC'ted with appcaranc(" an important
Th,* 1*11~*incering was eomplt*lc*~ May, IH71 J11 1 and c*ons t ruction I also hy 1" I 1101* Utah, waR bc~un duri11H lht* same month. ... Construction will be complete and start-up begun during Septemlmr, 1972. Rated tonnage ... production iA ~chedulcd for January 1, 1973 . A minimum 12-y~ar op~ratin~ life is anti-* - cipntC'd. The a<*tual life will be determined - by the> L*c*nnomic. c*ondition~ of cost nnt.J selling pl'ic*t* which C'Xifil at t.hl~ t tme. Thc!;c condi- - tion~ dictato the cut-ojj la*twcen ore and waste, chan~ini< thu tominl,{(' ol ore available. - b. ,Buildings The milling operations will be conducted in and around four major buildit~s {see Exhibit B, Figure 1): 1) Crusher building, 2) Mill building, 3) Countercurr~nt decantation (CCD) - pump houso, and 4) Solvent extraction (S-X) - building. 111 addition. thci*e will be several ancillary outbuildinAH. - Although the location is n*mote, the shapes, silhouettes, and colors of the process buildings - were selected with app0arance an important - criterion. - -lfi-
('
- Pl'OC.'t'~S ha* mi llinl,! prol'ei,;s 111\*oh-1*~ lht* plarin~
of uranium contained in llw or<~ into solution and the concentration and l'onvcrsion of lhe ur~nium in the ore into a salabl~ form. The basil' te<:hnology is well know11 and tested,* having been commercially pra,* ticcd for over 20 ~*c,:irB. The proC'ess c*onsi~ Ls of preparation ol the ore, leaching, co1H*entration, packaging, and handling of waste prod1wts. The process i!;. dt*::;cribcd picloriallv in l::xhibit B, Figures 2a a11d 2ll.
- 1) Preparation of the Ore
- Ore preparation alters the physical characteristics of lhe ore to facilitate
- and improve subsequ~nl handling. Charac- - teri:-;Lic!oi of ,*nncL*t*n include size, hardnt?ss, uranium*contcnt, clay*content, and moisture - content.
a) Ore Blending and Storage Ore blendin(! wiJl IJe required at High 1 and. Wit I: a l I llrt> processing plants, some "avt*,*.q{e ore" must be - defined and thC' d(*s1~11 based on it. A design based on the "ll*orst ore" wil 1 be C:'Xlremely expensive to build and
- wi I l have cxceH:-. (*.quu* i t.y mos l of the
- time. Conversely. if the best ore" i~ assumed, the! plant will be less
- expensive to build but will not have adequate capacity most of the time. The Rame holds true if any single characteristic of the bre is considered. - Som~ characteristi~s have multiple - effects. If the Hi~hland ore is sig-nificantly harder than normal, it is - due t.o the prese1wc.* of abnorma 1 amounts 01* ('ementing matc>rial I which is calcite.
- Therefore. the c1*ushing or grinding rat~s will be reduced hecaus~ of the hardness, and the amount of uranium solubilized in the le~ching circuit will decrease u11lc~s more acid is added because the calcite consumes acid.
- Clay ls soft and easy to cru~h; but in c*on,junction with sufficient moisture, it may reduce the crushing rate. Damp clay ~ticks to rrushing plant equipment
- and clogs it, 1*cducinl-{ or stopping thJ*ou~hput.. Clay al.so jnc1*cas(iS the
- v1sl'osity of t.llf* slul'ry, reducj1:~ the Jea~hin~ rate. or greatest importance,
day minerals :,.;~Ltlt> :..low.ly in thu ('('() thir.kcners. ru1*c*i11~ n rc.*duct.ion i11 the ore nro,*es~i,11! 1*at.e. - The blending and storage yard will allow blendinv. of on* from various par Ls - of the pit to maintain average charac- - teristics. Up lo 50 days* ore requite-ments can be .plaC'f.*d in the yard. This - wi 11 allow a furt llc*1* l>cnefi t-thc d1*ying Qf .the ore from 1~; moiHture as mined - to 10 to 12% moh, I u1*(~. Al this moisture content the ore* ,:a II be hand led and crushed - without causing *-:;..::1ilicant stic,king and
- clogging problC1ms and, at the same time, without the genctat ion of significant amounts of dust. As with all open areas,
- :;omc dusti11g will rei:;ult. considered to boa significant health This is not - problem. 5 The blendin~ will he carried out by - directing the trucks from the mine to the proper pil(:o to ac:llieve the desired 5**ur:\nium '.!iriin~ Hc!alth and Safety" ltv Hol1(!l't .J. Catlin, Assistant DireL*tor for Health Protection, l! :-5. A. E c .. March 23, 1971, r,rese.*nt<*d to the Topical Confcrenr.c- on Nuc}ear Public Infor- - mation, Bal Harhour, Florida, sn~r~ore<i IJ~* the Atomic Industrial For~1111. Tnc.
-* hlt*11d. Addit1011al lil,*ndin~ c:a11 hti al"lliuved when tlw m*,, i~ withdrawn from the piles with till' 5-cubic-yard - front-end loader as it is being fed - b) to the 40-ton ore hopper.
Ore Crushing and Grinding
- Size r9duction of the ore is neces-sary for two reasons: 1) exposure of - substantially all of the uranium minerali- - zation to the leaching agent is necessary lol' maximum recovery and 2) the ore - particles must be line enough so that they can be pumpcid and flowed through
- - Jli pcs and proceHH equipment wt thou t settling out and clogging the system.
(1) Apron Feeder
- A 48-inch by 18-foot apron feeder operating under remote con-
- trol from t tw <'rusher building wi 11 - withdl'aw ore from the 40-ton hopper and feed it onto a 42~tnch by 200-foot belt conveyor which transfers the ore to the rrusher building. (2> Screening and Crushing - The ore is fed to a 42-inch by 8-foot long vibrating grizzly .. with a 3-inch spariog b~tween the -* bars. Tht* plm; 3-indi material passes dil*ec* I 1 y to the 30- by 42- - inch two impel I er impact crusher. The crusher discharge is combined - with the mimu~ :l-inch ore from the vibraling grizzly on the 30- - inch by 30-foot crusher discharge conveyor. Tiu* ore Lhen passes to a s~issor-conveyor ~ystem of two 30-
- inch by 150-foot conveyors.
scissor-conveyor system elevates the The
- ore and fc:eds it t.o a 6- by 14-foot rod deck S<'J'P< 1 11 with 314-inch openings between the 1*ods. The screen ovcrsi~c goes back to the impact crusher by gravity, and the screen undersize
- flows to a JO-inch-wide by about 400-
/
- foot-long conveyor which feeds a re-versing conveyor atop the fine ore bins.
- (3) Fine Ore Bins The 30-indi by 20-foot reversing
- conveyor feeds (l.ll'h of the two 1,500-
- ton capacity finr ore bins in turn.
The fine or~ bins are mass flow bins designed fo1* the anticipated
charactcrJstic*H of Highland ore
- afi de term i nt*ti I 111*ou1,;h l abora toJ' y tOKtin~ of diamond drill core sarnples. Ea<"h hin has a 60-inch wide by JO-loot feeder conveyor at the hoUnrn. The feeder con-
- veyors di i-.cllcJ.1*1,t,! 011 to a 30-i nch by 100-fool l'od mill feed conveyor.
(1) Grinding The H- hy 15- foot wet rod rni 11
- will grind in op,*11 circuit the minus 3/4-i1w11 on* mixed with heated watc,,r, It is necessary Lo *- heat all the p1*oc(*ss water added before leachinK Lo attain the desired 950 Jo'. in the leaching - circuit without exre~sive dilution of the ore-water slurry. After - grinding, leaching.
lh1:* s]urq, is pumped to
- (5) Dust Col]~ctors
- There nr,, l wo dust collection systemr;, nrw jn the crushing area and tht* ot.h(.'r i11 the fine 01*e bin area. Tlwy UJ'(' tan-powei'ed wet syfitem~ d~~igned to operate at a
- I.
- dust l'OIH'1'1111*atio11 ot H ~l'~lillH
- or mi nus Io III i c* 1*on };,HHl:-11 mu.* duH I pe1* cu bi C I()() t . TIH! co J 1 f?(' ti on
- efficienci~~ will he 951 minimum as spcJr if 1 ed hy Wyoming law. The - syBtemi:; ar(* dcFligned to operate at an elevalio11 of 5,300 feet. - The c1*ush i Ilg and screening - aJ*ca syH Lt.'nl w i J 1 have a 20,000 C'f'm capac!jty and a negative prcs- - su1*41 at llw l:111 i11lc*t of not lci~c; than H i11ch1*:-; ot watc1*. Thi~: unit - i!.i locat1.1d i11 tlw l'l'Ufihr1* building.
- - Dutil. will IH' c*ollt*cted at all V<.>yor lransf111* ;111d loadinK poin lH and ho th sc:ru,*n houHi ngs.
collertion points are shown on The
<*011-Exhibit n, figure 2a.
- Tim fi1H.1 on* hi11 n,*r:ia system will havti a 2,000 cim c~apncity at - the millsit~ clevati6n and a nega-tive presH11r,~ at the fan inlet of - not. 11:!Ss than r, illf'IWH of wat<!r. - The dui, t c*oJ Jr.,c~ L1H' h; I oca ted at t.hu pla tf"o1*m l ovc l a hovli the tine it ~~~UfMWtH~ff ore hi ns. Thl~ hi n tops and lhD
reversi IIK c*n11vc.>yoJ* '!{hich di vertl:i the ore art! r:111" l osed to contain the dust. generated and improve the
- efficiency of the system.
collection points include the Dust
- transf(*r J'1*om tlw ii1cline Lo the 1*cvorsi ng co11vtiyor, t.he Rpace - under thP de<"ks nt Lhc lop of' the - bin to <..'o)lcc*t 1.lw air displaced durin~ hin f'i l linl-(, and the loading point of' t.lw fc*tiders undc>* the bins - onto U1e i*od mi 11 feed conveyor, The collection points are shown on
- - Exhibit a: fi~ur~ 2a .
The slurry ~iHchargeN from both of the systums are gathered in a small thickener tank located - in the tran~fer huilding which - houses the scissor-conveyor, cl~ar water iH rerycled to the dust The - collect.or. The thickener underflow - wi 11 he col JeC"led in a basin and the solids rProver~d intermittently with - a t'ront-m1d lnnd-::n*. (6) General The ,*1*ui-;hi nf..!, ficreening, material hn11cJli11g, and fine oru
- storage op~rations are contained within building~ and galleries, This wil 1 suppl'css the noise and reduce the dhu..emination of dust.
- 2) !,eac hi ns
- Leaching 11:; till' Pl'O('ess by which the uranium mine1*als aa*e di s~o 1ved from the
- bulk of the valuole~s sartdstone. The
.. proc.*ess dev i.sed f'or t rea ti ug HiJth land ore utilizes heat to increaRc the reaclion
- - rate of the leaching agents.
which was formed hy mixing the dry ore with heated water prior Lo The slurry grindi~g is - diluted with heated wat~r to 501 solid Live steam is injected into the first of - the eight 18-foot oiamter by 18-foot tall wood stave leaching tanks, obtaining a - temperature~, 95° F. Sulfuric acid and sodium chlorate at the 1*a tes of 40 pounds - and 1 pound per ton of or~ are added. - These reagents will pJ'oduC'c> a pH of 1.5 aud an EMF 01* minus 5(10-525 mv (millivolts).
- 1un1w~irnn
- . Tiu.* 1eachi ng Jll"O<!USS ('Oil ~.i IIUCN ove1* -
- H houn1 as the slul'l'Y fJowH hy ~ravi ly tln*,)ugh Uu! Hcrici-; of H mechanically
- a1,titaLcd holding tanks. uranium, and in excess ol ~51 of the {otal Alf of the soluble - uranium, has at t.hjH noinl been placed fi o l u t i on
- in
- 3) lkc*ovt:*ry of U1*anium frorn Lc..*ach Sol-utton - The l'e(*ove1*y of uranium from the leach solution is accomplh;Jw,I 111 four sequential - !-il'-'PS, The first j11\lnlv,!!-oo the, sepai*ation of the db,Ro lved ura11 i um rrom the i uso l uble
- w:wte rnatc~r*ia 1 01* l.ai Ii 11~. Th(~ fiecond is tile r*o1wunt1*atin11 of 111:inium by extraction from the leach solu11on 111Lo an organic phase and then return111~ 1t to another aqueous phase. The t1drd step is the pre- - cipitation of the m*anium from solution as - yc!llow <~ake. The final step is drying the y~ 11 ow cake produc* t * - a) Separation of Solution From Waste Solids A fivu-sta~l' c:ounlcrcurrent decanta- - tion (CCD) prcu*c*ss will be used to separate - t h1.* t:Jolution, uranium, lrom whi<:11 c*ontains thP di!-isolved tlw immluble ~olid wnste e- IIUMUIOO" residue. CCD ih n stepwise continuous
proces.3 which makei.,; the ~bove separa-tion by rep'-'at.ed lhkknnin~, d~<*ant.a-lion of cJvn1* soJutjon, and TC'di Jut.ion of thickcnod ROlidH,
- Eigh t.-i neh diaphram pumps wi 11 be used to eontroJ lfJf? l'ate at Which thP. - underflow slut".ry is 1*emovcd from each.
of the 110-foot-diameter acid service
- thickeners. Thr diaphram pump discharge - wt 11 be mi xod supernatant soJutJon wi t.h the* counterflow i11 a sump and - pumped wit.ha ce11t1*ifut,Pll pump to thu Hucceed i ng th 1 <'kt*t1c.*1*.
ThP. mi xi 11" I 11<<."0l"c! t.ica 11 the uranium con tc11 t o I the ovc1.* fl ow solution and the solution portion of y causes the undeJ*fJow to Im equal on a weight - per volume basis, However, the. ~olutton volume of the overflow is greater than - that of the Ulld('J'flow by a f.tetoJ' of about 4, and t.hp uranium moves with I.he - OVt:!J'flow, whfrli 1s countc.*r to the flow of the sol ids. Tlw most. corwen t 1* at ed - usabJc solution iH thP.r*cfor~ the ovm*- - flow of the Jfrst lhirken~r. This solution ts l':tll(!d tho pregnant solution. Polyacl'yl.lmid fJo~culant~ a1*e of' the solid:-; jn t.hn thickt~norA.
- The relatJ~ely clear pregnant solution is pumped to a 65-foot-diametcr
- c lari t'ying lhi ckurwl', which is a thic*k-
- ener de81gned t.o J'('movc, with tho aid of reagents, most of the fine suspended
- solids from the* solution. The overflow lrom this thi<'kt*lll'I' .iH further cl;u*ified
- in sand fillPl'H h,:-lcn*<, ht.!111g pumped to solvtrnt t.>xt.rac.*t ion (S-X).
- The u ll d l' l' n ow fr om t h C fi J' t. h cc D
- - thickener coutuinH all of the undissolved solids, all of tho uranium daughter pro-ducts which aecount !or ahout 85',l of the radioactivity of the ore, and some
- u"reacted sulfuric acid, The pH is
- about 2. To avoid the buildup of con-taminants in thci linal produC'l, it is - 1wcP.ssary to discat'd some of' the 1*aftinate from the S-*X i r,*u i 1* Th is 1 s al lilO L' mixed with the* tai I ing, ThE.* combined - tailing is pump,*rl ti> tlw tatliti14 impoundin~ IJu:*dn dc!sc1*ibed in Section l l . C . *1
- I>
- Ile J ow .
- I~xu*a,*_t h) Solvent i1>11 Solvont t*Xll',H'I ion ii; a11 ion
- <'Xchan~e pr*ocl.'S:-i \\II it*h UH* a liquid
- ion exchange reagent dis~olved in a keroBinc organic phase. The ion
- exchange rt~ agent , a Ter ti u*y amine, bu t q U i t C iH Ve l' )' f,( 0 } U h I t' i II k (! r OS i 11 e insoluhlc in watv1*. Wtwn llu~ organic
- and aqueous plrn~P'"' ,11'(' mixed, Hulfnte ion from till~ Ol'J,::ani<* phase is L*xchanp;ed
- lor a uranium ion from llw aqul'ous i al tagcs of solvent phase. lou1* fow1* i-;
ex t1*ac Li on wt ll ht! \l!ied. Clar 1 fj ed
*- pregnant Bolution from the CCD circuit is the aqueouH phase.
uranium has bee11 removed, this aqueous After the
- Holu tion hccomeH known as 1*af finale, The raffinate is recycled to the CCD - ~~ircuH to hu(*ome l.lw dilution to the fifth !:; tagr, of I 111 cken i ng. A portion - of the raffinatc m~y be bled into tho - t.ailin~ to avojd a huildup of sull,llu iom, or olhci1* impur i lies. - The org:111!<* pha~P, whi<:h contains the uranium, pumped to the four-stage e- l~~UfMWllrn~f ih stripp:a.ng d r~u1 L The exchange of
.uranium ions b nv(*J's~d by mixing thn organic with ;1 1*011c* .. 11la-al<.1 (I ammoniurn - sulfate solulio11. Tlw prt.1 Sl'llct* of' - concentrated sulfate 1011 exchange to proceed in the opposite forces the - direction, and the uranium ion is trans- - ferred to the ammonium sulfate aqueous solu lion. The organic is recycled to - the S-X circuit. The aqueous phase, known as the prc~nant strip solution, - i~ pumped to prc~ipitation. - The four extraction stages UHc mixer-settler units with internal mix~r
- in the 20-fool hy 65-f oot sett l e1*s.
four strippln~ unitH UHe IO-fool by 65-foot settlers. Precipitation The The uranium ions ai*e reacted with
- ammonium ions produced from anyhyd1*ous ammonia to foi*m a yellow ammonium uranium - oxide precipitate, chemically (NH4)2 U2 07, The reaction is carried out by bubbling - anhydrous ammonia into each of two 6- - foot-diameter by A-foot agitated tanks, The pregnant strip solution flows through - these tanks in series and then into a - :14-foot thic*kt*ur*r, C"arry int-t the yl' 11 ow -* <'ake precipitnt,,.
This t.hi<*krn1t*r- and a 20-tocH thickener opcral<.? in Hc1*ics to wnHh sulfate ions and other soluble Jmpuri-
- ties from the p1*£l<'ipitatc to meet the sulfate limit in product specifi-
- l'ations. Thl' scconu thickener underflow
- is pumped to nn 18- hy 42-inch continuous
~olid bow} c*ent.ri fu~e locntcd above the
- drier in a <'OJ"llf'I' ot ttw mill building for further waHll111~ and dcwatering.
The cen t,*i fut.w d j scharge goes to the drier . cl ) Drf ing I Pack a~ i ug I a 11d S l m* i "ti o 1 Ye low Cake The yellow cake must have almost - no contained moiHturc to meet specifi-cations. This will be accomplished - by heating the dis<*hnr~e of the centri- - fuge to about 6000 J<'. dinmcter six-lwarth ronstor. in an 8-1/2-foot-If desired, t.hr. roastQr <"an IH* operated at 1,2000 F.
'fl1is lemperat.tu*,, hurns off rc>maining
~ul fate and d('stroys I.lie* yellow c*ake
- <!om pound produ<" i nr.t hlal'k u1*anium oxide.
- It will he usl!<J ly if the> other 011 methods fail to 1*edu('(.* the Hulfalc
- content to the> dc*sin*d level.
The roaster off-gas with its entrained dust load wiJl be treated
- in a wet dm.;t.-col l_r-c*t.ing *system.
Yellow cake dust produced during the
- subsequent hart't> J loading opera lion - will be collected through the same system. This iH a lru1-powcrcd, wet - dust-collector syst~m dcsi~ned to opc1*ate at an t!h!vation of 5,300 feet. - It will handlr 2,730 cfm of drier off-gas at 800° I;. and 1,000 c fm of other air. The dust loading of lh~ entering ~as ls estimated al .73 grains/cubic foot, with most particles minus JO - micronR. The dust content of the dis-
- charge gas is .005 grains/cubic foot. The system ls 99.3~ efficient in removing - the solids. Dccause of cooling, the dischargQ volumv is ruduccd to 2,244 - cfm. This Hyt c~m assures tha l pl'oplc within and outsid~ of the rc~trictQd area aro not ~xpos~d to unsafe conditions*.
The dust col llH'.tor dischai*ge slurry
- will be recyclud I or t*<.*covcr*y of lhe solids. - The dried yellow cake will be pulverized using a sin~lc impactor - hammer mill and Hlorcd in a 320-cubic- - foot hopper. A hoso- Lubing connoct.ion will be made to tho 55~gaJlon drums - in which the product will be stored 1rnd i:ihipped. TIH:*
- c*o1urnc lion wi 11 be
- dust tight, nnd the air displaced during -
- the fillinR of tho drum will he exhausted thi*ough the abO\l' dufit collect.ion system,
- - Special opera tin~ procedureR will be enforced in the y~llow cake area protect the h~alth of employees working 10
- there, in nature. The dan~crs to health are chronic The radioactivity level is - very* low compart*d with the potential haznrds around a IIU('lear reactor, for - instance. MoHt of the special procedures - 4. r*elatr. to hous1ik,?c>pin1-t and personal hygiene. Storag<: a11d Disposal of .§_c_,lid and Liquid Waste1,; - AK ii:. <*ommon practi<'C." i11 ore proc~ ssing mi"lls, aJ l of tlw solid and liquHJ whil*h enters the process 1 - and do,*s not exit as a concun t nt le product or is
maintaint*d in a rr.cyclin~. l11-p1*on:~H i11vu11l.01*y leavus lhrou~h the l ;\ 11 i 11~ pump .11ul pJ pv Ji 11u. Thi~ is n ronvcmh*nt and pfl',-,*ti\*r m(>t.hod of cliR- - posing of fluids and fine solids and their nddjtion to the normally la1*ge tailing volume representH an - insignificant increase in volume. Discarded raffinate is the princir>al addition to the tailing. - rt contains ammonium sulfate* hut also trace amounts - 01' or~a11i ,: and uranium.
- a. Des!K!!_ of Mill
- 'l'hl* JI igh land uranium mi 11 was des ii,tned so" thal llurinK normol opcn1l1011 and all fon*see- - ablc emuritcncy t~ondi I ion...:, 110 Holution or
- - fluid of any kind can eHcnpt* the process. All
~pills will be pumpe~ back to Uw process or lo the tailing when thC' en11.?r~c11cy is over.
Thh= was accomplished hy can:*l'ul planning of
- floor ~rades and building walls so that there
- is adequate volume to contain spills within t h c bu i }cf 1 n gs .
- Tho first area in the flo~ sheet in which a spill of potentia1ly harmful tluids can occur
- is Jn the leaching circuit The noo1* in this
- 3l"l?a contains a 15,000-gallon-floor sump but can contain 100,000 1,tallons of solution or slurry before any spi l la~e outside of the
;.33_
lnd 1 d I 11~ C'.lll OC:CUJ', Thi~. 1n111 Id ,*011 I al II I ht* volum~ of two 34,000-1~aJl011 lt.>twh lanks, should
- they both burst at the samu t. ime, with 30,000 - gallons of space left to spare.
even one burst leach tank is extremely remote. The possibility of
- Most spills will be of a Hlow- or fast-leak - nature, conditions which the sump purnp can handle until they are slopped. - The CCD µump houRc floor can contain 325,000 gallons of solution and slurry before - flowing out of the bui ]ding drain. Sump pumps - are provid13d to handle any !-;}ow or fast leaks until they are stopped .
- - The S-X circuit uses pumping action to advance solutions. In the event of power fail-ure all solutions stop moving and can be
- retained indefinitely. The floor drainage
- will flow to a lined basin outside of the - h. building for later rccovory. D1:1sign of the Tailinl{ Pond - Humble and the consulting engineering firm of Dame~ & .Moore studiPd the surface and sub-surfnce characteristic~ of the area through - surface and d1*ill holo f!Cology and dc~igncd the impounding structure. Dames & Moore further inspected the construction of the dam by a c*Hlt rac tor. The tailing pond w i l I ~c*1*vo as a co1l cc tion poj11t. for all of tlw liqui,I and ~olJ<f W:tHtm.; - ~cneratcd in the milling pt*ol*c::;s, permit the - evaporation ot* most of the c*on tained water, scrva as a permanent receptacle for the - residual solids, and rc~ult. in a minimum - impact on the ccolo~y of lhc area.
- 1) Desc1* iption of na~ in
- The na tura 1 lrn:,;in Htdcc ted fol' t.ai ling
~toragc iR typi<*al nf the area.
- a} Sui* f ac*e - The valley in which the tailing dam is located <'ontains an intermittent
- stream known a~ th<ss has been bu1lt up by alluvial deposition. N1.'a1* l he axi. s of t.hc
... tailing dam, llw alluvial soils are about lO fl~et <.locp in the stream bottom .
These soils l"onsist hl'~ely of brown, Hi 1. ty, fine sands and arc simi Jar to the residual soils Jound on the hill-side. Adj~cent to the stream channel on
- either side are located 10 .. to 20-foot high embankmentH composed of IJrown,
- fine, sandy silt. These silt embank-
- ments appear to hilV(' hepn during a pr~viuus depositional period deposited
- and later incised by the intermittent sh*eam .
- b) Subsurface *- Immediately beneath the surface soi la, which vu1*~* l"t*om lm-.s than l foot to approximately 10 feet deep across the si t.c, ,u*e rocks of the - Fort Union fol'mation. These rock!i - consist of poorly cemented. friable, and relative 1y un(*onsolida ted sand- - stones, siltsloneH, and shales.
sandstones, silt~toncs, and shales, The
- with few except.ions, a1*e g.ra.y or bl'own in color. The sand~tones arc generally - medium- to ~oarsr-grained, but occa-
- - sionally 1- to 3-Jool thick layers of well-cemented, fine-~rained sandstones are encountered. Siltstone was
- encountered only in the borings located in the reservoir basin. The siltstone - is moderately fractured. shales are sli~htly bentonitic. Some of the - ( 1) !!.!l. ing Dam Sha 1 <! Tiu.* most c*onsistcnt rock stratum - encountered is located at an eleva- - vation of approximately 5,120 feet. This stratum is a shale known locally as the "tailing dam shale." It
out.c1*op::-. i11 111~* v:,llc*~* noor at and below l.JH' location of the dam. Thh; shnlt~ was present in
.... all borings that extended down*
to at least this elevation. All
- other st1*:tta encountered showed - variabi Ii t ~* from borehole to borehole. - All dr~ll holes in the immedi-ate pond nrca w~rc filled from - hot tom to l'ol I ar \\'i th a portl and ccm~nt-sa11d mi xt.ure to prevent - leakage ol wnlcr through the shale . *- An iHopach map (Exhibit C, Figure l) and cross sections (E~hibit C. Figures 2-4) show that the tailing dam shale member - is continuous throughout the area - except immedjately below the dam in the crePk bottom. Also, the - bedding is C8Sentially horizontal, - dipping northward as shown in the cross so~libn. The dip is exag- - gerated by t hn d,oicc of horizontal and vertical scale~. ~hich is - necessary to show detail in the beds. The tailing dam slrnlc is the only continuous memhcr of - interest in lhc portion of the - (2) geologic column.
Ground Waler
- Ground water is present immedi- - ately beneath area.
the tailing pond This water is not part of
- the normal walur table as vertical communit'a tion is prevented by the - tailing dam Hhalc. Drilling through this shnl~ in the tailing pond area disclo~cs dry sandstone layers *- inunediately beneath the shale whether or not water was preserit above the Hhale.
There cannot be a significant
- rnovement oJ the water confined by - the shale in a lateral direction.
If it moved to the south or the
- east, there would be a change in the vegetation along the tailing - shale outcrop due to the water - present.
moved t. o This is not so. If it tlw west or, as is more
- likely, downdip to th~ northwest,
the water would quickly drain from this hi~hcr area, as there is no apparent large local recharge I
- 2) above the shale.
Description of Eartht'i 11 Dam
- Basically, the dam eons is ts of 11n outer
- shell _composed of compacted friable sand-stone surroundin~ an impervious core and
- impervious cutoi'f con!:itructed of' compacted clayey weathered shaln .u1d compacted silt.
- Topsoil was placed on lhe crest and down-stream slope and has been seeded (Exhibit
*- C, Figure 5) .
*- a) Site Prepua tion Prior to placing any compacted fill in the dam embankment, all vegetation,
- deleterious materials, and soil were removed from the area where the impervious core and impervious blanket would be seated and from beneath the downstream
- shell of the dam (Exhillit C, Fi~ure 5).
This soil was stockpiled for later use as topsoil. rndet the upstream portion of the dam, all the surface vegetation
\\'as 1*emoved. Th<> silt eml>ankmcnts and the organic topsoil were removed to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.
I . i ....
I> , Clay Core In orde1* to ;1s~urP t.lrn t ttw plnce-nwnt of the c*lay ,*ore did 1101 <li~rupt
- the tailing dam shale in this. area where thinning ol the shale due to - st.ream erosion had hccn.noted, an - impervious cutoff blanket was con-structed. A 5-toot-lhick blanket of - compacted clay and 8halc was placed over lhr area where the top of the tailing dam shalt! outcropped af'lei* - the site prepara Lion had been completed.
This blanket was only placed beneath
- - the core location and upstream (Exhibit C, Figure 5). Basically, its purpose is to assure that no leaks exist through
- or under the dam. T~e core was laid down to serve - as a ('Olltinua lion of the blanket. core i:*; about 20 feet thick at the bottom The - of the dam in the creek bottom and reduces to 10 feel wide at lhc top, with a 1- - ,aorizon ta l t lJ 16-vcrtical slope. The - clay and shaln whil'h make up the laid down i COTE' .. 8-inch li ftS WQl"e II I each lift compacted to 90'.t- of its maximum
- dry density a~ determined by the modi- -* fied A. A. s.
of Compaction. H. o.* T 180-61, Method
- c) Upstream Slope The upstream side of the drun will - have a slope of 2 horizontal lo 1 vertical (Exhibit C, Figure 5). It - was constructed of compacted friable - sandstone with t.hC> exception of the top 5 to 10 f~ct. Because of working - space 1*equin~me11 l!:i, this top sec lion was built out ot the same material and - compacted in the same manner as the
- - core. The main portion of the face was compacted to 95~ of the maximum dry density as determined by the modi-fied A. A. S. 11. 0. T 160-61. No rip-
- rap was applied because ~r the manner in which the tailin~ will be discharged. As will be described more fully in a later section, the tailing discharge method will be such that mass is added to the face of the dam while forcing the ponded wate1* upstr~am and away fr-:>m the face (Exhibit C, Figur~ 6).
*Amcric.~1* /ssociation of State Highway Officials
- .-42-*
- The 1eHign slope qf 2 horizontal -
- to 1 vertical is ill 1,,*a1*iaoce with the A. E. C. reconunomtC'<J dcsi~n. However,
- the A. E. C. deRi~n is for slopes con-structed of ~oil of stated average soil - parameters. AH c*an l>e seen in the following comp.,risou, the Humble design - exceeds the A. E. C. Minimum Factor of - Safety for surface sloughing type of failure as ~nlculalod by the Taylor - Hlip circle method.
- TABLE OF SAFETY FACtQR.§
- - Earthquake Coefficient
().00 0.05 A. E. C. Recom-mended Desio:n 1.67 1.29 Bumble Dam Desi en 2.04 1.65
- -*--------------------~
This indicate~ that the upstream face of the Humble Dam is more resistant to surface sloughing type of failure than the minimum standards recommended by tho A. E. C.
- d) CreHt and Downstream Slope The embankment has a crest width ot 20 feet, wltich ls adequate to provide - nccess to vehicular u*~ffic for periodic -* maintenance and adjustm~nt of the dis-charge syst.<*m (Exhih1t C, Figure 5) * - . The downstream Jacc slopes at 2-1/2 horizontal lo l vertical. The flatter - d6wnstream slopo facilitated co~pacting the topsoil and secdin~. This slope - meets the A. E. C. guidelines for a - dam ut 1 lizin~ the design and construc-tion techniqu~s used at Highland. - The factorH of safety for this downstream face cnlculatcd by tho same - method as above are 1.9 for 0.00 earth- *- quake coe1"ficit*nt and 1.6 for 0.05 earthquake coefficient.
The friable sandstone m*terial was compacted to 95i of maximum dry
- density. - e) Settlement It was nnticipat~d that the embank- - ment would settle as much as l to 2%
of its total height. At least one-half
- of the settlement occurred during con-struction. Since the embankment was built directly on competent sandstone - and shale bedrock, the foundation - materials below the dam will not nol undergo detectable settlement .
f) Capacity The capacity of the tailing basin as a reservoir is shown in Exhibit C, - Figure 7. The graph shows ultimate - capacity of the basin, as limited by the elevation of the low spots on the sides, to be in* excess of 25 years at the planned rate of 2,000 tons per day. - This graph also assumes that additional lifts are to increase the constructed height of the dam to the elevations - shown.* Additional lifts will be con..; -* structed of compacted friable sandstone from mine overbu1*den and compacted lo the same degree as the original con- - struction in the manner 8hown in - g) Exhibit C, Figure 8, Reveget.ation - The crest of the initial dam and the downstream slope has been covered - with topsoil and replanted with native - grasses. This practice will i>e repeated on the futui*e li Hfi :n; they are com-pleted, When oporationH cease and the
-4"
1*csidual wa t t*1* Ila .... ,*vapol',l t l*d, t ht*
-
- tailing area w i I I hl' covered with non-radioactive so1 I anti rep I an Led . The
- soil cover will ht.* adequate to reduce the whole hudy rad i :1 Lion to 1ess than
- 170 millirrims and to support native vegclation 011 a c*rn1t inuing basis. I11
- a t('sl program at lht! A. E. C. Monticello
- mill sitc- in 1""2, thr:, tailing disposal area was cov*.*l'(*d with rock and soi 1 and
- revegelaled. In May, 1965, a radio-logical appraisal lPvealcd that the
- gamma 1*adiation oveJ' the covered area was very little diff"erent from the background in the s111* rounding an~a. 6
;1) Storage Method The tailing will he discharged at the
... hot tom of thC' toe 01 the upstream f"ace - initially. The dis<'har~<' will always be onto t~xisting tai J 1111-{ and not onto the - <'mhankmC'n l. Di sc*har~i n~ from the embank-ment side 01 th£' * .1si11 wi 11 forcP the - tran~por ting-wa t Pl' pond away h'om the - 6 11 . .J. Paas, Jr., "Radiologfr;tl Appraisal of thP Monticello Pi*o.j<:ct, S,u1 ,Juan County, Monli<'ldlo, Utah," U.S. A. E., C. - Hcpor L J no 12849,. (daho Opera tious or ti c*c <1966). - BE~UVMWlE COPY -*16-
rmhankm~nt I minJmt:1.l11~ s1*1*1mi:1* 111*c*ss111*"'"' on tho dam and <*liml11ati11g 1*r0Hio11 of C.he face due to wave ill' Li on caused uy the wind - and the need for rip-rap on this face. A sketch showing the pat tern of - cJeposi tion of Lai Jin~ when dif.;chargcd is - presented in Exhibit. C:, Figure 6. p1*eparing this fiJ(Ul'<.', we assumed tailing Ir - wouid deposit al an avt~ra~e t:;JOp<! of l',i above water and lff; ht*luw waler. Thc!-ic - deposition i;;lopei,; arc.* lwsed on industa*y experience. A 5-foot-minimum treeboard height wil 1 he maintained at a J 1 times. At. the initial height the* pond area is about 125 - acres, and the volume altorded by this - lreeboard is 625 acre feet. drainage area above the dam is about 640 The - acros,. but the cuto1*r damH around the pond area will intei*,*t.ipl the runoff from most - of the 640-acrc runoff area and divert it - around the pond. Tlw c ff ec ti v e iF.i thereby 1*educl'd to about 300 acres. r unoft* area - This feature will fuJ:lhPl' re-due*,! the already remote possibility of overflowing
,he basin.
- 4) Elimination of Wat ur Tha tailln~ dispo~al ~yslem utilize~
- Llw vc.?ry low 1*clativu humidity in Wyoming, - An evaporation rate of 4.2 feet/year wa$
t*!:Himated for tlw area <Exhibit D). The
- calculation which wus made lJeJ"ore the final ma t~ri al ba I :rnces were complete - assumed 400 gpm of wat.cr entering the - J'e.se,*voir. The f Jr,11, about. 500 gpm of wall't' .incl about is now r.!'-limated at JOO gpm - of !-;<>lids can*il"d hv I lu* watc~1* Jor a total .. flow of 600 gpm.
he> l* li min a Led by Th,* .tcJdilfonal water will PV:i po1*a t ion and wi 11 not
- - affcr.t the othe1* loi,,s 1*.1tPs, The art:a requirC;d for equilibrium between .inflow
\
and evaporation wi 1l be increased by 25'1.. Transporting water will be lost from
- the tailing dam ~ystem by the following
- means: seepage out of the rese1*voir, evaporation, and f.'*llt.rainmenl of wate1* - within the ma8S of lhP depoRited tailin~ particles. - a) Seepage - Ab ha1-; l,f.,Pn prev j ouf-i l y noted, the drill hol~ data indicates that t twrL is a l'or1ti nuouH layer of shale 1
- beneath the bottom o1 the reservoir. .. Thie layer wi 11 he intersected by the clay core cutoff. Therefore, downward - seepage and seepage under the toe of the dam will be negligible. - All earth-fill dams allow a minor amount of seepage through the dam - itself. This is normally small and - even smaller if a clay-core dam is used, ae in the Highland dam, Any - water that migrates through the dam will evaporate as it reaches the sur- - face. No flow 1H PXpected to occur.
The ability of Randy material mixed with small amounts o! clay to contain solution is demonstrated in literally dozens of tailing dams in the western - Unlted States. Some of the dams are - 100 feet or more high. AU. s. n. M. report7 states: - "The movement (loss) of water in a tailings pond varies considerably between the - start of filling and even-tual abandonment. Initially, a pervlous base has stability - 7u. S. B. M. IC 8410, "Oesi"n of Dams tor Mill Tailings," by C. D. Kealy and R. L. Soderberg (1969), p. 24.
- BE~T AVMIABtE[OPY
- -49..
adv an l.a~c*s lil*1*,1us1: o t wn t l'l" movemcml lh1*nu~h IIH* hut tom but as lht* h(*if.{llt i111'l'l*asc,,-;
- and thl* slirn**'" :tl'<'UmuJ.1t1*
over lar~c aruas, conHoll-da Uon reduct*s the> pc1*me-
- abi li ty of till.' base.
the height of the dam
. incl'easei,;, the effect of' As - the original base hecomcs ncgli~ihlc, and the tnil-1 ngs thcJHstd f' have an over- - riding effect on the down-ward movemen l of wate1*.
tailings dam that starts with a pu1*mC1ahlo gravel babe A
- will ultirnntcly d~vclop an almost imp,:rviouH haHc ovin~
lo thu fi 111* I ai li ngfi perc:o*
- laling downward nnd the underlying taiJjn~~ con-stant! y h,! 111~ ,*onsoJi da tad." - Conisid1?J'atio11'wnH giv<'n Lo the*
construction of a i,;c*cpage c*ollcction
*- pond below l.lw dam, hut it was ,*on-cluded that it ~ould he nonfunc.*tional.
However, the tailing drun shale extends
- out from undur the downstream face of the dam; and any seQpage will be - immediatuly f'Vidl*nt. Should flow of .. tailing solut 1011 occut*, a basin wi 11 he installed lo <*ollect i.t for pumping back into the pond.
R<*fe1*ring to the geolo1,,th*al cJ*oss
- Ke~tions of the tailing basin (Exhibit - C, Figures 2, 3, und 4), various sand-
- -- stone and sha J l' beds above th<" ta i Jing dam shale i11l,*1*~**,*I ttw v:lllcy ,-;ideH.
The pond bottom whieh includN; the sloping sides ol I.he: valley ill"<.!
- cove1*ed with reHidtrn 1 soil.
effective permeability of the overall The
- hasin iR unknown. 1t is expcc* l.f~d - that the seepa~t* fl'om the hasi n will ini lial ly be lei,,;s than 80 gpm, and - its effect wi I I he localized al'ca around the pond.
in the AH the c~ lay6
- in the tailing seal the 1*osm*voir* fiidcs, L he r a te should d<!t: i*e at;c~ to a Jmm; l - nothin~. aH nolrd in the U. S. B. M.
- - ruport above.
- 2. b.
Ttw monito1* well program described in Section IV, will al Jow Humble to detect any seepage, constantly evaluate *its D.
- effect, and take timely corrective - bi action.
Evapora lion - Wa tm* losses due to evapoJ"a tion expressed in terms of vertical lowering - of the watpr surJac~ will ran~c from - approximately 0.2 IN~t in Fehruary to J,J feet in July. The average loss for the year will be approximately 4.2 feet, Tht* ft'f!(I wal(~J" pond wiJI
- increase in st ze tor t lw f J J's I. two to l hrrc yc.*;u*s. Tl11*rc*a f'lN', t hf' evapora lion plm; other J o,,;sefi wi 11 ma in lain the h't.'t! wat e1* pond at a n,:ar-
- r*ons I ant i.;izt*.
,* )
- Entrain,*d w.1t.l'l' Wa tcr los~ dtw to entrainment
- i11 the~ tai lrn~ 11.; I I he on Llw or*dcr of 70 ~pm. 'J'hJi-. lmu.; cannot be
- avoided and do(*H 11ot t.*onslitute a
- prohlc*m, as the* wate1* lost to <<!1it.l'ain-mcnt Htays wit hill tlin reErnl'voir when
- - 5. Road a.
~Yti t em lhc 1*e~ervo1r hotlom hafi been sealed
- J>uh Ji c: Roads
- AL pl'et;en t therP. arC> J 4 mi Jes of unpav~d puld H' roads between Uou~Jas and the paved .. Humhl c cnt1*ancc road and I!"'>. 2 milef; between GJenl'CJC'k and the san..
- t-ntr*ance road (Exhibit
- *A. }'igu,*e 2), Th!! Slatl* intends to pave that - part oi th(~ Highland I.,1011 Road which wi 11 lJccome pai*t nf the st.ate? rural ~e<*ondary highway system. - Ttw pav i ni.; of tile rt*ma i nj n~ unp:w,.*d county road is I>,? 1 n~~ considered.
- h. 81 t 1* Ull~ldf-l llumhh*
t 1*111* I ,*d
'!- ,*nt1*n,1c*c.* road """:-. d()Sll!llt!cl and c*o11-lo st n l.r sl'1*01ula1 ,, Iii ~111,,*;iy sp(*1* 1I1,*at1011~.
- Tlli:-. i11l'ludt*~ l'i'Vl!~1*talio11 oJ Hitk* Hlorws.
-\~ IIH.' clt'Ve)opm .. 111 nl 11., min,.* 1*011ti11uc*!--,
- variou~ !-'i tc roadH wi 11 he* c*1111struc*h!rl.
posi> nl Uwi--,* 1*oad'"' v.1 11 lw .H'('P.l-iS tor mining and Thu pur-
- - mai11l(:11i\11<:e ol minc a1*1*;1:,,.. Tiu.* Hile 1*oads vd 11
- lip c*ono.;t1*urtc*d and mai11t.um*d t_o minimi:,,.,, du!-elin~ a11d tl1i> c-l'luC'tH of wal,*r r*l'o~lon. Al pf'f.'!-t.'llt
- tlll'J'(* al'H ahout a*oad~ 111
- d m11 .. ~; 111 !-tnmipt*r*m:1111:111 1n11w
,~xisl .. 111*,*. '1'111 !--1* a1'<l wido, di1*t- - ~111*fac*,, -J'oacb mai11ta11wd hy t*,i~ular sp1*i11klt11J.t In ,ultli 111111 t h<1re ill't! ahout ~ mi lc*1-1 ol lc.'HS ponna11r.'11l mi1w 1*0,,1J~. I 1*orn lhc* pit to I 11,,
nv,*2*hur,lcrn stora~<' :tJ'('il:-i.
,ti 111n~, di! i l y i 11 I en~ 111 nt* rl 11*cC'I i 011, hu l they arc
... 111.11111.ii1,1:d hy Kl'adi11~ and wat,*rint;. Tht'?-if.' 111*1* - l'l'la12v,*ly hi~t:-spt t>d l'oadi-; mai11laincd Jor lar~e 111111i11~ 1
**'luiprn,~111 mo\'ini.: .11 !lo to *10 milP.s r>t*r
- J,m,r. t*,,. ~ to Th1*ou..:hout
- J mllc.>!-- ol t hr.' Ii le ot the* mln,* then* wi 11 toad~ ill t.*Xi!-tf.*111*r* for* this
- purpw;p. Tiu~ 1*0:td!-i al't' dr,s 1 gnl'd t.o produ,*c! min 1- - 11, .. i1* 11~*** n, **11d1*d, 111,- toads v.ill ht* hlendt>d inlo - 1111* IH* t 1 v,* lopo~raph\' ol i,:l'a!,;Sr*i-.. lllt* arc.*a and l'~pl.111t<.*d with
- D. E11v .i_~.!!!.!::!!!. __l11 1 hti A1*en ... Tile t~liniark <ionditions at. Liu.* lli~hhind Rile would be consid£>rt*d Ht!Vere as rompat*c*,I w.i I h I.hose the population c*enttH't, in tlw U11itcd States.
j n mm;t of The sum1ners :ue cool ond the win lm'!-i an! eold. There is
- normally ;1 pau<'ity of rainfall. ThP c*onstant.Jy hlowing winds and th<* low humidity prodtwe a r,,;ign i fican*t c.hi 11 factor. The Vt.l~C'tation ii,; Rpar,,w. Animal population - density if; low.
- 1. Orainagc A.1*<<-a - Topo.15raphy
- The mine> and mill sitPs art* iii LableJands with mode1*1te 1*t.dief al an cl1*va11011 of 5,:JOo h*l't abov,1 - ' sea luvcl. Eleva I ion di ftt.*1't.*J1<*HR of 300 J'ef?t aro prest>nt within 2- to J-miJ1* distances. J,oeal Hlopcs UJ'O 20'X to 5[)',L Tht* l oc*al drainage ania of the Hitehland site is ab,,ut. 30-Hquaro mile~ lExhih1 t ;,, Fhture 3). - Tlw dividc*s which limit this ;u*1*a are ;11,oul l mi *~ - t.o tlH.! riorth, abou1 4 mil,!s lo thl' south.
4 miles lo ltw WCt:il, Tlw laud to the noJ'th and and about - west ol lhu rn!e.pectivc d1vidc>s drains lo t.tw and ttwn nast.ward into the Cl11.*y,~n11e Hive.r. norlh The - land tn t.hf.* south oJ tlw locn l drainag<<~ al'ca drains - southward i11to the North Plaltt* Rh*ct*.
,u*,~a 1,waJ draina~(' is to 1111* ,*ast through the Box-Tht- Highland
- a distance of about 70 mi Jp~; <Exhibit A. Figul'e 2). - -5.4-
...- Within this d1*aina.1.w ar***a lhn Humhle-ownt*d-and-con trolled t;Urf*ace <;onsh; tH ot ahou l J 1 200 acres Qn the 11urth sidr. of Box Crt*<*k. Hox C:1*( ('k dividN; 1
- the drainagu about in half.
The Uox-I.i~hlnlng-1,ancr~ Creek t-:ystcm is cnti1*cly made up of trnasonal, Jntermit.tt~nt 8lrcams. Because of the low raJnfaJl,
... thuy do not flow continuously at any time of the year, including the seasons of - heavy rain~ and melting snow.
down the creekR wt lJ soak into I he Rround after Any water flowing
- .travc>Jillt,!; hut a very short. distance. Tlw nearest continually flowing sf.l*t_*am. in tlw draiuagf! is the - Cheyt'ntw Hivcr, about 70 mi l**s to thtJ east <Exhibit
- - A, 1-'i~Ul'f' 2). The North Pli1lt1! Rive>*,
J Jnwiu~ stream in lhc a1;ea, hi 1:> mikn Lo the south ol tl1c* site at the point of nearest approach. the 011Jy tlif.{hlaud area d1*ainage ,:annot flow into the Nol'th Plattu River. - 2. History of Area As far as can hP- dt!'terml tH*d, nothillJ.: lrnH happened - at 01* near the Highland mint> sit<: which woulct set - i l apart f1*orn any ot h<Jl' of t 111' thousands ot square miles of Wyoming hiJ{h i,1ains 1*xc-,*pt for tlu.1 sub- - su1* fa, *c 1.n*.w i urn de poH i t. 1 1111 Allout };l mi lcs to tlu~ :-;oulh, 1wa1' 0J'pha, is th£> lol*alio11 known afi t'm*t h*I LL*rman, which is a national histo1*ica! site. This forL p1*ulect.cd a ,*ros,-;ing of thf' Nol'th Platte on I.ht> 01*r,g1111 'l'rai l. A hu*m l'ommuni ty cal }1_.d llylanJ wat; located fl
- miles west of the mt ne. It. no longer ext t..ts, There are no dwt~l l ingFi al the Hi t.c. :111d no f'armi:; remain in 1 - 3.
th~ al'ea. Site Dt.'S<'l'ipt ion
- 'fhe Wyoming Occupall('t' At laH statesff:
- "Tlw s ta tc of Wyomi 11~ ... is a romp lex a.1*cn of mountain ranp;cs, baHins, and plains.
1 n t~omiJina lion I theHu phys kn 1 phonomC'na
- produc*c! n unique pall(:-i*n in thn world.
Comptu*isc)ns in tern1i,; of :,;imilarity wilh ot lu-,i* J'Pgions of tht* mll' I h are not easy to find, al thougl, some no<<*ky Mount ai 11
-* i:;Jste1* stateH such as 1.11ah, Montana, and New Mrxico ~how some rvti~mhlanc~H.
ft(>gion.H eli,;owhere su"h ns Bolivia, Rumanin,
- - Tibet, Mon~olia, Canada'~ AJherta, and the Kirghiz Soviet Sorialist Republic in contra] Asia have similarities, As one may expect, there al'C! si ~nif leant differ-enc~t!li in each ac: we] l. In any case they are all examples of plateaus in one nspt,,:t 01' another.
"Ge1wral ly, the southern part of Wyoming is located in the Central Rocky Mountains, whil<' northern ~yo1nin~ JH in the Northern noeky Mountains. No di~Linrt line sepa-rates the two divisions. In the southeast
-. quadrant of the state, Lhr~e mountain 1*ang(*s 1 P-ach a'JignL.i i1lmost Sll'aight nos*th-south, protrude 30 or more miles northward from Colorado, Wyomiug's 1-iouthcrn ncighbo1* - in th!:,; a1*ea. Northnastol"n Wyoming has a small sc<'tion of hillH and low mountaJns along lh0 eastern border and a gre~t curved, - S"WyominJ.t Occupa1w.e Atlas" by Rol.Jcrt H. Brown, puhlished by th£: Dep~rtmC'nl o! <ieog1*aphy, Univel'sity of' Wyoming and the Wyomi JIJ! D,~JJ.\r I mf'11 I 11 ! E,:onomic Planni ni; and Devo 1 opmen t, Choyenn<-* ( l ~70), 11. Ii.
rarn*~ horn-shaped mountain l'angc in llw wesl, Despite these five mountainous ft*a t u1*,*s, eiu;tcrn Wyomi n~ is ll(*vurt h,*- - 1,*s~, mo1*,, domtnatc>d h\' pl:a.i11i-; lha11 it i..; hv :1 nv otlH!l' fen t m* .. s. ed~o *d u,c American tinrnl PJairHi Th,. wc>s t ,,1*11 - extends nor th and ~ou l h tli1*ou~h Wyoming from Montana, on t.hr.* 11orth. 10 Colorado, - Tiu.* lti~hland t,iilc.* is l\'Jlj<"al gn*,lf plains country. Tho t.~~mperattu-,i .rnd lal'k of raint'all - support littlf' V(.*t,t~latiou, Y.hir/1 in turn supports lit.t.J<<* animal life. There at*** no ,*unninJC sti*eams - and, n. lh<.'l'Pf"Ol'l~, *00
~ ee; r.* rn 1_ i ou
- Water-clwt*llill~ Cl'C..!lUl'P.S,
- Natural vug<.1lalio11 ol 1101*thN'II Co11v<*ri-;e .... C'ounty consists muitily ,it Wf*st<*rn Whl*at J.tJ'aHs a1Jd i,;a~t.-hr*ush. Tlw ~l'U\11111 l'OVf'I' is about *10'1. Then:,, ~U'f' no 11alural 11*,*,*s ,*xccpt lol' Hmall - patdws of cottonwoorJ lions along cree~ bottoms. tl'l'Ps in iHolated 10<:a-The soil is clai:;sitied a~ Nol'thern Brown. It vaJ'i('H in* thick1ws~ from a tew inches to
~tweral fC"et in low-lyinl! ar*,*as. Greate1*
depths m.iy b, found in .">ome of the creek
/ hot toms.
- IJ. An ima I Roth tlomestic an,! wild ai1imnls f'ormcl'ly - i11hahited thp mine silt* al'1.*,i. Ry c-hoicc of the - 1 andowner l he domt:s ti,. an inia l H wcl'e limit l'd to
- eht>(~p. Cattle can h1] gra?.cct on the lnnd, hut - tltc*y l't>quire supplem1*11tal winlt*r fc.'cdl11~.
l>t-~t~1* and ante Jope arc* I hu 011 l y big game
... animals known to frequent the area. They are hunted in season. Other Hmall animal8 are presl*nt, iacluding rabbits, fi<?ld mice, Kround
- squirruls, 8Mall birds, and the animals which prey on them. - No undangered spec i f.'.H have been ident i ficd in the :u*ca, and the ar,:,n is not known to be - llw p1*ese11t 01* past nc>stin~ or mating ~round
- "1
- ot any endangc!rcd Hpc11*1l*s.
Weathl'r and Climate
- the Since there is no offic*jaJ wtialhm* station in immediate area of the approximate statist1cs9 arc offered:
Hite, the following Average Prf~ci pi Ta tion - Tot a 1 about 12" Snowfall about 40" J>ot.en Li a 1 Evapora t. ion about 50 - Tnmpcra t m*e: January Average July Aver-age 23° 710 - ~finimum {January-FPhru.t1*}) Maximum (July-August)
-360 to .. 390 1040 to Jo70
... 9a. II. 81*own 1 Wyomin~ OC'cupotwf/ At las, llnive1*i;;ity of Wyomtn*g in cooperation with the Wyomin~ Dtlp,u*tm~nl oJ El'onomic Planning - & Dev~Jnpmcnt (1970). Tiu* Tlw avt*rage growing Ht'aHon i ~ a_hou t 120 days. pl'l'\':li I ing wind is trum till' southw1*st. periods ot" no wind arc. rart:. Windslo1*ms and Time
- blizzards are common. The temperature eta tis ti cs may be misleading in that the constantly blowing wind and the low relative humidity result in a .. large chill factor which increases the rate of heat loss. .. 5. , Econom1c Description of Conve1*se Coun!.l, Although the economic activity level of Converse - County hi low, it would not be described as a - depressed area in the UHual sense.
had any major buslneRs activity. It has never New busine~ses
*.. brought condi lions.
a. tQ Population the county impl'ove the local economic
- Al though the 1970 c*ensus f 01* Wyoming shows
. a s Ugh t gain over 1960, Converse County has
- continued to show a loss in population.
- POPULATION DATA GaJ n or (Loss) I Gain Actual DatalO
- Wyoming 1970 332,416 From 1960 2,350 or (Loesl 0.7
- Converse Douglas County 5,938 2,677 (428)
(145) (6.7) (5.1)
- Glenrock 1,515 (69) (4. 4)
Converse County less
.... Douglas and Glenrock 1,746 (214) (10.9)
The Fol lowimr .Lre Estimates: Orpha 15
- Bill
!Vollman Ranch 1
2 (part time) Fowler Ranch 2 (part. time)
- The are within 20 miles of Highland (160 - square miles) including the estimated popula-tion areas shown above has a lower than average population density for nonurban areas than the rest of the county. The average population for the county, excluding the towns of Douglas - and Glenrock, is O. 4 pe1*soas per square mi le.
For the 160-square-mile area around the mine,
- the population density is about 0.12 persons - lOActual Data from Bureau of Census, PC(l)-A52Wyo., issued 11/70 .
per ~quare mile. For the l 13-aquare-mile area
- shown. on Exhibit A. Figure 3, the population density ie between 0.00 and 0.04 persons per Hquare mile, depending upon the season of the year.
- There are two dwellings within the area of Exhibit A, Figure 3. The direction and distances - to these dwellings are shown. The distances and
- directions to the other population aggregations are shown on Exhibit A, Figure 2. The nearest - residence ls 2.9 miles to the northeast, which is also the direction of the prevailing wind. - b. Provision for Population Growth The population of Converse County will probably not increase to reflect even the additional family units supported by the new jobs. Humble will employee no and the strip- - ping contractor about 60. Some of the employees will continue to reside in Casper or on the scattered ranches where they now live. Others already live in the county perhaps unemployed or underemployed. Mining ~ompany employees in - Wyoming will commute long distances rather than - move to a mlning camp. The volume of service and supp1y needs generated by Highland are not - enough to result in a significant movement of
.. these businesses to t.he county .or the estab-liHhmen t of new businesses.
Under funds provided by H. E W. and the
- Wyoming Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPAD), Douglas has developed a - comprehensive general plan which envisions a - doubling of population to 6,000 people.
includes a land use plan, a road plan, and a This
- community services plan.
Glenrock is currently develc.; 1, i ng a master
- plan with the assistance of DEPAD and has - already enacted a water and sewer growth plan.
Some housing is available in both towns as well as in Caspe!*. Additional custom housing is being built, and landowners have expressed an interest in building additional sale and rent houses. No speculative houses are being built.
- There has been no rush on the part of the owners of other uranium lands in Converse County - to develop or to announce plans to develop their holdings, Therefore, the exploitation of those reserves will probably await a higher uranium - selling price and serve as a continuing source of employment when the Highland operation is closed .
- - ...62-
- On the long-term basis it ts reasonable to expect that WyominK, and especially Converse County, will lag the population growth of the - country. A continued dec1*ease in population would not be t,o surpriRing. .. c. Land Ownership and Lhnd Use The previous use of thi~ land controlled - by Humble was sheep ranching. - Over 70,, of the acreage in Converse County ts privately owned.
- d. Business Activity Converse County's bu~iness activities are
- concentrated in the agricultural and extrac-tive areas .
- - 1) Agriculture County~wtde statistics for Converse County are somewhat deceiving. Most of the farming activities are concPntrated in the eAtreme southern portion of the county on land irrigated by surface and ground water in the North Platte River draina1e. Less than 2i of the total
- acreage in the county is irrigated. In
- the northern part of the county, sheep ranching is the major agricultural activity,
- and cattle ranching is the second important activity.
- Farmin1 activity ts mainly limited to corn, 11u1ar beets, and small gra:ln. SOffle hay is grown to feed en l tle removed from summer pasture to .other range during the winter. - 2) Extractive The extractive industry in Convese - County is limited to petroleum and mining - of coal. In the past some uranium ore ,.*as mined and shipped to a mill in South Dakota. - Oil and coal arc produced near Glenrock.
Natural gas is produced east of Douglas
- near Shawnee. A plant to remove condensable hydrocarbons from natural gas produced in lhe Hilight field of Campbell County is located north of Douglas, At present, the petrolewn industry represents a signi- - ficant factor in the economy of Glenrock - and a medium cGntribution to the economy of Douglas. - Local coal is being used in the Dave Johnson Power Plant located about 5 mile& - east of Glenrock. The open-pit mine which - supplies this plant is the largest coal mine in the state and produces about 1.3 million - tons of coal annually. -* Although the presence ~f uranium miner-alizktion has been known in the Powder River Basin for some time, and indeed there was some previous production, there is presently no uranium production in Converse County. - 3) Recreation Big game hunting for deer and antelope
.- is the principal recreation activity indige-
- nous to northern Converse County.
Tourism is for the most part limited to the southern part of the county near the Platte River and Ayers Natural Bridge. Douglas
- is the site of the Wyoming State Fair.
Fort Fetterman, a historic site, is located on a bluff above the North Platte River about 15 miles south of the Highland site.
- 4) Wholesale Business The wholesale business in Converse County is mainly oriented toward the petroleum industry. It is doubtful that Humble's mine will attract any other businesses to - the area. Local sources of supply to the - Wyoming uranium industry are mainly located in Casper.
- 5) Unemployment Data The most- recent, ~omplete unemployment data (1969) for Converse County show the
- annualized unemployment to be 21J.. During June of 1970 the unemployment rate was 3.BJ. - 6) Types of Business Which MiJht be Attracted to Converse County - Because of its remote location, small population, lack of water, and climate, it - is doubtful that any business activity not - directly related to the extractive indus-tries, such as those described above, will - 6. Geology be attracted to the Converse County area. *- The lower fort Union Formation of the Paleocene Epoch is present at the surface in the Highland area and is estimated to be 2,000 feet thick. It - is characterized by sharp facies changes (and hence permeability contrasts) caused by channel sand deposits which have been incised into the finer grain elastics. Typically. it is a fine-grained, clay-rich sandstone and silty claystone. However, - at Highland the boat sandstones are fine- to coarse-grained and arkosic.
- In clean sandstone the clay content *ill range
- from 2 to 81, with an estimated average of 41. In
-- the 62 samples tested, about 25% c0,ntained more than 0.51 calcite and 81 contained more than 21, calcite. Calcite occure principally as cementing material in the sandstone. Where the bedding can be seen, 1~ most commonly
- approaches the horizontal. Sandstone beds separated by clays tone beds are common. - No faulting has been detected on the surface - 7.
or as a result of drilling operations. Base Line Water .Sample Data
- Humble has been sampling rnonthly 6 wells and water holes in the Highland area (see Exhibit A, - Figure 3 for locations and Exhibit E for data summary) .
There is uranium prr?ent in all of the ground water ranging from 1 to 100 parts per billion (ppb). The uranium content varies monthly, probably in
- response to the recharge of the ground water.
The presence of arsenic is normally below the
*1 limit of the analytical procedure or less than 0.05 ppm. However, one determination of 0.12 ppm was reported. - Selenium ts normally present in amounts less - than the limit of the analytical procedure of 0.02 ppm. The content of Selenium has ranged as high - as 0.08 ppm. - The concentration of anions or ~ations ranges from 4.5 to 20 ~1lltequivalents per liter (meq/1). - In some of the wells the variation ts quite small, .. in others. quite large .
The pH of the water ranged from 6.2 to 8.0,
- with the standard of de.viation being about 0.5.
On the basts of recent and limited data, the ground water at Highland contains 4,2 x 10*10 pCi/ml of radlum-226 and 9.9 x 10- 8 ~Ci/ml of thortum-230.
- All values include the errors associated with - sampling and assaying. The standard deviations are th~se of the population from which the samples ... were taken and not thoae of the samples. No attempt was made to determine any correlation between the content of the different elements or of any element - with time. Al though some of . ,e assay data appear to be outliers, they were not excluded from the ... population.
- 8. Base Line Air Sample Data
- No base line air samples have been taken.
Because the air is normally clear but can become dusty when the wind is blowing strongly, it is
- difficult to see the value of base data. However, control samples will be taken at the time the dust samples are taken. This will serve for comparison ... and an assessment of the effect of the operation
- - on the environment.
- 9. Base Line Soil and Vegetation Sampl,es A preconstructlon soil and vegetation survey was conducted (see Exhibit A, Figlre 3 for location - and Exhibit F for report).
assayed from 2 to 7 ppm U30g. The soil sampies taken The grass samples
- assayed from 2.6 to 5.3 ppm U308.
Additional samples will he taken in August of
- each year. This will allow two additional sample - suites to be taken before operation begins. - III. ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVALS AND CONSULTATION *-. The operation of a uranium mill requires an A. E. C.
license. The application for the Highland mill license was filed with the A. E. C. concurrentlt with the filing of this environmental report.
- Wyoming has several statutes which specify minimum standards for the conduct of open-cut mines and processing - operations in the area of environmental imp~~t. These, - along with the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and other health - and safety laws, form the minimum standards under which the operation will function. - A. Air Quality Act (Wyoming)
The act created a council to develop and formulate
- - c1 program for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution in Wyoming. The council has developed 1egulations and standards to prevent or reduce air
- pollution. Enforcement of the act, program, regula- - tions, and standards is carried out by the Division of Administration of the Department of Public Health.
- Penaltie~ are provided for violations of any provisions of the act. - The standards . prepared under the act i*ere used to - develop the design criterea for the effluents of the dust collector system. No state approval is required - for design or construction. The system was reviewed
- with the Director of Industrial Hygiene of WyOlfting.
Samplin& of the effluents of the operating systemA are required. The law also provides for approval prior to open
/
burning of trade waste. There will be no open burning
- of trade wastes at Highland.
(
- B. Water Quality Act of 1965 (Wyoming)
The State Board of Health has established water
.... quality standards for interstate waters in Wyoming .
The standards define discharges and sources, testing
- procedures, flow conLli tions 1 and salinity standards. - The basic water quali:y standards cover settleable solids. noating solids, taste, odor and color, toxic substances, radioactive material content, turbidity, dissolved.oxygen, temperature, and coliform bacteria.
The act designates the various interstate waterways
- in Wyoming covered by these standards. The Cheyenne River, into which drainage from Box Creek flows, is - not listed as an interstate stream under the act.
All liquid and solid process waste will be completely - contained at Highland. The water will be eliminated - by evaporation. There will be no discharge of process fluids from the confines of the process or the tailing - impounding system. The description of the system has been filed with the Department of Health of the State ... of Wyoming and an approval received (Exhibit G. Part 1) . - -71*
C. Lnw on Prol~c lion of Public Wn tel' Supply This law regulates the discharge of waters, includ-ing sewage, into any stream within the state which might render the water injurious to health. This law also covers discharge from industrial operations which - might harmfully affect fish, render the water unfit for irrigation, or interfere with the flow through the stream channel. - The design and construction of the treatment plant for the sewage produced from the plant and offices -* was approved by the State Health Department. A certi-ficate of approval was issued (Exhibit G, Part 2), - The plant is currently in operation. D. Open Cut Land Reclamation Law
- The purpose of the law is to provide for the reclamation and conservation of land subjected to sur-face disturbance by open-cut mining. Basically, the
- law requires a permit for open-cut. mining and the post- - ing of a bond to assure that the provisi~ns of the law are carried out. - Provisions (30-96,6):
- a. Grading will be carried out to obtain a
- rolling, natural topography. - b. Any dangerous fluids will be impounded on the property in a manner that will not - interfere with the rights and property of a second party.
- c. Acid-forming and combusttbie mineral seams - d. will be covered. A reasonable effort at revegetation will be made.
- e. An annual mining map showing affected
- areas will be filed with the Commissioner of Pub Uc : Lands. - A mining and reclamation plan, along with a bond - of $200 per acre of affected land has been filed with the Commissioner of Public Lands of the State of Wyoming. - The minit"ig permit has been issued (Exhibit G, Part 3), and overburden removal is underway. The annual map
- showing affected areas and teclamation activities will be filed during September of each year.
E. Refuse Act of 1899
- The mine-mill site le located about 70 miles from the Cheyenne River. The 70 miles of stream bed between - the mill site and the Cheyenne River are normally dry. - Humble will not discharge any effluent which will flow into a navigable waterway. Consequently, Humble does - not plan to apply for a permit under the Refuse Act of 1899. - F. Water Use Permits - All water in the State 01* Wyoming is the property of the state, and permits are issued for its beneficial - use by the State Engineer. - BE~1' AVMIABLECOPY Humble has permits for the dri!linR ot* 7 wells .
- - Some of them have been completed and pumping rates assigned. Others have not yet been completed. The
~it dewatering and process water wells will require additional permits. - G. Planning Authorities The Wyoming Department of Economic Planning and - Development has been contacted through various staff employees, namely the director of minerals development - and the state planner, and various aspects of the operations discussed.
Converse County has a planning commission. The Highland Mine Manager has worked closely with it, especially in the development of the pending county
*- zoning plan. The H11hland Operation will be in confor-mance with the zoning ordinance as the draft is prt"1eently structured.
JV . ENVIRONMENTAi, IMJlACT OF DIE MILL
- The envtronmental impact of the Highland mill wil J be discussed in terms of its effect relative to land use, water resources, and plant and animal life.
A. Land Use Compatibility - Because of the low degree of land utilization, there are no real conflicts for land use. - 1, Impact on Present Land Use The mining and milling operations will tempo- - rarily displace sheep ranching and hunting. There - is no other competition for land use.
- a. !beep Ranching
- Prior to the middle 01 last year, the 1,500 fenced acres of land were used exclusively for
- sheep ranchin1, other pastures.
The sheep have been iii':**. ad to They will not return to the area until operations cease. The immediate - purpose of this move was to reduce the safety - hazard of animals to personnel operating moving equipment. A longer range purpose is to reduce - the possibility of radionuclides entering the food chain to man. - b. Soil Erosion All activity is planned and conducted so - that the erosional effects of the seasonal - i----------i water flow is minimized, Roads, waste piles,
- and other disturbances of the ~egetative cover
- - are carefully planned and carried out so that runoff will not carry abnormal amounts of soil, All disturbances are replanted as Roon as practicable.
- c. Hunttn1 Ae a 1afety measure, the land controlled - by Humble has been closed to hunting of all - types. The mining activity at the site has caused the larger wild animals to avoid the - . mine-mill area.
- d. Population Distribution Changes
... The mine and mill will probably not cause a change in the very low population level in the Immediate area. There wi 11 most ce1*tain ly be some increase in the population of the county, mostly in the DouRlas-Glenrock areas. The
- increase will not be in direct proportion to the 170 added jobs, as some of the future
- employees already live in the county. Others
- live in Casper and will probably drive daily rather than move their homes.
- 2. lmeact on Future Land Use As a result of the reclamation activiti~s to be carried by Humble during operation of the mine
- and mill and after operations cease, there will be no harmful impact on future la11d u~e.
- r
- a. Sheep Ranchina
- - .Moat ot the land will be enhanced in valu~
for sheep ranchln1 by the mining activities. There will be some level and slopir1g flat areas reseeded with native grasses, Using t~e water - wells already drilled, these areas might be utilized by ranchers as fodder 1rowing areas - on which mowing machines could be uaed. The - quality of the 1rasses will be improved since the grass ts being replanted from c}.ean seed. - b. Population Di1tribution The rural population in Wyoming has been - decreasing as a percentBge of the state popu* lation since 1920 and in absolute numbers since 1940. There ie no reason to believe - that this trend will be changed by the HiKhland ope1'."ation. By the time the Highland ore is depleted, - deposits owned by others will probably be opened. There is also much'coal ln Wyoming - which will be mined in the future. Because of the wide area from which the - employees will be drawn and the other future - extractive industry needs, there is no reason to expect that a depressed area will develop - when Highland i* mined out. In any case, the.
e111ployaent picture in termM ot* .jobs would be
*- no less than tt Hi1hland had not opened.
The rural areas of Wyoming have 11 tLle which will attract busineas unless they are underlain by extrai:table natural resources
- such as coal and uranium in the case of Converse - County. The cold climate rules out most forms of arrtculture. The lack of population decreases - the possibility of attracting coneumer*orientod manufacturers. The shortage of water and timber - further d~creaae the attractiveness of the land - to manufacturtn1 and to leisure-time activities, The lack of attributes which attract busi-nesses, coupled with the decreasing population for the rural areas of Wyoming, would seem to - indicate a lower than average population growth
'- - and a low absolute population density for the Highland mine site area for many years to come.
- For the above r.easons, no competition for the land in the immediate future or on a long- - term baste can be foreseen.
- c. Other
- The one or two mine areas that will not - be backfilled With OVerburd~n and revegetated will fill with water to*the water table and - *78-
I *
- boC'ome lake1, Theh* 1*cc*rrn ti '>lln J Ya hw Ii-;
- - 3.
being con1ldered; but ~ecauRr or the (im~ period until they will be available, no definite plans have been developed. Seecific Measures to Preserve the Natural lnvlronment
- The careful planning for the future and actions - to date reflect Humb~e's desire and c~mmitment to avoid a harmful ecological impact on the area. - a. 2verburden Stora1e Areas Overburden etora1e areas were 'lected to - minimize their visual impact. The waste was placed to blend into hillsides, rather than to protrude into the skyline. The shape, slopes, and revegetation are intended to reduce .. erosion. The stream beds of major water courses w~re avoided, even thou~h they are dry durln~
moHL ar the year.
- After a stora1e area contains the intended
- amount of waste, it will be covered with a layer of topsoil and planted with native grasses.
- b. Revegetatian Teat During the 1971 growing season, a revegeta-tion test will be conducted on the 60-acre over-burden dump Number 1 (Exhibit A, Figure 4) which baa been completed. The local office of the
.. 79_
Soil Conaervation Service of tbe United StaleH
*- Depart*ent of A1rlcul turc &Halsted Humhh~ in the teat deaian. The comprehensive test will include two thicknesses of topsoil cover, two typeil of 1raas, with and without mulching and - fertilizing, and, finally, reseedine overbur~en - which has not been covered with topsoil.
results of this test will determine future The
- c.
reclamation procedures or guide future tee ting. Disposal of Solid and Liquid Waste
- Complete containment is the method Helected for disposing of the mill tailing, as it will
- result in the lowest degree of env'lronmental imp1-t con*tdering the magnitude of the disposal problem. The method is described fully else-
~here in the report. With this method, no
- liquid or solid waste will be allowed to flow from the system. Most of the water will be
- eliminated by evaporation; With the exception. of confid~ntial mapa
- and papers which will be incinerated 1 all trash - generated at the mine, mill, and offices, wjll be hauled to an active waste dump and buried. - d. Cutoff Dama Cutoff da*s above the tailing pond will - allow capture of runoff water before it mixes
-so-
- with the acidified tailing solu.tion (Exhibit *- A, Pi1ure f).
The overflow system will allow any excess water to flow around the pond providing two benefits: (l) the danger of overflowing the
.. main ta1Un1 pond ls further reduced, and (2) the water will be maintained in a "fresh" - condition. - e. Desisn of Roads Along with the criterion that the site - roads be functional and accomplish their role .. without reaultin1 in abnormal maintenance co~ts because of a rourh surface, adverse grades, and dust 1eneration, the design criteria also call for a alniinum number and size 01* cuts and fills. This s11nificantly reduces the impact on the area, the potential for soil erosion, - and the amount of reclamation required when ... the use of the road is past .
The side slopes of major site roads are - beina replanted with native Krasses. All site roads will be replanted with grasses as soon - as practicable after they are abandoned.
- f. Process Dust Collectors
-* The pracess dust remove~ from the buildings - to dovelop a safe condition for the operators
will be treated in dust collcclorH before diH-char1e, thereby reducing the amount oJ dust
\
relea*ed to the environment.
- 1, Air Saaplin1 Pro1ram The effluent or each proceas stack wtll be - monitored re1ularly to assure that applicable - air quality standards are met. Additionally, airborne radioactivity samples will be taken - quarterly at four locations around thu entire operation as 1hown on Exh i hit A, Figure 3, - with a lar1e volume dust sampler. These samples
- will be analyzed for dust content and radio-ac:Uvtty.
- h. Soil and Ve1etat1on Sampling Pro1i-am Ba** condition samples have been taken as
- follows (see Exhibit A, Figure 3 for location): - 1. A p1oftle of three soil samples ocross the tailing dam creek (the North Fork - of Box Creek) 500 feet above the inter-section with Box Creek. - 2. A profile of three soil samples ~cross Box Creek 200 feet below the Junction with the tailing dam creek. - 3. Soil and vegetation samples at six locations around the millsite.
- The s111ple11 were taken dur~n1 Octot>e1*, *- 1989. Theae samples were analyzed for natural uranium and the rejects retained for future analyses as required. Sampling at the above locations will be repeated annually during Au1ust to detect any changeA from these baRe condi Uons. This program al lows three setM - of samples before the operation of the mill - begtns in September, 1972 <sec Exhibit F for report on ori1inal survey). .. 4. Areas of Historic Sianiflcance T~e nearest site of historic etgnificancell 1* Fort Fetterman about 15 miles south of the H11hland site. The Glenrock Buffalo Jump is about 30 miles eouthwe1t. Neither site will be affected
. by the planned operation . 8,
~ater Use Compatiblll~l, The process will require about 500 K&llons per - minute of new water.
- 1. Description of Surface and Ground Water
- There is no reliable source of surface ~*ater
*t the Hi,hland site or within an economical pumping
- distance.
- llrederal Reaiater, Vol. 36, No. 35, 2-20-71, p. 3,340.
- Blf AVMWH OOPY
Smn 11 cutott d111u1 wt 11 be ln~t&:l lod above I he
-*- tai 1 lng pond to intercept thr runoff from the Hmo.11 area nhove the daa. Ho benel'Jdnl utte iH plunnNI for this water, aa lte avatlahiltty will b~ Aea~onal and i tR quantity unpredictable. Th 111 syslem ol dams will avoid the mixing or I his fr~Rh woter with the highly acid pro~e~s wa~to water.
Ground water is present in the Highland Hand-stone mernlJet*, a local nome foJ' lhe Fiand bedfi whJcl, contnln the uranium ore. TheRe hedH are immedJatr,Jv below the tailing dam shale, a hed of int.ere_tH in
- the discussion of the tailing pond.
regionnl dip ind surface topography, both the Because ol Highland aand and the tailing dam shale are Aiant-ficant ly below~ on a stratigraphic basis, the sand-stones in which the other domeEtic and agricultural wells in thearea,are completed. Because of the
- ~pen nature of the s*ndstones, the distance~ to the
- other wells, and the stratigraphic diatan,~es, there should be no si1niticant effect on the water avail- - able to others. A pumping teat is currently underway which uill - al low a better understanding of the ground~wa hn* picture in the mine area. - 'Water quality of the area ground water has been - described in Section II, D. 7.
... The preliminary studies indicate that the maiu aquifer contained in the Hi1hland sands is bein~
recharged. Therefore, the water used by Humble
- will not permanently low~r the water table.
There ia no present or foreseeable future com-
- petition for tbe water whid1 will be used at Highland. ,. 2. Impact on Water Supply - The mill and related activities will produce one real but temporary effect on the 1round water and one potential impact.
Pumping water for milling activity and for
... mine dewaterin1 will lower the water tat.de in. the immediate area. The aerial extent of this temporary lowering will be estimatable when the current pump- - in1 test ls completed and the results evaluated.
Based on the preliminary tests and the open char- .... acter of the sandstone. it is reasonably safe to - assume that the aquifer will refill to or near its present level when operations cease. - A potential proble,a is the possible seepa1e of acidified tailing solution into the aqui~er. Thi~ ... problem is not serious and is discussed in Section IV. D. 2. - 3. Specific Measures to Protect the Environ...!!!!!!.! - In plannln1 the Hiahland Project, Dumble has recoanized the scarcity of water in this section
of Wyoming and the need to conserve and protect thla resource.
- a. Containment of Process Solutions
... The leaching section, the CCD pump house, and the S*X building were designed to hold all - probable and even most of the improbable spi I ls .
within their walls or, in the case of s-x, in
- a lined baain away from the building for fire - b.
safety. Selection of Tailing Basin Site
- The tailing storage site was selected - because of the low leakoKe rate of solution which we expect to experience and the resulUni.:
low deiree of impact on the environment. Thia operation should have no dts~drlable effect on nny water *upply in the are~.
. As a reault ot the rii,tof t dams and connecting - di tchea. wtalch bypal:>s meteorol oa*tcal water around
- the pond, the effective runnoff area is reduced from l square mile to about 300 acres. This. - system reduces even further the already remote possibility of rainfall causing the fluid to - overflow the dam. - c. Water Sampling Pro1ramR The 6 monthly agricultural and potable water supply *aaplea currently bein1 taken
(Section I I. D 7.) wtl 1 be .contt nued. In addition the tailing pond monitor well sn111plinR'
- p1*ogram (Secttnn IV. D. 2. h.) will hORin - before the mill begins operating to obtain base-line data and continue during operation of the - d.
Iii 11. Control ~i Mine Dewatertng Water
- By controllina the release of the water ... removed from the mine ln excess of the mill requirements as described in Section IV. F.,
Humble wlll conserve 1round water by allowing it to return to the 1round water at a lower
- stratigraphic level.
- e. Diapoaat of Uaed ln11ne 011 U*ed h*1vy*equtp11ent lubricating oil le
- being collected, ha~led to a re*rrfinery, and recycled. Thia eliminates the water pollution which could reault if the oil was allowed to - soak into the around through a dry well pit or the air pollution problem which would result - if it were burned in an open fire. Further.
thia procedure conserves a valuable natural
- resource.
C. Heat Dissipation
- The Wyoming climate requites heating of the buildings - for eaployee comfort. Laboratory studies and industry
- - practice indicate the need for heat in the process.
I
- All of the pl"oceaa and building hea.t, approximately I
20 aillion BTU's per hour, will ultimately Hnd it.s way to the atmosphere. The effect of this discharge on the
- environment will be undetectable except possibly within the immediate millalte and there only within a few feet of the buildings. .. D. Chemical an~ Radioactive Discharge Ae mentioned above, all of the solid and solution dis- - char1ee wtll be confined within the procesF including the t1iltn1 pond. The process dust discharges are from wet du1t collectors and must be released to the atmosphere.
1, Du1t Diecharges
- Duet can be generated almost anywhere in Wyoming, not only where the ground cover has been disturbed or where disturbed.1round has been placed in piles, but - also from undiaturbed 1round because of its sparse, 401 vegetation cover. - Four types ot dust can be Kenerated in the pro- - cesain1: (l) .dust from barren mine rock, (2) dust from ore, (3) duet from tailing, and (4) dust from ... yellow cake. As the extraction of the uranium removes - only 15i of the radioactivity present in the untreated orel2, ore a~d tailing dust are essentially the same. - 12"Depoai tion and Control of Uranium "1111 Tai lings Pi lee - in the Colorado River Basin, 11. S. Departwont of Heal th, Edu-cation, and Welfare, FWPCA, Re1ion VIII, March 1966, p. 9.
- - -er-
- a. Duet rrom Barren Mia.e Rot*k The 11olature content of the bari*en sand-stone and shale in the mine tends to reduce - the dustina problem. Where there is much aechanlcal 11itation of the surface such as on haul road*, dustinK can occur. It is con- - trolled with water sprinkling to reduce the potential health hazard to employees and the - deterioration of equipment which must opP.rate on the road1. ... Unless there are dust-stnrm~producing winds blowing, the dust generated will settle to the - earth well within the restricted area. If the winds are blowing, the dust .from the barren waste is ine1gntf1cant in amount and indistin-1uishable from the *natural dust in the area.
- b. ore and Ta111n1 Dust
- fhese du*t discharges are classified as - fugitive duet and process dust. Fu1itive dust is that dust resulting from wtnd blowing across - an open area where mechanical disturbance may or may not have originally started the dust ln motion. Process dust is that dust generated on
- a more or lees continuous basis by the processing of the ore 1n the confines of the system. An A. I. t. officiaJ13 revtewl~g uranium
- mining health and safety has stntcd:
"Uncovered tailinJt pi leH are not con-sidered to present an airborne radio-activity problem. They. are unslightly and, when dry, a dust nuisance ...
... In the same statement he also said:
"Radon, the radioactive gaseous decay product of radium1 diffuses through
- rock in uranium mines and similarly may diffuse through soil cover. The A. E. C., the U. S. Puhl :c Health
- Service, the Department& 1f Health of Colorado and Utah, with industry co-operation, made a one-year stud*
of the public health aspects of ralton at. and near tailings piles, both covered and uncovered. A Joint report publi*h~d in 1969 stated that
- tailln1s have not affected radon baik-grounds beyond one-half mile from the pile*, and that no &iRnificant expo-sure to the public has resulted."
R,adiua-226 is the isotope of principal con-cern tn the duata14. The ore will contain about 0.21 U30s and the tailing about O.OOBI U309.
- 1) !uritive Duat - a) Qr.!
The ore storage and blending area ... is the first point at which fugitive - 13"Uran1um Mining Health and Safety" by Robert J Catlin 1 Assistant Director for Health Protection, u. S. A. E c., llareh 23, 1971, pre1e1 ted to the Topical Conference on Nuclear .... Public Information, Bal Harbour, Florida, sponsored by the Atoaic Industrial Forum, Inc. - 14"Depos1tion and Control of Uranium Mill Tailings Piles in the Colorado River Basin," u. 8. Department of Health Educa-tion, and Welfare, FWPCA, Re1ion VIII, March 1966, p. 9, ore dust will be Rcner~tcd. Th~ ore will be nearly saturated with water, about 15~ moisture, as it ts delivered
- from the mine. Some air drying to 10 to 1211& needed to permit the func* - tioning of the crushing, screening,
- and material handling equipment. Although it defeats one of the
- purposes of the ore-blending yard, water apraytn1 to control dust may - be utilized to reduce severe dusting conditions if they occur. An alter-
- native method would be to cover the piles Mith a spray-on, organic membrane. b) Ta 1 ling Pond -- The design, construction and method - of operation of the tailing pond are such that very little dusting can occur. - (1) Design and Construction The tailing pond site is a - natural valley with a clay-core, earth-fill dam across the mouth. The crest and downstream face of - the dam have been covered with topsoil and seeded with native - rrasses. The exterior of the dam cannot be a source ~f dust.
-- 1rn~uHIUlllii (D,I (2) Operation -- The dam will be operutod by f1 l Ung fror, ne upstream f'aco.
This will allow 'he sands to settle against the face and force the fines and water upstream, away from the face . For 2 to 3 years the rate of water addition will exceed the evaporation rate, and all depos-
- ited material will be water covered. After this time the - solid tailing material may begin le to protrude above the waterline.
By control of the addition points
- it will be possible to keep the tailing WP.t and control dusting - for some time. If this proves - unworkable and a hazardous duet problem results, Humble wi 11 con- - trol the dust in some other way.
At present the obvious choices
- are the installation of a sprinkler
- system, chemical stabilization, and covering the tailing with top-
- *oil.
.. 92.
In any cnHe w~en operations at Highland <*ease, Humble wt 11 cover the tailing pond with soil
- and replant the area with graRses.
The soil-cover thickness will
- be the grf'ater of the amount required to accomplish the fol-lowing two goals: 1) to reduce - the radiation accumulative dose for an average individual in 24* - hour residence above the dam to - leas than 170 m1llireml5, which is the recommended maximum amount established by the National Com-mission on Radiation Protection, and 2) to Allow the perennial - growth of native vegetations reseeded by Humble to stabilize
- the soil against wind-and water erosion. Jt is anticipated that - 1 to 2 feet of sotl and barren - sandstone will accomplish both of these goal~. 11 lS NCRP Bulletin #39 - Baste Radiation Protection Criteria," - published by NCRP Publications, Washington, D. c .. p. 96.
- 2) Process Dust -*- Huable will seek t~ achieve the lowest possible dust dis~har~~ from the dust col-lector systems within the means available.
The following calculations assume that Lhe discharges are equal to the maximum amount
- permitted under Wyoming air quality standards.
a> Allloun ts
- The two crusher dust collcctorH will in total discharge less than 50 - pounds of dust per hour in their com- - bined 22,000 cfm of air discharges.
This will be ore-grade material avera1in1 o.2i U3<>s, and the dust loading will be less than 0.26 grains
- of dust per cubic foot of air. - The yellow cake area discharge will contain less than 0.005 grains - of solids per cubic foot of air in 2,244 cfm discharge. The dust will
-- be 85'.t U30S. The prevailing wind at Highland - is from the southwest to the northeast. - The surface area controlled by Humble shown in Exhibit A. Figure 3 is shown - again in a simpler form in Exhibit ff,
- Figure 3. In the dowm,ytnd direct.ion the nearest unrestricted area ts 8,000 feet from the process dust collector - stacks. The nearest unrestricted area is one-half mile to the west, or approxi- - mately counter to the prevailing wind.
Estimates or the maximum ground
- level concentrations of radioactivity_ - due to the discharges of the tw~
crusher.and one yellow cake dust
- collectors were made using a modifi-cation of the Bosanquet equation - (Exhibit H, Figure 1). This maximum concentration occurs at about 10 stack heights downwind with a 10 mph wind.
The concentration downwind from the - points of maximum concentration will vary inversely as the square of the
- distance. Higher wind speed moves this point further downwind from the stack
- b) but also dilutes the stack discharge. Exposure at Unres'tricted Location - Using a wind rose prepared by - averaging 1-hour readings taken during 1956-60 at the Casper Airport weather - station (Exhibit H. Figure 2) and
- assuming that this data ls a reasonable approximation of the Highland wind condi Uons, thP. exposures for 1001, - occupancy at 16 points at the property lines around the restricted area - (Exhibit H, Figure 3) were calculated
- (Exhl bit H, Figure 4). These ca lcula-tions indicate that maximum exposures
- are at the nearest boundary to thP mill, which ie due west. The maximum. kidney
- dose is 1 millirem per year. The m4ximum lung is 3.66 millirem - per year. dose The 111ax1mum bcne dose is 15.29 millirem per year . The annual dos~~ at the Volman .... ranch, which is also due west from the mi 11, would be ll!!ss than L 51 of these - figures, or 0.01 millirem to kidneys. - 0.05 millirem to the lungs, and 0,23 millirem to the bone. The doses at - each of the other 16 points on the property line range downward to less - .than 0.01 millirem. The annual dose at the Fowler ranch, which is northeast from the mill, is 0.15 millirem to the - kidneys, 0.55 t~ the lunas, and 2.29 e
a1111rea to the bone. Both of the
-*- ranches are unoccupied for part of the year.
For comparative purposes the maxia\111 recoaaended maximum organ
- doses for the average population established by the National Colllftis-sion on Radiation Protecttonl6 ts 500 - millirems. The whole body exposure lia1t is 170 mlllirem. Humble will seek to achieve the lowest possible exposure to employees and to the - public at large with the means avail*
able .
- 2. Liquid Discharges - Tailing Pond Seepage It* is expected that th~re wi 11 initially be a aaximwa seepage of 80 IPII of tailing solution into
- the sides of the tailing basin~ - a. Analysis of Tailing Solution nae solution will initially have a pH of - about 1. 5 to 2 containing the unreacted portion of the 40 pounds of sulfuric acid per ton of - ore that was added as the leaching agent. It - will also contain calcium sulfate and other
- -- 16Jb1d., p. 80.
sulfates. as well as some siliQa as the primary dissolved solidsi 0.01 gram~ of uraniua per gallon of. solution lost through the CCD sy~ t.ean: traces of potassium chlorate. polyacrylamide - flocculants, Tertiary amines, kerosine, and - decanol; and other metal ions which may be present in the ore. The radioactivity of the - solution will principally be due to dissolved thorium-230 and radium-226. It is not possible to duplicate this solu-tion from the laboratory testing for analysis. However, at an A. E. C. Seminar in Grand Junctionl7 - the following values were reports. MPC values and Highland water well ana1,ses are tabulated
- - for comparison.
- 17a. G. Beverly, "Radiua and Thoriwn Behavior in Uranium Milling Circuits - Statement of Air and Water Concentration - Limits Prescribed in Part 20, 11 Syaposiuro on Radio-cheaical Probleas in UraniUll Milling, U.S. A. E. C., Grand Junction.
Colorado (1960).
- CONCENTRATIONS or Ra-226 AND Th-230 Ill TAILING SOWTI0N8 AND HIGHLAND WATER IELLS (all values in uCi/ml)
.II\,; Grand Junction Results Highland
- Restricted I Unres.tricted Ra-226 40 X 10-8 3 X 10-8 35 Avera&te I Ranae X 10-8 0,1 X 10*8 Water Wells 4.2 X 10-lO to 210 X - Th-230 5 X 10-5 2 X 10-6 2,2 X 10- 5 10-8
.0005 X 9.9 X }0-S
- 10-5 to 10 X to-5 - b. Monitoring Program - The tailing dam monitoring program will be conducted to detect seepage, to develop
- information as to the magnitude of the problem,*
and to allow corrective action if indicated .
- - The sampling frequency will be monthly.
- 1) Sampling Program The tailing dam shale wlll be an effec-
- tive barrier to downward percolation of - solution. However, the monitor wells will be completed both below and above the shale - to detect seepage.
a) Sub-shale Sameling
- The possibility of seepage which would penetrate the tailing dam shale is re*ote. However, Humble wi 11 drill
- and sample a monitor well which will
-99
- saaple ground water co~tained in the 50-foot sandstone layer below the shale.
This well, designated A on Exhibit A,
- Figure 4, is downdip from the basin; and Humble geologists believe it will - detect seepage through the shale should it occur. It is about one-fourth mile - north ot the basin. - b) Shale Saaeling Three monitor wells will be com- - pleted immediately above the tailing dam shale at locations e, c, and D - shown on Exhibit A. Figure 4. These locations are also shown on the topographical map of the top of the shale (Exhibit c, Figure 9).
Monitor well Bis located 240 feet
- east of well A. As can be seen on the - topographic map of the top surface of the tailing dam shale, the w~ll is
- downdip from the area under the basin. This location should allow early detec-tion of seepage, should it occur. - Monitor wells C and Dare located in the valley sides on either side of the basin and downstreaa froa the daa.
-100-
- These locat.io:1t- were selected for the following reasons. The sandstone bP.ds above the shale constitute a possible route for seepage from the basin. - Seepage into these sandstone layers - results in the same condition as excess local recharge. The pressure - gradient from this excess water will cause flow. If it goes downdtp, it - will be detected by well 9. If the - present downdip flow is the maximum amount which the sands can handle, - extra water will be forced updip and be detected by well C or D. c) Analysis of Samples - All samples will be analyzed for uranium, arsenic. selenium, anions and - cations, pH, radium-226, and thorium-230.
- 2) Corrective Action Program
- If analysis of the sample data indicates that the ground water at the unrestricted area will reach the maxi.mum permitted con-centration (MPC), Humble will tegin immedi-ately to correct the problem. This problem, as we see it now, would be to reduce the level of contaminants introauced by tailing
-101-
dam seepage or other Huable. action as low as practical and at ,least as low as the MPC. *
' "':**. ~--. . ~ .... .......... - One or aore of the following steps will be used, but this listing will not preclude - Humble from using other methods which.may be developed should they be more effective. - a) Produce Water - Wells will be installed in a pat~ern that will collect the contaminated water - and return it to the reservoir if ade-quate.evaporation capacity exists. If adequate evaporation capacity does not exist, the water may be recycJ.ed to the process in substitution for some fresh - water. Another alternative will be to pump it to a water treatment plant - prior to release to an unrestricted
. - b) area . Water Treatment The water produced from these wells can be treated with limestone and barium chloride to precipitate the thorium-230 and radium-226. These precipitates would be collected in a pit and later
- covered with soil. The water would be
-102-
treated further as necttasary to meet
- 3.
state water quality t*1*1 teria and released. Gaseous Discharges The gaseous dis~harges include products of
- combustion, radon gas emissions, and process vapors.
- a. Products of Combustion
- The process and building heat will be developed by burning natural gas in packaged boiler units.
LPG or diesel will be the back-up fuels. No
- radiation or other air pollution problea ls expected.
- b. Radon Gas e- As the ore is crushed and processed, rador, gas, which has been physically entrapped within the rock, will be liberated. Because of the large volume dust collecting ayateas and the
- open areas in the mill, radon has not been con~
- sidered a serious problem i,n mill environments and discharges. The radon generated was con-
- sidered to be all released in the dust collector for radioactivity c&.lculations. The exposure to people at the property line downwind would be less than .001 millirem (Exhibit H, Figure
- 1).
-103-
Ra.don is continually produc.ed ln the ore and -*- tailing due to radioactive decay *of rad:lum-226. The exposure potential at the property line resulting from radon generated at the tailing pond would be less than 0.3 millirem (Exhibit - c. I) . Process Vapors The fume collection system on the leachinR - tanks will contain mostly water vapor from the heated slurry. The 502 content of the vapors is estimated to be less than 2 ppsn, as no chemical reactions which generate so2 are - involved. The extremely low sweep velocity of less than one-half foot per minute should not carry any solid or liquid partic11late - matter. The radon generation should be low, as most of it was released in the crushing - operation. The dust collector calculations - for the exposure at unrestricted areas assume all of the radon present is released in the - crusher.. The amount released in the leaching tanks would be extremely small. - The solvent extraction building ventilators - will produce exhaust gas at 27,000 cfm for 6 air changes per hour. Vaporized organic - reagents will be the principal contaainant.
- -104-
- Some ammonia vapor may be present. Low vapor pressure (high flash point) kerosine will be used. The evaporation of this reagent is - estimated at lees than l pound per day. existing uranium plants.these effluents are In .. not considered a source of air pollution . They will be sampled to assure compliance with - Wy01Ding air quality regulations and the National - 4. Ambient Air Quality Standards. i;antity of Principal Radionuclides Expected to - *Released The radiatlo,1 estimates (Exhibit J) are all - the maximum aaounts (worse possible case) for the dust collectors and the tailing pond gas and seepage. Humble wt 11 seek to achieve* the lowest possible - exposure to employees and to the general popula-tion with the methods available. - RELEASE OF RADIONUCLIDES - pCi/day
- Nuclide U (Natural)
To At11osohere 560 To Ground 345 Water Th-230 308 9.593 Ra-226 308 153 Rn-222 .12 X 106 nil
-105-
- 5. lmpartant Pathways of Exposure to Man
~ The normal *1a,ortant pathways of radionuclide eKposure (Exhibit I) to aan are not significant - ln the Highland area. There are no crops which could extract and concentrate radionuclide&. The - land in the iaaedlate area is used for sheep ranching as opposed to cattle ranching. - Jn general, the discharge of trace aaounts o! - elements or compounds are of concern for three reasons:. 1) they can b~ immediately harmful to - life forms; 2). they can be harmful to the immediate life forms when a critical amount is accumulated - over a life time; and 3) the immediate lite for* exposed to the trace concentration accuaulates and concentrates the dangerous material in its - structure and then serves as food for other larger life forms. This latter insidious situa- - tion is important where the food chain includes .... many successive steps of one life form consuming smaller life forms as 1e present in ponds, lakes, and rivers. Because of. the lack of standing and flowing - water in which many types of life fol"ll live, this, - mechanism can exist only in an extremely abbreviated and, therefore, ineffectual form and poses no real - problem. 1 811'1 ilV1UWIJl tOPY - -106-
- The levels of ground water whicb aight be affected are atrat1graphically below ~ny present water wells. The possibility of daaage from this - route is small because the ground water which might be affected is not a part of any known water use - reservoir. The pathway through wild or domestic animals - at Highland is so short and so small in magnitude - that it cannot have a significant effect. The tailing pond which is the most concentrated large - source of radionuclides -is highly acidic and would be highly unpalatable to both domestic and wild - animals. Radionuclides contained in wind blown dusts are deposited within a few hundred feet of the source due t.o air transport l 1111 tat ions. These - are within the restricted area and unavailable to animals, either because of the fence, the a1n1ng - activity, or both. - 6. Radiological Effects with Respect to Important Species Population The radiological effect of the operation on - any species at or near Highland would be ainimal - because of the low radiation levels present and the absence of any significant concentrating mechanism in the food chain.
-101-
'I. Sanitary Wa9tes t I dur1n1 a.nr t i
- throuuhout tho JEl*r the Box Concurren\ with the ln*tallatton ol the penanent cr. .11 **ter fla.* to the Cbeyt,r1no River, thei p1111ptn1 ofl'lce buJldtna s.n late 1970, an aerated h1oon-type rate of thie freab around water will be roduced to t.he
****ce treataent plant *** Jnatalled. Th.is IJJetm &aount required br the proccms. If addLUoaal water
*** dealaned to Bahe tb* needs ol tbo con11truc Uon auu l>e p.,.ped, It *ll l be iapaund*d ln the ta I ling period ae welJ av the penanent work force for the Pond Ullng the *pare tallln* pu.;p and Une. Alterna\elJ, sine and *111. a d . . *111 be conetucted out at *lne overburden below The eyatea
- u &ppl"oYed by tho *YOll.inu: State Health the *lllsite *h1ch 'Will collcc-t the *at*r durt111 t~e D@p.artacnt and placed ln operallon durtn1 late 1970. above condltlone and &llo* l11ter, &lo* release when The de1lgn criteria are ahown l'.n ExhlbU L. tbe creoll bed ia a1ra1n dry.
f'. Diec harce of Freet,. *nur No "*ter *ill be p*rattLcd to flow 1'110 a n*vlaable J t wt 11 tw neceeeary to puap treah around *tcr waterway. of tbe qual:l ty deecrtbed ln 11. D. 7. fraa the G. Biological J*pact ground around tho alne. ** the ore le below the water In Humble *e e11tlaatlon, th11 oper11Uon will nave tablo. The aaount o:t **ter 11hich ~11 l bf!' pUllpod ta no luting bloloalcal lapact. on "the ar** or on the unkno*n at thla tta&, but l)Ullplna teetlil are botng con- plant and animal a:pec:iei, present In tbe *rea. Tbe ducted. The poe*lble ranae of the flo* 1e froa !500 pre-ope,ratlon BOU, Water, and vegetaUon all.lipltll8 to 1,500 81111, P\laplo1 w:111 begin In late 197J, prograa arc developlqg bue c:and1Uona and *111 be Aliil th111 Ss frt:*h water,
- aalll*ua aaount, about 500 contlnuod to Rlileeas lap.et.
l'PI, *JJI be btlliud hz the proces~. Thv ezreae water H. Conl'ltrucUon Effectg will be dlacharsed Joto tbo noraally dry t>.d of BoK Construction actlvltlos at the alne and alll11ltf', Crofk d~lnK thae perJod* of lhe year whe,n u *Ul are preavntly und*rw*y. TIie mlnt*lzlnw or envlron11ente1 not flo,, into
- n*vssabl* **terw1117. ff'le **tf'r *111 lapaet ls beln<< pracUC"od; and land rocl ... uori acttv:H1ee so.all into the ground re-enter ins the water tabJo I but hav-. already begun, o"en thouKtl ore reaoval t* more tlJar
&l a lo*er *trattv*pble level. As tho area 11 arid, a yvar **ar.
conru~rvaUon of rround water :lo tble aaflner *eea1 advt*able to ffuable,
-108-
-109-
- l. Construction Schedule All activities are scheduled to achieve the rated production rate of 2,000 tons of ore per day by January 1, 1973.
- a. Mine
- 1970. Overburden removal began in September of The first aine dump was completed during - the first quarter of 1971 and has been re-~overed - with topsoil. It will be used as a test dump to determine the best method of revegetation among the alternatives available. Ore mining will begin during July of 1972. ore nining - and overburden reaoval are scheduled lo be completed about 12 years from their respective starting dates.
- b.
Mi 11 Mill construction began during the secor.d
- quarter of 1971. Start ... up is scheduled for September l, 1972. The tailing daa was con-structed during the last quarter of 1970 using - c.
select overburden removed from the mine. Roads The paved access roads from the public road
- were completed during 1970. Site roads have been built, and additional roads will be built,
- and abandoned during the life ot the project.
-110-
- 2. Activities to Minimize Impact on Environment The mining activittes to minimize the iapact of construction on the environment have been described.
A drainage system which will minimize the erosional effects of the normally light rainfall has been installed and will be maintained during construction and operation of the plant. All disturbed land will be replanted with native grasses as soon as practicable after the disturbance is ended. All topsoil found in the mill area in sufficient thil*kness to permit recovery was stored for later reuse. I. Aesthetics The design of the overburden piles ts such that the piles do not protrude above the skyline. This avoids an unnatural shape from attracting attention. Gently .... rolling surfaces and flat side slopes will further pre-sent a pleasing view when the area has been replanted with grass. The building shapes and colors were selected to provide a pleasing appearance e~en though the location is remote and no one will see it unless he purposely travels to the site.
-111-
V. EN\, iltONMENTAL t-:.FF:ECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIOED
*- effects.
The environmental effects which cannot be avoided are discussed in two ratcgories--permanent effects and temporary A. Permanent Effects
- The pnnc.:ipal permanent environmental effect will be a chan.xe in topography. The c.&rly overburden will - be placed in areas which become JlJlter than the -* original areas and higher. There vill be two depres-sions which w~.11 form lakes when the water table retur** ... - to its original level. These lakes wi 11 be available for watering sheep or possibly for 1*ecreation. - The mill tailing material will be stored in a basin and covered with topsoil. This again is a change in topography but will result in no radiation, vi~ual. or erosional problems.
Humble does not believe that ~ny harmful permanent
- effects will result from the Highland project.
- B. Temporary Effects
- 1. Airborne Radioactivity
- Abnormal but not dangerous amounts of radio-activity will be introduced to the atmosphere. The most mobile is radon-222 which has a half life of - less than 4 days and preRrnt~ no Jastin~ danger. Any concentration of radioat:t ivity produced by pro- - cess and fugitive dust will be limited to a few
-112-
- hundrt~d feet from its source and wi.11 be cleaned up or buried should concentrattonA develop whi<:h would a*esult in more than 170 milUrem for con-tinuous exposure when the area ts returned to its unrestricted status. - 2. Possible Seepage from Tailing Dam Humble believes that the possibility of seepa~0 - which could result in the release of unlawful amounts - of radionuclides outside th~ restricted area is remote. However, plans to cover this contingency have been presented earlier.
- 3. Animal Life
- Domestic animals have been removed from about
- - 1,500 acres of land for the duration of the operation .
-113-
VJ. ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION -* Humble has entered into a sales contract for delivery of uranium yellow cake beginning shortly after the scheduled start-up date for Highland. This production will ultimat~ly be used to generate electricity. Since the need for addi-tional production of uranium to meet the electrical po1a.*er generation industry needs has been well documented, the - alternative of no action 1s not considered. A. Alternate Sites The distribution of natural resources is such that man has no choice in where he can mine them. However. there are few areas in the United States where the planned activities would ,xert a lesser effect on the present and future man and his environment than at Highland. B. Alternate Mining Method It is possible to mine uranium ore and the Highland ore body by underground methods which would reduce the - surface disturbance and eliminate the formation of the two lakes in the residual pits. The open-pit and underground mining costs of a typical ore body whith would require a 30 to 1 open-pit stripping - ratio were compared (Exhibit M) Without considering the cost of amortizing the mine surface plMnt and the underground development costs, the underground mining - cost was 20% to 301, more per pound of U30& removed from
- Bffl AVAIWm OOH
- -114-
the mine lh:rn the open pit cosl. In addilion about 2o'., of this valuable natural resource *ould have to be lefl in the ground and lost. The harmful short- and long-term environmental impacts of the open-pit mine are slight because o t 1 hP
- planning and reclamation activities which Humble ha!"
and will carry out. Under the circumstances, the
- added cost of production using unaerground methods - could not hP ,iusti fied on any economic, ecololZ'ira 1.
or aesthetic basis.
- C, Alternate Milling Method The use ot a c-arbonate leach process is a possib 1 e - alternative. It would not reduce the areal requir~m\1.,~
for the mill but would result in a highly alkaline tail* ing solution, rather than an a~1dic solution. 1'11e operating costs would be similar. The most significant disadvantaJe of the carbonate leach process is a lower
- recovery of uranium as disclosed in laboratory testin~. - A 51, decrease in recovery ie indicated.
As no significant change in environmental impact would result, this higher cost alternate of carbonate leaching was r~jected.
-115-
VII. 111E RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF MAN'S ENVIRclhiENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEffi'f OJ,' LONG-ffli PRCl>UCTJVITY - A. Short-te1*m Use Upon examining the long-terrn and recent Atati*sttcs - concerning the exceptionally rapid ~rowth in ele~tric - power demands by the economy and the projection for growth within the decade, it is oh,*ious that lhe - demands upon primary sources of energy wi 11 be gli'ei1 t.
- In a ttempti n~ Lo determine wher,- this addi lionar, ttner~y
- will be obtained, the A. E. C. hd~ stated1 8 that aboui -* half of the increased demands by l9SO will be ~et by uranium. - The operation of the Highland t.'ranium Mine iwi 11 result in 170 jobs for Converse County, which J:as experienced losses in population for several decades. - There wi 11 be a positive effect on local reta*u ~nd Wyoming-wide wholesale activity. - The mining activity and the accompanying improved roads to the mine will improve the access to the area for recreational activity, principally huntin~. - On the negative side, a relatively small area will be occupied and its our face disturbed for about 12 *: £""a rs. - It is not believed that this activity will affect the wild animal population to any discernible extent.
- 18 "MaJor Activities in Atomic Energy Programs," A. E.
January, 1971.
- c. ,
BES1' AVAIUIILE COPY -116-
- A pond of acid water will be formed on the tailing baaln which will extat for the duration of operations. When operations cease and the water has evaporated, - the tailing basin will be covered and seeded. All of the disturbed area, including the millsi_te. with the exception of one or two mined-out areas which we believe will form lakes, will be covered with topsoil - and planted with native grasses or other vegetation which - 1~ found to produce superior cover. ln short, when the mining operations cease, the - evidence that a mine existed in the area will consist of some changes in the topography which resemble the - natural condition of the land surface and the lakes mentioned above. No cumulative long-term effect of the operation on man or his environment will result from the Highland Operations. - B. Maintenance of Long-term Productivity - Because of reclamation, the Highland Uranium Opera-tions will not affect the long-term productivity of the - land, The land will in all probability revert to its present use~grazing land for sheep or cattle. - .The presence of two small lakes in this arid county - will benefit man, sheep, and wild animals, - *117-
VIII. ANY IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES wRtcii woum eE 1NV0Lvlo 1R THI PRorosto ActtoN sRoum iT Bi lDLliERtm The removal of the uranium from the ground as a result - of the Highland Operations is the largest irreversible and irretrievable commitment of a natural resource. This - resource is the property of Humble and will be needed by the electrical power generating industry in the foreseeable - future. - Significallt capital and physical 1*esources will be required to complete the proposed facility.
-118-
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TAILINGS DAM SHALE N o* soo' DATE 3/2/71 T36N R72W ltllZ. GEOL W.C.OUt<E GL.A
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-:TAILIICS Pl fi =t I
na SECTIONS 21,271 8 29 r-
'Tl rAILINSS DAM SHALE
;, SCALE1
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N soo* DATE 3/2/71 T36N R72W IOIIZ. GEOL W.C. DUKE G.L.A
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*>> - ' TAILINGS DAM SHALE 0 1 1 t-
,,-t DATE 3./2/71
* - - GEOL WC DUl<E T36N*R72W 8.RH.
G) c,, 56 1£1!/&Al SCALE Oc::=:=-..... 841/JIIIAL SCALE o 560 f*t feet
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"'... TAILINGS I' TOP SOIL AND SEED Ill
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I.LI 5140 O 5 10 15 20 29 30 35 40 45 50 TIIE ti TEAIS NOTE= IATE OF FILLIIC DATA ALLOIS ;oa 1111101 5 FOOT FIEENllD. HOO t!D. HE@ II Cu. Ft. / TOI TAILING PONO CAPACITY DATA
r
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/ERALL SlCPE FOR ULTIMATE TAILINGS DAM DESIGN WOULD NOT EXCEED 3=1 . ...
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~ ADOITIONAL DAM N0.2 ~
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.: ADOITIONAL DAIi NO. I JII.I J
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*0 - CONTOUR MAP OF TOP OF 1-~11m,mrnr~11
- - TAILING DAM SHALE Dat1 i JUNE, 71 GEOL. W.CDUKE G.L A EXHIBIT 11 C 11 FIG. 9
~I fil~ID~W
at....-ta 111wu**ll C"Ntl:'AQn M*t,A.. ~
*o*M*a
- Moo**
n* *"*11 tA,1 ..... , * .. . - "C,*Pt-.. I .. , ".... ..., * *u"-'**1" 823 [ASY f'OUAYH sou, .. STREET
- sia.1..T l.A1'1£ CITY, UTAH 8410c (80** 359*87£4
- lCl.£.X. J88*484
- ASSOCIATE. GE'ORGE: C.TOl.ANO
- WILLIAM E,MEAD April 29, 1971
- Humble OU *nd Refining Company 311 Ea1t "A" Street Ca,per, Wyomin1 82601 - Attention: Mr. Ruasell E. Campbell Gentleaen; Con,ultation Evaporation Lossee - Propo*ed Tallin& Reservoir Highland Uranium Klne Converae County. WYomlns On April 29, 1971, Mr. lbsasell E. Capbell of Bable Oil and - Refining Company requeeted Kr. Ceorae c. Toland of Dame. & Moore that we provide 1a1e additional data to verify our evaporation rate flguree for the propo1ed taUiags reservoir. 'l'beae figure. vere pre*ented in our "Report of Tailing* Dam Study, Highland Uranium Mine, Rear Ca1per, - Wyoming> For B\llble OU and 1.eflnt.aa Campany," dated October 28, 1970. In thi1 report we atated that the annual average evaporation lo** at the tailing* reaervoir would be 4.2 ft./yr and that in tvo to three year, - the ,eepage loa1e1 plu1 evaporation loe1es will hold the free vater pond at a near constant area. - SUISTANTIATINC DATA AND CALalLATlONS Our baaic e~aporation rate data vae obtained fra11 the Soil Conservation Service office in C.1per, Wyaalng. Their re,ervolr evapora- - tion lnforaatiou va, obtained from exi,tt.ng reservoir, aener&lly vest of Ca1per 111d because of this they auggested that ve increaae the evaporation rate by at lea,t 10 percent. The rate they quoted 1n.1 approximately 3.8 ft./yr. Therefore, we utilised 4.2 ft./yr tn our calculation, for the aubject reservoir. BXBIBIT D
- .JI\ME& C MOORI" Humble Oll and Refinlng Company April 29, 1971 Page *2~
This rate of evaporation. 4.2 ft./yr~ was converted to gpm/acre a& shown below: (4.2 ft./vr) (l.O ft. 2)(43 1 560 ft. 2/A) (7.48 gal/ft. 3) ~ 2 *6 gpm/A (365 days/yr 24 hrs/day. 60 mini/hr)
- Dur calculation of the amount of water which would have to be evaporated for the surface area of the reservoir to remain constant are - based on the fol:owing data provided by Humble Oil and Refining Company personnel:
- 1. 400 gpm of water would flow into the reservoir.
- 2. 100 gpm would be lost to seepage losses. (This water would evaporate before surfacing on adjacent hillsides).
- 3. 70 gpm would be lost to entrained water on the tailings particles.
- 4. The net amount of water llhich would have to be evaporated would be 230 gpm.
- Based on the above information, we calculated that a pond area of approximately 90 acres is required to evaporate the 230 gpm of water that will enter the reservoir. From area and rate of fillins calculations for the reservoir, we anticipate that an equilibrium between water flowing into the reservoir and evaporation vUl be r.eached in two to three years after tailings are begun to be deposited in the r~servoir.
CONCLUSIONS our calculations are based on two assumptions. The first is that the reservoir will be filled at a constant rate and that the climatic condl-tions will be essentially "average" for the first two of three years of the reservoir life. Obvious1y, deviations from these would somewhat alter
- our. calculations *. However. any deviation from the assumptions made would affect only the rate at which the tailings dikes must be constructed to*
provide adequate storage space and would not alter any of the major design rec 011111enda lions
- If you have any additional questions concerning this subject, please contact us.
' - Yours very truly, 07s & MOORE _ 'L /
- j/-4'~- /
George 1!:. Toland
-:2 ~,-
Professional Engineer No. 992 State of Wyoming
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J9 11.U 2!1 <:.02 ti/A <*OS <02:1 II/A .04 1.14 1.11 9.03 l.fS .S9 t ppb p.1rl~ P4'r billion Ill/A - !Cot Arp llt'.1.b I(' X
- lndi*Sdual a~f:; ~.1lu*~
ppn part~ per *tlllon <CX) a *alu~ I*** t~*n (XI 1-.iq'l - *llllt-C1Ulnl,.nt11 ~r l1tel' 11
- nu*bc'r of ao11*~. !lllt11'h*11 .cau1111111
- AIIIOIIS &l!ll /1 Ttle aUH1t111uiHINih or cauon11 pn- suer St**d,rd d~vlatlon of eQu*l* c** all li9q*Jtn lt>flt!I or ~n1on111 U~ple (S. (1)
, 91111*1* **tu* r*pc,rt.*d.
S1.* !,rd dt'l'IUiOII nr r- ----- r , b t!o1, (v:i lu" 1,*1 ,.,.tc-J) ,r,; * '**.*... 11:.: l{2 n- ,::-lll2 -
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- r,u:n*rAL n,,..,.nnU'.Nl Au~ust 25, Uno l'"Of;T OlflC.C UUI 11110 TCLI '""ONI" 71:11
- CA I 144:11 11 I f.1 *a.l l**** t "C"lf
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- Hu.. 1,NI &H**<IU*
-.. II f"o1*1 .. rH'* M fl .
....,, , .. .,_, .......a, , ...... , *t l'l***c *
- M1*. RupC'>'t B. S11i vcy Headquarters-Minerals
- Pre-cons t J"ur:ti on 1-~nvironmcntal
----. __ . ~~y,_*.~*. - - - ~ -
- Soil and ~rass s:,mpleR obt,1ined frrJ11 i he Jlir~hlands Pl'ojuct aren i1J October 1 1969, have been ,,1,: b*,., ,I ffJl' ur:.ini.u1.1. We nre rcttlini ng tlw ,*cm:iindcr of the :*oil :md .!;l':"lR:;; s:i111fJ}cn in casc1 oth~r nm1 ly!--L'R ar<! desired : n 111,, fnl ,u*c. Thii; supplc11u.*ntf our Mn*,*cy report of SC"l'i e,11i1-::j* 1 19~i9. - I. Sa.111?,)C profile across Tailings J*;11,? C1*cdc :.bout 500 f,.*,Jt (slrnighl di!-.lauc:c) north of iti:. jtsn<;iun: ,vith Box Creek Three samplc!:i taken about 15 fN l apart. Soi 1 only, 110 vegetation. S:tmple l - 7. '- r:,r.i Sample 2 - 5,8 ppm
- - II.
Sample 3 4.8 ppm Sample profi l c across Box Creek ab",ut 200 feet l)~J ow its jun~tion with Tailings Dam Crcet. Three samples takl.u about l;, feet apart. Suil only, no vegetation.
- Sample 1 - G.3 ppm U30S Sample 2 - 7.7 ppm U30g Sa111plo 3 - 2.4 ppm U30s - I II. Soi 1 and g1*ass samplC!S - T36N - R72W Highland Block SW/1 Sec. 27 Soil - 3.3 ppm U30g - Gra8s- 4.4 Center Sec. 27 Soil - 2.9 ppm U~Og - Grass- 2.6" Nol't h C ~11tcr Sec. 27 Soi 1 - 3. 3 ppm U:;0 3 1
ti Grass- 5. 3 ** " B&~1' AVMWUi tOPY
- E)(HIBIT 11 F 11
i,r. Jh*J'L'1*t n. :-;ph'l"r Au~uKt 2:-i, l1t70 I>nge 2. SE/4 S *C. 21 Soil - 5.6 ppm u~o i Grass - 4. l. II SE/4 S**c. 29 :;oil Grass .- 5.3 5.3 ppm tt U30ii II SW /4 S*-*c. 20 Soi 1 -- ,s.2.G4 ., u.~o pp111
'it - Grass 'I Please let UE: know if additionnl data ;tl'C desired. - /
A. 11. JliR<!rl'JIS
- AHO: Im cc: D1*. N. Ji. Weav,:r Atr. D. I,. Hyde
- EXHIBIT uFu
G *,*:
\~)'
;ii I THC ~,-~.TE '\. / OF WYOMING
- . . ~,:,f/,11/),,11('/ll, j /r-*~/ /'r/f'l'/'/(j"',J
~* * .
* 'I 1
///' *,,... ,.
- l( * ./(('(/fr/I f'lJlfl I ,-'.f,' *
- (' ,,.,,,,.;,
!J STATE OF"Frcr: BUILDING
** ~ _/ .'If,' NL' ,t_ , ~.,,,,.u,,I
,,,,,,,, ,; I . ~,,, ,,.* ,
CHE\'LN ..,C:'., \',*n,!.-:it,'G 62001 Dd 1 l': _}._p rl.Ll9..._!9.'Z.L ___ _ Hu1,,blc Oil f, Rcflninci C:onip.-,n.,. P 1.in: _..!:!J_g_hJ.,::u.1__lll,i.!,IJ.i um 0,er*r,~.,.l!!U _ -*
- Mr, M. T. Worl~y Ii 1ne Man,,qc r Hu:nble Oi I r. Rt:>finlrg Crnnp;,ny
. ~2.!JJ:.~~DL.f.<* trnt Ion Sys l..f.:.!!!.. __
- r. . r.on\'t' r* -:_,. Cn11!l!Y&,J{)'.on, i 'J:1, __ _
- O. Box 30,0
(;ic;per, Wyoming 8;601 Re: Sc1nilc1ry ln<Jirw*.;*ing Rl"fnc,,,_,. llumll1:r 7'-lJf!_____ _ D"*ar Si,*: A rt:vic'w of the con":ttn,ction information *,ul,1:ittrci l,y Yl'll h.;is bi*u, c~,;- -lt?t<c!.
... Th~ rcsulls. of the rci.,icw Me .indic,'llcd by an "X" in the !.Qu.:irc bcdl'n. une ,,f th fol lol'iir,g ~taterncnn.: - I. App roved G
I'* 1' I I I I* I ** , ii* 1 l f *** L ** * , 1 D 2. Not Approved 0 3. Prtdimin.:iry plan!>> approved, iddilio1,c1I information to b.=! submitted,
- Two <.u;:,i.:) uf the actudl r<!vi<<'w are enclo~t'cf with this letter, Item 3 11b(lvc does noL coMtitutt~ fin.:il approval by this DEpdrtr:-ent.
- .The '!olo'.!lulory
.>nd ground!>> {iH, rt:quircr.ienl for thi~ rc11iew and c1ppro11al of all public l*uilding!.
b(* f(lun~ in Wyoming Co~ipi led Statutes, 1957 I 35* 18. Very truly your\, \ U* /11-r,.(_..< ,,,,~-1 c.r:' I""L/..il ' >{"(..-'1...,,,.~-,, 1 Arthu, E. Wi llic1m~on, H.S.,P.E. Director Sanitary Engineering Service~ l.[W/ l,*V Enc lo~u* c:*. cc: Di:.trict S,1nit,Hi.>n
- - EXHIBIT "Q 11 PART*l
~rv IF\o! or PLANS /\ND SPi"C I rtrr,T IOUS wvoM I NG-OU'AtiTHENT*.oF HEAL T11 ~11J :;u,.11.t ;SEfiV tCES DIVl~ION UF HEALTH l\f~lJ MF. )ICf,L ~l.hVICES SANITI.RY fNC,INEEIUtlG srnv,cr.s STATE orrrtF. BUILDING CHtY[NNE, WVOMING C20Ul
)
I. PROJECl: Hu,hk Oil l, Refining Company. t:igh1.:md Uraniun, 0f)cr.1tlons, Ernbinkmcnt Rl*tcntlon System, Convr n.c Counly, Wyomln9
- 2. ARCHITECT OR [NGrn[l n: Submitted by M*** Worky, Mine Honnge:r, HuniLI
- 01 I £. Rc*fining Comp;iny, P. 0. Oox 3020, Ca~per 1 Wyc11n~ng
- 3. DIV. OF SAN I l ARV ENC 11:rr f:{ I NG REF. ~I(). : ,,_,,4
.' J
"*s.
*I
- REVIEWING fN( IN[Ek:
DATE OF REVIEW: Joseph Apr f R. Tynsky I 23, 1971 f.ohert H. Plnther
- Apr I l 28, 1971
- 6.
7, AC TIO~:: COMMH:TS: Approv£1d
- Inasmuch as check dc1ms No. I, .. and 3 wl 11 r<:tain 39.62, 153.03 and
- - ~9.03 acre,fcct respcctlv~ty of surface ~~trr 1 it is ~uggcs1cd .that the forma 11 tics pcrtJnent to surface wat< r retention be checked if not already done. Information on this aspect Is avallablc from
' out, - the: St,,te £,91ncer 1 s Office, Cheyenne. - JRT/c~-1
- E>CHIBIT II G .. PART* I
THE STATE
- OF WYOMING
- ff!lJru11~~1e11/ ~~ m,t/~r1al'f7~
a,.,_. ,,'air *
&TATI: OP'fl'ICE BUIL.DING
..,..A..J"'7,-..,
CHEYENNE. WYOMING eaoo1 Da te: Septent>>or 8, 1970 - Nr. Robert L. SlrNterll S19f1W lnglnaarlng Box 4058 C.aper, W,*I ng 8260 I Humble 011 end Refining Caapony, Plen:Hl~hlnn~ Uranium Hine, ~oter, ;;ewpr, ond ~\.,ago DI sposa 1 Sys tom - Re: ooctb of Pova*a,. ~CPJog Sanlt*ry Engineering Reference Number _*.._._..70_*~Z~Z'!------------
Dear Sir:
A review of the construction lnforr!lltlon submitted by you h*s been c°""l~ted. The results of the review are Indicated by en 11X11 In the square before one cf the follcwlng 1t1tement1: Approved with comni,nt. e1,,sc C9nPlege end return the enclosed Cqnstryctlon P*tt Reeort" to this office eclec to U*ct of constructtqn. Not Approved Prelltnlnary plant approved, eddltlonal lnformatlou to be submitted. Two coplH of the ectual review ere enclosed with this letter. Item] above - does not constitute f Jnal *pprovel by thlf Department. The statutory requirement for this review and approv*I of all public bul1dlngs
*nd grounds can be found In Wyoming ~lied St*tutes, 1957 i 35*18.
Very truly yours,
~~a.I~.-~
Arthur E. Wllllemson, P.£ ** Director Sanitary. fnglnaerlng S.rvlce1 AEW/cw enclosures cc: D~strlct S.nlt*rlan Mllcol111 Crawford. Gllleua
~ .. uel I E. C..bel I, Supervisory Mining Engineer, ltullbl* 011 and Refining*
Ccftl}any, Nlneral1 hpattanant, JII la1t A Str*t, C.1,er
. EXHIBIT 11G 11 PART*2
REVIEW*OF PLANS AND SPEC1r1cATIONS WYOMING DEPARTH£NT OF ~At. TH ANO SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION OF HEALTH Atl> NEDICAL SERVICES SANITARY ENGINEERING SERVICES STAT£ OFFICE BUILDING CHE YE Ht£ , WYOH I NG 8200 I
- 1. PROJECT: Hudtle 011 1,nd Refining CGal,anv, HlghliJnd Uranl* Hine, ~tar, S..r, encl S..ga Oh'"'ul Sy1tcm, lk>l'lll or Cou9la1, Vr*lftl
- 1. ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER: J'..c,1:ort L. :.tr*t*r ... ,.~ ,,.,noc,,n,, ....058, CHper, VW-lftl - 3. DIV, OF SANITARY ENGINEERING REF, NO.: 70-71" - 4.
5. REVIEWING ENGINEER: DATE OF REVIEW: t;~bcrt "* Pl,iChar.
~pta,;wr )
- 1970
- 6.
7, ACTION: COHHENTS: A,.:;,rov.d wl th co,ran1
,;.., futur* ,~-, 11111, HJ)tlc unk or other sourca of CMhlllnaUGII
- - iha I ; IMI lucaled wl Ch In 100 f
- I yf liMa
- 11.
- RHP/cw - cc: Kiilcol11 Crawford, DI Uric& saraltarl.tn, GI lletm - i...<..11011 E. eu,11o11, iupetvl1ory "l1tl"1 EnglnNr, ....... OIi MIi leflnlnt Cll ;-,. Hl*r*I* Dopar&aent, JII I.at A S&r...t, c.*r - I WI A,pr0tl94 a,I** MCIOled tor s1.- lnalnNrlng - EXHIBIT 110 PART *2
~IATl Of WYOMING .
OFFICE Of STATE LAND CQtltJSSIONER 113 State Capitol Building Cheyenne, Wyo11ing 82001 APPLICATION roa PERMIT UNDER THC OPEN CUT LAND RECL"1AT1DN ACT {thlpter 19Z, Se111on l1W1 of Wyaatng. 1969)
- 1. N** of Operator: llupblt Q& 1 , 81t1n1nc can11r Mlthng Addren: 311 l11t "A" s,rnt - GtcPP4 IJogr ct1P1r, !rcnlu 12Ga1
- 2. H11111 of Owner (1f not Operator): _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Mtt11ng Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ - l. Mtn1r1 Is to* be 111intd:
~;;;;;;..
tfr1111lua - 4. Type of Oper1t1on which h to bt, ar 1s bttng conducted: O;>on cut - ~ I troa tbr** intercoaaoctta1 plt* ~o
!.*quentlolly aad one adjacent plt
- be opened
- s.
b. Appro11111te volUM of overburden pmtously NIIDYed: Zero (0)
~--*-------------------cubic yards.
,tpproximlte vol1111e of overbi,rden reMtntng to l>I reaoved: _ _ __
- ,. 00..;..._o__o_o.._,o_o_o_)________cubtc yards.
0n_o_Ru_nd_r_e_d_11_1_1_1_1_on_(;...1__ Ghe the 1oc1tton of the operation by 1eg1l subdhision, sectton, tCMt .. sh1p and r&nge. If there 1s no survey, give location by protracted
- survey, metes tnd bounds, end cl1tm ffllllbtr and atntng dhtrtct.
Conver** County, WJomlDI
- To*N'Dalllp 31 Nortb, Rans* 72 \'IOllt rectioa 20: S/r (1~0 aere*>
SGctlGll 27: lnf/4, W/2 BW/4 (240 acre*> S.CtlOD 28: lf/2, 81/4, 1/2 SW/4, 0/t SI/* (100 acr**> Sectloa 291 1/2. (320 acrea)
- a. Dlte when oper1ttn" tOllllleftctd, or wt11 cC111Rtnce:APP1'0Bt*1telJ llcn_..r l, 1970
- BES'f lVAUABLll COPY
- EXHIBIT "O" PART*
- 9. U*ll'f *nd 1ddress of the r~rst1n or rersons to whom 1n~ nottce under thf pr~vt,*on, of the Open Cut Lind Reclam1tton Act or Rule, 1nd
~~ul1ttons edopted thereunder m1y be sent:
N. t. l'orloy
*- 10.
311 £aat "A" Street - see*d r1aoa-
~per, *:yoatns s:*r.01 l
- lluable 011 I& Ref 1alna; Campany
( ind-fvlcli,11 or TeJephaoe -JQ1-23f-J$94 com,>1nyfta1ve the right and power by legal estite owned to mine by open cut ffl1ntng the lands described herein.
- Dwablt 011
- RtflplnK Coapaar
} . :PP .
lppltc1nt By
/
,t*-<<...J Jh/J/Z,? OK,TRAusa'as:
../
01< rOAM - -
- This 1ppltc1tton may be acconr,,anied by an esttm1ted bond pursuant to Chapter 11, Section 7 of the Rules 1nd Regulations. If 1n estt .. ted bond ts not included* permit c1nnot be issued unt11 the Cat1111f11toner or his
- represent1Uve hi, $It the 1maunt of the bond.
$50.00 fee ts due with this application.
Thts 1pp11c1tion, when returnld to you with the v1ltd1ttng stgnature of the CC1111tsstoner of Pub1 le L1nd1. becoal1 )'Oltr penif t.
- This pennit ts 1ssued:
* ( 1) on
- perwnent bls1s O -----
- (2) on I condtt1on1l bash /iii. fereU, l'A 67
- 1s specifted 1n Chapter 11, Section 7 of the qules and Regu11tt s. B&~'f AfMIABtE m,r -- EXHIBIT 11G .. PART*!
- liftMiUWU!I II MRVtUII Pl9MP Dlli PJII 9NfCtJI PJIGIIIPI 6t nAnN" WI OIPIDJEPR MM)
....._, C:O....ne Cwnti,, .,,_...,
IK. It, T, J** I,, lo 11 11,
- u,-,.... ,soo ,..
re,mv m* ... h c , , rr* a...-1.a I of LCICIIIUO
.... a l, llal>>Hl ....... , . . . _ . I/J~i/1 II (NlUel) .10-ll hlQ"U 1.sa-ll'OI Oct. . . ., (IG'Clgqp 11,* ..,.
I, ~t - b l ' ,..aHki* tha r . .U..tbit, n1111lUq Th*ZIO 1110-U lalCl"1' (I) . _ fr* u.,.1
- lli*JMI
- 11*111
- 1al11 ldO"U (I) l ....
I, H,11_. re ,.....,17 l i *
- IOOO fl, , - C.. ...21' 111110*11 ,'Jwlo'"U -...
-
- HOCIH:, ... _ , ltl*2!2 la10"7 lalO.. 1-,
leflf&tf ""' Q* **t 1.... f/r,K,r, . Thi . .s- - t . u t l a alll *c11r ,t 10 * - " l1tlt111aa
"-1.-'. rrao ca.., ,..,c Che ci--sreu.. 1'111 *r,
. .
- LllL.D.
- vi"P *
..L
* * ,a.ell 111&1111,
- u. "'"' ...... ,,,-.
<- 10 . ., U,7) lllvtrNIJ u CM , ..." ., t.* .,,._,
.L
,
- t:""' t'Hll':t '""r"' .
,.... 1M * . . flcla11t Cl * ..,
"pg,,, **,.,11n Mt S01bts IO ,000 cfa 1,000 cfa ......
-.oo, p/lY,lt,*l,J*H" ,., ' , , - .
1!11/1,r ,*,CIUJI/-* N/n,*,OOIJlf.'-. Mir,. Uh, 60 ft, A,tlt , ,Pua fJle1tn1,
- U, Y ft/- I (IO fc,)
.,s a..va * ,P918 (Hfp1&£p l4,'J ,,,_ I ft)
* .t> R,W 1
1.z,1p-' * ~ - * * .** 14, J ftl.. * (IO It) J,3-10.. o.a
,.,.,,,cs u.io-* ,...t!fcl 1,klO"'U HHt/ftl 1,11110-U ,,ufa1 0.1
, ...10*14 _,,.i 15
,
- 1a10*1J tJlal
- fi61QIL\M II NRJAIHI PP AI !M'PlJ WP c11,c13 lled,M Cb) IOOCI fr.,
v,.. PfN11ttoal ract~ rer C*1.!,l ,005' ,OU. CIOJI
,,tk10-u ~1a1 s.0u1o*H ~1.1 ,.aa.lD"U fJ/al 1,,,-10*15 .,.Ci/al 1.11110*11 .JJt.i/'*1 i ,&OIILCl"U ,l!Cilal
- IIEIHI C
~
iiJG"Cllll Ree le
- 1,ao *-
- bpo"m, ,. 11nu-
,... .,.... fer 1001. occ..,..,.
&ll llPPIMPI la n&lll'PI t,1 INF
- V (NlllnU
-n.-no l6*JH b*UJ I:
1,1' lt,111
,.u 1,11 1.1.10..
.u J,U
.i,
.14 l,u10-S 1,05 all al.I
.u au
- tesal 4Dwtl llneMU M allWN IF 1000 CF, fllb lfflr V1;4 2,J4 IS.It l,Jt
- - - IPIH&a,,.._,1
- Estimated Wind Rose For HIGHLAND MILL SITE (Actual Wind Rose For CASPER,WYOMING 1956- *- 1960 Average of Hourly Observations ) - N
- 4. I 3.8 2.6 ew\ E 17A WINO SPEED AVERAGE 13.3m. p.h.
RANGE OF AVERAGES BY DIRECTION
- 7.9 to 18.4 m.p.h. - 23.6 s - ref. Climatooraphy of the United States No. 82-48, Summary of Hourly
- - Ob11rvation1 - Ca1p1r. Wyomino. (1963)
EXHIBIT ..... r, FIG.2
I
** (
f
~
I f 1721 f I I I
.,. I Exposures For 100% Occupanc1 A at Unrestricted Areas C . ----r- _THI 1
I 0 21 ' 0 22 2-7--...
! J I H G F SEE ILSI EXHIBIT *H 11 FIGURE 4 0 1/2 mile
EXHIBIT H, FIGURE 4 Total Annual .lzposure in Millireas at Unrestricted Area
- Factor Expo&u~e Mreffl/year Distance Wind l Location in Feet 'Ji Time for ra1aJ2 Kidraels Lungs Bone A 7,500 1.40 1.13 ...:.o. 01 <0.01 <0.01 B 6,600 5.50 1. 50 0.19 0.71 2.96 - C D
8,000 8,600 23.60 17.40 1.00 0.87 0.55 0.55 2.03 2.03 R.47 8.47
- E 13,200 7.10 0.37 0.06 0.23 0.94 F 11,500 5.00 0.48 0.06 0.21 0.86 - G 6,300 3.80 1.61 0.14 0.53 2.20.
- - H J
I 4,750 4,500 4,750 2.60 4.10 5.30 2.84
- 3. )6 2.84 0.17 0.30 0.35 0.63 1.11 1.29 2.65 4.65 5.40 K 4,000 5.10 *. oo 0.48 1. 75 7.32
- L 2,900 4.30 7.61 0. 77 2.81 11.74
- II N 2,600 2,900 4.50 2.60 9.47 7.61 1.00 0.46 3.66
- 1. 70 15.29 7 .10
- 0 p 5,550 1.30 2.08 0.06 0. 23 0.97 5,280 0.90 2.30 0.05 0.18 0.74 Calcula Uon: - Exposure* Exposure at 8,000 ft x factor for 1 (dis)2 x wind <_; ti*e
EXHIBIT I Dosage of Radiation From Radon Released 67 the Tailin& Pond Part 1. Releaae of Radon Proa Pond Surface A**uaptiona
- 1. All of the radon diffusing through the boundary between the deposited solid& and tbe clear super-natent water ls liberated to the air. This
&8BW!les perfect mixing and no transport delay in the water.
- 2. All of the deposited tailing material 1& sub*
*er1ed in water.
- 3. The tailing material at this upper location is at. 82' solida by weirht or 631> 11ollds by volwne (371, voids). The density ot* the tailing is therefore 2.087 ~*
- 4.
5. The radon content assuaes secular equilibriua with 0.21i U30s ore even though the V301 has been reaoved.
- The relative abundance of radon-222 at secular equilibri\111 ia 359 parts per billion part* ot
- 6. natural uraniua. The radioactivity of radon-222 ia l.&4 x 10S J!£!. gRn
- 7. The diffusivity of radon-222 in a continuous water mediumU) ls 1.13 x 10-5 CN2.
!ec C1) "Radon Migration in the Ground," by Al Ian B. Tanner, The Natural Radiation Environaent, edited by Adaaa
- Lowder, Rt~
Oniveralty (1964) p. Iii .
Exhibit I Pa1e 2 8, The diffusion of radon can be described as follows<2>: Where: J
- diffusion in units of weight or radioactivity per (time unit x area).
D
- effective diffusion coefficient based on total crosx seition area of porous media~
1.13 x 10- Cm x .37. lee C0
- equilibrium concentration of radon (~~i) in secular equilibrium with 0.2' U30s ore at conditions above .. 2.031 g slurry x .82
*l g solids x . 002 g U308 x .85 g U x 359 g slurry g solids a U30e X 10-9 I_.!!! X 1.54 X 105 _A!£!_* 1.57 X 10-4 g U g Rn
~-
ml
"').. - decay constant - 0. 692 .,. . 692 ..
T 112 3.8229 X 24 X 60 X 60 2.1 x 10-6 Sec-1. L
- distance from interface into the deposited tailing.
Calculations At L .. 0 Jo* -DCo ' ~ * -4.18 x 10-6 ~:! x 1. 57 x 10-4 'mcl x (2)"Measureaents of the Effects of Atmosphere Variables or - Radon-222 Flux and Soil-Gas Concentrations" by H. w. Kraner, et
- al, The Natural Radiation Environment, edited by Adaas l Lowder, Rice University (1964) pp. 209-210.
Exhibit I Page 3 2.1 x 10- Sec- = -2.82 x 10-10 ~Ci Cm 4.iB x 10-6
.37 ca2)
Sec a3 Sec
* -2.82 x 10-lO ~Ci .. -2.82 x 10-6 ..uCi
. Cm Sec m2 Sec Total radon generation from tailing pond*
2.82 X 10-6 uCi X (710111)~ = 1.42 A!£! m2 Sec
- Sec The negative sign means that the diffusion pro-ceeds in the opposite direction of the measurement Of L, Part 2. Calculation of Dosage From Radon Downwind From Area source Asswnptions
- 1. Tailing pond area of 125 acres is square with 7l0 meters on a side *
- 2. The wind speed is 11 mph (5 meters/set.),
- 3. The concentration downwind from an area source can be deacribed(3) as:
C .. Q TO"y 0-z U x.J-JU" Where: C
- concentration at downwind point i n ~ .
.air Q
- quantity discharged by area source in 1!£!_.
Sec U u wind speed in aeters/second. (3) "Workbook of Atmospheric Dispersion Estimates" by D. Bruce Turner, published by U.S. Department of Health, Educa-tion, and Welfare (1967), p. 6, Equation 3.4, and Saaple
- - Problem #22, p. 53.
BES'I' AVAIIJ\BLE fOl,Y
EJlhibl t I
- Page 4 Oy, O'"z
- horizontal and vertical dispersion
- 4.
coefficients in meters. Distance from area source to property line, X, ie 2,750 feet or 840 aeters.
- Calculations - Q
- l. 42 I!£! from Sec Part 1
- W
- 11 mph or 5 11/aec Estiaate virtual source distance frcm the pond (710 meters per side).
Assume a-yo z 710 or 165 m: 4.3 = 2 x 2.15 or 2 time~ Ll . the standard deviation for the downwind dispersion
/
for an area source. From Figure 3-2<3) with stability C; xy s 1,700 m X
- 840 m X + xy
- 2,540 a or 2.54 km With X - 2.54 km From Figure 3-2, cry - 2so*m From Flgur e 3-3, Oz - 200 in 1.42 tCi c *
- -.,.:"'="'~..,...,~~e.;;.c~,,..._-
(250 m) (200 a) (5 Sec Occupational MPC for radon-222 = ! x 10-7 ,iCi iiir MPC for 100'.t occupancy
- 1 x 10-7 pCI x 40 ml 168
- 2.38 X 10-8 '.)1
- - Y - 1001 occupancy exposure at property line 2,650' downwind*
Exhlbi t. I Pye 5 MPC lOCY.l,: 15 .!!!!!_ x ,1, 000 m1*em/rem .. year - Actual Concentration:Y 1.81 X Jo-12~Ci Y - -----~--_.,......*.,...l x 15,000
- 1.14 mrem/year 2.31 x 10-1 ~cl ml The wind blows toward the southeast about 25~ of the time. The exposure is therefore less than .3 millire~.
EXHIBIT J Eatii1ate of
- Radionuclide Release (Also see Exhibits Rand I for backup data)
URANIUM (Natural) From Dust Collectors Crusher (both systems) 50#/hr x 24 hr/day K 454 J X .002 K U:Og X
.85 g U
- 926 g U/day g U30s Yellow Cake
.OOS gr/cu ft x 2,244 cu ft/minx 1,440 min/
day X .0648 ~ X .85 gr g .U30g X
- 85 -LY._ - 756 g U/day g g Ua<Js 1,682 g U/day 1,682 g U/day X
- 333 :co ., 56.0 .uCi/day Tailing Dam Seepage (Assume .2% soluble loss or 16# U30a/day) 16# U30s/day x 454 g/# x
.85 g U + (500 gal/min x g U30s 1,440 min/day) * .009 g U/gal 80 gal/minx 1,440 min/
day x .009 g Ulgal
- 1,036 g U/day 1,036 g U/day X .333 ~Ci/g U : 345 pCi /day
Exhibit J Pase 2 fflORlUM-230 From Dust Collectors (crusher systems only) NOTE: At secular equilibrium, radioactivity U (Natural); Th-230
- Ra-226
- Rn-222.
- 926 a U/day x .333 uCi = 308 pCi/da_y D i-U Tailing Dam Seepage 80 gal/minx 1,440 min/day x 3,785 ml/gal x 2.2 x 10-5 A1Ci - - 9 1 593 ,UCi/day mf" - RADIUM-226 From Dust Collectors (crusher systems only) - Same as Thorium-230 * ~8 .uCi/day .
- - Tailing System Seepage 80 gal /min x 1,440 min/day x 3, 785 ml/gal X 3. 5 x 10*7 ~Ci ml
- U>3 .uCl /day RADON-222 From Dust Collectors (crusher systems only)
- Same as Thoriwn-230 and Radium-226 From Tailing Pond to Atmosphere
"" 308 uCi /da1
- 1.42 uCi (from Exhibit I)
Sec sec/day ~ 122,688 pCi/dayt
- or 1.2 x io5 AJCl/clay Tailing Dam Seepage None .
I f I I f I . I f I I PATHWAYS OF EXPOSURE TO MAN State of Radionuclide PARTICULATE WATER SOLUTION~~-- GASEOUS EXTERNAL Soil EXTERNAL EXPOSURE EXPOSURE
.i Leaching Inhalation
+
Crops t Groundwater Inhalation I
)EPOSITION Consumption DEPOSITION IN LUNGS by Animals IN LUNGS Consumption Radioactive by Humans deco l
Rejected l __ INCORPORATED IN BODY
- s . c; f.~ "* C f'*! G I N r r: R r N C.
~, L C.1 rt T ! , H N 11. I\ i.. (. I I f,1 :, t II iJ, I* I : ,
11\ '*'"'"'*. e l'fl ,H.t. e , , 11,** ti If, ftCJf* ((..,,:Hll~I* *1 * !.*f.-Tl'11("' e l\tH,&.'°'*1*, _r,pri l 30, l 9 71 - 1:1.. :::hl c 01 l , Refining Co. Ho:< :3020
,;!i?-=T, ':!)'Or.ting 82fi01
~:. ri~sponcc .to 1our tclcmhon~ reg\*e:st of 2~ l.1,d.l 197J, I mn r~*l1mitt.i ng the 1 oll owing dC"sign criteria 1Jt,;C'cl in the.* dc**!:iign of t*1c ut'ili.lics !loi~st(*m for tha Highland tJr1niur11 Mjnc. 'l'hc~ a<ldi-
, \\n Qf th~ plnrS ~houlc'l gi1 ' a COm!1lctc plC'tltre tc, <<ny j,t)t(*rc; 1
'I
("<'H' l y, - *;i*,r. water systcn \-'as clesiqncd for a pC"?nk di:!::.r-cl of 2~0 q.p.m. t(I be~ nustained !or a period of 30 mi nut,$. Thi!! wus bDi=;ccl or. th,., u:-;~ ,:,f shower rtiin t("\;1,.*i: f,1riJit-i"~ ,hn*itv* rl*if't r.~.-*~,., **
- 11l1.1s r.ii nor usagt of toilet tacil i lit.H; j n othc!.a. ,1r~'!as. W,,t,~r pr<*s~urc nt poirt. of discharge duririq pc~.,k dc*r,,.;.n<.i wci~ 'tn be* cl 1rli11inmm of 20 p.s.i. Storage was provid,,d f01* the pcaJ: JJOdoci r,f. 30 ll',in. a~ 2~0 g.p.rn. which ~ould c.*ls*> provide 24 hr. of
<:o:ni1stic': use stcraµc, other than showP.1'!'. in ttw event of r1N*ht111; r::-a 1 1:-, .. ,*..,.kclrNn or pm*tcr outage.
DP.:'.1,rnd - 2 50 g. p. m. for 30 min. Hc*;-..i to~~ - oi~tr~h~~ion Mains I.
- Elevation Differ~ncc o*
Pump Piping 11* Vclc..-city IIN1cl 2' Tot al J~'> J'rc:-:i;urr.* at dh,-:harqc - 45'
*rot k 1 Oynmni c trr!ad - 60 1 Stor~ge - 4500 gal.
W.1! *.'r supn]y u~i-:t. by lluml>lc-)-100 CJ.1').'P.1 J'>ui.::-,in'1 FaciliUcs - Duul.ic-atc 5 l~j*.* 2 )/)" >: 2" u;*1i *. ~:, Ccl<.:11 ca:.,.:.blr.! of s~oolyin9 p,-; . .-. dcrnm,d rcquj n =* *:1 ...-:; anu 111ai nt ,1ining constant !~\'f' t.r-m T'T~~;surc- ,,t ot111*r ti:rr.c~. BI~T AVMWltI tOPY E>CHIBIT ** L II
$1GMA ENGINEERING IIOX ollOS9 CASPER. WYOMING 12ec I Uu:~.ble Oil , Refining Co April 30, 1971 - : :.... r.rn,,*age 1y1t 1m at the Highland Uranlull Mine consiata of the - .: .. :;,*r:':.ion lines and two aerated lagoons, ti:** l;i9oon* !1 summarized a11 follow* t Design criteria for n~sign pop~lation 1BO - BOD 5 nfsr.harge 15 lb/day snoo 9al/day Rntention time 50 days - t:f ficioncy Mean Daily min. temp. - 31.4°P 86.31 Mean Oaily max. temp. - 59,4°F 95.3\
. - . Tho above efficiencies are based on norrnsl parallel operation of tho two lagolns, however, the pip~ng is arranged to allow
- for 1erie1 operstion in aevere winter weather er for operation
- of either la900~ aingly for maintenance ,r under conditions of less than an.x. loading. UndPr full load the removal effic-iency of a 1ingle lagoon at the mean daily max. temp. of 59.4°F * *.-.*o.ild be 90. 71 which w"ttld all<.iw cleaning and rcp~H*
lagoon during warmer weather without substandard effluent. The oxygen dema,d at the max. mean monthly temp. of 70.2°F as correctei for this altitu4e requires approximately 0.6 hp p*r basin. Mixing and dieper11ion requires approximately 1.0 hp or ci the: and allowing for gear and motor efficiencies, 2 hp has been
- specified for the aerator of each lagoon.
SYGMA ENGINEERING
.,* I
~
. '.4. . ,, -~ J
*'\' . :::~ ~, .11* ~l"iu.i-',~r-Hobart L. Streeter II
EXHIBIT I
- COMPARISON
(
Reference:
or UNDERGROUMD AKD OPEN PIT MINING COSTS "Factors lllectlng the Development and Mining of Uranium Ores," Uranium Workshop, USAEC, Grand Junction, Colorado, November 17~19, 1970) The follOTJing calculations.draw quite liberally on typical co~t~ presented in the above reference. Copies of these costs are attached as Exhibits M-2 and M-3. The justification tor the co~ts -* used and other data required in the calculations are set forth below. From Reference Use Remarks 0Een Pit. Stripping Cost $.19 - $.35/yd Reasonable value
$.50/yd Ore Mining Cost* $1. 50 - $2.50/ton Reasonable va luC'
- $4.50/ton Ore Extraction lOOJ i
. I Unders:round Sub-01*e Haulage Room & Pi 1 lar $7.50 - $9.50/ton This is the only
$13.00/ton method of the three listed which will allow meeting the new radiation limits at a reasonable cost.
Ore Extraction 801 General Stripping Ratio 30:l Bulk Density 16 cu. ft./ton Ore Body Size 100,000 T U30s Content .21 or 41/ton - U308 Sales Price S&.oo,4u3oe Underground Dilution 101, lf~m1wuron
EXHIBJ T II , continued This calculation (Exhibit M-1) shows I higher mining cost for underground than for open pit mining methods on this hypothetical 100,000 ton ore body even though tbe aaorti~ation of the under-
.cround mine development is not included in the cost. In addition to the higher cost for underground mining, there ts the loss of revenue from 20,000 pounds of U308 . While this loss of revenue would be avoided by backfilling and robbin~ the pillars, this would further increase the cost differential. At an inplace cost of $1.50 and 50% filling, this would i~crease the cost of underground mining by $.75 per ton and the cost of production to $2.82 per pound u3o8 .
I r f . f
' C EXHIBIT M-1 Value of
$/yd #
Open Pit Mining
$/Ton ~ U30s U30s
-Cost Cost1'U30e Stripping .35 3.000,000 $630,000 -.
Ore Mining 2.50 100,000 400.000 $2,400,000 250,000 (100$ Extraction) 3,100,000 400,000 $2,400,000 $880,000 $2.20 Underground Mining Ore Mining (80,. Extraction+ 101 dilution) 9.50 88,000 320,000 $1,920,000 $836.000 $2.61
- EXHIBIT M-2 UIANIUM MINING COSTS OPEN PIT Range Aver~ge Stripping Soft Sediments $0.19 to $0.30/Yd. $0.25/Yd.
- Hnrd Sediments $0.30 to $0.!iO'Yd. $0. :J5.1Yd - Mining Soft Sediments $1.50 to $3.00.Ton $2.50/Ton Hard !ediments $3.00 to $4.50,'Ton $4 (IOITon Stripping costs include depreciation of equipment of ~pproximately - $0.03/yd. I Mining Costs include labor, supplies, maintenance, supervision, insurance, taxes such as production toxe~ and payroll taxes, and administrative charge~ at the mine.* Haulage - costs of approximately $0.04 per ton mile from mine stockpiles to the mill and offsite charges are not included.
EXHIBIT M-3 UNDERGROUND - Range Average - Surfact Plant Equipment
$150,000 - $800,000
$0.20 - $0.40/Ton S&oo,ooo
$0.25/Ton
- Shat!§ - Rrctangular Circulnr Conc1*ete
$300 - $700/Ft .
$500 - $800/Ft.
$450/Ft.
$600/Ft.
- Drilled $720 - $950 - Shatt Stations Dr1ft1n1 tTrackedl
$0 . 55 Cu . Yd .
Wet $50 - $90/Ft. $60/Ft .. Dry *$40 - $60/Ft * $50/Ft. - $30 ... $60/Ft. Raisin,1 - 02erat1n1 - Dry Room and Pillar (On Level) S4.50 - $7.00/Ton $6.00/Tori Wet Room and Pillar - (Sub-Ore Haulage) Long Wall Retreat
$7.50 - $13.00/Ton
$8.00 - $13.00/Ton
$9. 50/Ton Sll.00/Ton
- Operatln1 costs include labor, supplies, malnten~nce, supervision, engineering, insurance, taxes, and administrative charge~ at I the mine.
aJ 91 97Z Dr. A. C. Wtlbroham Associate Professor 1n Chemistry Southern 1111no1s University Edwardsville. Illinois
Dear Dr. Wtlbroh1m:
Thts 11 1n response to your August 10, 1972 Inquiry concerning the AEC Draft Envtronmental Statement on the Highland Uranium M111 (Docket No. 40*8102). The questions raised tn your Inquiry concerning envtronmental matters wt11 be evaluated along with other c011111tnts received and addressed in th~ Cnnlsston's final detatled statement. Acopy of the final detailed statement wf11 be sent to you upon completion. Your qu1sttons concerning *airborne wastes" de1l with potential In plant exposures to r1dt1t1on workers. The licensee 11111st conduct 1 r,dlatton safety program such that dose equtvalent Indexes 1nd concentration ltmtta. 11 spac1ffecl In Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 20, are not exceeded. The operator w111 have to matntaln monitoring records to verify that these levels and concentrations are not exceeded, and make tht111v1111ble to the Comnfssfon inspectors during their surveillance 1nspect1ons. Sincerely,,
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........GNliD.1 John F. Kendtg Hlterfals Branch Directorate of lfcenstng Otst,tbutton:
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) Univcnity tDWAablVILLI!, ILLINOII 6toa5 Scw,ac, llflfi T *du1olo1y Di11u1un DUARTMl!Nt cw Cll!IIIITIY August. 10, 19 72 6 '!'~* '
ru. t:r i ' [ United States Atoaic Energy Colllliss1on Division of Materials Licensing f(j I J .)
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Dear Sir:
OR ..... 1 h*ve recently studied the draft co~~ an A'!C environmental 1tateaent on a project entitled HIGHLAND URANIUM HILL (Docket 140-8102). I would like you to address yourself to the following points:
- p. 19 Airborne wastee What concentrations of radon 222 (half-life J days) do you anticipate will be relea1ed and po1sibly accumulate in the illlediate work-ing environ11ent? Will any safety precautions (i.e. filtere, aaeks, etc,)
be uaed to minimize radon inhalation by workers in certain areas of the operation1
- p. 25. Accidents The docket addressee itself to those accidents that would have a potential impact on the environment, What are the potential hazards to per,onnel - i.e. is radon gas inhalation among such hazards?
- p. 26 Kerosine fire It would appear that a keroeine fire of some 60,000 gallons of keroaine containing about 600 lbs of uraniwn would be capable of releasing radioactive material over an ara far exceeding the few hundred feet stated in the docket (second paragraph p. 26). Please comment on thia.
- p. 35 Benefit IS ls the beneficial UH of the lake,- i,e. pro\tidina livestock with drinking water, to become effective within the 12-14 years time span?
If 10 what levels of radioactivity do you anticipate will be preaent in the water1 Would you expect much level* to have any detectable effect upon the livestock?
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- Your prompt attention to these questions will be appreciated.
A. C. Wilbraham Associate Professor in Chemistry Radiological Control. Of Heer cc: Oliver A. Houck, Counsel National Wildlife Federation 1412 lbth St. N,W, Washington. D,C, 20036
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LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
- AND AO"ICULTUIIAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGt BATON ROUGE
- LOUISIANA
- 7010.J LOUl91ANA MU.COM *o.
IIVC:LUII ac::UtN,;a C&NTl.11 May 10, 1972 2H*llll Director, Division of Materials Licensing U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Washington, U.C. 20545
Dear Sir:
Please send me a copy of the draft environmental statement for the
/Higl1Ji!.Q~Ui:1:m.~wn ~.J If I have any co111J11ents, I will furnish them by
( .1uly 1, 1972. *- JJ/1*/1 i*
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Thank You,
,J l__( ~'(;,~~~. . 1;:~ j John C. Courtney (
Asst. Prof. of Nuclear Engineering JCC:mb 9706100422 720510 PDR AOOCK 04008102 C PDR
- UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION WASHINGTON. DC. ZO!U'S Docket No. 40-8102 Hr, Robert Garvey, Executive Directo1 Advisory Council. on Historic Preservation Suite 1100 8>1 19th Street, N.W.
Wubington, D, C, 20006
Dear Mr. Gatvey:
F.n.closed for your review and comment is one copy of the draft detailed environmental statement related to Huuble Oil & Refining Co111pany 's Highland Uranil.*'D Mill. Copies of Humble Oil's environmental report and supplement thereto are also enclosed.
'l'be draft statement was prepared by the re*gulatory staff in accordance with the statement of general policy and procedure on imple111entation of the N~tional Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as set out in Appendix D of the Commission's regulations 10 CPR. Part SO.
A notice of availability of the draft statement is being published in the Federal Register today. Comments on the draft statement must be received by this office forty-five (45) days fro~ this date. Please contact me regarding any probletns which may he encountered in this 11atter.
- Sincerely, C, T. Edwards Assistant to the D_ir.ector Division of Materials Licensing P.nclos ures:
- 1. Draft Detailed Statement (1)
- 2. Applicant's Env. Report dtd July 1971
- 3. Supplemental report dtd January 1972
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*coLCRAOO STATE enYiranmentel reaourcee center UNIVERSITY FO"T COLLINS COLORADO B0!521 Aprll llt, 1972 Hr. James HaJaro Haterlals Branch Division of Haterlals Licensing Atomic Energy Conwntsslon Washington, OC 205~5
Dear Hr. Halaro:
I am enclosing the evaluation of an environmental report submitted by Hl.lllble Ofl and Refining Company on Its Highland Uranium HIii, Con~erse County, Wyoming. We have found*this report to be generally adequate, We have not conmented upon the adequate parts of the report, but rather have pointed out Items which we consider Inadequate. We have tried to Indicate what kind of Information Qr data would be needed ln,each case. Since this Is our first evaluation for you, we will wel-come your crl t lque and suggestions for future reports *. I have sunmarlzed brlefly the rather lengthy coianents from the several reviewers. If more detailed discussions of each Item In our list Is needed. I can provide them. The second report. Rio Algom, Is nearly completed and will be forwarded In the very near future. Yours truly.
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Norman A, Evans \i*. 1 " I~'~* Director
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*coLORAOO STATE envlronmentel reaourcee center UNtVERSITY FORT COLLINS COLORADO S0521 Eva I u.:i ti cm of [nv I ronm.-n ta! Report lli.;hl. .. HI lJraniu:,1 l\i 11; Conv(*rs1* County, ~lyoming "flu": 1*,-p*.:rL i.., !,*'*kr.111;* .:1J,;quatc. [nvlro11111cnt.:il fact.or!. witl,in the r.ff1,.*ct~* ...' ,J,LiJ u.:. .d.* .. ,J:;;,d*, invl:ntorir:d. Plans for operation arid final recl.i-m/lli<,r1 ::l;i**ir *~**,. ii r.:*,., .. lcitc, ,,ith cxc1:ption~ Lo l>c 110\t'<l lcltt*r.
to:.**.. ,: .. l;,,, '.*n.,.,. 1. *. *,l*, u1,J !w111.:fits of t.hf* or,er.Jtic.,11. S1H_1l]~*- 1 it,n:, on ad.li-t in,,,.,i ;;,f :,,-.1.,t.i:1~ 1
... *.,! ~,~;-.ly:,i~. 11, r:.dod art* contained i11 Liu.: lc.il lo1ii11ti st!ction.
'Hd:. ¥~*il;--i,J*" i~. c,.,:1fin.:tl tc:; factor!. lihich are inildequat('ly cov(!rt'.!J in I. ,~ ,~1*v1*,.,l .::,11:1* i11vc*n,;r;' i11 the* arc,1 is indicatcc.l in pru!Jre:~s, r,:t,jrn lo :l, Lquilil*.riu,o condition follo1-1i1;g tor.nination uf
- 6. li;**: h*,,1101,* ,'/ of ~t1i'f.Jcc runoff into Lhc l,11:c~ should be pn.,~
*,li(lc,I. ~w;Jiu:cntatio:i L!uc to s1.1rf~1ce rurinff into th<! lal;es II /'.i
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- 8. Method of place1ncnt and c.ompacLion of backfill in mined' art!as !,houlrl be l'iscli!.sed and an estimate of settlement sliould L>e nwJc.
- 9. The pc,ssil,ility of a s.:ifcty hazard In the filled tailing pond should h(i com,idered. Will Lhc slurry material be-nt:ath the cover Lie stal>h!? Wi 11 animals break through.
- 10. L<:onomic, attitudinal, and institutional data should be presented a11d analyzed. Local alt I tudes tol*lard the pro ..
posed oµeration should 1.,e documented.
- 11. Community bocio-economic impacts should be absessed 1 both for the period.of operation and *after operations terminate.
- 12. Pub 1 ic bencf its shou Id Lie documented, e.g. future power needs of the nation, local <:c.onomic stihlulation.
13, Heilllh Impacts overlook convnenl on:. (I) Competent medical per~onnei' und facilities for sp(>cial problems of radiation, (2) First*aid provisions for such ~pccial problems, (3) Public health measures such as monitoring and emeryency procedures, and (~) Proc.(>durcs for emergency handl Ing of special medical cases. lit. The community impacts of a new population should be ,lSscssed: (A) Labor force ana I ys is. How many cmp I oyt*es are expected to come from the local area? (0) Ho\v many emplo*1~es 1vill rcsid~ in Casper; how many will keep families in Ca~per, but live ~t the site? Housing rcquirc01cnt~ and patturns are not analyicd in spite of a year's <'Xpcrlencc from \<1hich to extrapolc1tc.
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* (C) The total number of ne,... pcr5ons, including children, to be cxvcctcd ~hould Lie es.timatcd. The resulting population structure {.,ye .Jnd sex di~lribution) should be es.t.imatcd and its impact on the community should be assessed.
r (IJ) tconomic dalc.1. or. public expenditures ..ind related impacts are not adequate. There is no assessment of added pol ice, fire, public w.:tter, se\*:ayc, code enforcement, and school expenditures to be expected
- 15. The general social impacts ,-,hich should be asses~cd include the fol lo1-:in9:
(A) Hovi prcdomlmmt an intcrc'>t ,... i 11 llumblc I ikcly become in the internal affairs of the county and communities? To whaf. de9rec,*Jill local aulononrf and clos.ure be sacrificed, and what will be the nature of Humble's Influence in the norrnal pol ili<..ul 1,rocesscs/decisions of the towns and county? (B) What ~-dll be the likely non-economic gains and losses exper-i cnced by the commun i ti es due .to tlumh l c
- s presence? For inHancc: ,-,ill community optimism .Jnd pride be advanced?
Wi II there be a greater opportunity for meaningful social interaction? Will. the aspirations c:1n<l definition~ of pro* priety be altered among the youth? \lill informal social control mecl1unisms. continue to work .as effectively to keep people 11 in li11e11 , ... ith consensual expectations? Will small-town conserval ism be suhvcrted?
- Wi 11 anxiety rcsul t in response to termination or to variant bel~vioral patterns/
preference~? And ~o forth at length.
(C) Uhnl ,.,ii l 1 ikcly be tlw nature and extent of readjustment of the social system upon termi11ation, and 1-1hat assistance i~ Humble or the A.E.C. prepared to offer in this regard?
- 16. Thcr£* is Inadequate consldcr.ition of deposition of radioactive dust clo!..c to the mill site and Its potential incorporation into vC?gc.>lc*t ion. The meteorologic.al assumptions pre.diet a maximum*
ground-level concentration of air~borne du!.L at al>out 10 stack heiglil!, down wind, This 11oulc.l indicate a maximum 5urface deposi-tion of uranium, thorium and radium-1.iearing dusts ill 500 to 1000 feet northeast of the exhtlust stack!i, This would be in the vicinity of one of the flnal lll.ine areas planned to become a Iak.e. 17, The following quc~tions pertain to radio-activ~ du5t ha1ard: Why Is there no ~o i I am.I vcgc tat Ion samp 11 ng local ion in the prev.::iiling dow11wlnd direction and particularly at distances representing the largest d~posltlon of dust? lf radioactivity were to be found in vegetation ~amples, ~*Jill a determination be made of the frac. t ion that mJy have bcun absorbed from the sol I through the root sy5tcrn? Has a dctl!rmination been made of the depth of top soi 1 rcqui red to cl imlnate upt<11,e of r.,dlonucl ides into pl.anl5. on rcclalliled .Jreas? \./hlch plant speclus arc predominantly gnized by sheep? Is the vegetation sampling progrnm dc~igncc.J lo crophasi1.e thosl! plant species most likely used i1S forage by the larger native or do111estic anim.::iJs, e.g. sheep and antelope?
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- I~ I II t I 8 D ilCllDN NECISIAIIY CONCUIIMNCI IJATE ANIWUID:
,os,o,FICI Hu ACJIDN NICUSAIIY CCMMl!IIIIT a .,:
Fll.l:COO~ 11s,u*lD ,o U.S. ATOMIC DIIAGY COMMISIIQH tu.I. QOYli'.ltlo,tENt PAllolTING OFF1CE. ,~,,~2 .. -'lez
COLORAOO STATE environmental resources center UNIVERSITY FORT COLLINS COLORAOO B0!!21 liit,hl.md Ur,.,nl1*m* Iii I l, Cu:w,irsc Count}', \.lyo11dnn
*rhc report affected .;1rca arc .::dcqu;itel}' invc-nloricd, Pl..in~*for opc:ration and fin,:il 1'1~cla-Th<.: nwje;r d,fidcnc*,-.of the rcpo1t, r.1vcr..:1ll, i~ the .ih~l!llc.ti of ~rt i:.t:C':,ti>l tlo11,il informatil>:1 ~rnd c111ril*,*d:, nt-'c:dcd iH"c* co*1tair,1*1..i ir. t'*.- follo:,ing s~ict,on.
I. /1 grow1ti HLller ir1vc-ntC:..rr in li!,t ;,rc,1 i:, intlic..ited in r,rDgrc*:,f, but no Jal;~ or c:v~lu,1tion h i11c:T111kd. 1"11i:, should lie a!ldi;'tl.
- 3. Attl.!nt !tm :-,i;,,,;.ilcl lw giv<.>n tr; r\*l"h<J:.i:. c,f *.:~*.1!*.:rvin~1 *.. ,,t(*r re-
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- 8. Method of placement and compaction of backfill in mined areas should be discussed and an estimate of settlement shou Id be made,
- 9. The possibility of a safety h~zard in lhc filled tailing pond should be con~idercd. Will the slurry 111atedal b.c-ncath the cover be ~table? Will animals break through.
- 10. Economic:, attitudinal, and inHitutional data should be presented and analyzed. local attitude~ touard the pro-posed opcr.ition should be documented.
ll. Community socio-~conomic impacts should t,c assessed, both for the period of operation and after oprrations terminate.
- 12. Pobl ic bencf its should be documented, e.g. future pO\'lcr needs of th.' nation, Joe.al economic. stimulation.
13, Heal th impacts overlook commc .. t on: (1) Competent medical pcrsonn~l and facilities for special problems of radiation, (2) First-aid provisions for such special problems, (3} Pub) ic heal th 111ca1,ure!> .such as monitoring and emergency procedures, and (~} Proccdur~~ for emergency l~ndlin9 of special medical cases. llf. The community impact~ of a nm,, population should be assessed: (A) labor force an.:Jlysh,. How many employees are expected to co1~1c from the local area? (0) llm'<' m,1ny cmployC'cs ,-,i 11 reside in Ca~pcr; how many wi 11
. keep famillc!> in Ca5per, but live al the site? Housing requirements. .-:ind pattcrnr. are not c1n.ilyzcd in spite of a year's experience frorn 1*1hich to cxtr.ipolate.
(C) The Lotill number of new person~, including children, to be expected should be c!>>timatcd. The resulting population structure (ilyc and sex distribution) should be e:,timatcd and Its i1:1pucl on the conumnity should be assessed. (LI) [conomic data on public expenditures and related impacts arc not adequate. There is no assessment of .idded pol ice, fire, public wc1tcr 1 SC\*Ja9e, code enforcement, an.d school expenditures to be expected
- 15. The general social impact!> \*1hich should be assc!:ised include the fo I lowing:
(A) How prcdomin.int an interest 1iill Humble likely become in the internal affairs of the county and communities? To
.what degn.:e ui 11 local autonomy and closure l,c sacr if iccd.
and ~1at will ~e the nat~rc of Humblc 1 s influence in the normal pol i Lie.al pruccssc!:i/dcci~ions of the towns and county? (B) \Jhat wi 11 be the I ikcly non-economic gains and losses exper-ienced by the commun it i cs due to llumblc 1 s prc!>cncc7 For instance: \'lill community optimi!im and pride be advanced?
-I
\.Ii 11 there be a greatl'r opportunity for meaningful social interaction? Will tt,c aspiraLions and definitions of pro-priety be ;tltcrcd among the youth? \-/ill inform.ii social control mech<lnisms continue to ~*Jork. as effectively to keep 11 people in line" \*1ith consensual expcctalions7 Will small-towri consc-rvatism be subverted? \.Ii 11 anxiety result in re~ponse to termination or to v.lriant behavior.al patterns/
preferences? And so forth at length.
(C) What will I lkely be the nature and extent of readjustment of the socla~ system upon termination, and what assistance Is Humble or the A.E.t. prcp~rcd to.offer in t!,is regard? 16, There is inadequate consideration of deposition of radioactive du~t close to the mill site and Its potential incorporation into vegetation. The metcorc., log ica I assurnpt ions predict a maximum ground-level concentr3tion of air-borne dust at about 10 st3ck heights down ~*,Ind. Thi!; Nould indicate a maximum surface deposi* tion of uranluni, thorium and radium-bearing dusts at 500 to 1000 feet northeast of the cxh3ust stacks. This would be in the vicinity of one of the final mine arcns planned to become a lake,
- 17. The follo\*Jlng questions pertnin to radio-active dust hazard:
Why is there no soi I and vegi?tation sampling location in the prevailing downwind.direction and particularly at distances representing the largest.deposition of dus.t'l If radioactivity were to be found tn vegetation samplesJ will a determination be made of the fraction t.hat may h,wc been absorbed from tile soi I through Lhc rQot sy!'>tcm7 Has a determination been made of the depth of top soil required to ~1 irninalc uptilke of radionuclide& into plants on reclaimed areas? ~iich plant species are predominantly grazed by sheep? Is the vcget,Hion sampling program designed to. ()mphnsizc those plant species most likely used as foroJgc i.Jy the larger native or domestic an ima Is, e. g; sheep and ante lope?
llo-g102. llr. JoJa A, !bcaaa lfuJ latblea Ur..S.. Lt*. ts Co11iaa ltr..t llal'boarDI, HOO Dur Mr* TboMI I V. wr* ,1.....s to neuw ,our letter of Nareh H, lt72 cauaniq yow tllterut ill eanrowtal hipat 401 t* avaatM **
- renlt of V, 1. At.ta Burn eo..ia1loa replator, rupeuil>ilttt.n. IMloNCI 11 a con of ti.a Draft Detalle4 ltat-t of tba MTtrs **tal aauidua-t!Alu relate4 to tlaa ,ro,o... law* of a oparaUa2 U.e*H to lllltble otl a4 bffDiq eo.,a, for lt* Btahlad Urata Kill. 1'bla t* tba Hr1t nell 1t*t-t IOMU'dlaa
- vat* a1ll to h t.__. *** tba Calwart Cltff* 4eouloD ta JIily, 1971 - e COlll't *eotetn wldab nbataa-ttal.17 WJ..u.. t11a natur* af l&YUODllltal re,orte Nlattq to fad.Utt.ea_.. nplatiaa '1 tlll Atoldo lura, c,m 1Hioa, .u Wteated ta tu 11 r ., of tha raport, tt la
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V. aatiet,at* that a ~aft **tail.. *tat....t caouaniaa aotber llill for wkla w bna a *nltatl.all for 11c. . . will u rM11J for oan Ht
*IIDn1,. Ve viU N ,i..... to fanahh , - * *on of tbat *raft 1tate-a1Dt _ . :f.t la r ...,. ID ..41tioll, w Wina that ,oa ..U k latanat.. f.n tlle ftu1 Detailed lfftnwta1 Statmnt cwent.q tbe ll1'b1ae Vraaia Nill and rill ... that ,n are ftllDf.aW
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SUPPLEMENT TO APPLICANT'S ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT HIGHLAND URANIUM MILL CONVE.RSE COUNTY, WYOMING SUBMITTED BV HUMILI OIL & llflNING COMPANY MINERALS' DEPARTMENT P.O. BOX 2180 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77001 9706100451 720131 PDR AOOCK 04008102 C PDR JANUARY, 1912
SUPPLEMENT TO APPLICANT'S ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT HIGHlAND URANIUM MILL Converse County, Wyoming Submitted by HUMBLE OIL & REFINING COMPANY MINERAI.S DEPARTMENT P.O. Box 2180 Houston, Texas 77001 January, 1972
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page TABLE OF EXHIBITS * *
- f * * * * * * * * * * *
- vii INTRODUCTION ....... . . ...... . .. l PART ONE - REPLIES TO AEC QUESTIONS * * .... . 2 I. FINAL MINE RECIAMATION (AEC QUESTION 1) . . . . . 2 II. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT OF SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT (AEC QUESTION 2) . . * . . . . * . . . . . . 5 III. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GASEOUS EFFLUENTS (AEC QUEST ION 4) . . * . . . * . * . . . * . .. . 7 IV. STATE PERMITS REJ.ATING TO ENVJROh~ENT ... 10 V. SAMPLING OF FOOD CHAIN * * *
- I *
- e * *
- e W 12 A.
B. Grazing Animals . .
- Predatory Animals .*
*
- ii * * *
... 12 12 VI. LONG-TERM STABILITY OF TAILING DAM (AEC QUESTION 6) * . . . * * . . . . II
- e *
- 13 A.
B. Legal Requirements for Reclamation Description of Tailing Pond at
' ... . 13 Cessation of Operations . * * * * ' . . .. . 15
- l. Area Affected * * * . * . . ' . . 15
- a. Surface Condition. . . . . . . . . . 15
- b. Land.O.Vnership ... ... 17
- 2. Description of Stored Material . . . . . 17
- a. Physical Properties . . . . . . . . . 17
- b. Chemical Properties . . , . 18
- c. Radiological Properties . . . . . . . 18 i
~
- c. Reclamation Plan ..... ... ... 19
- 1. Cover Tailings . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
- 2. Shape Surface and Cut Overflow Weir 20
- 3. Revegetation . . . . .. . 21
- 4. Completion of Reclamation 21
- 5. Cost of Reclamation, . 21 D. Long-Term Care of 'failing .. . 21 E, Possibility of Environmental Effect 22
- 1. Wind Erosion ..... . .... 23
- 2. Water Erosion
- 3. Radiation Indiscrimate Use .
.* .... .... 23 23
- 4. ... '
- a. Geogl'aphy .
- b. Condition of Basin . . . . .
24 24 25
- c. Deed Restrictions . * . . . . '
25
- 5. Summary. . . . ' ... ... 26 PART TWO - COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS (AEC QUESTION 3)
- I * * *
- 27 I. INTRODUCTION . . , *. ' . .... ..... . . 27 II. ENVJRONl1ENTAL COSTS, ... , .......... . 28 A, Temporary Environmental Costs 28
- 1. Land Surface Disturbance * * . *
- 41 ' 28
- a. Proposed Method - Open Pit Mining. 28 (1) Description of Method 28 (2) Steps Planned to Reduce Environmental Impact. , ** 29 (3) Environmental Costs . . 30
- b. Alternative Method - Underground Mining . . * * . . . . . . . * ,
(1) Description"or Method . . * ' . 31 31 (2) Steps Which Would Reduce Environmental Impact 32 (3) Environmental Costs . . . 32 ii
Page (4) Reasons for Rej ect ion of Alternative . ... .. ..' . 33
- 2. Air Quality Costs. . . . . * . . .... 34
- a. Description of Effect (1) Fugitive Dust . . . . .
. . ... 34
... 34 (a) Description . . . .* . . . 34 (b) Steps to Reduce Effect . . 35 (c) Environmental Cost . . 36 (d) Alternative - Use of a Drying-Blending Building . 36 (2) Process Dust .. ... .
(a) Description and Reason for 37 Process Dust * (b) Steps to Reduce
...... 37 Environmental Cost . ... 38 (3) Release of Radionuclides . . . 38 (a) Description . . . . . . . 38 Cb) Reason for Effect. . . . . 39 (c) Steps to Reduce Environmental Impact . . . 39 (d) Environmental Cost . . . . 40 (e) Al tern at i ves . . . . . * . 40 (4) Release of Reagent Vapors . . 41 (a)
(b) Description . Steps to Reduce ' the
* * . . .* 41 Environmental Impact
- 41 (c) Environmental Cost .. .. 42 (5) Products of Combustion . . . 42 (a) Description . . . . . . . '
42 (b) (c) Reason . . . Steps to Reduce
. . 42 (d)
Environmental Cost *
- Environmental Cost
.. 42 43
- 3. Water Quality Costs
- a. Surface Water .
- b. Ground Water . . . . . .* . . . . . .
43 43 ( 1) * * . . 44 Steps to Reduce Environmental Cost. . . . * . . . ... .. 44 (2)
- Environmen.tal Cost. *
(3) Alternatives. .
. .. * . 45 45
- c. Ground Water Usage . . . .. 47 iii
(1) Steps to Reduce Environmental Cost . . * . . , . . . . . * . . . 47 (2) (3) Environmental Cost . * * * . Alternatives . . . * * . . *
.. 48 48
- 4. Effect of Operation on Noise Level of Area. . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . .
a *. Description * * . . . . * * * , *
. . 48 48
- b. Steps to Minimize Environmental c.
Impact . . ,, . . . . . . . . . . . Environmental Cost . . . * . . . *
.. 48 49 B.
c. Permanent Environmental Costs Other Costs . . . . . * . * . . . .. .. .. . .. ..
' 49 49 I I I. HYPOTHETICAL ENVIRONMENT AFFECTING ACCIDENTS (AEC QUESTION 5) ** , * * * * * * * * * , * * *
- 51 A. Tailing Dam Failure .. . . .
- 1. Overtopping and Subsequent Erosion
. 51 By Contained Fluid. ...... ... . . 51
- a. Description of Hypothetical Event
- b. Extent of Environmental Impact.
51 52
- c. Circumstances Which Could Cause Overfilling .. ..*
- d. Factors Which Reduce the
* . . * , * . . 53 Probability of Occurrence . . ... . . 55 (1) Natural Phenomena .....
(a) Rainfall . . . . . . . . . 55 55 (b) Earthquake . . . . . . .
- 56 (2) Basin Characteristics and Dam Construction * . * * . . 57 (3) Operating Procedures * . , . 58 (4) Other
- e. Factors Which Tend to Reduce Environmental Impact * * * . . . * * . 60
- f. Probabilities of Occurrence . . . * . 62 (1) Overtopping Due to Rainfall * .
- 62 (2) Failure to Maintain Freeboard. . 62 (3) Earthquake Dislodges Mine Over-burden and Displaces Tailings,
- 63 (4) Wave Action Which Erodes the Dam. * . * * * * * .. * . . ti *
- 63 (5) Erosion of the Dam by Flowing Tailings . . . . * . * . . * ,
- 64 iv
- 2. Structural Failure Due to Loading of Dam by Contained Material. * . . * . 64
- a. Description of Hypothetical Event ** 64
- b. Extent of Environmental Impact . * . . 65
- c. Factors Which Reduce the Probability of Occurrence . * . * . . 65
- d. Factors Which Reduce Environmental Impact. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
- e. Probability of Occurrence . . * * ,
- 67
- 3. Structural Failure Due to Earthquake. 67'
- a. Description of Hypothetical Event .* 67
- b. Extent of Environmental Impact *. 68
- c. Circumstances Which Contribute to the Event * . . * . * * * . * , , ,
- 68
- d. Factors Which Reduce the Probability of Occurrence .... 68
- e. Factors Which Reduce the Environmental Impact . * . * * * . *
- 69
- f. Probability of Occurrence . * * * *.* 70 B. Fire in Solvent Extraction I I *
- it I
- 70
- 1. Description of Hypothetical Event . . .
- 70
- 2. Extent of Environmental Impact . . * . *
- 70
- 3. Circumstances Which Contribute to the Event . .-. . * * . *
- r _. * * * * * * " 71
- 4. Factors Which Reduce the Probability of Occurrence. * * . * * * * * * . . * . *
- 71
- 5. Factors Which Tend to Reduce the Environmental Impact . . . * . . . . . * . 72
- 6. Probability of Occurrence . * . * * * .
- 73 C. Transportation Accident Involving Yellow Cake. .. . . . * . * * * . . . . . . . . ... 73
- 1. Description of Hypothetical Events * . *
- 73
- 2. Extent of Environmental Impact * . . . * . 73
- 3. Factors that Tend to Reduce Environmental Impact. . . . . . . . * . . .
- a. Identification of Product, ~
74 74
- b. Packaging . . . . . . . . . . .... 75 c* Transport at ion . * . . * . .. . 75
- 4. Probability of Accident Occurrence ... 75 V
Page IV. BENEFITS ** ... I O 77 A. Economic Benefits ..... . . ' ... 77 1. 2. Production of Fuel . . . Employment . . . . . . .
.. .. .* . . . .. 77 77 3.
4. Taxes ... . . Investment Opportunity . 78 78
- 5. Ranchers . * . . . . . . ... ..
- 78 B. Geographical Improvement. ..... 79 vi
TABLE OF EXHIBITS. FIGURE 1
- Letter from AEC dated December 8, 1971 FIGURE 2 - Map of Final Mine Pits FIGURE 3 Idealized Sketch of Final Pit Cross Section Before and After Shaping the Banks FIGURE 4 - Reclaiming Tailings Pond FIGURE 5 - Modified Mercalli Intensity (Damage) Scale of 1931
- I I
Vii
SUPPLEMENT TO APPLICANT'S ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT INTRODUCTION On December 8, 1971, AEC requested additional information from the Rumble Oil & Refining Company concerning the original Environmental Impact Statement which accompanied the Highland Uranium Mill source material license application. The letter is attached. (Figure 1.) The replies to the questions are included in PART ONE ""REPLIES TO AEC QUESTtONS and in PART TWO - COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS.
PART ONE - REPLIES TO AF.c QUESTIONS Part One discusses specific questions No.'s 1, 2, 4, and
- 6. Questions 3 and 5 are covered in Part Two.
I~ FINAL MINE RECIAMATION (AEC QUESTION 1) Following Humb1e's mining and backfilling technique to the end of the life of the property, it is obvious that, since the initial waste was stored in overburden dumps, there will not be enough waste from current stripping to fill the ~inal mine. areas. At the present time, the most probable location of these areas is as shown on the attached Figure 2, As mining plans are subject.to change, the exact location of the final areas cannot be shown with absolute certainty. Indeed there may be only one area left unfilled. In any case, the reclamation procedure will be t.he same. Because of the high cost of digging and moving mine waste, the normal procedure in mining will be to move as little excess barren material as possible. This results in steep sides on the pits. Often the sides are unstable over a long period of time although they are completely stable for a few years. In any case, they would be so steep that people or animals might fall over the edge.\ This is no problem as long as the mine is active but a potentially serious problem after mining activity ceases and Humble employees are no longer in the area to warn or chase humans and animals away. In addition, the pit walls are too steep to retain topsoil and, therefore, to support vegetation. Humble's present plan for reclamation and stabiliza-tion is to reduce the slope of the pit walls to the point where they can be covered with Joil and revegetated about a two horizontal-to-one vertical slope. This will ~esult in a safe condition to people and animals and prevent erosion
. \
of pit walls. Of all the wild or domestic animals which might be present in the future, sheep have the greatest difficulty in traversing slopes. They c_an traverse a two-to-one slope. The procedure that will be used to accomplish the reclamation subject to technological improvements in the future will be to drill angle holes in the pit walls, load the holes with a blasting abent, and blast the upper portion of the pit walls into the bottom *of the pit.
' Figure 3 * )
(See Dozer tractors dragging a heavy "anchor" chain between them will level the uneven areas in the new pit wall. After preparing the ground, the slopes will be revege-tated. Since Humble will have stopped pumping water out of the pit, the water table will return to its normal level producing a lake with ground water and rainfall as its sources of makeup. The water in the lake will be of
.Bi~1' AVAIIABJJl COPY
the same quality as the ground water in the area. (See Exhibit E of the Environmental Report.) II. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFIX:T OF SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT f!tc @sf foW 2j The sewage treatment plant consists of two mechanically aerated lagoons into which all of the office, change room, and mill sanitary sewers flow. The two~lagoon system was designed (Exhibit L of Environmental Report) by a pro-fessional engineering firm specializing in sanitary engi-neering to conform to state standards. The design and construction of the sewa.ge lagoons were approved by the Wyoming Department of Health and Social Services through the Director of Sanitary Engineering Ser-vices (Exhibit G, Part 2 of the Environmental Report). The system is being operated to meet state effluent standards. Each basin is lined with rubl:er to assure that untreated or partially treated water cannot short circuit the system and seep into the ground. Any accumulation of sludge will be removed from the basins and buried in the waste dumps .
. The effluent from tt.e system will flow into the pond which serves as a collection basin for water pumped from the mine. This pond will be the primary source of process water. The only release of the process water will be into the tailing pond.
Humble considered the alternative m~thod of septic tanks and a drain field *to be an unsatisfactory method. BJ!~'l' AVAIIAUU tOPY
There will be no harmful environmental effect of the sewage lagoon system.
III. CHEMICAL C011Pa>ITION OF GASEOUS EFFLUENTS .. JAEc'.QUESTION 4) Gaseous products are discharged from the following units or areas: the process dust collectors (3 units), the prodess and heating steam boilers (2 units), the leaching tank vent system, and the solvent extraction building ventilators. In addition to the dust and radio-nuclide sampling program described in the Environmental Report, the above effluents with the exception of the dust collector discharges will be sampled for organic and inorganic chemical contents. The initial skmples will be taken as soon as practical after startup and the sampling repeated on a regular basis as indicated by the results. The samplJng frequencies will range between monthly and yearly depending upon whether or not a serious or potentially serious contamina-tion problem is detected. The effluents will meet the following present Wyoming standards and such future standards which might be estab-lished to meet EPA requirements. Pollutant Concentration Sample s~ .02 ppm Maximum annual average (24-hour sampling time)
.10 ppm 24-hour average not to be exceeded over 1 day in any 3 ..month period.
cont1nuea *.. Pollutant Concentration Sample Sulfuric 4 micrograms/m3 Allowable maximum annual Acid Mist average (24-hour sampling) 12 m1crograms/m3 24-bour average not to be exceeded over 1% of the time 30 micrograms/m3 Hourly averag~ not tQ be exceeded over 1% of the time Oxides of .15 ppm Maximum allowable 1-Nitrogen hour value, not to be exceeded for lJ of the time during any 3-month period. Based on industry knowledge and an evaluation of the Highl~nd operation, it is extremely unlikely that any chemical effluent could be detected at the limit of the restricted area. It is even less likely that they would cause a harmful environmental impact. No buildup of these chemicals can occur. Effluent Analyzed For Boiler Discharge co,, co. Nitrogen oxidest (!\ael is Natural Gas) Su fur oxides Leach Tank Vent Sulfur oxides s-x Building ventilators Saturated and Unsaturated Hydrocarbons, Sulfur oxides, Ammonia The radionuclide sampling program will record total radioactivity and total uranium content of the effluent dust. Additionally, as soon as practicable after startup and on a regular basis thereafter, but not each time the effluents are sampled, the concentrations of thorium 230, radium 226, and radon 222 will be determined. The ore dust collector dust should have the daughter products present in equillibrium amounts but there should be no daughter products present in the yellow cake dust collec-tor effluent. The leach tank vents will release radon but little or no other daughter products. Once the rela-tive radionuclide concentrations versus uranium content or radioactivity are established, there is no need to re-establish them e~ch time a sampling program is run. B!~'f AVAIUBrn tOPf
IV. STATE PERMITS REIATING TO ENVIRONMENT Humble bas obtained the following state permits related to the operation of the Highland Mine and Mill.
- 1. Approval of (Tailings) Embankment Retention System (Exhibit G, Part 1).
- 2. Approval of Sanitary sewage Disposal System (Exhibit G, Part 1).
3, Permit (to mine) under Open Cut Land Reclama-tion Act (Exhibit G, Part 3).
- 4. Water well permits from state engineer.
Highland No. Permit No. Date Issued 1 2491 4-22-69 3 2493 4-22-69 4 2494 4-22-69 5 2495 4-22-69 6 2496 4-22-69 1 2497 4-22-69 8 2498 4-22-69 9 2499 4-22-69 10 2500 4-22-69 6 2500 6-27-69
- 5. Diversion dams around Tailing Pond from state engineer.
Dams Permit No. Date Issued Doe 7378 6-18-71 Fawn 7376 6-18-71 Buck 7377 6-18-71 V. SAMPLING OF FOOD CHA IN Humble will conduct a sampling program on an annual basis to detect any concentration of radionuclides in the food chain and allow necessary corrective action before a serious problem could result. A. GrazinJ Animals The vegetation sampling program (Page 69 of tbe Environmental Report) will be conducted to detect
, any change in radionuclide content of the vegetation in the area.
8, Predatory Animals While conducting the soil and vegetation sampling program, Humble will also trap wild rodents for analysis. Since the rodents subsist mainly on seeds I and grasses and they themselves serve as food for the predators, changes in the rodents' bodily radio-t nuclide loads should warn of pending danger to the predators. Rodents were selected because of their 'I small foraging range. VI.* LONG-TBRII STABILITY OF TAILING DAM - (AEC QUESTION 6) The Humble Oil & Refining Company recognizes the potential problem and shares the governmental and*public concern over abandoned, uncontrolled uranium mill tailing piles. From the early stages of planning the Highland Project, the long-term stability of the stored mill tail-I ing was considered as evidenced by the site selected, the substantial initial retaining dam, the planning :tor future dams, and the planned reclamation of the area. A. Legal.Requirements for Reclamation The Highland activities are controlled by the Wyoming Open Cut Land Reclam~tion Act. Under this Act all distUl'bed land, including the tailing p()nd, muet be restored and otherwise rendered harmless when the need for the aft ected' land bas e.nded. The policy of the law is set forth below: Section 30-96.2. Declaration of Policy. It ls her*"3by declared to be the policy of this state to provide, for the recla-mation and conservation of land subjected to surface disturbance by open cut mining and thereby to preserve natural resources, to aid in the protection of wildlife and aquatic resources to establish agricul-tural, recreatiooal,.home and industrial sites, to protect and perpetuate the taxable value of property, and to protect and promote the healtb, safety and general welfare of the people of this state. The law requires that each mine operator file a reclamation plan and yearly status reports for approval by the Wyoming Land Commissioner. A bond is required to assure that the reclamation activities will be carried out, Humble files a report yearly with the Commissioner of Public Lands of Wyoming indicating what area has been affected by the mining operation and which areas have been reclaimed. Based on this report and on field inspection by his representative, the Commissioner reviews the work requirements for reclamation. He may t~en order an adjustment in the bond to the required amount. This yearly review assures that the amount of the bond is sufficient to carry out the remaining recla-mation requirements. To date, Humble has applied for a permit to mine (Exhibit G, Part 3 of the Environmental Report) and filed its first yearly report. Affected areas included in this report are the mining and waste dump areas as well as the area of the earthfill tailing dam. Covering and seeding of one dump and the tailing dam have been completed. Humble has filed a reclamation plan for the area to be covered by the tailings, even though there will be no disturbance until operations begin in late 1972. Humble will post the bond required by the Land Commis-sioner and increase the bond as needed until reclama-tion can be accomplished. B. Description of Tailing Pond at Cessation of Operation The waste product from the mill will be stored in the basin over the 12 years that the mill will operate.
- 1. Area Affected . 'i I
When operations cease, about 200 surface acres will be covered by the stored material, roughly that area below the 5,225-foot elevation contour.
- a. surface Condition The surface wil 1 not be level but wi 11 slope gradually downward in the upstream direction. This is due to the method of fill-ing which is from the upstream face of the dam. The coarser material settles out quickly, forcing the finer and more fluid fraction, also referred to as slimes, upstream. (See Exhibit C, Figure 6 of the Environmental Report.) The angle of rep~se of the stored tailing makes possible an additional storage volume in the upper reaches of the basin.
During the final years, the distribution system will be altered so as to fill this added storage volume. This can be done by moving the distribution pipes "upstream" but parallel to the dam or by filling from up-stream edge of the basin toward the dam. Most likely some combination of the two will be used. Both methods will assist in the latter reclamation as they place the coarser I material which will have some load bearing strength atop some of the slime layers. I The basin will be protected from major amounts of run-off by the diversion system. I (Exhibit A, Figure 4 of Environmental Report.) t However, where small dry creek bottoms inter-sect tne basin, there is the possibility of local erosion. I' The downstream face of the dam is about one-half mile &bove the confluence of the North Pork of Box Creek with Box Creek. There is water flow in the area only during heavy rains or from snow melt.
- b. Land ownershi_p Humble owns in fee about 9°'1 of the tailings basin (the land on which the tailings could be stored; see Exhibit A, Figure 4 of the Environ-mental Report). The 101. leased land involved is in Section 21, excluding SW) of tne swi, which Humble also owns. Humble's surface lease includes the right to store mine waste products. Reclama-tion responsibilities fall under state law, but there is a surface damage indemnity due the owner if Humble's activities make it unusable for its former use.
Humble will continue. its efforts to acquire title to this leased surface area so that the entire basin may be used for tailings storage.
- 2. Description of Stored Material Over the 12 years of operation about 9 million tons of tailing will be stored in the basin.
a *. Phys ica 1 Properties The uranium mill tailings will be produced from a loosely cemented sandstone ore, well over 90% silica with small amounts of clay and gypsum. The gypsum results from the reaction of calcite with acid. Most of the material will be minus 28 mesh (Tyler), and it will range downward into the submicron clay size.
I,....__ ___
~i~r IfMUI m,r The tailing disposal method will cause the I coarser fractions to settle near the dam and the slimes to flow and be deposited away from I the dam. The sandy material deposition resembles and is called the beach, The slime I fraction resembles a quagmire. It resists drying and has no bearing strength even when I the surface is dry. The coarser fraction will I be free draining, but the slimes will remain a thixotropic material for years under a I thin, dry crust.
Even though the slimes are mostly clay I minerals, they are lacking in nutrieots. I They could not support plant growth. b, Chemical Proeerties The solid portion of the tailing is 'I chemically inert. The solution entrapped with the tailing has a pH of about 2.0 and contains dissolved calcium sulfate and minor I amounts of other chemicals.
- c. Radiological Properties The solution contains dissolved radio-ouclides. Based on a sampling program con-ducted at Grand Junction (Reference 17, Pages 98 and 99 of Environmental Report), we estimate that the contents of radium 226 and thorium 230 will be within the MPC for restricted areas.
There will be insoluble radionuclides present in the tailing approximately equal to their concentrations in the ore. Radon 222 will be generated from uncovered tailings at the rate of 2.8 x 10-6 µCi/m2 second due to the radioactive decay process. Based on the report of the Monticello reclamation project, the gamma radiation level on unreclaimed tailings will be .35 to .4 mr/hr. C. Reclamation Plan Humble has filed a reclamation plan with the Land Commissioner of Wyoming and will post and increase the bond as surface is disturbed. l, Cover Tailings As soon as practical after operations cease, Humble will begin reclaiming the pond area with a cover of 18 inches of barren mine waste (sandstone and siltstone) and~ inches of top soil. Special care will be taken in areas where runoff from the surrounding area could erode the cover. Riprap will probably be used to eliminate the possibility
-19~
of erosion at these points, During the operation of the mine, overburden will have been placed near the basin to facilitate the covering operations. Since there will be areas where the bearing strength of the slimes are not able to support earth-moving equipment, the-cover will be placed during the winter. If the tailings will not freeze.,hard enough due to the residual salt con-tentJ a fresh-water ice cover will be frozen over the slimes to provide support for the equipment.
- 2. Shape Surface and Cut Overflow Weir The surface of the pond will be shaped so that any future runoff will flow only very slowly toward the overflow weir. This will assure that erosion of the cover is unlikely to occur. A stilling action will result and cause a buildup of solids rather than erosion.
The overflow weir which will be located in one of the saddles into the next canyon will be riprapped to reduce erosion. This will make it impossible to overtop and erode the man-made dam.
- 3. Revegetation The entire disturbed area will then be fertilized and seeded with perennial grasses.
The vegetation will be sampled to assure that no abnc .. Aal radionuclide uptake is occurring which could enter the food chain.
- 4. Completion of Reclamation Humble will not consider reclamation to be complete until the vegetation in the basin is self-perpetuating and the cover is stable.
- 5. Cost of Reclamation The cost of the above reclamation plan has I been estimated by Humble to cost $1,000 per acre (See Exhibit 4). This estimate is based on present I and past experience in moving dirt as well as the information obtained during the recovering of the I No. 1 waste dump.
I D. Long-Term Care of Tailing I Humble recognizes that the long-term stability of the storage basin is directly related to the initial I reclamation effort. Hwnble's reclamation program is intended to return the surface to as near the original I state as possible and result in an absolute minimum maintenance cost. I I I
Humble will sub.ject the land under which the tailings are stored to the following restrictions which will be enforceable by the AEC and which wil 1 be binding on Humble while it owns the land, and on successive owners there~ after, fo1* a period of 50 years 01* until such time prior t6 the expiration of the 50-ycar period as government regulations arc instituted to control disposition of uranium rnilJ tailings:
- The owner will not pormit the exposure and release of the tailing matci*ial to the suJ'rounding area.
- No structures which man or animals cai1 occupy may l>e lntilt un the covered surface.
- The* covered surface may not be subdivided.
~
- No private roads, trails, or rights-of-way may be c~ tabl islwd acro:c,;s the covere?d sul'faco.
I It i:-:. 1*casonal>lc to anticipate that government regu-lation of uranium mill tailin~s wili be instituted in I the not dh,tant J'utul'c. Humble has decided upon Uie 'I restrictions as an interim means of assuring stability of the material. It is possible that some governmental agency might accept the small responsibility for main-taining the cover over the tailings in return for the l title to the 2,400 acres of land with two lakes. E. Possibility of Environmental Effect Poss-iblc harmful environmental effects could result from wind cro~ion, water erosion, radiation, and indis-criminate use.
Wind Erosion The two-foot cover, the revegetation, and the maintenance requirement imposed by the restrictions referred to above will make it unlikely that wind erosion could cause a harmful environmental impact.
- 2. Water Erosion The toe of the dam is safe fru *., water erosion as the confluence with Box Creek is over one-half mile below the toe and there is no other place where water could flow to harm the dam.
The top of the basin will be protected by the two-foot soil cover, the riprap protection at the points where runoff can flow upon the cover, the stilling action in the pond atop the cover, and the riprap in the overflow weir.
- 3. Radiation Based on results obtained by the AEC at Monticello, Utah, after reclamation, the surface gamma radiation is expected to be about .os mr/hr at the surface and .03 mr/hr three feet from the surface. As a comparision the Su1*geon General of the United States recommended* that it t~e
- te£ter from Surgeon General, HEW, to Colorado State Health Department, July 27, 1970. Introduced as part of testimony by D. D. Dominick, EPA, before the Subco~mittee on Raw Materials of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy, October 28, 1971.
radiation levP.l .!!!, !. dwelling!!!?.!! in Grand Junction ts less than .o~ mr/hr that no remedial action is necessary. Furthe~, the background radiation in Western Colorado is .02 mr/hr. Should a standard dealing with radiation release from tailings piles be established before reclamation activities are complete, Humble. will meet or exceed it, The radon emanation from the waste dump will be reduced significantly.by th~ cover pla~ed on the pond. Radon is no problem unless it becomes trapped within a structu1*c and allowed to eoncent1*a tc.
- 4. Indiscrimnte Use Rc"ardlcss of what reclamation activities llumblo .carries out, there is always the 'danger tha,t .someone in the future might perform some action which could nulify Humble's efforts. Not di1*Pcily pnrnllol but related is the use of abondon~d mill tailin~s as fill and construction material in Wc~tern Colorado.
- a. Geography Geography is against the indiscrimate use of Highland tailing. People use the tailing in other places because it is more convenient than digging soil or sand from a pit or a stream. This is,not true at Highland.
The area is remote, pver 30 miles from the
~
nearest population center.
- b. Condition of Basin The dam face would be difficult to dig, being located in a rather rugged creek bottom and built on dirt almost as compact as the soil and rock in the area. The cover which Humble will place on the deposited material will resist the efforts of the casual digger to reach the tailing while minimizing future maintenance requirements*. Anyone who 'is searching for large quantities of fill material in the area will find the overburden piles much easier to dig.
The two-foot cover will remove from sight the sandy, free-flowing character of the material.
- c. Land Use Restrictions The land use restrictions referred to above should prevent the exposure and release of tail-ings to *the surrounding area and prevent any attempts to disturb the tailings. The AEC also will have the right to enforce the land use restrictions.
- 5. Summary Tailing pond r~clam*tion ~nd long-term maintenance is an area in which no precedent and little regulation exist for guidance except under Wyoming law. Humble has attempted to cdnsider all possibilities for long-term harmful effect and design against their occurrence. Humble believes that there will be no permanent environmental cost of the stored tailings and further that the long-term maintenance cost of th.e basin will be nil.
PART TWO - COOT-BENEFIT ANALYSIS (AEC QUEST ION S j I. INTRODUCTION In the process of deciding to open the Highland Mine and enter the uranium producing industry, Rumble made an economic analysis of the project. Recognizing the need to protect the environment in the area, the development plans and the operating cost estimates considered the protection apd restoration of the environment. In the three-and-one-half years since the planning began, Humble personnel have become more firmly convinced that the Highland ore body ca.n be mined with a minimum amount of temporary environmental impact :rnd no harmful long-term environmental impact. This section will discuss the known environmental costs of the planned activity. In addition, hypothetical accidents with potentially severe environmental impacts are discussed, Finally, the economic and other benefits of the project are discussed. I I. ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS The environmental costs of the operation will be con-sidered in the categories of temporary, permanent, and
.other-.
A. Temporary Environmental Costs Temporary environmental costs include all changes in the environment which exist during the ~perating period and the final reclamation activities. The discussion includes a description of the activity that results in the environmental co~t, the steps taken to reduce the cost, the extent of the enviror.- mental cost, ulternates considered, the environmental costs of the alternatives, and the reason fo~ rejecting the alternatives.
- 1. Land Surface Disturbance The ore exists in a long, sinuous shape at depths between 100 and 450 feet below the natural surface of the ground.
- a. Proposed Method~ Open Pit Mining Before the ore is exposed, the overburden must be .removed. Large capacity equipment is required to make the method economical.
(1) Description of Method - Using dozer-rippers to loosen the rock and earth moving scrapers to load and haul the rock, about 120 million cubic yards of uranium-barren overburden will be removed from above the mineralized uranium sandstone layers. The total surface which will be disturbed for mining will amount to about 600 acres over the 12-year life. Iuitially, and at different times during the life of the mine, the overburden will be placed in storage dumps. As soon as the uranium has been removed from a portion of any mining are.a, subsequent waste*w111 be stored in that area. Ultimately, all of the mined area wfth the exception of two areas will be backfilled. (2) Steps Planned to Reduce Environmental Impact - liumbie has planned the mining in a manner which will minimize the environmental impact. This planning includes backfilling as much of the pit as possible, designing and filling the waste storage piles to blend with the topography of the area rather than pro-truding from it, designing and construct-ing the storage piles and the site roads in a manner which will minimize the action of water erosion, and re-covering and revegetating the waste piles and the backfilled porti.ons of the mi.ne. Humble further plans to control dust in the mine area during the operating life by sprinkling the roads with water. The sides of the final pits will be blasted into the bottom and revegetated, thus rendering them safer for man and animals. (3) Environmental Costs - The disturbance of the land surface followed by its reclama-tion will result in the following net environmental costs:
- Destruction of nests and burrows of birds, small animals, snakes, etc.
- Generation of an additional incre-ment of fugitive dust in an area where strong winds can raise a considerable dust storm from natural, undisturbed ground until reclamation can be conn,1 E*ted.
- Rearrangement and mixing of the sand-stones and siltstones which overlay the ore.
I
- _J
- The production of slightly sloping land surface in the naturally hilly mine and waste storage area.
- Reduction of the-local water table during the period of' time mining is underway.
- Release of radioactivity in the form of radon 222 with a half life of 3,72 days from the exposed ore. This would amount to about 2.8 x 10-6 pCi/
ro2 second for the ore area exposed. Assuming the ore is saturated with water and an estimated 4,000 sq. meters are exposed, this a~ *nts to about O.l x 10-3 Ci per d:
- b. Alternative Method - Underground Min. g (1) Description of Method - It is possible and physically practical to mine th_e ore by underground mining techniques. This involves sinking shafts and developing an underground system of tunnels (called drifts) for access to the ore and for ventilation. The surface area required for this method is quite small, measured in tens of acres.
(2) Steps Which Would Reduce Environmental Impact - With underground mining a portion of the ore would be left in the ground or, alternatively, a portion of the mined-out area would be backfilled to keep the material above the openings from caving and injuring the workmen or resulting in a surface sinkhole at some future date. When mining i!'::i complete, entrances to the mine would be permanently sealed to pre-vent future access. Air would be circulated through the mine to reduce the radiation levels in the atmosphere for the workers. (3) Environmental Costs -
- Radon 222 in quantities comparable to open pit mining would be released
) to the atmosphere, about O. 001 Ci/
day.
- Even with all practical precautio,1s taken I a less thai.1 natural ground s~abil ity would 1*esult.
- Minor amounts of dust generated in the mine would be carried in the ventilation air and released to the atmosphere.
- The local water table would be lowered for two years before and during the mining operations.
(4) Reasons for Rejection of Alternative - As demonstrated in Exhibit M of the Environment a 1 Repol't, there is a signi-ficantly higher cost associated with underground mining. In order to offset the higher cost., the cut-off grade between ore and waste will be higher. Some material presently could not be profitably mined and would have to be left in the ground. This results in a loss of a natura 1 resource. The lost time and accident severity statistics show that underground mining as currently pract h:ed is rnore dangerous to the employees than open pit mining. In addition, the health hazard to under-ground uranium mine1*s is greater than open pit or mill employees.
Because of reclamation activity which is being undertaken with the open pit mining, both the short- and the long-term environmental impacts of the open pit method are minimal. Humble considers that the net increase in temporary environ-mental impact using open pit as opposed to underground methods to be small. Under the circumstances, the added costs of production and employee welfare using underground methods could not be justified.
- 2. Air Quality Costs
- a. Description of Effect
.Air quality will be affected by the milling operation in several areas: (1) generation of fugitive dust, (2) release of process dust, (3) release.of radionuclides in process dust and as gaseous radon 222, (4) release of minor r
amounts of reagent vapors, (5) release of pro-ducts of combustion, including process and building*heat. (1) Fugitive Dust (a) Description - Fugitive dust will be generated primarily in the ore storage yard and on the haul roads from the mine to the yard. The road dust will be comparable in composition to the dust which is lifted from undisturbed ground surface in the area by a strong wind. The dust generated in the ore storage yard will be due pri-marily to the action of the front end loader as it transfers the ore to the ore receiving hopper. Plant area access roads will be hard surface construction. (b) Steps to Reduce Effect - The water truck which will sprinkle the mine roads for dust control will also be used in the mill area to minimize the production of fugitive dust. The soil, vegetation, and air sam-pling programs which will be conducted regularly will allow an evaluation of the extent of the fugitive dust problem. However, it is unlikely that any effect will be d~tectable at the property line and
it is inconceivable that a measurable, much less a significant, environmental impact would result. (c) Environmental Cost - The environmental cost will be the addition of a small amount of dust to the mobile surface dust of the area. {d) Alternative - U~e of a Drying-Blendin( BuildinJ - It wouitrbe possible to construct a building over the drying area and conduct the drying and blending under cover. The method is impractical because of the need to drive ore trucks into the building or the alternative of ( an involved material handling system, possibly including a drier. This alternative would reduce the genera-tion of fugitive dust but, because of the buil,d'ing, air and the drier, off-gases could carry significant amounts of dust. There would be a trade-off between the generation of fugitive dust during the 14 to 16 hours of the day when the front end loader is operating and the generation of process dust from the drier 24 hours per day. The potential health danger from dust and radiation to operators within the building would be greater than in the open storage area. The alternative was rejected because the increased capital and operating costs and personnel hazards would not assure any reduction in the already slight environmental impact. (2) Process Dust (a) Description and Reason for Process
-bust - Process dust can be generated whenever the ore or the dry yellow .
. cake concentrate is transferred in the material handling system. It can also be generated within process-ing vessels or units. The amount of.
dust produced varies with the fine-ness of the material being handled, the moisture content, and the intensity of the action on the material in the processing unit. The crushing area and the yellow cake
-37 ...
drying and handling system are the two areas where process dust will be generated. (b} Steps to Reduce Environmental Cost - To keep a healthful atmosphere in the processing areast dust collect-ing systems including equipment enclosures, connecting ducts, and exhaust fans have been designed into the milling system. The wet dust collectors will re-move more than 95% of the crusher dust and 99.3% of the.yellow cake dust, (3) Release of Radionuclides (a) Uescription - Radionuclides in the form of natural uranium, thorium 230, and radium 226 are released to the enviroument as part of the process dust. The area influenced by this release is quite localized, as is the effect 'of the dust, by the trans-port time and character of the dust. As previously shown, the area is sparsely populated and only slightly utilized. In addition, radon 222, having a half life of 3.72 days, diffuses to the surface of the ore particles, ore piles, and tailing pond, and is released to the surrounding air. (b) Reason for Effect - The solid radio-uuclides are a physical part of the process dust and are released at the same time as the process dust described above. Radon release is a continuing natural phenomenon. It
- is genP.rated by radioactive decay and is released to the atmosphere by diffusion.
(c) Steps to Reduce Environmental Impact - The impact of the solid radionuclides is reduced by the measures mentioned above to control fugitive ore dust and process dust, Radon release will be reduced by storing the mill tailing under a water cover, thereby reducing its diffusion rate, and by covering the tailing storage area with nonradioactive dirt and top-soil after the operations cease. (d) Environmental Cost - The effect of the radiation release on a hypothe-tical constant resident at the Humble property line is small as demonstrated in Exhibits Hand I. The release of the solid radio-nuclides of natural uranium (kidneys and bone), thorium 230 (bone and lung), and radium 226 (bone) will amount to about 300 pCi per day for each isotope and 560 pCi per day for natural uranium. The largest release, but having the shortest half life, would be radon 222 of about 0.12 Ci per day average release over the 12 years. The taiiing storage ~asin is the major source of radon 222. (e) Alternatives - Since the generation of radon 222 is a continuing process, its release can be reduced only with a less permeable cover than water. Because of the relatively low level of radiation involved, containeri-zation or prompt covering of tbe tailing such as landfill or immediate' burial were not thought to be practical solutions. (4) Release of Reagent Vapors (a) Description - The acid leaching of the ore can release sulfuric acid fumes from the leaching vessels due to effervescence, from the limestone and the mechanical action in the agitator. The release is smal}. Solvent extraction will use a high molecular weight kerosine orga-nic carrier for the extractant *
. There will be some effervescence and mechanical action which will release a minor amount of organic to.the building air. Nonnal building venti-lation will release a small amount of this to the atmosphere.
(b) Steps to Reduce the Environmental Impact - Rumble does not believe that any of the above releases will exhibit a measurable influence on the environment. However, the effluents will be sampled regularly to assure compliance with state and federal air quality standards. If noncompliance is found, modifications adequate to assure complianc~ will be made. (c) Environmental Cost - It is Humble's opinion that the environmental cost of these releases will be insignifi-cant. (5) Products of Combustion Ca) Description - A portion of the building heat and all of the process heat will be generated in package boilers. (b) Reason - Heat is necessary for making the reactions proceed at the optimum rate and for operator comfort. (c) Steps to Reduce Environmental Cost - Humble has specified the boiler units for optimum efficiency while producing clean exhaust gases. Natural gas will be the fuel. (d) Environmental Cost - There will be no harmful economic effect from the release of the products of combus-tion or the 20 million BTU's per hour of heat that will ultimately find its way into the atmosphere.
- 3. Water Quality Costs Water quality will be considered in two 'f categories: surface water and ground water.
- a. Surface Water From the firstt Humble has planned complete containment of all process solutions and liquid and solid waste. As a result, the operation will have no effect on the surface water in the area.
In addition, Humble has constructed three dams across the feeder canyons above the tail-ing dam. Run-off water from much of the 600-acre watershed will be intercepted and routed around the pond to avoid mixing the fresh rain water and snow melt with the acid tailing solution.
- b. Ground Water As it is 1apossible to find and impractical to build a tailing storage basin that will com-pletely resist percolation of solution into the ground for an indefinite period of time, there is the probability that a small portion of the acidified tailing solution will percolate through the ground toward the ground water level.
(1) Steps to Reduce Environmental Cost Humble selected the basin in wbich the tailings will be stored only after core drilling proved that the basin con-tained geologicai characteristics which would make it a safe storage location. All drill holes in this area were filled with cement. Then a ground water monitor-ing program based on a knowledge of the topography of the tailing dam shale was designed. This shale .bed*was found to be continuous and impervious to water and its top surface would control the flow of water beneath the storage basin much as the natural topography of the ground con-trols surface flow. The monitor wells
... 44_
were then located to detect any flow of harmful fluids from the basin. If the sampling project detects the harmful leakage of solutions, Humble will institute a program as described in the Environmental Report to clean up or other-wise eliminate the harmful leakage. (2) Environmental Cost The environmental cost of any leakage is expected to be nil. The probability of contamination of the ground water in the area is low because of the relatively low flow anticipated, the low permeability of the rock strata, the limestone content of the soil (about 2% calcite) which will. neu-tralize the acid and precipitate most of th~ ions in solution, and the clay content of the soil (about 4%). The above conclusion is based on the best available geological knowledge. Should some unforeseen event occur, a program would be instituted to clean up the leaking fluids so that there will be no harmful effect on the ground water. (3) Al terna ti ves Alternate sites for tailing storage would be on the relatively flat, old
flood plane area below the mill and on either side of Box Creek, These sites would have been more convenient from an operating standpoint than the site selected. Humble rejected this alternate site for the following reasons:
- No natural basin exists in this area:
- three or four sides of the basin would have to be built and main-tained with the attendant costs and risks of structural failure.
the long-term stability of this type of storage is more difficult to assure no matter what proce-dures are followed.
- this type of storage basin is more prone to wind action and dusting.
- this type of basin is more diffi-cult to reclaim and assure long-term stability.
- The drainage area of Box Creek is larger than the North Fork of Box Creek making possible larger run-offs which could erode or weaken a dam placed on the flood plane.
- There is no difference in the geo-logical condition of the ground below the dam io either area.
c, Ground Water Usage The water table will be temporarily lowered to permit effective mining equipment operation by the use of internal trenches and sumps. This water will be used in the process.* Wells will be drilled and completed to produce fresh water for domestic use. (1) Steies to Reduce Environmental Cost - A settling pond has been constructed for the water pwnped from the mine. This watert which will be fl'CSh but probably not potable, will be pumped to the mill process water tank and the wells used only for potable and emergency process water. The discharge from the aerated sewage lagoons will flow into this settling pond. (2) Environmental Cost The result of this operation will be a temporary lowering of the water table. The water table will begin to return to normal as soon as pumping ceases. No per-manent lowering is anticipated. (3) Alternatives No practical alternative exists for the use of process water. Alternate sources such as all well water and wasting the mine water result in higher economic and environmental r.osts.
- 4. Effect of Operation on Noise Level of Area a, Description Noise will be produced by mining and mill-ing equipment.
- b. Steps to Minimize Environmental Impact Because the area is so remote, it is highly unlikely that there would be any com-plaints about any noise which could be generated.
No nesting or mating grounds of endangered animals exist in the area. However, all equip-ment will be muffled to the extent necessary to meet or exceed noise level regulations,
- c. Environmental Cost As far as can presently be determined, the environmental cost of the increased noise level is ni 1.
B. Permanent Environmental Costs Humble believes that there will be no permanent harmful environmental cost from the oper~tion. By the time the reclamation activities are completed, there will be no further release of even the small amount of radionuclides. There will be no further generation of acidic or radioactive fluids. Revege-tation will reduce the generation of fugiti~e dust to the natural level for the area.
- c. Other Costs The uranium ore natural resource will be depleted and, therefore, will not be available in subsequent years.
The mining and milling activities temporarily remove several hundred acres from the natural cycle. When returned to the natural cycle, the surface will have been smoothed from one area of tho ground and buried in another, and new types of grasses will have been planted to improve the ability of the surface to resist erosion. The restrictions which Humble will place on the land covered by the tailing pond will not result in any l'eal hardships to the owner except the realization that he is responsible for maintaining a cover. Restricting the subdivision and other use of the surface will not be a significant cost in this remote al'ea. BI~'f AVMWU OOfY
I I I. HYPOTHETICAL ENVIRONMENT AFFECT ING ACCIDENTS - (AEC QUEST ION 5) Tailing dam failure, a fire in the solvent extraction unit, and a transportation accident involving yellow cake arc discussed along with tho probability of their occur-rences. These are unlikely occurrences but are discussed to show that the probability of significant environmental impact is remote. A. Tailing Dam Failure Highland tailin..c dam failure could result from the Jollowing cvcntH:
- Ovcrtoppin~ and suhsequt>nt erosion by contained I fluid.
I
- SlJ*ucturnl failure> due.* to loading of dam by
{~on ta in cd mn t er i a 1 . I
- Structural failure of the dam due to an earthquake.
l ]. Ov<.*rtopping and Subscquc:>nt Erosion Dy Coniaincd Fluid Thci*r. ai*c> ~(*vcral Hcrics of events which could rt*sult in ov1.'rtopping of thu dam.
- a. Del-:icrjpt ion of HYJmthe1 ical Event If the.> basin 1ills with water, solution, or slurl'y to the point where the fluid begins 1 o flow ac.'l'OH~ the top of the darn I this fluid c.:ould L*1*odc enou~h of the dam to allow the
remainder of the fluid contained by the dam to be released. The pattern is typical of soil erosion by water. The released material flows down the drainage where it is deposited according to the laws of sedimentation theory.
- b. Extent of Environmental Impact When a tailing dam is operated so that the coarser. material is deposited near the dam and the finer away from tbe dam and the dam is overtopped, some of the solution which is con-tained behind the dam is released. As this solution flows across the dam, it erodes a breach, As the breach deepen~. the more fluid portion of the deposited solids begins to flow.
This is normally the fines or slimes. This flow further erodes the breach. Very quickly the bulk of the fluid has drained from the basin and the flow reduces to a mere trickle. Unless there is a continuing flow of fluid into the basin, the "spill" has ended within a few hours. It is highly unlikely that more than a fraction of one percent of the stored solids would be released during an overtopping accident. The spill would be confined to the drain-age area below the dam. The harmful effects of the solution would be minimized by neutrali-zation and dilution. The solids which are slightly radioactive would be deposited along the creek bottom. After such an accident, the drainage area would be surveyed and harmf,ul concentrations of radiation would be collected and hauled to the tailing basin or covered in a safe dump nearer to where they are found. No immediate or long-term harmful effects have been attributed to the low levels of radiation contained in mill tailings. If they are placed in close proximity to man for long time periods, a harmful effect has been hypo-thesized.
- c. Circwnstances Which Could Cause Overfilling Overfilling of the basin could result from the following:
- A rainstorm or combination of snow melt and rain which would release the water equivalent of two years average precipi-tation over the 300-acre drainage area (Page 47) during a very brief time period and till the freeboard volume (625-acre feet).
- Failure to maintain the freeboard height du1*ing the critical period when the existing basin approaches its capacity in about five years thereby reducing the size of rainfall necessary for overtopping.
- An earthquake which would dislodge mine overburden which has been stored along the southwest Bide of the basin and cause it to move Jgto the basin displacing con-tained fluid and effectively increasing the volume of stored material within a few minutes,
- Wave action of the ponded water which could lower the height of the dam and allow drainage to begin, (This is espe-cially critical if the minimum 5-foot.
freebo, ~d height is not maintained.)
- Rupturing the tailing distribution line or improperly placing the discharge line so that it could erode the dam and cause a breach.
- d. Factors Which Reduce The Probablilty of Occurrence These factors are considered in the cate-gories of natural phenomena, basin characteris-tics, and operating procedure.
(1) Natural Phenomena The natural phenomena include events which could happen at some future date. (a) Rainfall - The area is semi-arid and has been so for many thousands of years as evidenced by the topography and soil characteristics. It is extremely unlikely that the climate will change significantly during the next 12 years. In order to fill the. minimum freeboard volume, the average total rainfall for two years would have to occur during a period of a week or so, clearly a most improbable situation. The soil conservation service has estimated that the two-year rainfall withi~ six hours is 1.3 inches and the fifty-year rainfall is 2.8 inches. Plotted on probability paper this results in an extrapolated 1,000-year rain in 6 hours of 4.2 inches. (Probability, 1:1,000.) It is extremely difficult to imagine that the 24-inch rainfall, even over several days, which would be required to overtop the 5-foot f~eeboard during the end of the life of the initial dam could occur. (b) E2rthquake - All of Wyoming, except for the western one-third, is in the Zone One seismic risk category. Zone one is defined as "minor damage; distant earthquakes may cause damage to structures with fundamental periods greater than 1.0 seconds; corresponds to intensities of V and VI of the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale of 1931," (see attached Figure 5). These intensities are not severe enough to displace waste material stored above the basin. The Modified Mercalli Scale is especially useful in that it is a measure of local reaction to the earthquake and not a measure of the magnitude of the earth-quake such as the Richter Scale reports. The intensity of the earth-quake varies with the distance from the epicenter and depends on the local ground conditions. (2) Basin Characteristics And Dam Construction Over 90% of the initial basin perimeter consists of the sides of the valley in which the basin is located. Less than lOi is man-made barrier. As the subsequent lifts are built, the ratio of natural to man-made barrier length will decrease for the first lift and then return to about 10% for the second lift. It is this man-made barrier of which we are concerned. The barrier is 20 feet wide at the top and made of compacted sandstone and siltstone. This construction is resistant but not impregnable to wave action and to erosion caused by the flow of solution over the surface. The top and downstream surfaces of the dam have been covered with topsoil and planted in native grasses to further resist erosion. By utilizing a clay-core, earth-fill construction and compacting the material, Humble has eliminated the possibility that the dam could liquify during an earthquake and fail. When operations cease, the
~eposited material will be covered with overburden and topsoil and reve-getated, A spillway will be cut through one of the natural sides of the basin at an elevation which will allow precipitation to drain before it can overtop the man-made side.
(3) Operating Procedures The basin will be filled from the upstream face of the dam. This will allow the coarser material to settle near the dam affording addi-tional protection from wave action while forcing the finer material and the water upstream, away from the dam. The dam will be inspected daily to assure that the beach is develop-ing properly and is being maintained 1 that the freeboard volume is protected, and that the discharge action of new tailings is not weakening the earth-fill dam. A minimum 5 feet of freeboard will be maintained during the time the basin is being filled. This free-board volume will be a minimum on the filling of the initial dam to its designed limit. On the subsequent lifts, the surface area of the basin increases and the volume associated with the lifts increases proportionally. The drainage area does not increase.
The additional 25-foot lifts will be built from compacted sand-stone from the mine overburden stripping program. Under emergency conditions this lift could be built to its total height according to specitications in about three days with the earth moving ~quipment existing at the property. (4) Other Mine waste has been atored on the *hillside south of the basin. This material is stored at less than its angle of repose. It can serve as an emergency source of fill material for building a new lift.
- e. Factors Which Tend to Reduce Environmental Impact Except for the top few feet of newly de-posited fines located upstream from the dam, both the coarse fraction and the older deposited fines will resist erosion by flowing solution.
The same is true for the earth-fill dam itself. The impounded water is released quietly if the dam is overtopped. Visual inspection of dams which were overtopped demonstrates that only a very small portion of the stored solids are released by such an incident. The solids arc only slightly radioactive and present no immediate or long-term hazard except under unique and unlikely conditions. Overtopping-type accidents would not occur after reclamation activities are complete due to the overflow weir which will drain off any accumulation of water. The soil in the area is naturally alkaline. The natural limestone will neutralize the acid in the slurry as it flows down the drainage. As tl1e pH increases to neutral, the radioactive ions present will precipitate out. If the overtopping is due to abnormal rainfall, there will be much ~*ater in the area below the dam which will dilute the released solution to the point where it is harmless. Should such an accident occur, the area affected would be surveyed in conjunction with the AEC and the state Health Department to see if harmful concentrations of radioa~tivity exist due to the spilled material. Potentially harmful radioactive material concentrations will be dug and rendered safe by burying or returned to the basin.
- f. Probabilities of Occurrence Let it be recognized at the outset that Humble knows of no established procedure for developing the probabilities of occurrence for the five hypothetical events which could.result in overtopping the dam. The probabilities listed below are, therefore, purely qualitative estimates. The probabilities mean the chances of occurrence of the event during the 12-year life of the operation.
(1) Overtopping Due to Rainfall This type of occurrence could only result if a climatic change occurs. It is impossible to place any meaningful odds on this type of occurrence, (2) Failure to Maintain Freeboard This condition would result only if one of two conditions ~xist, both of which are clearly against operating poli~y. One is deliberate management decision to reduce this height and the other is negli-gence on the part of management. Each of these has a probability of occurrence of less than 1 in 10,000. The possibility of damage in this manner ends when
. operation ceases and the reclamation is complete as a spillway will be installed which will carry off any water before it can accumulate.
(3) Earth1uake Dislod,os Mine Overburden And D splaces Tai ings Because this overburden will not accumulate a significant amount of moisture due to the coarse grain and particle sizes, they will not liquify no matter what severity of earthquake occurs. The earthquake would have to be severe enough to throw the waste into the basin. Earthquakes on this ~everity are unknown iu Wyoming. It is impossible to place any meaningful odds on this occurrence. (4) Wave Action Which Erodes the Dam The frceboard height, the 20-foot thickness or the top of the dam, and the beach of coarser tailing which will be deposited at the upstream face of the dam make the probability of failure due to wave action extremely remote, A prob-ability of less than l in 10,000 is assigned, (5) Erosion of the Dam by Flowing Tailings There is a near certainty that some-time during the life of the operation, a flow of tailing from a broken distribu-tion pipeline will begin to erode the upstream face of the dam. Because of the thickness of the dam, the materials and technique of const~uction, and the manner in which the distribution and discharge line will be placed and handled, the prob-ability of breac~ing the dam in this manner is remote. Nevertheless, this con-stitutes the gr~atest risk of damaging the integrity of the dam and, therefore, a probability l in 1,000 is assigned. The magnitude or possible damage is slight. Again the possibility of damage in this manner ends when operations cease.
- 2. Structural Failure Due to Loading of Dam By Contained Material
- a. Description of Hypothetical Event The material sto~ed behind the dam generates such a pressure that it burst8 the dam~
- b. Extent of Environmental Impact It is difficult to imagine this type of failure but it is probable that should it occur there would be a great enough energy release that 1cr:. of the ~tored material would be re-leased to flow down the drainage. The chemical and radioactive characteristics of this material has been descri~ed in the original report. The amount of acidified solution which would be released i~ the same as the previou~ example. The amoun~ of solids is significantly greater.
- c. Factors Which Reduce the Probability of Occurrence This typ~ oJ i'ailun.* v.ould be 01* concern if the dam we1*e poorly designed or improperly constructed. The darn was designed after a careful !it udy wa~ made of tlw ground condition is in the dam abutm~nt arens and of the material available for dam construction. The construc-tion activities were carefully monitored and t~e construction material sampled~ lt should be noted that by far the great majority of the mill tailing dams in existence in the world are not designed structure~. Jlowc,:ea*, u~ing the
\
' . \ . .... . (
proper operating techniques, they are very stable and failures of the dams are few, usually resulting from operator failure com-
- bined with an unusual rainfall.
Analysis of the data collected during construction shows that the constructed dam exceeded both the design and the AEC require-ments fo1* upstream face safety factor. The downstream face exceeds the AEC stability requirements. It meets the AEC geometry requirements and the materials of construction are superior to those listed by the AEC for cohesion and phi-angle. By filling the basin from the face, additional mass is added to the dam which increases its strength. The coarseness of the stored material does not lend itself to easy flc,wage. After filling is complete, the water contained within the pore spaces of the tail-ing will gradually be transpired and the possibility ot' failure of this type will be reduced to zero.
- d. Factors Which Reduce Environmental Impact Except for the fact that larger volwnes of solids will be released, (but the same amount of liquid) these factors are the same as listed above for the overtopping-type accident. Although a small portion of the solids way flow down the drainage, most of the solids would remain within the restricted area.
- e. Probability of Occurrence Humble considers the probability of this type of accident to be extremely remote. A probability of 1 in 10,000 is estimated during the active life of the dam and gradually changing to 1 in infinity with time after operations cease,
- 3. Structural Failure Due to Earthquake
- a. Description of Hypothetical Event A severe earthquake could cause failure of the sto~age syst~m by either of two mechanisms in addition to the indirect cause discussed above. The most obvious is to rend the dam and allow the contents to spill. The second mechanism is to cause the dam and its contents to liquify and flow.
,r
- b. Extent of Environmental Impact Should such an event occur, it is possible that about 10% of the solids and all of the ponded solution in the basin would be released. The chemical and radio-logical characteristics of this material bas been described. The extent of the environ-mental impact would be the same as the previous hypothetical event.
- c. Circumstances Which Contribute to the Event The first circumstance is, of course, an earthquake of fairly great intensity to cause a significant movement in the area in which the dam is located. This could be evident as opening and movement of the ground. The secund would be that the construction of the dam and the condition of the stored material would allow the liquefaction of the dam and its contents by earthquake energy.
- d. Factors Which Reduce The ProbabiiltY or Occurrence Although there are no steps which can be taken to reduce the probability of an earth-quake, the construction of the dam and the operating techniques will reduce the prob-ability that an earthquake of any given intensity will cause a breach in the reservoir or liquefaction.
The dam itself is designed with a 0.05 earthquake loading and it still has a safety factor of 1.65 compared with a safety factor of 1.29 for an embankment designed according to AEC specifications. Liquefaction can occur if the soil is saturated and in the 80 to 280 mesh size range. A sudden input of energy from an earthquake or a sonic boom could cause the grains in these soils to shift and become fluid. The earth 4 fill dam has been designed and constructed to resist liquefaction. The sands placed up against the upstream face will not liquify because they
- nre too coarse. The dam is in a Zone One earth-quake risk area which results in a low fre-quency of earthquakes and of minor intensity.
- e. Factors Which Reduce the Environmental Impact These factors at*e the same as those for structural failure due to loading,
- f. Probability of Occurrence Humble believes that failure due to either of these earthquake related mechanisms to be so remote as to be unestimable.
B. Fire in Solvent Extraction
- 1. Description of Hypothetical Event Within the solvent extraction building, there are eight mixer-settler units used in the process as described in the Environmental Report. These units contain an organic phase located on top of -
an aqueous phase. The organic phase could catch on fire producing a voluminous black smoke, possibly releasing a small amount of natural uranium to the atmosphere by mechanical entrapment in the smoke.
- 2. Extent of Environmental Impact The organic (high flash point kerosine) layer on the S-X units at any given time consists of ,
about 60,000 gallons of kerosine containing about 600 pounds of uranium as U30g. The effect of the kerosine fire on the environment would be extremely slight except within a few hundred feet of the S-X building. BE~'f AVAIIJBUI COPY Any uranilun that was mechanically carried into the smoke would be dispersed over the same area as the carbon soot. Because of its low level of radio-activity, it would not present any environmental problem. After a uranium solvent extraction unit fire, the area around the burned building was sampled at 100 feet and one-fourth mile from the fire. No - detectable uranium was found. (Personal communica-tion, 11111 Superintenden_t, Petrotomics, 12-3-71.)
- 3. Circumstances Which Contribute to the Event As far as is known, there is no spontaneous combustion or other process-related fires possible in the solvent-extraction process as will be practiced at Highland. The most probable cause of a fire will be ignition due to carelessness on the part of an operator or repairman.
- 4. Factors Which Reduce the Probability of Occurrence No smoking or open fires will be allowed in the,S-X building including the attached precipi-tation area.
Maintenance work will be carefully scrutinized and any cutting or spark-producing operations will be performed away from the area. Maintenance will be performed only after a permit is issued by a responsible supervisor certifying that the work can be done safely. All personnel will be constantly reminded of the potential hazard. The kerosine used will be a high flash point (1650 F) cut. The solvent extraction temperature will be ambient (35° - 10° F) and the stripping temperature will be 85° F. The S-X building is remote from other process-ing operations. Steam heaters are used for process and area* heat.
- 5. Factors Which Tend to Reduce The Environmental Impact In the event of a fire in the S-X building, all mixers and pumps will be de-energized to prevent the advance of the organic and the possible spread of the fire. No gravity advance of organic is possible.
A water-flooding system will be installed which will displace the kerosine through an overflow system. The system will be trapped to prevent fire propagation in either direction. Ultimately, the organic will be collected in an open basin outside of the S-X building. This removes most of the fuel from the fi~e. The maximum amount of fuel avail-able is 60,000 gallons. The area is remote.
- 6. Probability of Occurrence The probability of occurrence is difficult to predict. There have been two fires within the last five years or so, both relating to maintenance and both preventable by proper maintenance planning.
A probability of 1 fire per 200 years of operation is postulated. The probability of a fire producing a significant environmental impact is nil.
- c. Transportation Accident Involving Yellow Cake
- 1. Description of HyJ??thetical Events The truck or train hauling the yellow cake to the uranium hexafluoride plant could be involved in a collision 01* an accident, releasing yellow cake concentrate. A second type incident might be the theft of a barrel or shipment of yellow cake.
- 2. Extent of Environmental Impact The extent of the environmental irnpact of a transportation accident involving the product from Highland would vary from none to small. This would depend upon the severity of the accident and the number of barrels which would be broken open in the accident. Normal shipments are 4o;ooo pounds ot contained U30s* It would be extremely unusual tor an accident to break all of the drums or spread the yellow cake over as much as 20 acres.
Normally, a damaged barrel will remain within the truck or railroad car even in an accident. Theft 6f a drum might result in the dissemina-tion of uncontrolled material in an unrestricted area.
- 3. Factors That Tend to Reduce Environmental Impact
- a. Identification of Product Each barrel is labeled wlth the yellow and magenta radioactivity label and each truck and railroad car similarly labeled. "Destruc-tion Free 11 railroad cars will be used. These cars utilize an improved method of stabilizing the barrels and eliminates barrel breakage during normal car movement and even minor accidents.
The product is easily detected and can be collected if spilled from its container by its distinctive color and through the use of scintalation counters. B~~r AVMIABrn tOPY There is no market for yellow cake except by and through licensed organizations. This makes it impossible for unlicensed personnel to make a profit from theft. The drums weigh 500 to 1,000 pounds making frivolous theft difficult. Drums are sealed prior to shipment.
- b. Packaging The product will be packaged in new, sturdy 18 - gauge drums fabricated for bung-hole filling. The threaded bungs will seal the barr~ls tightly and reduce the possibility of leakage.
- c. Transportation The product will be transpor.ted from the mill to the railroad car or to the hexafluoride plant in licensed carriers or by Humble per-sonnel. "Destruction Free" railroad cars will be used,
- 4. Probability of Accident Occurrence Tbe probability of accident occurrence varies greatly with the severity of the accident. The probability that any single barrel which is new
-and properly sea led wi l 1 leak on the way to the conversion plant is nil. Barrel leakage is usually due to the use of used or weak barrels.
This type of leak is fully contained within the truck or box car. It can easily be cleaned up and no environmental impact occurs. The "destructi.on free" cars currently specified for shipment protect the drums to some extent even if the car is derailed. The odds that any ship-ment will be involved in an accident to a point where some yellow cake reaches the environment is postulated about 1 in 1,000. The odds that most of a 40,000-pound shipment will be released to the area around the accident are probably 1 in 100,000 or more. The odds that a spill of, any magnitude could not be cleaned up and affect the environment are nil. There has not been an accident of this type in over 10 years. The probability of thef*t of a drum or more of yellow cake is postulated at 1 in 10,000. IV. BENEFITS The discussion of the benefits of the Highland Project will be divided into two sections, Economic Benefits and Other Benefits. A. Economic Benefits The economic benefits of the Highland Project will accrue to the population of the entire United States as well as to the employees of the C~mpany.
- 1. Production of Fuel The uranium concentrate produced at Blgbland over the 12-year life will provide energy compara-ble to about one-fourth of the current consumption of electrical energy in the United States considering present technology and efficiency of reactors.
This quantity of electricity produced in conven-tional fossil fuel power plants would require trillions of cubic feet of natural gas, billions of barrels of oil, or hundr-eds of millions of tons of coa 1. The energy forecasts (see Environmental Report) clearly demonstrate the expanding need for energy, Nuclear fuel must be called- upon to supply a portion of this need.
- 2. Employment The Project will result in employment by Humble and by the stripping contractor for about 170
people for the life of the Project. Employment opportunities in the area are low and the popu-lation has been decreasing over the past several decades. Additionally, there will be jobs generated in the support and service industries in the state. About 150 construction personnel are being employed over the 15-month mill construction schedule.
- 3. Ta,ces The Project will result in a significant
~ddition to the state and local tax base.
- 4. !!!_vestment Opportunity The Project is an economically attractive business activity !or Humble and marks the entrance of another viable competitor into the uranium industry.
- 5. Ranchers Leasing the surface to Humble results in a greater return to the landowners than could be
*obtained from cattle or sheep ranching,
.79 ..
B. Geograehical Improvement The road system into this area is being improved. One project has been completed, two are currently underway, and the fourth will be started and completed during 1972. Humble has contributed $125,000 to a matching fund project to allow early completion of one of the above projects. This contribution was the county's share of the project as the county did not have the funds available. There will be nn increase in the population of th~ general area, mostly in Douglas and Glenrock. As there are no townsites or plans for them in the 20 miles around the mine, the population density around the mine should not increase. The revegetation program will develop an improved grass cover for the disturbed area. The disturbed areas will be reclaimed when mining ceases and stabilized to prevent soil erosion. The cut-off dams above the tailing pond area will reduce the amount of run-off water that is mi~ed with the acidified mill solution. Use of ground water for uranium milling results in a greater value product per gallon of water used than any agricultural activity. The two residual lakes will contain fresh water and may improve the recreational value of the area. R£CEIVED UNITED STATES DEC 2 0 19 / 1 ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISS~,1..,... ,.* raff
' WASHINGTON O C :11-.4'>
JOHN L. Loms. JR. DNL:Ml:DH (40~102) DEC 8 1971 Hmble Oil and Refining Company ATTN: Mr. John L. Loftis, Jr. General Manager Minerals Department P. 0, Box 2180 Houston, Texas 77001 Gentlemen: We have reviewed the enviromnental report submitted with your application for an AEC license to autmrize uranium milling in Converse County, Wyoming, and have the following comments: V 1. The report should be supplemented with more details on the proposed lakes to be created as a result of not backfilling mining pits, The informatlon in the report on the proposed lakes is insufficient to provide a clear understanding of the appearance of the mining area upon termination of mining activities.
- 2. The report should be suppleme*nted with a more detailed quantitative assessment of the environmental impact associated with the;-eewage disposal system and the waste disposal dump.
- 3. The report should include a cost-benefit analysis ( as a separate section) which considers and balances the environmental effects of the proposed activities and the alternatives available for reducing or avoiding adverse environmental effects, as well as the environmen-tal, economic, technical and other benefits of the proposed activities, 4., The report should be supplemented to quantitatively identify the major non-radioactive chemical constituents released into the air environment and provide an assessment of the environmental impact resulting from such releases. This should include confirmation that environmerital samples will be assayed for rmajor chemical constituents, as well as the various radioactive constituents (uranium, radium 226, thorium 230 and rado,~) from UDE to time.
S. The report should be supplemented with a more detailed assessment of potential environmental effects which could result from accidents. This should include: (a) an operating accident analysis, including a discussion of the probability and impact of accidents which might occur FIGURE 1, PAGE l llfJTAVMIAIIU[OttY
Rumble Oil and Refining Company (for exaq,le. a fire in the solvent eJ1:traction building or a tailings dike failure); and (b) a transportation accident anal)'sis involving product shipping (including an assessment of the probability of such an accident and the associated environ111ental impact). 6, A technical and financial feasibility assessment on tailings stabili-zation should be included in the report, This should include a discus-sion of; (a) financial arranseaents to be made to insure that.funds will be available for completing the stabilization project when milling activities are over; (b) provisions for acquiring ownership of the pro~rty (if not al~eady owned) on which the tailings will be stored; and (c) the arrangements to be made (such as bonding, etc.) whereby positive'binding requirelllf!nts will be established to achieve tailings stabilization and long term control over the tailings upon termination of milling activ:ltieu. Please let me koow if you have any further questions concerning the above. Sincerely,
~--f c ,vJJ......-
J~*s C, Malato Asei tant Chief Hate ials Branch D sion of Materials Licensing IIES'f 11V1ULAIILE COPY FIGUR~ 1, PAGE 2
he.II Sec.21 SN.12 INl!ft TIINT P'~NCE FINAL MINE AREA . r;.:i j ~ j S.c.27 Qi:::=-iil*poo P'~ET
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- 0YER8UltDEN RECLAIMED OVEtaU*DN AIIEA A*EA
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0 r FINAL PIT AFTER SHAPING THE BANKS l> 3C
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FIGURE 4 - RECLAIMING TAILINGS POND Surface area of pond with dam crest at 5,225' (allowing for 5' freeboard)
- 209.8 acres
- 9.140 It ft 2 Reclamation plan - fill with 18" overburden+ 6" topsoil, then seed (including fertilizer and mulch)
Cu.Yds. Total overburden - (9.141l ft 2 x 1.5 ft.)+ 27 ft3/cu.yd.
- 508M Total topsoil* (9.14 I ft 2 x 0.5 ft.);. 27 ft3/cu.yd. - 16914 677M Assume stripping cost of 29~/yd for overburden and topsoil Cost for covering pond* 677 M cu. yds. x $29/cu.yd. * $196M Seeding, fertilizer & mulch@ $75/acre (actual cost of Dump No. 1 was $75/acre) x 209.8 acres - 16M Total $212M or about $1,000/acre Material should be placed onto pond area during winter when pond is frozen. Two consultants have been contacted to discuss this approach and concur that it is feasible.
FIGURE 5 - Ma>IFIED MERCALLI INTENSITY (DAMAGE) Sr.ALE OF 1931 (abridged) (Obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) I. Not felt except by very fe~ under especially favorable circumstances. II. Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors of buildings. Delicately suspended objects may swing. III. Felt quite noticeably indoors, especially on upper floors of buildings, but many people do not recognize it as an earthquake. Standing motorcars may rock slightly. Vibration like passing truck. Duration estimated. IV. During the day felt indoors by many; outdoors by few. At night some awakened. Dlshes, windows and doors disturbed; walh snake creaking sound. Sensation like heavy truck striking building. Standing motorcars ro~ked noticeably,
- v. Felt by nearly everyone; many awakened. Some dishes, windows, etc., broken; a few instances of cracked plaster; unstable objects overturned.* Disturbances of trees, poles, and other tall objects sometimes noticed. Pendulutl\ clocks may stop.
Vl. Felt by all; many frightened and run outdoors. Some heavy furniture moved; a few insta,~ces of fallen plaster or damaged chimneys. Damage slight. VII. Everybody runs outdoors. Damage negligible in buildings of good design and construction; slight to moderate in well-built ordinary structures; considerable i~ poorly built or badly designed structures. Some chimneys broken. ?<loticed by persons driving motorcars. VIII. Damage slight in specially designed structures; considerable in ordinary sub* stantial buildings, with partial collapse; great in poorly built structures. Panel walls thrown out of frame structures. Fall of chimneys, factory stacksJ columns, monuments, walls. Heavy furniture overturned. Sand and mud ejected in small amounts. Changes ln well water. Persons drlving motorcars disturbed. IX. D&111age considerable in specially designed structures; well-designed frame
'structures thrown out of plumb; great in substantial buildings, with partial collapse. Buildings shifted off foundations. Ground .cracked conspicuously.
Underground pipes broken. X. SD111e well-built wooden structures destroyed; most masonry and frame structures destroyed with foundations; ground badly cracked. Rails bent. Landslides considerable from river banks and steep slopes. ~hifted sand and mud. Water splashed (slopped) over banks, XI. Few. if any (masonry), structures re1114in standing. Bridges destroyed. Broad fissures in ground. Underground pipelines completely out of service:. Earth slumps and land slips in soft ground. Rails bent greatly. XII, Damage total. Waves seen on ground surfaces. Lines of sight and level dis-torted. Objects thrown upward into the air,
H l T M B I.. I: () I L &. R E F I N I N G (' (> M I' A N Y ll()("~T<IN, 1'1:XA:?- *new, MINElt"'LII OEP'ARTMENT Pas, Ott t*.l IIUA 1111\I P"UL TIIJ<<t LL
. . . . . . . JI ... _ ""' . . . . . . . . . August 28, 1972 ......,.,.,.~,. *~, ........
W N,L,.LUI C'*P'.tlA1 .*:.11rt11 ""- *. * ,t *
- u. s. Atomic Energy Commission Washington, DC 20545 Attention Mr. James C. Malaro, Chief Materials Branch Directorate of .Licensing Gentlemen:
The attached report presents the responses by Humble Oil & Refining Company to the comments received by the Atomic Energy Commi_ssion on Humble'.s Environmental Report and the Commis-sion's Draft Environmental Statement for the Highland Uranium Mill. Yours very truly, J. Paul Tidwell GDO:vjg Attachment 9706270079 7aoaa PDR ADOCK 04008102 C PDR 111!~'1' 11fMWl! ~ll~f I I I i _j
APPLICANT'S RESPONSE AGENCY COMMENTS ON DRAFT STATEMENT - HIGHLAND URANIUM MILL DOCKET NO. 40-8102 SUBMITTED BV HUMILI OIL & IIFINING COMPANY MINERALS DEPARTMENT P.O. BOX 2180 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77001
~70010045~ 720828 PDR ADOCK 04008102 AUGUST 1972 C PDR
________________"_J
APPLICANT'S RESPONSE AGENCY COMP.1ENTS ON DRAFT STATEMENT HIGHLAND URANIUM MILL DOCKET NO. 40-8102 SUBMITTED BY HUMILI OIL & llflNINO COMPANY MINERALS DEPARTMENT P.O. BOX 2180 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77001 A lJ(;lJST 1972
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF EXHIBITS * . . . . .. .... .. . . iv INDEX * * * ... ... * * * . ....* * ... . V I. RECLAMATION OF DISTURBED LAND . * * * * . .. * * *
- I A. Revegetation. . . . . . . . ..... .. .. 1 B. Side Slopes . . . . . . ..... . . . . . 2 C~ Residual Lakes. . . . . . . . * . . . . . ..* . 3
- l. Reclamation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
- 2. Residual Radioactivity. . . .. . .* . 4
- a. Texas Situation * . . . . . . . ....
Highland Situation. . 4 b, 5 (~ . Conclusions . ... 7 D. Reservoir Filling with Sediment ** . . 7 E, Net Eff~ct . . . * . ..' ....... .. 8 II. RELEASES OF RADIOACTIVE AND NONRADIOACTIVE MATERIALS TO THE AIR . . ... . . ~ 9 A. Exposures Resulting from Dust Collector Discharges. , . . * . * .. 9 B. Radon Release from Tailing Pond . . . .. . . 10
- c. Total Annual Emissions. , . . . I *
- I 11 II I. TAILING DAM STABILITY AND SEEPAGE 13
* * ,w .. *
- A. Structural Stability of Ultimate Darn, 13 I. Design of Lifts . * * . , . . * * . . 13
- 2. Clay Core ** , . . . . * . * . 13 3, Inspection Program for Dam * * * * * * * *
- 14 i
I Page I B. Seepage from Tailings Reservoir. .. 15
- 1. Seepage Estimates . . ... ..... 15 I 2.
- 3. Seepage Basin. . . . . . . . . .. .. ..
Adequacy of Monitor Well System. 15
- c. Soil Characteristics.
I 17 19 I
- 1. Acid Consumpt:f.on. . . . .. . ..
- 2. Sorption of Heavy Metals. . ... .. . 19 20 I
D. Alternatives to Accumulation of Waste * .* .. 21 I IV. TAILING STABILIZATION AND P~ClAMATION. .*.*.* A, Stabilization. * *
- I ... * . . . . .
22 22 I
- 1. Slime Accumulations . . . . . . ...
- 2. Solidification of Tailings. . .
- 3. Size Problems . . . . . * .
22 23 I 24
- 4. Basin Overflow During Reclamation . . * * *
- 5. Wind Blown Dust *.* . * . * . . . * . * .
- 24 24 I B. Reclaimed Surface Condition. . . . . * .
- l. Radiation and Radon. * * . . * . . . * .
- 25 25 I
- 2. Vegetation. * . . . . . . . ... . . . 26
- c. Fifty-Year Restriction. . . . . . . . . . . * . 27 I
- v. MINE DEWATERING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ... 28 I A. Present Situation and Projections. . . ....
B. Effect of Dewatering on Supply. . ....* .. 28 29 I
- c. Effect of Mining Activity on Water Quality. .* 32 11 D. Return of Any Released Water to Ground Water . ..
. . . . . * .... 33 I
VI. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ..*. ... . A, Biota Sampling and Analysis
*
- 35 35 I
I 1 B1~~1 AVMIABI! tOPf ii I I
B. Biota Inventory .... ... .
' 36
- c. Noise .. .. .... . .. ... ...' . 37 VII. GENERAL * * * * * & * *
' . *
- e e e I * * *
- It
- 38 A. Waste Disposal . * * . * * * * * * . ... .. . 38 B .. Hlstoric and Archeological Finds. ' ...... 38
- c. Future of Sheep Ranching * * * * * . . ** . . 38 Purpose of Fence. . . . * * . * * * * * . . *
- 39 E, Rare or Endangered Species * * . * * * * * * *
- 39 F, Migratory Waterfowl . * . * * . * * * . * * *
- 40 iii
I
-TABLE or EXHIBITS I Er.hibit I Reservoir Filling Calculation I
Exhibit II Figure l Exposure Calculation (Dust Colle~tors) Equation and Assumptions I Figure 2 Calculation of Radionuclide Concentrations I Figure 3 Summary of Exposure Calculations Exhioit III Expusure Calculations (Radon Released from I Figure 1 Tailing Pond) Representation of Area Source I Exhibit IV Letter f~om Dames & Moore, August 10, 1972 I Exhibit V Stratigraphic Cross Section I I I I I I I 1 1 iv I Bl!~'l Al 1U1ADti tOPY I
INDEX OF R&c:iPONSE TO COMMENTS Comments bf the Atomic Energy Commission Comment Number Section Page 1 IV-A, l and 2 22 IV-8, 2 26 2 lll-B, 1 and 2 15 3 V-A 28 V-D 33 4 II-A 9 II-B 10 5 I-A 1 IV**B, 2 26 6 IV-B, l 25 7 11-B 10 f4 V-8 29 9 1-B 2 I-C 3 1-1) 7 10 VI-A 35 11 IV-A, 3 24 IV-A, 4 24 12 I I I-A, 3 14 13 VII-B 38 B&~'I' AVAIIAIIUl m,r V
Comments bl Environmental Protection A1enct I Comment Number Mining Section Page I Page l, par. 3 Question 1 v-c 32 I Question 2 V-B 29 Question 3 Question 4 V-B
- v-e 29 29 I
Page 2, par. l v-c V-D 32 33 I Page 2, par. 2 V-C 32 I Environmental Monitoring Page 2, par. 4 I VI-A 35 Page 2, par. 5 VI-B 36 I Page 2, par. 6 II-C Page 3, par. l II-A 11 9 I Exhibit II, Figure 3 45 I Tailings Retention I Page 3, par, 2 III-B, l III-C 15 19 I Page 3_, par. 3 III-B, 3 17 Page 3, par. 4 III-B, 2 15 I V-B 29 Page 4, par. 1 III-A, III-A, 1 2 13 13 I III-B, 1 III-B, 3 15 17 I I 1 vi I UES1 1\Vlll~lBLE COPY I I _J
Conunent Number Section Pa.s:e Tailings Retention Page 4, pai-. 2 IV-B, 1 25 Reclamation Page 5, p l I-B 2 1-C, l 3 IV-A, l 22 General Page 5, par. 2 VI-C 37 Page 5, par. 3 VII-A 38 Page 5, pal'. 4 VII-A 38 Comments by Department of Transportation No reply required Comments by Department of Commei*ce Pnr. 3 111-B 15 Comments by Forest Service, u.s.o.A. No reply required Comments by Soil Conservation Service, u.s.D.A. l IV-C 27 2 VII-E 39 vii Hll~1' AVAILAHil COPY
COlDIDents by Soil Conservation serviceJ contd. 1* Comment Number Section Pa1e I VII-F 3 4 IV-A, 5 40 24 I
- 5. I-B 2 I 6 VII-C 38 7 I-E VII-C 8
38 I I Comments by Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Par. 4 VII-B 38 I I Comments by Department of Army, Corps of Engineers No reply required I I Comments by Texas State Department of Health Page 2, par. 2 1-C, 2 4 I I Comments by Department of Health, Education, and Welfare J No reply required I Comments by Environmental Protection Agency National Water Quality Laboratory - Duluth, MN I No reply required I viii I I
Commc.>ntH by Game o.nd Fish Commission, State of Wyoming Comment Number Section J>:1gc Page 1, par, 2 VII-D 39 Page 2, par, 1 VI-8 36 Page 2, par. 3 I-A l I-C, 1 3 Page 2, par. 4 IV-C 27 Comments by Department of Interior Hrdrolo&l'. Pagel, par. 4 V-A 28 V-B 29 VI-A 35 Noise Page l , par. 5 VI-C 37 Impacts on Wildlife Page 2, par. l 1-E 8 Histo1*ica l & ArcheologJcal Siinificanc~ Pa~e 2, par. 2 VII-B 38 l>a~c 2, pa1*. :i VII-B 38 ur~, AVMIABtHOPY ix 1
I I RF.cLAMAT ION OF DISTURBED lAND (This section responds to the following comments: AEC #5, 9; EPA p,5, par. l; Interior p. 2, par. l; SCS #5, 7: Wyoming Game & Fish Commission, .P. 2, par. 3, 5; and Texas Dept. of Health.) A, Revegetation The two grass mixtures described in Table l were recommended by the Upper Cheyenne District of the Soil Conservation Service and are currently under test for Highland revegetation. Both mixtures were recommended for grazing as well as sufficient root depth for soil stabilization. Mixture No. l has been TABLE 1 SEED MIXTURES BEING TESTED AT HIGHLAND URANIUM MINE & MILL SITE Pounds Seed Per Acre Mixture No. 1 Mixture No. 2 Western Wheat Grass 9 3 Crested Wheat Grass - . 5 Yellow Clover ! 3 3 Russian Wild Rye ij - 3 I! i planted on the top and downstreaa face of the tailings I dam and on four areas of waste dump No. 1. Mixture No. 2 has been planted on four areas of waste dump I No. l. I Although either ot the above mixtures will probably be satisfactory tor revegetation of most reclaimed I areas, final determination of the best plant types for each area will be made after furtner study, testing, I and consultation with the Soil Conservation Service, I the Wyoming Gaae and 1ish Commission, and other agencies with expertise in the science of land reclamation. I The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission has pointed out the need for shrubs and forbs to satisfy the I animals' needs. The possibility of seeding these types I of plants will be investigated. B. Side Slopes I Mine waste dump Mo. 1 was contoured with side I slopes as steep as 2 horizontal to 1 vertical after surveys showed that naturally occurring 2 to l slopes I in the Highland area are stable and not subject to erosion problems. However, discing and dri }ling g1*ai,.s I seed into these slopes proved difficult, and they I were seeded by hand. The more recent dumps have been I I I I
contoured with more gentle slopes in the 2-1/2 to l and 3 to 1 range. No structural stability problems or erosion problems have been encountered on the 2 to 1 slopes. Reclamation of all slopes is described on page 79 of the Applicant's Environmental Report and pages 2 and 3, and 19 to 22 of the Supplement. The reclamation plan remains flexible and will be adjusted if problems appear. Any possible stability problems will be obvious and can be corrected long before final reclamation begins. C. Residual Lakes The location of the residual lakes is s~own in Figure 4 of Exhibit A of the Environmental Report and in Figure 2 of the Supplement. The northernmost of the two lakes is located on a topographic high and will, therefore, collect no runoff or sediment. The southern-most is in a drainage path and would be expected to collect sediment.
- 1. Reclamation The reclamation of these two residual lake areas will be planned in conjunction with the agency which would take over the land if such arrangements are made. It is Humble's intention that the area have the maximum residual value l'ol' I whatever the final use and Humble will direct the reclamation expenditures toward this end. Adjust-I
. ments in current thinking will most certainly be I made as to selection of grasses, shrubs, and forbs for revegetation; side slope& and use and location I of rip-rap; and access to the sites. Humble recognizes that adequate, safe access to the lake~
I is necessary if their final use is for recreational I purposes.
- 2. Residual Radioactivitl I
The Texas Department of Health has noted a I problem with radioactivity in the water contained in uraniwn pit mines in South Texas and pointed to I a possible similar problem in the residual lakes at Highland. I
- a. Texas Situstion I
Bumble has investigated the situation at I the Felder #1 and McLean #1 mines described by the Texas Departaent of Health. I The Texas mines have not been reclaimed, Mining is not yet complete, and the pits are I being used for temporary water storage. I I I I
Ground water seeps through the pit walls and some rainfall accumulates in the pits. Some of the radioactivity in the water present in the pits comes from the influx of naturally radioactive g1*ound water. Anai.yses o! water produced fJ*om wells in the vicinity of the mines shows that some of the ground water contain!!! as much as 17 x 10*8 pCi/ml Ra22 6 , or 5.7 times MJ>C for discharge to unrestricted areas. Also, leaching of urnnium and its daughter products is occurring in th~ pits, since high* grade uranium ore containing substantial quantities of pyrite (a source of sulfuric acid) is exposed to atmospheric oxidation over large areas of the pit_walls. Under the existing conditions, radionuclide concentrations in water in those pits in excess of MPC must .be expected.
- b. Highland Situation At Highland, the radionuclide content of the ground wate2* is low. The Highland well water monito1*ing program was expanded in mid-1971 to include radium-226 and thorium-230 analyses. The highest single analysis for I radium was 1.1 x 10-8 pCi/ml or 36% MPC. The average value for radium was about 0.3 x I
10-8 pCi/ml or 10% MPC. Tborium-230 concen-trations have averaged about l.5J UPC and the I highest concentration obse~ved is less than I 51i IIPC
- Also, at Highland the ore-grade material I
will be completely mined and removed from the final one or two pits that will not be com-I pletely backfilled. No water accumulation I will be present in the pits at the time the upper part of the pit walls is blasted into the I pit as described in the Draft Statement. Any uranium ainerals remaining exposed at termina-I tion of mining will be covered by at least I several feet of the rock and soil blasted down from the upper part of the pit walls. Thus, I no uranium minerals will be exposed to atmo-spheric oxidation and the water which fills I the reclaimed pit should not contain radio- I active materials in excess of the MPC for dis-charge in unrestricted areas. I I I I I
- c. Conclusions The differen~es in mineralogy, operational techni~ues, and the natural radionuclide .con-tent of the ground water support our belief
. that the Texas situation is not analogous to H1ghland--that no problem with radioactivity will result when the Highland lakes are formed.
The ground water and mine wateJ* monitoring program will warn~, any tendency to leach any radionticlides or underiiirahle salts and allow app1*opriate reclamation to avoid any possible problem. D. Reservoir Filling with Sediment Th!: arainage area from w~ich watel' would flow into the southernmost lake includes 2,500 acres. The pit volume would be about 20 million cubic yards. It is estimated (Exhibit I) that between 300 and 400 years would be required to fill this reservoir and the run-off area would be lowered by an average of about 5 feet if sheet erosion occurs. Because of the original depth of the lake, it should be quite deep and useful for many yeni*s. E. Net Effect I The reclaimed ground condition will be different but certainly no worse than that existing before I Rumble began developing the mine. The quality of the I: vegetation will probably be improved and the two residual lakes will enhance the value of the area for I either ranching or recreational uses. The v.*ildli,fe species displaced by the project are I principally the smaller, short-ranging animals such I the rodents and snakes, whose nesting areas would be destroyed by the mining activities. Although it may I appear that larger species such as antelope and deer are also displaced, the opposite may be true. The I site fence prevents grazing by sheep. This factor, I combined with the revegetation of disturbed land areas may actually increase the forage for the larger I grazing species. After reclamation, the quality of vegetation will I be at least equal to that in surrounding areas, and I ecological equilibrium similar to that existing prior to mining should quickly be reestablished, I I I I I I
RELEASES OF RADIOACTIVE AND II. N~RADJOACTIVE MATERIALS TO THE AIR (This section responds to the following comments: AEC #4, 7; EPA p. 2, par. 6; p. 3, par, 1.) A. Exposu)4es Resulting from Dust Collector Discha,:oges The concentrations of radioactive materials in air and the exposures to individuals resulting from dis-charge of dust from the Highland milling operation have been recalculated by the method recommended by the AEC'r; meteorological consu-ltant in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (see Exhibit II). In the original Exhibit Hof the Applicant's Environmental Report; the modified Bosanquet method was used to estimate the concentrations of airborne materials at various distances downwind from the mill. In the recalculation, the average annual concentration of' airborne radionuclides at the edge of the restricted area was calculated for each of the 16 sectors of the wind rose using the frequencies nnd the annual average wind velocities for the sectors ns obtained from wellther bureau data for Cnspor.1 l . Climatography of the United States, No. 82-48, Summary of Hourly Observations, Cni-;per, Wyoming. The equation used for calculating the annual average I concentrations of the radionuclides is given on page 405 of the publication Meteorology and Atomic Energy - 1968, I an AEC publication. The same equation can be derived I from equations 5.13 and 5.15, page 38, of the Handbook for Atmospheric Dispersion Estimates, Public Health I Service Publication No. 999-AP-26 (1969). The dust discharge rate of 25 lbs/hr. for the I crusher-scrubber stack is substantially lower than the I 45 lbs/hr. used in the original calculations. The new value reflects improvements that have been made in the I scrubber installation to insure conformance with I Wyoming regulations for particulate emissions. Figure 2 of Exhibit II shows the tabulated annual I average r.oncentrations of uranium and daughters at the 16 locations at the boundary of the restricted area I and at selected points of interest outside the restricted area. I Figure 3 of Exhibit II summarizes the calculated I exposures for 100% occupancy at each of the same loca-tions. I B. Radon Release from Tailing Pond I The radon release from the tailing pond has been recalculated and the radiation exposure that would I I Bi1' AVAIIABIJl tOPf I I
result froin 10041. occupancy at the resti~icted area boundary nearest the tailing pond has been recalculated by th1*ee methods, including the method recommended by the AEC's consultant in the National Oceanic and Atmo-spheric Administration, Exhibit III summarizes the radon release and exposure calculations.
- c. Total Annual Emissions The estimated annual discharges to the 11 ir f1*om the mill and tailing pond are sununarized in Table 2.
1 B1!~1 AVAIWU! COPY I I TABLE J. ESTIMATES or ANNUAL EMISSIONS I lbs . /yr. Ci/yr. I Crusher and Ore Bin Dust Collectors 2.6 x 10 5 (Dust)
.067 (Uranium) I Yellow Cake Dust Collector 842 (Dust) .092 (Uranium)
I Tailing Pond - Radon-222 270 I Leach Tank Vent 285 #S02 / S-X Building Vents
#S02 /yr.
365 I
#Kerosine/
yr. I Boilers (estimated from average data*) Solids 1,750 I S02 175 N02 Hydrocarbons Organic Acids 35,000 7,000 10,500 I Aldehydes NH3 1,752 3,500 I
- Danferous Properties of Industrial Materials - Tllir'cf Edi ion, edited by N. Irving Sax, Reinhold Book Corporation, New York (1968), Table I, p. 111.
I I I I\ I
\
I
III. TAILING DAM STABILITY AND SEEPAGE (This section responds to the following comments: AEC #2, 12; EPA p. 3, par. 2, 3, 4; and p. 4, par. l; Commerce #3,) A. Structural__!!!~lity of Ultimate Dam
- l. Design of Lifts Through an analysis of the ultimate dam design .on a worst possible case basis, the followfng* factors of safety were calculated (see Exhibit *IV, Dames & Moore letter, page 5 and Plate 2).
TABLE 3 TAILING DAM SAFETY FACTORS Factors of Safet~ Downstream Final Face - Two Earthquake Upstream Additional Coefficient s102e Lifts o.o 1.37 1.33 0.05 1.23 1.17
- 2. Clny Core Clay core will not be necessary in the two additional lifts. The seepage through the lifts will be low enough to be evaporated. Most I
of the seepage flow will be away from the dam I (see Exhibit IV, page 6).
- 3. Inspection Proaram for Dam I
The tailin1 dam will be inspected one time I each operating shift for signs of erosional weakening from a malfunction of the filling opera- I tion. Very little settling of the structure is expectedj both the clay core and the shell of the I dam were compacted to 901 and 951, respectively, I of their maximum dry densities. The dam will have settled for two years prior to use, and most I of the settlin1 in this type of structure occurs in the firet few months after construction. I Based on tbeir design of the Highland dam, I their experience in the design and construction of similar dams, and their inspection of the I earthwork construction of the Highland dam, the soils engineering firm has determined that an I instrumented inspection program is not necessary I (Exhibit IV, page 6). I I I I I
B. Seepage from Tailings Reservoir
- l. Seepage Estimates The estimate of seepage from the tailing basin of 80 gpm through the basin walls into the Tailing Dam sand and 20 gpm through the face of the dam are calculated by Darcy's equation. The estimate represents the worst possible case of a reservoir full of water containing no solids. The informa-tion for the calculations is contained in Exhib-it IV, page 2. In actual practice, tailings will be deposited in the basin at a much lower head and contain fine solids which will greatly reduce the permeability by clogging the pore spaces in the sandstone. As a result, the seepage will be much less than that calculated for the worst possible case, even with the additional lifts.
- 2. Adequacy of Monitor.Well system The well system for monitoring seepage from the tailings retention reservoir was designed specifically to detect and sample any seepage:
- Through the toe of the tailings dam.
- Through the dam abutments and sides of the reservoir.
- Through the Tailing Dam shale member and I into lower sands.
I The Applicant's Environmental Report, pp. 99-101 describes the rationale for placement of the I monitor wells. Figures 2, 3, and 4, Exhibit C of the same report show cross sections of the forma-I tions exposed in and lying under the tailings I storage reservoir. seepage from the tailing reservoir will be confined principally to the I T~iling Dam sand unit immediately above the Tail-ing Dam Shale aember. The Tailing Dam shale ls I essentially impermeable; no seepage through this I stratum into the Highland Sandstone is anticipated. The Tailing Dam sand unit (overlying the I Tailing Dam shale) is only partially saturated with water. The water levels observed in the borings I made to obtain engineering data for the design of I the tailings dam indicate that the water present in the sand overlying the Tailing Dam shale gener-I ally follows the surface contours. No natural water flow pattern in this member can be determined, I other than the natural flow under the influence of I gravity from stru\-:turally high areas toward lower. ones. Hence, the probability of detecting signifi-1. I I I
cant seepage into the sandstone walls of the reservoir is highest when the intercepting well is located downdip of the seepage. Monitor wells A and B, located as shown in Exhibit A, Figure 4 of the Applicant's Environmental Report are co,n-pleted downdip of the tailings reservoir, with Well B completed in the sand unit that will be exposed to seepage, and Well A completed in the Highland Sandstone unit below the Tailing Dam shale to detect any possible percolation of tail-ings ,seepage through the Tailings Dam shale. The Applicant's Environmental Report shows Wells C and D positioned below the tailings dam. .I An additional well, located between Wells C and D and approximately in the center of the dry stream channel below the dam has also been com-pleted. It is identified as Well E. All three of these wells are completed in the sand above the Tailings Dam shale. They will allow us to monitor any leakage through the toe of the dam and around the abutments, should it occur.
- 3. Seepage Basin The engineering study, design, and construc-tion of the tailing basin dam indicate that the.
Bi~r !UIWllll OOPl seepage through the dam will be negligible. I However, Bumble has indicated that a seepage collection basin would be installed b~low the I tailing dam if significant seepage did occur. We would define "significant seepage" as I any amount that we can effectively measure, I collect, and pump. Our approach to the problem would be: I
- a. Observe quality of the water in the monitor I Well E (Well Eis in addition to the four wells shown on Figure 9 of Exhibit C of the I
Environmental Report. It is completed at the I top of the Tailing Dam shale and is located in the center of the creek channel about 200 I feet below the dam). I
- b. If the water sample at this monitor well is in excess of IIPC for discharge to an unre-I stricted area, a trench will be dug across I
the bottom of the creek to allow a measure-ment of the flow. I
- c. If the flow is great enough to be pumped I effectively, the trench will be enlarged to form a collection basin and the water will I be pumped back behind the dam.
I I I
C. Soil Characteristics The ability of most soils to remove contaminants from liquids is well known. Chemical reactions, ion-exchange, and adsorption are all effective mechanisms for the removal of water contaminants by soils.
- 1. Acid Consumption Laboratory measurements of the consumption of acid by Highland sandstone were made in order to design the ore milling process, The data. show that one ton of the Highland sandstone consumes about 60 pounds of sulfuric acid by reaction with sandstone constituents such as calcium and magne-sium carbonates. This value is typical for many sandstones. Therefore, one ton of sandstone, or about 17 cubic feet of the in-situ porous sand-stone, would neutralize the sulfuric acid i.n about 15,000 gallons of* tailings solution at a pH of 2.
Thus, ~tan initial seepage rate of 80 gallons per minute through the tailings reservoir walls, approximately 5 cubic yards of sandstone would effectively neutralize the daily leakage, Under the unlikely condition that seepage continued undiminished at this rate, and using a reasonable estimate of 500,000 square feet as the area through which seepage would occur (this seepage area is I equivalent to that of a reservoir with a perimeter of 10,000 feet with seepa~e into a sandstone wall I 50 feet high), the acid content of the seepage I over the entire life of the project would be depleted by the first 18 inches of sandstone pene- I trated by the seepage. I
- 2. Sorption of Heavy Metals Heavy metals are particularly susceptible to I adsorption by (ion-exchange with) natural clay minerals found in sandstones. Highland sandstones I
typically contain from 2% to 8% clay minerals with I an estimated average value of 4%, Montmorillonite is the most abundant clay mineral, followed by I kaolinite. The adsorptive capacity of montmorillo-nite clay is about 100 meq/100 grams clay 2 or I 1 meq/gram. The replacing power of an ion increases I with increased valence and with increasing atomic number for ions of the same valence; therefore, I radium ions (atomic number 88) will replace calcium ions (atomic number 20) or sodium ions (atomic I number 11). Assuming that one-half of the 4% clay I minerals is montmorillonite, there are 40 pounds I 2a. E. Grim, Cla\ Mineralogy, McGraw Hill Book York, NY. (1953), pp. 26-l59. co., New I I I
or 18,000 grams of montmorillonite per ton of ore. This would result in the adsorptive capacity of 18;000 rncq or 18 equivalent weights per ton of ore. With an atomic weight of 226, the equivalent weight of radium is 113. One'ton of ore has therefore the theoretical capability of adsorbing 2,000 grams of radium. Even at a very low extrac-tion efficiency, the soil would therefore provide an effective mechanism for fixing the radium, D. Alternatives to Accumulation of Waste Humble knows of no effective alternative to the accumulation of the mill tailings. The method selected by Humble for stabilizing and covering the tailing* material appears to be the only satisfactory solution to the problem. The level of gamma radiation and the concentration of radon about the tailing area can be reduced to a safe level by proper 1*eclamation, Ii JV. TAILING BTABILIZATION AND RECLAIIATION I (This section responds to the following comments: AEC #1, 6, 11; EPA p. 5, par. l; SCS #1, 4; Wyoming I Game & Fish Commission, p. 2~ par. 4.) A. Stabilization I
- l. Slime Accumulations I The Highland tailing deposit will be different from those in the uranium mill tailing ponds that I have been reclaimed to date.
- Only one man-made wall of the basin need be I
reclaimed. I
- Reclamation has already begun although no tailings have yet been placed in the basiri--
I the downstream face of the dam has been top- I soiled. and reseeded. The grass cover is being established this summer. Tho tops I and downstream faces of the two lifts will be similarly reclaimed as they are constructed. I
- The placement of tailings in the basin during I
operatior will be planned to reduce the I difficulty of reclamation. Selective placement of tailings in the basin I will accomplish two goals: I I I I
- Increasing the stability of the basin by storing the coarser material against the structure during the early life or the basin.
- Decreasing the volume of the slime pond that remains at the end of :*.illing operations by mixing the entire later tailing production into the areas where the slime accumulated during the early life of the basin.
The selective placement of tailings will greatly reduce the volume of slime that would otherwise remain in. a single accumulation at the end of the operation. 2, Solidification of Tailings As stated in Humble's Environmental Report and Supplement, Humble will reclaim all disturbed land. including the tailing basin to a useful condition. However, Humble is hesitant to commit to a spe*cific procedure to accomplish the reclamation (AEC sug-gested necessity of solidification) because the small amount of effort applied on a worldwide bas~~ to tailing basin reclamation has neither exhausted the possible techniques nor arrived at the optimum procedure. Humble will continue to investigate
I reclamatory methods and will use whatever methods I are necessary to restore the tailing basin to a useful condition. I
- 3. Size Problems I The large surface area of the tailing pond will result in the most stable storage basin. Spreading I
the tailing over a larger area results in a lower I center of gravity and less depth than could be obtained with a much more elaborate, and probably I less stable, pyramidal structure. I
- 4. Basin Overflow During Reclamation Hwnble's commitment to contain the tnilings and I produce a Bl.ll'face condition that meets unrestricted area radiation levels requires that reclamation be I
carried out so as not to overflow the basin. Suffi- I cient freeboard will be maintained to permit recla-mation without overflow of tailings from the basin. I
- 5. Wind Blown Dust I Humble anticipates that the tailing basin reclamation will be carried out by stages. As I
soon as a reasonably large area is dry enouKh to work on with heavy equipment, covering with soil I will begin. If the monitoring program indicates I I I:
*I
a ha?.ardous or obnoxious dust problem is developing, the dried surface will be treated as necessary to control the dust. B. Reclaimed Surface Condition
- 1. Radiation and Radon Humble estimates that the gamma radiation level and radon-222 concentration at the reclaimed tailings basin surface formed by adding 2 feet of suitable compacted mine waste and topsoil (see page 19 of Supplement and pages 45 and 46 of Environmental Report) will be low enough to qualify as an unrestricted area. The AEC found that the radiation ievel above the reclaimed tailing basin at Monticello was close to the background reading for that area of Utah.
The diffusion of radon 222 in the ground llns been r~ported by Tanner.3 He estimates that "radon-222 will undergo hundred-fold diminution in tne short maximum distance of 10.7 cm." His estimate is for water-saturated soil or for soil of comparable diffusional resistance. Thus, each foot of such cover would reduce the radon concen-tration by a factor of one million. The equilibrium 3Allan B. Tanner, "Radon Migration in the Ground: A Review," The Natural Radiation Environment, The University of Chicago Press {1964), p, 172. I concentration of 9.5 x 10-4 pCi/ml in the tailing I is calculated in Exhibit III. One foot of cover would reduce the surface concentration of radon I 10 to 9.5 x 10- µCi/ml, which is 1/3 MPC. The second foot of cover would produce another million-I fold reduction to one 3-millionth MPC at the reclaimed surface, I Although the two feet of cover on the tailing I basin* at Highland will not be fully water saturated at all times, the selection of a siltstone-sandstone I mix plus compacting will provide a cover of suffi-ciently low diffusional permeability to keep radon I concentrations well below MPC at the surface, I 2, Vegetation I The downstream facns of the added lifts on the tailings dam will be revegetated as they are I constructed. Humble has not selected the grnss seed mixture that will be used to replant the I covered tailing baein, A balance of two properties I of grasses will be required, The roots must be long enough to stabilize the soil but not so long I that they will penetrate and possibly extract radionuclides from the stored tailing. I Humble will prevent the capillary transport of I acid to the plant root systems by modifying the I
-26 ..
I I
1 depth ot* cover 01* perhaps by other means , such as mixing suffici~nt limestone with the initial covering to neutralize acid that might enter the root zone of the vegetation. The soil itself has the ability to neutralize acid seepage as has been noted in section III-C. C. Fifty-Year Restriction The fifty-year p~riod was selected because it is a more than adequate time period for the tailing problem to be fully studied, any possible radioactivity hazards to be thoroughly investigated and evaluated, and appro-priate legislation dealing with the long-term care of tailings to be placed in force. The restriction on use is a undesirable environ-mental impact that cannot be avoided (page 50 of I Supplement). I I I 1 I V. IIINE DEWATERJNG I (This s~ction responds to AEC comments 3 and 8; EPA COIDJllente on p. 1, i,ar. 3, and p. :!, pars.land 2). I A. Prosent Situation and Projections I Experience in dewatering the first open pit at Highland has shown that the initial water influx rate I of about 900 gallons per minute has declined to about I 600 gallons per minute, and a cone of depression has been developed within the ground water around the pit. I Computer simulations 4 of the aquifer and pit mine system at Highland indicate that the rate of water I lnflux into the mine will continue to decline through- I: out the mining period, averaging about 450 gallons per minute for the first five years of operation. I 4The computer program used for the calculation~ is a general I purpose reservoir simulator developed by Esso Production Research Company for use in studying fluid flow in aquifers, oil reservoirs, and gas reservoirs. The program is a proprietary one, incorpo-rat.ing the most recent advances in computing techniques. In general, I it is similar to earlier programs solving the Darcy flow equations and material balances as developed by Esso Production Research. These programs have been reported in the literature: I L. J. Snyder, "Two-Phase Reservoir Flow Calculations," Soc. Pet. !mgr. Journal, V. 9, 1969, p .. 170. I J. H. Pee1*y and E. H. Herron, Jr., "Three-Phase Reservoir Simulation, J. Pet. Tech., V. 21, 1969; p. 211. I J, s .. Nolen and D. W. Berry, "Tests of the Stability and Time Step Sensitivity ot Semi-Implicit Reservoir Simula-tion Techniques," Soc. Pet. Engr. Journal, V. 12, 1972, I p, 253. I I I
Mill water requirements arc expucted to bt.* about 500 gallons pea* minute, and a storage pond has be(!li constructed to retain an inventory of mine w.1tcr tu1* mill usage. Since the mill is not now operatinR, ~ater i;:; be1n1 pu11ped from the mine to the mill pond, thl!u directly to the tailing reservoir. After the mill is operational, the COD1bin\td withdrawalH fa*om the pond for mill usage, by seepage, and by eva1JoraUon aJ*** expected to exceed the rate of water wjthdrawals from the mine. Wells or recycled tailings water wiJJ tht.*11 be u~e~ to supplement the mine drainage to prov i tfo ;rn adequate water supply for the mi 11. Thuti I no di ~<*11.i ,*~c of water into the surface drainagu ~y~tum is nnt1~j-I pated. llioe dra1na11e will be fully utilizrfd in th,* mill, and water pumped from the mine to tilt.* mill vJ,1 ,_. the mill pond wlll ultimately b~ pum(lf'd wi lh p,*o,*t*~i-,1*1.1 ore residues to the tailing reservoir'. I B. Ef feet of Dewatering on Supply I The-total areal extent of the aquH~r 1>e11,il1*atl*u 11)'* I the Highland pita is not known. Explo,*atory ,in 11 iuJ:, logging* and coring have shown that th~ !!!Qndi,,tu11,* 111.1 \ t .... I penet.tated by mirilng at Highland "pinch out" nho11l ho miles northeast ot the mining area, and tlw l'IHmci ~nnd-I stone units outcrop in the stream bed of Box Crcuk over a ran&e ot about 1 to 4 mileH east of the minin1,; I 1Hi~f !UIWU r,,r I
I area. The ~ame sandstone units ar~ continuous for at I least five miles to the northwest, west, and Bouthwest. Calculations at;suming that the aquifer volume is I equivalent only to that of a circular aquifer 10,000 feet in i*adius (the known minimum extent of the Highland I aquifer) show that the total volume of water that will I be produced by mine dewatering is only a small percent-age of the total water present in the aquifer; i.e., I. Volume of water present in an aquifer of 10,000 ft. radius, conservatively estimated 120 feet in net sand thickness, and a fractional porosity at I 0.3: v1 ~1( r 2 h0 I V1 *" 1r' (10 4 ) 2 ( 120)(0 .3) ... 1.13 x 10 10 cubic feet I Volumo ot' water produced, using the previously discussed five-year average value of 450 gallons per minute as the average rate over the life of I the mining operation, and using the maximum mine life of 14 years~ r. I v2 - (450 gal/min)(S.26 x 10~ minutuH/ year)(l4 years)(0.13 ft. 3 /gal.) I v2 4.31 x 108 cubic feet I Thureforc, the water withdrawn by dewotering, expre8sed as a percentage of water initially prc~ent within the aquifer is: I fv l (l 00 ) ( 4
- 3 l X 10 S ) 4 .Jl X lOlO
= 3
- 8'1, I 100L2/y~ - 1.13 X 1010 1.13 X lOlO I
I BE~'f AV1UIJUltE (~OPY I I
The effect of the mine dewatering on the water table in the Highland vicinity iB, therefore, very limited. Although the drawdown of the water table at the mine walls is essentially complete, the free water surface in the sands quickly rises with distance away from the pits, and the computer simulations show that th~ aquifer will remain fully water-saturated at the 10,000-foot radius during the entire mining life. Therefore, mine dewatering will not reduce the supply of subsurface water available to users outside the mining area. The foregoing calculation of aquifer depletion by mine drainage does not consider the effects of natural I aquifer recharge. Pressure measurements in wells in the Highland mine area indicate that the water in the I sandstone formations penetrated by the mine is moving at a rate on the order of 20 to 30 feet per year. I Movement is apparently in the updip direction and I causes a few springs to flow intermittently where the mined formations outcrop in the stream bed of Box I Creek. This natural recharge may originate from the Laramie Mountains to the southwest or from the Bighorn I Mountains to the northwest. The natural recharge will I reduce the calculated 4~ depletion of the aquifer. I I llE~1 AV1UlJ\lllE tOPY 1 I
I C. Effect of Mining Activity on Water Quality I The effects of mining and mine dewatering on the quality of underground water are e~pected to be I negligible. Underground water will always be flowing into the mine, and no backflow of water from the mine I into the sands will occur. T~ereforc, the quality of I the underground water will be unaffected by mining. As previously stated, water collected in the mine will I continue to be pumped to a storage pond !'or use in the milling operation. The water is collected in ditches I and sumps and not allowed to stand in the arcaH where I mining equipment is operating. The dissolved solids content and radionuclide content of the water 111 the I storage pond are determined regularly as part of tho environmental monitoring program. The quality of the I water Jn the pond is es~entially the same as that ot' I water pumped from wells in the immediate area that aJ'c completed in the sandstones penetrated by ttle mine. I The residcnbc time for water in the mine j~ very short. We have not fourid and do not anticipate significant I doLerioration of water quality as a J'esult of the I possible leaching of materials from cxpost!d min in~ surfaces. I As stated previously, no discharge of mina water to the Hurface drainage system is anticipated. Tho quality I of the mine water will be routinely monitored, however, I I I
and under no conditions wlll water be releaied to th~ surface drainage system if it contains dissolved or suspended solids in excess of state water quality standards for discharge or radioactive materials in excess of the MPC for discharge to unrestricted areas. D. Return of Any Released Water to Ground Water In the unlikely event that water is discharged into Box Creek bed, it will soak into the ground as it flows toward the east, Because of the decrease in surface elevation to the east of the Highland site and the n&tural dip of the subsurface formations, both the ore-bearing formations and the underlying formations outcrop in the Box Creek bed over a distance of several miles east of the mine site. Thus, water flowing in 'I the stream bed will soak through the alluvium and into the outcropping formations. The outcrops are illus-I trated by Exhibit V. This exhibit is an extension of the cross section.through the tailing reservoir shown as Figure 2, Exhibit C of the Environmental Report, showing the outcroppings and the beds below the ore-containing sands. Since there will be little, if any, discharge to the Box Creek bed, stream bed erosion as a result of discharge should not be significant. Discharged water would rapidly soak into the stream bed as described BIT!VAIUBU! tltPY
I above. If discharges occur for any reason, stream II bed erosion would be monitored and corrected wherever found by rip-rapping the channul with consolidated I sandstone boulders from the mine. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
VJ. ENVIRONMENTAL IIONl'roRJNG (This section responds to the following comments: AEC #10, EPA p. 2, pars. 4 and 5, p. 5, par. 2; Jntcriol' Department p, 1, pars. 4, 5; Wyoming Game & Fish Commis-sion, p. 2, par. l , ) A. Biota Sampling and Analysis The biota and soil monitoring program at Highland has consisted of sampling and analyHiR of soil and Vet{etation to determine uranium content .as d(.!scrilwd in the Envi1*onrnental Repo1*t. Pro1rnrved soil samples from 1969 and 1971 surveys are now being analyzud for Ra 2 2 6 , Th230, and Pb 210 . The biota sampling pro~ram will be expanded Lo incorporate th~ sugg~stions mad~ by the AEC and the EPA. The anticipntud pro~ram will include spring and la 11 sampling of soi ls and of plant . apecie6 Krazed by the large indi~unous animal specie~. The long winter dormancy period in the HiKhlrlnd a1*t.rn makes sampling of vegetation betweun the monthl:i of October and Ap1*1 l redundant. Sample!:i ot* thu soils and veteetntion wi 11 be analyzed fo1* u, Th2:JO' Ra 22 '>, nnd Pb210. The spring and fall samplin.: will (. on tin uci until any seasonal variation patt~rn in radionucljde content of the samples is determined, Subscquont samplinK will then. be done annually. Samplin~ ~itus will include ar~ati predominantly downwind of lhl! mine I and mill where maximum deposition of airborne,radio- I active materials would be expected. Although discharge of mine water into the Box Creek bed is not anticipated, I soil samples from the Box Creek bed will be taken to detect any buildup of radioactive or toxic materials if I water discharge should occur. This sampling would ll detect buildup from solution released t'rom ei thcr the tailing dam or from the mill pond which holds mine I water. Premining base-line soil samples from Box Creek were taken in 1969 and 1971. Vegetation from reclaimed I mine waste areas and reclaimed tailings disposal areas I will be included in.the program to detect possible uptake of radionuclide& from the wastes by plant root8. I Analyses of the body burdens of uranium and Ra226 in J*odents captured in the mine/mill area will be I performed each spring and fall to detect any buildup I of radionuclides in the food chain. B. Biota Inventory I The report "A Brief Inventory of the Wildlife I Resources .in the Highland Flats Area of Converse County" prepared by the Casper District of the Wyoming Game and I Fish Commission is an excellent summary 01' the present status of wildlife in the area around the Highland mine I and mill. A summary of this report could be included I in the final statement prepared by the AEC. Humble has I I I
requested additional comments by lht.* Wyominf.:" (ii."lm£' anil Fish Commissioner on the suitability of the inventol'y as a base-line study, C. Noise The noise which will be evident off sit~ will include noticeable but faint sounds of mining equip-ment. When the few calcified layers in the pit that resist ripping are encountered, blasting is required. This sound can be heard at the property line. Engines driving mining and milling equipment are m~ffled to moet noise level regulations. The hammer mill, screens, and rod mill may produce noise dis-cernible on the site near the mill buildinK, but not I noticeable off site, Other equipment produces no noise approaching limits specified jn any applicable I regulation. I Noise levols are now being regularly measured in the mining areas and near mining equipment, and noise I dosimeters are being used to evaluate exposures or equipment opel'ators. Noise levels in the mill will I be similarly surveyed at regular inte~vals after milling operations begin.
- BE~'f AVMIABrn tOPY I
V11 * .GENERAL I (This section responds to the following co111111ents: AEC #'13, EPA p. 5, pars. 3 and 4; scs #2, 6; Interior I
- p. 2, par. 2; Wyoming Game & Fish Commir;sion, p. 1, par. 2; Advisory Council, Historic Preservation.)
I A. Waste Disposal I All of the mill site construction waste is being 1.I buried under mine waste as it is produced, Trash produced during operation of the mine and I mill will also be buried in a mine waste dump. No incineration of waste will be permitted except !or a I small amount of proprietary papers and maps. They will
. b~ incinerated in oonformance with ~ppropriate regula~
I tions. Disposal of sludge from tbe ~anitary sewer I system will be in conformance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. I B. Historic and Archeological Finds I The state historic preservation officer has indicated that the operation will not affect recognized I historicai sites, I Any historic or archeological finds will be protected and the appropriate state office notified. I C. Future of Sheep Ranching I Hwnble is in no position to determine whether or not sheep ranching will continue as n main use of the I I I
land in the future. The present use of comparable land in the area is for sheep ranching, and Humbl~ will restore the land so that it will be at least as useful for sheep ranching as it was before mining began. D. Purpose of Fence The purpose or the site fence is to keep people from frequenting the site. No part of the site is immediately hazardous* to life, and common industrial accidents are of significantly greater concern than are possible radiation exposures. The fence, never-theless, serves as a reminder that there are potential radiation hazards at the site. The only potentially adverse effects of radiation on animals that can presently be foreseen would occur if radionuclides were to become concentrated through the food chain. The food chain in the area is quite short, and the probability of buildup of radionuclides is extremely low. The snmpling program to detect any buildup in the food chain has been described. E. Rare or Endangered Sp~cies The biota inventory prepared by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission supports the SCS statement that tho ferruginous hawk and the peregrine falcon may be I found in the Highland urea. We have received no I reports of sightings of the trumpeter swan in the area. We believe that the Highland mine and mill I will not have any significant adverse effects on I these birds or other biota in the area. The vastness of the open land area in eastern Wyoming that is very I much like the Highland area renders insignificant the effect of the temporary removal of the mine and mill I site from forage access by animal species, whether they are classified as rare or not. I F, !!!!!atory Waterfowl I While the water in the tailing pond may tend to I attract migrating waterfo~Yl, it is unlikely that waterfowl would remain on the pond surface. There I are three reasons for this belief: (1) There would be no food in or near the pond. (2) The water will I be sour tasting--about like vinegar or ~emon Juice. I (3) Fresh water will be available to the birds in the mill water pond. I It is extremely doubtful that any short stay on t.he tailing pond could be harmful to the birds. The I direct radiation level is low, and they would not I drink enough of the water to ingest any significant quantity of radionuclides. I I I I
However, should our beliefs be in error and the tailing pond attracts migratory waterfowl or any other animals, Humble will request the assistance of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission in developing tech-niques to assure that these birds or other animals are not adversely affected, EXHIBIT I RESERVOIR FILLING CAI.CULATION Assumptions: Runoff Area - 2,500 acres (measured) Precipitation - 12 inches/year Runoff - soi of precipitation Solids Content of Runoff - 1.91J solids by volume (5% by weight) Solids Content for Depcsition - 68% solids by volume (85% by weight) Calculation of Reservoir Life: 2,500 acres x 43,560 ft.2 x 1 ft. H2o(rain) x o.5 ft. runoff x
~ ye~r ft. H20(rain) 3 3 3 3 l,0191 ft. slurry - ft. solids 0.0191 ----__;---- x 1- ~ _ 39 , 250 yds. solids fi.3 runoff X
ft.3 slurry 27 ft. year yds. 3 -solids 39,250 --~~--~~ x 1 yds. deposit 57 , 700 yds,3 deposit year 06 8 yds.3 solids year 20,000,000 yds.3 3 347 years 57,700 yds. yr. Calculation of Sheet Erosion of Watershed: 3 20,000,000 yds. 3 X 27 ft. X 1 x 1 acre = yd,3 2,500 acres 43,560 ft,2 4.96 or 5 ft.
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EXHIBIT III (REVISED EXHIBIT I, APPLICANT'S ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT)
'.i Dosage of Radiation From Radon Released by the Tai ling Pond Part 1. Release of Radon From Pond Surface Assumptions
- 1. All of the radon diffusing through the boundary between the deposited solids and the clear super-natant water is liberated to the air. This assumes perfect mixing and no transport delay in th* water.
- 2. All of the deposited tailing material is sub-merged in water.
- 3. The tailing material at this upper location is at 82% solids by weight or 63J solids by volume (37% voids). The density of the tailing is therefore 2.031 ..I...*
ml 4, Radon in the tailings is that which would be in secular equilibrium with 0.2% U309 ore even though the U309 has bee~ removed.
- 5. The relative abundance of radon-222 at secular equilibrium is 2.17 parts per trillion parts of natural uranium.
- 6. The specific activity of radon-222 is 1.54 x 10 11 !J;_Ci.
gRn
- 7. The diffusivity of radoo-222 in a continuous water medium(l) ts 1.13 x 10-5 em2.
~
(l)"Radon Migration in the Ground," by Alian B. Tanner, The Natural Radiation Environment, edited by Adams & Lowder, Ri~ University (1964) p. 116. IIE~'f AVML1UIU COPY
- - - . . -~---*. - - - -
I Exhibit III Page 2 I
- 8. The diffusion of radon can be described as follows<2): I I
Where: I J =- diffusi.on in uni ts of weight or radioactivity per (time unit x area). D "'effective diffusion coefficient based on I total crosg sejtion area of porous media~ 1.13 X 10- Cm Sec X .37. I C0 ~ equilibrium concentration of radon(~;) in I secular equi 11 bri um with O. 2% U30s ore at conditions above= 2.031 I slurry x .82 ml slurry I g solids x .002 g U308 x .85 g U x g slurry g solids g U30a I: 2.17 X 10- 12 !...!!!, X 1.54 X loll pCi = 9.46 AJCi. ml g U g Rn I
"")\.
- decay constant == 0. 692 "'
2.1 x 10-6 Sec-I. T 1/2 3.8229 X
. 692 24 X 60 X 60 I L = distance from interface into the deposited tailing.
I Calculations At L = O I Jo* -DCo J~ = -4.18 X Io-6 Cm2 Sec X 9.46 X 10-4 pmCf X I (2)"Measurements of the Effects of Atmosphere Variables or I Radon-222 Flux and Soil-Gas Concentrations" by H. W. Kraner, et al, The Natural Radiation Environment, edited by Adams & Lowder, Rice University (1964) pp. 209-210. I 1 I lll~S'1 AVAl~UltE (;0J*Y I
BEST AVAHABU~ COPY Exhibit Ill Page 3 2.1 x 10- Sec- = -16.99 x 10-10 ,uci Cm r.4 .18 X 10-6 Cm2) Cm3 Sc<~
\ .37 Sec
-- -16.99 x 10-lO ~Ci = -16.99 X 10-6 .uCi
'Cm Sec m2 Sec Total radon generation from tailing pond -
16.99x 10-6 ..uCi x (710m)2 = 8.561!£!_ m2 Sec Sec The negative sign means that the diffusion pro-ceeds in the opposite direction of the measurement of L. Part 2. Calculation of Dosage at Nearest Boundary of Restricted Area Downwind From Tailings Basin The tailings basin is located relatively close to the restricted area boundary. The center of the tailings storage area is about 840 meters south-southwest of the nearest boundary of the restricted area. Since the tailing storage area will average about 125 acres during the pr~Ject life, it must be considered as an area source in order to estimate concentrations of radon-222 at relatively short distances downwind. Since there is presently no rigorous method of calculating annual average atmosphere concentrations of a material emitted from an area source when the distance between the source and the receptor is not substantially greater than the crosswind dimension of the area source, three methods of approximating the concentrations of radon-222 and tbe resulting exposures for 1001, occupancy at the restricted area boundary nearest the tailings reservoir are presented here. Method A - Description This method,,recommended as a useful approximation technique by the AEC's meteorological consultant in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, results in estimates for downwind concentrations that would be observed over a 10-minute observation interval. Because the method does not account for the wind meander over long time periods, average concentrations over longer measuring periods will usually be significantly lower. This pbenoaenon is discussed in reference 3, page 38.
BEST 1'V1'11All"E COI*Y I Exhibit III Page 4 I In the method, the area source is considered to I, be composed of n point sourceH distributed evenly over the area of the actual source, each emitting at a rate 1/n times the total emission rate. The concentration of radon-~22 at the receptor location is found by , I summing the downwind concentrations that are calculated to res.ult from each of the point sour-ces ~ I Method A - Assumptions I
- 1. The tailings reservoir is square, 710 meters on a 2.
side. Nine point sources located as shown in Figure 1 I 3. adequately represent the area source. Average atmospheric stability (stability class "D") I represents average conditions.
- 4. The concentration of radon-222 at the receptor I
resulting from discharges from each point source is given by 6
-'1/ .., 10- Q I
,.._ (Equation 3.4, page 6, ref. 3 )
where: way ozU I
-X. Radon-222 concentration at the receptor, ~i-Q = Emission rate, ~SCi ec I
oy oz= m Horizontal dispersion coefficient, meters Vertical dispersion coefficient, meters III I U - Wind velocity, meters/second I
- 5. Since the sources the l'eceptor, the are generally south-southwest of annual average wind velocity of I 7.2 meters/second when the wind is from the south-southwest applies tion frequency of for all sources, and wind direc-5.5% also applies. (Average I 3 Workbook of Atmospheric Dispersion Estimates," Public Heal th Service Publication No. 999-AP-26 (1969), e~uation 3.4, p. 6.
I I I
Page 5 velocities and frequencies from U.S. Weather Bureau Publication '~limatbgraphy nf the United States No. 82-48° tor Casper, Wyo,uJ.ng.)
- 6. Emission rate from each point source is 1/9 of the total emission rate calculated in Part 1, i.e.,
Q a 8.56 ~Ci x _!_ = 0.95 !£!.. Sec 9 Sec
- 7. MPC for radon*222 is 3 x 10-9 l!.£!.. Continuous ml exposure at this level results in a dose of 1,500 millirems per year to the lungs, Method A - Calculations Source-Receptor 1..
Distance <ly Oz (Meters) 2 (~ X 10-ll) Source No. l
- (Meters)
'100 l,i.50 3.6 2 580 860 4.9 3 520 710 ri.9 4 870 1,650 2.6 5 810 1,500 2.8 6 760 1,350 3.1 7 l, 100
- 2,500 1.7 8 1,040 2,300 1.8 9 1,020 2,200 1.9 Average concentration c
~ (28.3 x 10-ll JiC~) (Wind Direction .Frequency) ml
* (28.3 X lo-ll)(,055)
= 1.ss x 10* 11 ec~
Jill Exposu"e at receptor -= . _ Ci) (1,500 ~illirems)
= ( 1.s6 x 10 11 I!=.!. -s pc1 ml 3 x 10 m1
- 7.8 millirems/year
EXHIBIT III I FIGURE 1 - REPRESENTATION OF AREA SOURCE 11 I I
- RESTRICTED AREA iOUNDAR'r I
mu SEC21 I RECEPTOR (N11r11t louftdar,J
~
------, I I I I
** * *I I
- AREA SOURCE I
SlCH
.,..._. 710 Jl1--... B!1 I I
I I I I I I
Exhibit III P11e 6 Method B - Description In this method explained on page 40 of reference 3, the area source is treated as a single source having an initial horizontal standard deviation of oyo'"' S , n where Sis the length of a 1ide of the square area sourc~. A virtual source is then located at a distance of X that will yield this standard deviation, and the equat10K for a point source is applied to determine concentrations at downwind receptors. As witb Method A, the calculation ls intended for use in estimating concentrations. over short time periods and may yield con'centrations signi-cantly higher than the annual averages. Method B. Assumptions Assumptions 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 from Method A apply. Also:
- l. Distance from center of area source to nearest boundary of restricted area m 840 meters.
- 2. Q = 8.56 µCl (trom Part 1)
Sec Method Bis the method wb1ch was used in the Applicant's Environmental Report, Exhibit I. Howt1ver, the original calculation contained several errors, including the estimate of wind speed and frequency. The nearest boundary of the restricted area is approxi-mately north-northeast of the average center of the tailings area over the project life. The original calculations assumed that the nearest boundary was northeast of the tailings area center. The effect of this change reduces the calculated exposure by a factor of about 4 due to the lower wind frequency. Method B - Calculations Estimate of virtual source distance from pond: ayo * !!£
- 165 meters 4.3 From Figure 3-2, reference 3, Xy ~ 2,600 meters
Exhibit Ill Page 7 I Since X ~ 840 meters, X + Xy D 3,440 meters I at 3,440 meters, at 840 meters, ay
- 215 meters (Fig. 3-2, Ref. 3) 0 z
- 28 meters (fig 3.3, Ref. 3)
I X* }0-6 9.., 8.56 X 10
-6
..., G 29 X lO""ll E£!_
I
'"'y ozU (" )(215) (28) (7 .2) ' m1 Average radon-222 concentration* I
~ (6.29 x 10* 11 )(Wind Direction Frequency)
~ (6.29 X lo-ll)(0.055)
I
~ 3.45 x 10- 12 pCi ml I;
Exposure at receptor* I
,.., ( 3
- 46 x 10 -12 ~m)i) ( l, 500 3 X millirems) 10-g !!£!_
I ml
~ !!73 millirems/year I
!,ethod C - D~scription I In.this method the annual average concentration calculation for point sources is used (Exhibit II, Figure* 1), using ae the distance between source and I
receptor the virtual source distance, X + Xy.= 3,440 meters, as determined in Method B; and the ~ertical dispersion coefficient is read from Pigure 3-3 Rt tho I true distance, 840 meters* between source and receptoa*. This method results in a reasonable sector width for the annual average without introducing any artificial I vertical dispersion into the calculation. Method C - Assumptions I Assumptions 1, 3 1 5, and 7 from Method A apply, as do the additional assumptions made for Method B. I I BES'I' AVAl~lBLE COl1Y I
Exhibit III pafe 8 Method C - Calculations Since H ~ O, the equation reduces to: EJubstituting,
=- ~ .L 1(.01)(5.5)(8.56)(16)] 110-61 tr (28)(7.2)(2 )(3,440) where az - 28 meters and X
- 3,440 meters
~ 1.38 x 10~12 pCi
- ml Annual Average Exposure=
~ (1 , 38 x 10-12 pCi) (1,500 millirems) ml 3 x 10-9 ~C i 1
... 0.69 mi ll:lrems/year 1 1 Conclusions The use of three methods of approximating the exposure of an individual occupying a location at the boundary of the restricted area nearest the tailing reservoir gives results ranging from 0.69 to 7.8 millirems per year. The highest value resulted from the calculation method recommended by AEC's meteorological consultant. This value is probably higher than the true average value, since the calcu-lation inherently assumes that the emissions from all llE~T AVAIWIJ tOPY
Exhibit Ill I Pa1e 9 the point Rou1*ces used to Yimulate the area soul'co I are additive at a point receptor location. Further, it ie recognized that the equation used is designed for the estimation of short-term concentration averages I and that annual averages would likely be lower than those calculated, Method B uses a method des er ibed by the 1969 Publ i.c I; Health Service publication Workbook of Atmospheric Dispersion Eatimatee 0 for estimating concentrations downwind from area sources over short time intervals, I Method B probably overestimates annual average concen-trations because of the effect of wind meander. I Method C, which uses the same assumptions as Method B, replaces the short-term observation equation with the annual average equation that accounts for normal wind meander. In this case, the radon emanating I from the tailings area is distributed over a reasonable sector width of 2ff(X + Xy). 2ff(3,440) ~ n 16 1 , 350 me t ers, I at the receptor distance of 840 meters. The calculation averages the concentration of radon at the receptor location over this reasonable sector width and, therefore, I probably results in the most reasonable estimate of the annual average concentration. In summary, we believe that calculation Method C I yields tbe most realistic estimate of annual average dosage from radon-222 emanating from the tailings
~eservoir for 100% occupancy at a location at the I
restricted area boundary nearest the tailings area. It should be pointed out that the point on the I restricted area boundary nearest the tailings reservoir is not the point of maximum potential unrestricted area exposure. Check calculations by all three methods indicate that exposures at the boundary northeast of I the tailings reservoir, because of tbc higher wind direction frequency in that sector, would average 3 to 4 times the exposure at the nearest unrestricted area I receptor location, as calculated in the exhibit. In any event, the calculations show that the maximum potential unrestricted area exposure to radon-222 from I tailings is low--probably less than 5 millirems per year, I I I
APPLICANT'S RESPONSE AGENCY COMP.1ENTS ON DRAFT STATEMENT HIGHLAND URANIUM Mill DOCKET NO. 40-8102 SUBMITTED BY HUMILI OIL & IIPININO COMPANY MINERALS DEPARTMENT P.O. BOX 2180 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77001 AlJGl!ST 1972
- -*-*---------------------~-:----:--;---
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF EXHIBITS . * * .... ... * * * * *
- tr, iv INDEX * * * * * * . . . * * * . . . .
* * * *
- V I. RECLA MAT JON OF DISTURBED lAND . . . . . . l A. Revegetation. . . . . . . . . . . . I . .. .. 1 B. Side Slopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 c.. Residual Lakes. . . . . . . . * . * . . . . * ~ 3
- l. Reclamation . . . . * . . * . . ..
- 3
- 2. Residual Radioactivity. . . .. . 4
- a. Texas Situation * . . . . . . . . . ** *.
I 4 b, Highlat1d Situation. . C
- Conclusions . . . .. . . . . .
. . . .. .. .* .* 5 I 7 D. Reservoir Filling with Sediment ** . . 7 E. Net Etf~ct . * * ; . . ... ........ .. 8 II. RELEASES OF RADlMCTIVE AND NONRADIOACTIVE MATERIALS TO THE AIR *
- I * * .. *
- 9 A. Exposures Resulting from Dust Collector Discharges . . . . * . . .. . . ' . 9 B. Radon Release from Tailing Pond. . . . . . . . 10
- c. Total Annual Emissions. , . . . . . .... 11 III. TAILING DAM STABILITY AND SEEPAGE 13 e I II II
- A. Structural Stability of Ultimate Dam, 13
- 1. Design of Lifts . . * * . * . * * . . 13 2.
3. Clay Core * * * . . . . * . * . . * . Inspection Program for Dam * * * * * * * * *
. . . 13 14 i
I Page I B. Seepage from Tailings Reservoir * * . ... 15
- 1. Seepage Estimates . . . .. . . ..
. 15 I
- 2. Adequacy of Monitor Well System . . . . 15 c.
- 3. Seepage Basin.
Soil Characteristics. . . . . . . . 17 19 I
- l. Acid Consumpt:t.on. . . . .. .
- 2. Sorption of Heavy Metals. . . . .
19 20 I Alternatives to Accumulation of Waste . . * . . D. 21 I IV. TAILING STABILIZATION AND P~ClAMATION. A. Stabilization. * * * .. . . I .... . 22 22 I
- l. Slime Accumulations . . . . . . .. 22 I
- 2. Solidification of Tailings. . . . .. .
I 23
- 3. Size Problems . . . . . * . . . . . . . 24
- 4. Basin Overflow During Reclamation . . * . *
- 5. Wind Blown Dust. I .* ..* . .....* 24 24 I B. Reclaimed Surface Condition. I ..... 25 I
- 1. Radiation and Radon . * * . . * . . . * .
- 25
- 2. Vegetation. * . . . ......... . . 26 c.
I Fifty-Year Restriction. . . . . . I . . . .*
- 27 I
- v. MINE DEWATERING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * . 28 I
..* 28 A.
B. Present Situation and Projections. Effect of Dewatering on Supply.
..* ..... 29 I
- c. Effect of Mining Activity on Water Quality. .* 32 11 D. Return of Any Released Water to Ground Water . ..
. . . . . * .... 33 I
VI. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING * .* ....... I
* . 35 I
A. Biota Sampling and Analysis. .... 35. I llf UMWm 00,I ii I I
B. Biota Inventory. ... .. .. ... ..... 36
- c. Noise . . ...* * * * * * *
- 11 ' * * '
- 37 VII. GENERAL * *
- I I V * *
" 38 A. Waste Disposal. . . . . .. .. . . .. . . . . 38 B. JUstoric and Archeological Finds. .. . . . .. 38
- c. Future of Sheep Ranching * * * * * .. .. 38
"). Purpose of Fence * . * . * * . * * * * * * ... 39 E, Rare or Endangered Species * * * * * * * * ... 39 F, Migratory Waterfowl . * . * * . * * * . * ... 40 iii 1
BES'l AVAILABLE COPY
-I TABLE OF EXHIBITS I Er.hibit I Reservoir Filling Calculation I
Exhibit II Figure 1 Exposure Calculation (Dust Collectors) Equation and Assumptions I Figure 2 Calculation of Radionuclide Concentrations I Figure 3 Summary of Exposure Calculations Exhioit III Exposure Calculations (Radon Released from I Figure 1 Tailing Pond) Representation of Area Source I Exhibit IV Letter f~om Dames & Moore, August 10, 1972 I Exhibit V Stratigraphic Cross Section I I I I I I I I I
INDEX or RESPONSES TO COMMENTS ' Comments bf the Atomic Energy Commission Comment Number Section Page 1 IV-A, l and 2 22 IV-8, 2 26 2 111-B, 1 and 2 15 3 V-A 28 V-D 33 4 II-A 9 II-B 10 5 I-A 1 IV**B, 2 26 6 IV--B, l 25 7 11-B 10 8 V-B 29 9 I-B 2 I-C 3 I-D 7 10 VI-A 35 11 IV-A, 3 24 IV-A, 4 24 12 I I I-A I 3 14 13 VII-8 38 V
Comments bl Environmental Protection A1enc1 I Conunent Number Mining Section Page I Page l, par. 3 Question 1 v-c 32 I Question 2 V-B 29 Question 3 Question 4 V-8 v-e 29 29 I v-c Page 2, par. l. V-D 32 33 I Page 2, par. 2 V-C 32 I Environmental Monitoring Page 2, par. 4 I VI-A 35 Page 2, par. 5 VI-B 36 I Page 2, par. 6 Page 3, par. l II-C 11 ...A 11 9 I Exhibit II, Figure 3 45 I Tailings Retention I Page 3, par, 2 III-B, l III-C 15 19 I Page 3, par. 3 III-B, 3 17 Page 3, par. 4 III-B, 2 15 I v-e 29 Page 4, par.* 1 III-A, 1 III-A, 2 13 13 I III-B, l III-B, 3 15 17 I I vi I Bl~UVMIJBIJl OOPf I
Comment Number Section Page Tailings Retention Page 4 , pu~. ~ IV-8, 1 25 Reclamation Page 5, p l I-8 2 1-C, l 3 IV-A, l 22 General Page 5, par. 2 VI-C 37 Page 5, par. 3 VII-A 38 Page 5, pa1*. 4 VII-A 38 Comments by Department of Transportation No reply required Comments by Department of Commez*ce Pal'. 3 III-B 15 Comments by Forest Service, u.s.o.A. No reply required Comments by Soil Conservation Service, u.s.D.A. l IV-C 27 2 VII-E 39 vii 1 111!~'1 1IV11I~llltll COltf
Comments by Soil Conservation ServiceJ contd. 1* Commen t Number Section Pa1e I 3 4 VII-F IV-A, 5 40 24 I 5 1-B 2 I 6 VII-C 38 7 1-E VII-C B 38 I I Comments by Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Par. 4 VlI-B 38 I I Comments by Department of Armi, Corps of Engineers No reply required I I Comments by Texas State Department.of Health Page 2, par. 2 1-C, 2 4 I I Comments by Department of Health, Education, and Welfare J No reply required I Comments by Environmental Protection Agency National Water Quality Laboratory - Duluth, MN I No reply required I viii I I I
Commcnts_by Game :md Fish Commission, stntc of Wyoming Comment Number Section Page Page l, par, 2 VII-D 39 Page 2, par. 1 VI-8 36 Page 2. par. 3 I-A l t-C, l 3 Page 2, par. 4 IV-C 27 Conunents by Department of Interior
. HfdrolOI():
Page l, par. 4 V-A 28 V-8 29 VI-A 35 Noise Page 1 ' pnr. 5 VI-C 37 Impacts on Wildlife . Page 2, par. l I-E 8 Historical&. Archeolog1cal SiKnificanc~ Page 2, par. 2 VII-B 38 J>a~c 2, pa1*. :t VII-8 38 ix
I. RF£1AMATI0N OF DISTURBED IAND (This section responds to the following comments: AEC #5, 9; EPA p.5, par. l; Interior p. 2, par. l; SCS #5, 7: Wyoming Game & Fish CGmmission, p, 2, par. 3, 5; and Texas Dept. of Health.) A. Revegetation The two grass mixtures described in Table l were recommended by the Upper Cheyenne District of the Soil Conservation Service and are currently under test for Highland revegetation. Both mixtures were recommended for grazing as well as sufficient root depth for soil stabilization. Mixture No. 1 has been TABLE 1 SEED MIXTURES BEING TESTED AT HIGHLAND URANIUM MINE & MILL SITE Pounds Seed Per Acre Mixture No. 1 Mixture No. 2 Western Wheat Grass 9 3 Crested Wheat Grass - 5 Yellow Clover I 3 3 I Russian Wild Rye I j - 3 Il planted on the top and downstreaa face of the tailings I dam and on four areas of waste dump No. 1. Mixture No. 2 has been planted on four areas of waste dump I No. l. I Although either ot the above mixtures will probably be satisfactory tor revegetation of most reclaimed I areas, final determination of the best plant types for each area will be made after further study, testing, I and consultation with the Soil Conservation Service, I the Wyoming Gaae and Pish Commission, and other agencies with expertise in the science of land reclamation. I The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission has pointed out the need for shrubs and forbs to satisfy the I animals' needs. The possibility of seeding these types _I of plants will be investigated. B. Side Slopes I Mine waste dump Ro. 1 was contoured with side I slopes as steep as 2 horizontal to l vertical after surveys showed that naturally occurring 2 to l slopes I in the Highland area are stable and not subject to erosion problems. However, discing and drilling grabs I seed into these slopes proved difficult, and they I were seeded by hand. The more recent dumps have been I I Bl~~T AVAIUBU~ tOJty I I
contoured with more gentle slopes iti the 2-1/2 to l and 3 to 1 range. No structural stability problems or erosion problems have been encountered on the 2 to 1 slopes. Reclamation of all slopes is described on page 79 of the Applicant's Environmental Report and pages 2 and 3, and 19 to 22 of the Supplement. The reclamation plan remains flexible and will be adjusted
- if problems appear. Any possible stability problems will be obvious and can be corrected long before final reclamation begins.
C. Residual Lakes The location of the residual lakes is shown in Figure 4 of Exhibit A of the Environmental Report and in Figure 2 of the Supplement. The northernmost of the two lakes is located on a topographic high and will, therefore, collect no runoff or sediment. The southern-most is in a drainage path and would be expected to collect sediment.
- 1. Reclamation The reclamation of these two residual lake areas will be planned in conjunction with the agency which would take over the land if such arrangements are made. It is Humble's itttcntipn that the area have the maximum residual value for I whatever the final use and Humble will direct t_he reclamation expenditures toward this end. Adjust-I
. ments in current thinking will most certainly be I made as to selection of grasses, shrubs, and forbs for revegetationi side slope& and use and location I of rip-rap; and access to the sites. Humble recognizes that adequate, safe access to the lake~
I is necessary if their final use is for recreational I purposes. I
- 2. Residual Radioactivity The Texas Department of Health has noted a I problem with radioactivity in the water contained in uranium pit mines in South Texas and pointed to I
a possible similar problem in the residual lakes I at Highland.
- a. Texas Situation I
Bumble has investigated the situation at I the'relder #1 and McLean #1 mines described by the Texas Departaent of Health. I The Texas mines have not been reclaimed, Mining is not yet complete, and the pits are I being used for temporary water storage. I I I I
Ground water seeps through the pit walls and some rainfall accumulates in the pits. Some of the radioactivity in the water present in the pits comes from the influx of naturally 1*adioact ive ground water. Anai.yses o! water produced. f:rom wells in the vicinity of the mines shows that some of the ground water contains as much as 17 x 10-8
µCi/ml Ra226, or 5. 7 times MPC for discharge to unrestricted areas.
Also, leaching of uranium and its dau-hter products is occurring in tho pits, since high-grade uranium ore containing substantial quantities of pyrite (n source of sulfuric acid) is exposed to atmospheric oxidation over large areas of the pit walls. Under the existing conditions, radionuclide concentrations in water in those pits in excess of MPC must be expected. b *. Highland Situation At Highland, the rndionuclide content of the ground wnteJ* is low. The Highland wel 1 water moni to1*ing program was expanded in mid-1971 to include radium-226 and thorium-230
*analyses. The highest single analysis for I radium was 1.1 x 10-8 pCi/ml 01* 36% MPC. The average value for radium was about o.3 x I 10-8 pCi/ml or 101, MPC. Tborium-230 concen-trations have averaged about l.5J MPC and the I
highest concentration observed is less than I 51, llPC. Also, at Highland the ore-grade material I will be completely mined and removed from the final one or two pits that will not be com-I pletely backfilled. No water accumulation I will be present in the pits at the time the upper part of the pit walls is blasted into the I I j pit as described in the Draft Statement. Any uranium ainerals remaining exposed at termina-tion of mining will be covered by at least I several feet of the rock and soil blasted down from the upper part of the pit walls. Thus, I no uranium minerals will be exposed to atmo-spheric oxidation and the water which fills I the reclaimed pit should not contain radio- I active materials in excess of the MPC for dis-charge in unrestricted areas. I I I I I
- c. Conclusions The differences in mineralogy, ope1*a tional techni~ues, and the natural radionuclide con-tent of the ground water support our belief that the Texas situation is not analogous to Highland--that no problem with radioactivity will result when the Highland lakes are formed.
The ground water and mine wateJ* monitoring program will warn of any tendency to leach any radionuclides or undesirahle salts and allow appl'opriate 1*eclamation to avoid any possible problem. D. Reservoir Filling with Sediment Tta!: cirainage area from which water would flow into the southernmQst lake includes 2*.soo acres. The pit volume would be about 20 million cubic yards. It is estimated (Exhibit I) that between 300 and 400 years would be required to fill this reservoir and the run-off area would be lowered by an average of about 5 feet if sheet erosion occurs. Because of the original depth of the lake, it should be quite deep and useful for many yen1*s. E. Net Effect I The reclaimed ground condition will be different but certainly no worse than that existing before I Rumble began developing the mine. The quality of the I: vegetation will probably be improved and the two residual lakes will enhance the value of the area for I either ranching or recreational uses. The v.*ildlife species displaced by the project are I principally tile smaller, short-ranging animals such I the rodents and snakes, whose nesting areas would be ( destroyed/by the mining activities. Although it may I appear that larger species such as antelope and deer are also displaced, the opposite may be true. The I site fence prevents grazing by sheep. This factor, I combined with the revegetation of disturbed land areas may actually increase the forage for the larger I grazing species. After reclamation, the quality of vegetation will I be at least equal to that in surrounding areas, and I ecological equilibrium similar to that existing prior to mining should quickly be reestablished, I I I I I I
RELEASES OF RADIOACTIVE AND JI. NONRADIOACTIVE MATERIALS TO THE AIR (This section responds to the following comments: AEC #4 , 7 ; EPA p. 2, par
- 6; p. 3 , par , 1. )
A. Exposures Resulting from Dust Collector Discharges The concentrations of radioactive materials in air and the exposures to individuals resulting from dis-charge of dust from the Highland milling operation have been recalculated by the method recommended l)y the AEC's meteorological consultant in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (see Exhibit II). In the original Exhibit Hof tho Applicant's Environmental Report, the modified Bosanquct method was used to estimate the concenttations of airborne materials at various distances downwind from the mill. In the recalculation, the average annual concontration of airborne radionuclides at the edge of the restricted area was calculated for each of the 16 sectors of the wind rose using the frequencies nnd the annual average wind velocities for the sectors n~ obtained from weather bureau data for Caspcr,l 1 climatogl'aphy of the United States, No. 82-48, Summary of Hom*-1 y Obscrva t ions, CnHper, Wyoming. The equation used for calculating the annual average I concentrations of the radionuclides is given on page 405 of the publication Meteorology and Atomic Energy - 1968, I an AEC publication. The same equation can be derived I from equations 5.13 and 5.15, page 38, of the Handbook for Atmospheric Dispersion Estimates, Public Health I Service Publication No. 999-AP-26 (1969). The dust discharge rate of 25 lbs/hr. for the I crusher-scnabber stack is substantially lower than the I 45 lbs/hr. used in the original calculations. The new value reflects improvements that have been made in the I scrubber installation to insure conformance with Wyoming regulations for particulate emissions. I Figure 2 of Exhibit II shows the tabulated annual I average ~oncentrations of uranium and daughters at the 16 locations at the boundary of the restricted area I and at selected points of interest outside the restricted area. I Figure 3 of Exhibit II summarizes the calculated I exposures for 100% occupancy at each of the same loca-tions. I B. Radon Release from Tailing Pond I The radon release from the tailing pond has been recalculated and the radiation exposure that would I I I I
result from 100'1. occupancy at the resti*icted area boundary nearest the tailing pond has been recalculated by th1*ee methods, including the method recommended by the AEC's consultant in the National Oceanic and Atmo-spheric Administration, Exhibit III summarizes the radon release and exposure calculations.
- c. Total Annual Emissions The estimated annual discharges to the air from the mill and tailing pond are summarized in Table 2.
Bl!~UVMIAIIU f>>PI
I I TABLE 2. ESTIMATES 01' ANNUAL EMISSIONS I lbs ./yr. Ci/yr. I Crusher and Ore Bin Dust Collectors 2.6 x 10 5 (Dust>
.067 (Uranium) I Yellow Cake Dust Collector 842 (Dust) .092 (Uranium)
I Tailing Pond - Radon-222 270 I Leach Tank Vent 285 #S02/ s-x Building Vents
#S02 /yr.
365 I
#Kerosine/
yr. I Boilers (estimated from average data*) Solids 1,750 I S02 175 N02 Hydrocarbons Organic Acids 35,000 7,000 10,500 I Aldehydes NH3 1,752 1,500 I
- uanferous Properties of Industrial Materials - Tlilrd" Edi ion, edited by N. Irving Sax, Reinhold Book Corporation, New York (1968), Table I, p. 111.
I I I Ii I
\
I
Ill. TAILING DAM STABILITY AND SEEPAGE (This section responds to the following comments: AEC #2, 12; EPA p. J, par. 2, 3, 4-; and p. 4, par. l; Commerce #3.) A. Structural Stability of Ultimate Dam
- 1. Design of Lifts Through an analysis of the ultimate dam design on a worst possible case basis, the following factors of safety were calculated (see Exhibit IV, Dames & Moore letter, page 5 and Plate 2).
TABLE 3 TAILING DAM SAFETY FACTORS Factors of Safetl Downstream Final Face - Two Earthquake Upstream Additional Coefficient s102e Lifts o.o 1.37 1.33 0.05 1.23 1.17
- 2. Clny Core Clay core will not be necessary in the two additional lifts. The seepage through the lifts will be low enough to be evaporated. Most I
of the seepage flow will be away from the dam I (see Exhibit IV, page 6).
- 3. Inspection Proaram for Dam I
The tailin1 dam will be inspected one time I each operating shift for signs of erosional weakening fro* a malfunction of the filling opera- I tion. very little settling of the structure is expected; both the clay core and the shell of the I dam were compacted to 9°' *and 951, respectively, I of their maximum dry densities. The dam w-111 have settled for two years prior to use, and most I of the settlin1 in this type of structure occurs in the first fffN months after construction. I Based on tbeir design of the Highland dam, I their experience in the design and construction of similar dams, and their inspection of th.e I earthwork construction of the Highland dam, the soils engineering firm has determined that an I instrumented inspection program is not necessary I (Exhibit IV, page 6). I I I I
B, Seepage from Tailings Reservoir
- l. Seepage Estimates The estimate of seepage from the tailing basin of 80 gpm through the basin walls into the Tailing Dam sand and 20 gpm through the face of the dam are calculated by Darcy's equation. The estimate represents the worst possible case of a reservoir full of water containing no solids. The informa-tion for the calculations is contained in Exhib-it IV, page 2. In actual practice, tailings will be deposited in the basin at a much lower head and contain fine solids which will greatly reduce the permeability by clogging the pore spaces in the sandstone. As a result, the seepage will be much less than that calculated far the worst possible case, even with the additional lifts.
- 2. Adequacy of Monitor Well System The well system for monitoring seepage from the tailings retention reservoir was designed specifically to detect and sample any seepage:
- Through the toe of the tailings dam.
- Through the dam abutments and sides of the reservoir.
- Through the Tailing Dam shale member and. I into lower sands *.
I The Applicant's Environmental Report, pp. 99-101 describes the rationale for placement of the I moni.tor wells. Figures 2, 3, and 4, Exhibit C of the same report show cross sections of the fonna-. I tions exposed in and lying under the tailings I storage reservoir. Seepage from the tailing reservoir will be confined principally to the I Tf'.iling Dam sand unit immediately above the "'ail-ing Dam Shale aember. The Tailing Dam shale is I essentially impermeable; no seepage through this I stratum into the Highland Sandstone is anti.cipated. The Tailing Dam sand unit {overlying the I Tailing Dam shale) is only partially saturated with water. The water levels observed in the borings I .made to obtain engineering data for the design of I the tailings dam indicate that the water present in the sand overlying the Tailing Dam shale gener-I ally follows the surface contours. Np natural water flow pattern in this member can be determined, I other than the natural flow under the influence of I gravity from stru,-:turally high areas toward lower ones. Hence, the probability of detecting signifi-I I I I
cant seepage into the sandstone walls of the reservoir is highest when the intercepting well is located downdip of the seepage. Monitor wells A and B, located as shown in Exhibit A, Figure 4 of the Applicant's Environmental Report are com-pleted downdip of the tailings reservoir, with Well B completed in the sand unit that will be exposed to seepage, and Well A completed in the Highland Sandstone unit below the Tailing Dam shale to detect any possible percolation of tail-ings seepage through the Tailings Dam shale. The Applicant's Environmental Report shows Wells C and D positioned below the tailings dam. An additional well, located between Wells C and D and approximately in the center of the dry stream channel below the dam has also been com-pleted. It is identified as Well E. All three of these wells are completed in the sand above the Tailings Dam shale, They will allow us to monitor any leakage through the toe of the dam and around the abutments, should it occur.
- 3. Seepage Basin The engineering study, design, and construc*-
tion of the tailing basin dam iµdicate that the RE~'I11'l11'l~IBLE COPY
seepage through the dam will be negligible. I However, Bumble has indicated that a seepage .collection basin would be installed below the I tailing dam if significant seepage did occur. We would define "significant seepage" as I any amount that we can effectively measure, I collect, and pump. Our approach to the problem would be: I
- a. Observe quality of the water in the monitor I Well E (Well Eis in addition to the four wells shawn on Figure 9 of Exhibit C of the I
Environmental Report. It is completed at the I top of the Tailing Dam shale and is located in the center ot the creek channel about 200 I feet below the dam). I
- b. If the water sample at this monitor well is I
in excess of IIPC for discharge to an unre-stricted area, a trench will be dug across the bottom of the creek to allow a measure-Ment of the flow. I
- c. If the flow is great enough to be pumped I effectively, the trench will be enlarged to form a collection basin ~nd the water will I be pumped back behind the dam.
I I I
- c. Soil Characteristics The ability of most soils to remove contaminants from liquids is well known. Chemical reactions, ion-exchange, and adsorption are all effective mechanisms for the removal of water contaminants by soils.
- 1. Acid Consumption Laboratory measurements of the consumption of acid by Highland sandstone were made in order to design the ore milling process, The data show that one ton of the Highland sandstone*consumes about 60 pounds of sulfuric acid by reaction with sandstone constituents such as calcium and magne-sium carbonates. This value is typical for many sandstones. Therefore. one ton of sandstone, or about 17 cubic feet of the in-situ porous sand-stone, would neutralize the sulfuric acid i.n about 15,000 gallons of tailings solution at a pH of 2.,
Thus, ~tan initial seepage rate of 80 gallons per minute through the tailings reservoir walls, approximately 5 cubic yards of sandstone would effectively neutralize the daily leakage,
- Under the unlikely condition that seepage continued undiminished at this rate, and using a reasonable estimate of 500,000 square feet as the area through which seepage would occur (this seepage area is I equivalent to that of a reservoir with a perimeter of 10,000 feet with seepa~e into a sandstone wall I
50 feet high), the acid content of the seepage I over the entire life of the project would be depleted by the first 18 inches of sandstone pene- I trated by the seepage, I
- 2. Sorption of Heavy Metals Heavy metals are particularly susceptible to I adsorption by (ion-exchange with) natural clay minerals found in sandstones. Highland sandstones I
typically co~tain from 2% to 8% clay minerals with. I an estimated average value of 4%. Montmorillonite is the most abundant clay ~ineral, followed by I kaolinite. The adsorptive capacity df montmorillo-nite clay is about 100 meq/100 grams clay 2 or I l meq/gram. The replacing power of an ion increases I with increased valence and with increasing atomic number *for ions of the sam~ valence; therefore, I radium ions (atomic number 88) will replace calcium ions (atomic number 20) or sodium ions (atomic. I number 11'). Assuming*tbat one-half of the 4% clay I minerals is montmorillonite, there are 40 pounds I 2R. E. G1*im, Cla~ Mineralogy, McGraw Hill Book Co., New York, NY, (1953), pp. 26-159. I BE~T AVAIWU~ COl1Y
. I I
or 18,000 grams of montmorillonite per ton of ore. This would result in the adsorptive capacity of 18,000 mcq or 18 equivalent weights per ton of ore. With an atomic weight of 226, the equivalent weight of radium is 113. One ton of ore has therefore the theoretical capability of adsorbing 2,000 grams of radiuin. Even at a very low extrac-tion efficiency, the soil would therefore provide an effective mechanism for fixing the radium, D. Alternatives to Accumulation of Waste Humble knows of no effective alternative to the accumulation of the mill tailings. The method selected by Humble for stabilizing and covering the tailing material appears to be the only satisfactory solution to the problem. The level of gamma radiation and the concentration of radon about the tailing area can be reduced to a safe level by proper 1*eclamation. Ii IV. TAILING BTABILIZATION AND RECLAIIATION I (This section responds to the following comments: AEC #lt 6, 11; EPA p. 5, par. l; SCS #1, 4; Wyoming I Game A.
& Fish Commission, p. 2~ par. 4.)
Stabilization I
- l. Slime Accumulations I The Highland tailing deposit will be different from those in the uranium mill tailing ponds that I have been reclaimed to date.
- Only one man-made wall of the basin need be I
reclaimed. I
- Reclamation has already begun although no tailings have yet been placed in the basin--
I the downstream face of the dam has been top- I soiled and reseeded. The grass cover is being established this summer. The tops I and downstream faces of the two lifts wi~l be similarly reclaimed as they are constructed. I
- The placement of tailings in the basin during I
operatior will be planned to reduce the I difficulty of reclamation. Selective placement of tailings in the basin I will accomplish two goals; I I IIE~'f AVMIAlltE tOPY I I
- Increasing the stability of the basin by storing the coarser material against the structure during the early life of the basin.
- Decreasing the volume of the slime pond that remains at the end of :*.illing operations by mixing the entire later tailing produGtion into the areas where the slime accumulated during the early life of the basin.
The selective placement of tailings will greatly reduce the volume of slime that would oth.erwisc remain in. a single accumulation at the end or the operation. 2, Solidification of Tailings As stated in Humble's Environmental Report and Supplement, Humble will reclaim all disturbed land including the tailing basin to a useful condition. However, Humble is hesitant to commit to a specific procedure to accomplish the reclamation (AEC sug-gested necessity of solidification) because the smoll amount of effort applied on a worldwide basi~ to tailing basin reclamation has neither exhausted the possible techniques nor arrived at the optimum p1*ocedure. Humble will continue to investigate 1 IIES1 AVAIIAIUJ~ COPY
I reclamatory methods and will use whatever methods I are necessary to restore tbe tailing basin to a useful condition. I
- 3. Size ProblelllB I The large surface area of the tailing pond will result in the most stable storage basin. Spreading I
the tailing over a larger area results in a lower I center of gravity and less depth than could be obtained with a much more elaborate, and probably I less stable, pyramidal structure. I
- 4. Basin Overflow During Reclamation Humble's commitment to contain the tailings and I produce a surface condition that meets unrestricted area radiation levels requires that reclamation be I
carried out so as not to overflow the basin. Suffi- I cient fr~eboard will be maintained to permit recla-mation without overflow of tailings from the basin. I
- 5. Wind Blown Dust_ I Humble anticipates that the tailing basin reclamation will be carried out by stages. As I
soon as a reasonably large area _is dry enouKh to work on with heavy equipment, covering with soil I will begin. If the monitoring program indicates I I I; BITAVMUBll COPY
*I
a hazardous or obnoxious dust p1*oblem is developing, the dried surface will be treated as uecessary to control the dust. B. Reclaimed Surface Condition
- 1. Radiation and Radon Humble estimates that the gamma radiation level and radon-222 concentration at the reclaimed tailings basin surface formed by adding 2 feet of suitable compacted mine waste and topsoil (see page 19 of supplement and pages 45 and 46 of Environmental Report) will be low enough to qualify as an unrestricted area. The AEC found that the radiation level above the reclaimed tailing basin at Monticello was close to the background reading for that area of Utah.
The diffusion of radon 222 in the ground has been reported by Tanner.3 He estimates that "radon-222 will undergo hundred-fold diminution in the short maximum distance of 10.7 cm." His estimate is for water-saturated soil or for soil of comparable diffusional resistance, Thus, each foot of such cover would reduce the radon concen-tration by a factor of one million. The equilibrium 3 u1an B. Tanner; "Radoo Migration in the Ground: A Review," The Natural Radiation Environment, The University of Chicago
,ress (I964), p, l72.
1 BES1 1\Vl\lWLE COPY
I concentration of 9.5 x 10-4 JJCi/ml in tbe tailing I is calculated in Exhibit Ill. One foot of cover would reduce the surface concentration of radon I to 9.5 x 10-10 µCi/ml, which is 1/3 MPC. The second foot of cover would produce another million-I fold reduction to one 3-millionth MPC. at the I reclaimed surface. Although the two feet of cover on the tailing I basin at Highland will not be fully water saturated at all times, the selection of a siltstone-sandstone I mix plus compacting will provide a cover of suffi- I ciently low diffusional permeability to keep radon concentrations well below MPC at the surface, I
- 2. Vegetation I The downstream facos of the added lifts on the tailings dam will be revegetated as they are I
constructed. Humble has not selected the grass seed mixture that will be used to replant the I covered tailing basin. A balance of two properties I of grasses will be required. The roots must be long enough to stabilize the soil but not so long I that they will penetrate and possibly extract radionuclides from the stored tailing, I Humble will prevent the capillary transport of I acid to the plant root systems by modifying the I I I
depth of cover or perhaps by other means, such a~ mixing sufficient limestone with the initial covering to neutralize acid that might enter the root zone of the vegetation. The soil itself has the ability to neutralize acid seepage as has been noted in section 111-C. C. Fifty-Year Restriction The fifty-year period was selected because it is a more than adequate time period for the tailing problem to be fully studied, any possible radioactivity hazards to be thoroughly investigated and evaluated, and appro-priate legislation dealing with the long-term care of tailings to be placed in force. The restriction on use is a undesirable environ-I mental impact that cannot be avoided (page 50 of supplement). I I I I I I Bl!~T AVMIABl!COPY
I V. IIINE DDATERIN'G I (This section responds to AEC comments 3 and 8; EPA comments on p. 1, i,ar. 3, and p. :! , pars. 1 and 2) . I A. Prosent Situation and Projections I Experience in dewatering the first open pit at Highland has shown that the initial water influx rate I of about 900 gallons per minut~ has declined to about I 600 gallons per minute, and a cone of depression has been developed within the ground water around the pit. I Computer simulations 4 of the aquifer and pit mine system at Highland indicate that the rate of water I influx into the mine will continue to decline through- 11 out the mining period, averaging about 450 gallons per minute for the first 'five years of operation. I 4The computer program used tor the calculation~ is a general I purpose reservoir simulator developed by Esso Production Research Company for use in studying fluid flow in aquifers, oil reservoirs, and gas reservoirs. The program is a proprietary one, incorpo-rating the most recent advances in computing techniques. In general, I it is similar to earlier programs solving the Dorcy flow equations and material balances as developed by Esso Production Research. These programs have been reported in the literature: I L, J. Snyder, "Two-Phase Reservoir Flow Calculations, 11 Soc. Pet. lmJr. Journal, V. 9, 1969, p. 170. I J. H. Peery and E. H. Herron, Jr., "Three-Phase Reservoir Simulation," J. Pet. Tech., V. 21, 1969, p. 211. I J, S. Nolen and D. W. Berry, "Tests of the Stability and Time Step Sensitivity of Semi-Implicit Reservoir Simula-tion Techniques," Soc. Pet. Engr. Journal, V. 12, 1972, I p, 253. I I I
Mill water requirements are expucted to bt.* about 500 gallons pea* minute, and a s to1*age pond has be,rn constructed to retain an inventory ot* mine water 101* mill usage. Since the mill is not now operating, ~ater 1~ being punped from the mine to the mi 11 pond, tlwu directly to the tailing reservoir. After the mill is operation al, the combin"d wi thdrawa It,; fl*om the pond for 111111 usage, by seepage, and by eva1,oration ai-,*
expected to exceed the rate of water withdrawals from the mine. Welle or recycled tai 1 ings water wiJ 1 tht*11 be u.'!ed to supplement the mine drainage to prov i 1.fo au adequate water supply for the mill. Thuti, no di~clii11'1,;c of water into the surface drainagu sybtum is nntJ~j-I pated. llioe draina1re will be fully utilL1.. :-.111111, Nllllu-I stone uni ts outcrop in the strea_m bed of Box Ca*l.'ok over a ran1e of about 1 to 4 miles east of the minln~
I
- BITAVMWUE to1,
I area. The ~ame sandstone units ar~ continuous for at I least five miles to the northwest, west, and southwest. Calculations a~suming that the aquifel' volum~ is I equivalent only to that of a* circular a~uifer 10,000 f'eet in i*adius (the known minimum extent of the Highland I aquifer) show that the total volume of water that will I be produced by mine dewatering is only a small percent-age of the total water present in the *aquifer; i.e., I.I Volume of water present in an ~quifer of 10,000 ft. radius, conservatively estimated 120 feet in net sand thickness, and a fractional porosity at I 0.3: Vl = 1f' r 2 h0 I V1 _., 11"' (10 4 ) 2 ( 120)(0 .3) - 1.13 x 10 10 cubic feet I Volume of water produced, using the previously discussed five-year average value of 450 gallons per minute as the average rate over the life of I the mining operation, and using the maximum mine life of 14 years~ r I v2 - (450 gal/min)(5.26 K 10~ minuto8/ year)(l4 years}(0.13 ft. 3 /gal.) I 4.31 X 108 cubic feet V 2 I Thoreforo, the water withdrawn by dewotering, cxpre~sed as a percentage of water initiaJly prc~ent within the aquifer is: I I 100 t J 2/yl ~ (100)(4,Jl
. 1.13 X X
1010 10 8 ) 4 .31 x 10 10
, 1.13 X lOlO
= 3. 8'1, I
I I I
The ef feet of the mine dewatering on the *wate1* table in the Highland vicinity is, therefore, very limited. Although the drawdown of the water table
. at the mine walls is essentially complete, the free water surface in the sands quickly rises with distance away from the pits, and the computer simulations show that th~ aquifer will remain fully water-saturated at the 10,000-foot,radius during the entire mining life.
Therefore, mine dewatering will not reduce the supply of subsurface water available to users outside the mining area. The foregoing calculation of aquifer depletion by mine drainage does not consider the effects of natural I aquifer recharge. Pressure measurements in wells in the Highland mine area indicate that the water in the I sandstone formations penetrated by the mine is moving at a rate on the order of 20 to 30 feet per year. I Movement is a~parently in the updip direction and I causes a few springs to flow intermittently where the mined formations outcrop in the stream bed of Box I Creek. This natural recharge may originate from tlle Laramie Mountains to the southwest or from the Bighorn ,I Mountains to the northwest
- The natural recharge will
.I reduce the ca'lculated 4CJ, depletion of the aquifer.
I 1B!~TAVMIABUtOPY I
I C. Effect of Mining Activity on Water Quality I The effect& of mining and mine dewatering on the quality of underground water are expected to be I negligible. Underground water will always be flowing into the mine, and no backflow of water from the mine I into the sands will occur. Therefore, the quality of I the underground water will be unaffected by mining. As previously stated, water collected in the mine will I continue to be pumped to a storage pond f'or use in the milling operation. The water is collected in ditches I and sumps and not allowed to stand in the arcaR where I mining equipment is operating. The diRsolved solids content and radionuclide content of the water 111 the I storage pond are determined regularly as part of the environmental monitoring program. The quality of the I water J n the pond is essentially the same as Urn t ot*
,~-
I water pumped from wells in the immediate area that al'c completed in the sandstones penetrated by tbe mine. I The residence time fof water in the mine iH very short. We have not found and do not anticipate significant I deterioration of water quality as a result of the I possible leaching of materials f1*om exposud min inK surfaces. I tho As stated previously, no discharge of mine water to Hur face drainage ti:ystem is anticipated. The quality I of the mine water will be routinely monitored, however, I 1 I BE~1 AV1ll~lBLE COPY I
and under no conditions will water be released to the surface drainage system if it contains dissolved or suspended solids in excess of state water quality standards for discharge or radioactive materialH in excess of the MPC for discharge to unrestricted areas. D. Return of Any Released Water to Ground Water In the unlikely event that water is discharged into Box Creek bed, it will soak into the ground as it flows toward the east. Because of the decrease in surface elevation to the east of the Highland site and the n&tural dip of the subsurface formations, both the ore-bearing formations and the underlying forma~ions outcrop in the Box Creek bed over a distance of several miles east of the mine site. Thus, water flowing in 'I the stream bed will soak through the alluvium and into the outcropping formations. The outcrops are illus-I trated by Exhibit V. This exhibit is an extension of the cross section through the tailing reservoir shown as Figure 2, Exhibit C of the Environmental Report, showing the outcroppings and the beds below the ore-containing sands. Since there will be little, if any, discharge to the Box Creek bed, stream bed erosion as a result of discharge should not be significant. Discharged water would rapidly soak into the stream bed as described 1 BES'l AVAIIAIILI~ COPY
I above. If discharges occur tor any reason, stream Ii bed erosion would be monitored and corrected wherever found by rip-rapping the channel with consolidated I 8andstonc boulders from the mine. I I I I I I I I I I I J I I I I I
VI. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING (This section responds to the following comments: AEC #10, EPA p. 2, pars. 4 and 5, p. 5, par. 2; Jnterior Department p, 1, pars. 4, 5; Wyoming Game & Fish Commis-sion, p. 2, par. l.) A. Biota Sampling and Analysis
~
The biota and soil monitoring prog1*nm at Highland has consisted of sampling and analysiH of ~oil and vegetation to determine uranium content ns d~scrilwd in the Envil'onmen ta 1 Repo1*t. Prm;t:-rved i:;oil samples from 1969 and 1971 surveys are now being analyzed for Ra 2 26, Th 230, and Pb 210
- The biota sampling pro~1*am will be expanded to incorporate th~ Hugg~stions mad~
by the AEC and the EPA. The anticipated pro~ram will include spring and f n 11 sampling of soi ls and of plant specie~ grazed by the large indigenous nnimnl spucic~. The long winter dormancy period in the Hi~hhnd aJ*1.rn makes Mampling of vo1,etnt ion betweun the months of October and Ap1*il redundant. Sarnpl ~!:i ot* thu SOilH and v~~etntion wil 1 be analyzed for u, Th 2 :JO, Ra226, nnd Pb210. The spring and t'o 11 samplin~ will c..on ti nuc! until any seasonal variation patt~rn in radionuclide content of the samples is determined, Subsequent HamplinK will then be done annually. Sampling ~it~s will include ar~al:i pt't"dontinantly downwind of" ttw min<.* I and mill where maximWll deposition of airborne radio.- I active materials would be expected. Although discharge of mine water into the Box Creek bed is not anticipated, I soil samples from the Box Creek bed will be taken to detect any buildup of radioactive or toxic materials if I water discharge sh<>uld occur. This sampling would I detect buildup fr01r1 solution released from ei thcr the tailing dam or from the mill pond which holds mine I water. Premioing base-line soil samples from Box Creek were taken in 1969 and 1971. Vegetation from reclaimed I mine waste areas and reclaimed tailings disposal areas I will be included in the program to detect possible uptake of radionuclides from the wastes by plant rootH. I Analyses of the body burdens of uranium and Ra229 in rodents captured in the mine/mill area will be I performed each spring and fall to detect any buildup I of radionuclides in the food chain. I B. Biota Inventory The report "A Brief Inventory of the Wildlife I Resources in the Highland Flats Area of Converse County" prepared by the Casper District of the Wyoming Game and I Fish Commission is an excellent summary of the present I status of wildlife in the area around the Highland mine and mill. A summary of this report could be included I in the final statement prepared by the AEC. Humble has I I I
requested addi tionol comments by th~ Wyomin~ (inmP ~uul Fish Co1DJ11issioner on the suitability or the inventory as a base-line study, C. Noise The noise which will be evident off sit~ will include noticeable but faint sounds of mining equip-ment. When the few calcified layers in the pit that resist ripping are encountered, blasting is-required. This sound can be heard at the property line. Engines driving mining and milling e~uipment are I mutfled to meet noise level regulations. The hammer mill, screens, and rod mill may produce noise di~- cernible on the site near the mill buildin~, but not I noticeable off site, Other equipment produces no noise approachin*g limits sp~cifted in any applicable I regulation. I Noise levels are now being regularly measured in the mining areas and near mining equipment, and noise I dosimeters are being used to evaluate exposures or equipment opea*ators. Noise levels in the mi 11 wi 11 I be similarly surveyed at regular intervals after milling operations begin. BE~T AVMIABLI! COPY
.~ !
VII. GENERAL I (This section responds to the following comJDents: AEC ,13, EPA p. 5, pars. 3 and 4; SCS #2, 6; Interior I
- p. 2, par. 2; Wyoming Game & Fish Commission, p. 1, par. 2; Advisory Council, Historic Preservation.)
I A. Waste Disposal I All of the mill site construction waste is being. 1.I buried under mine waste as it is produced. Trash produced during operation of the mine and I mill will also be buried in a mine waste dump. No incineration of waste will be permitted except for a I small amount of proprietary papers and maps., They will be incinerated in.conformance with appropriate regula-I tions. Disposal of sludge from the sanitary sewer I syatem will be in conformance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. I B. Historic and Archeological Finds I The state historic preservation officer has indicated that the operation will not affect recognized I historical sites, I Any historic or archeological finds will be protected and the appropriate state office notified. I
- c. Future of Sheep Ranching I numble is in no position to determine whether µr not sheep ranching will continue as a main use of the I I
I
land in the future. The present use of comparable land in the area is for sheep ranching, and Humble will restore the land so that it will be at least as useful for sheep ranching as it was before mining began, D. Purpose of Fence The purpose of the site fence is to keep people from frequenting the site. No part of the site is immediately hazardous to life, and common industrial accidents are of significantly greater concern than are possible .radiation exposures. The fence, never-theless, serves as a reminder that there are potential radiation hazards at the site. The only potentially adverse effecte of radiation on animals that can presently be foreseen would occur if radionuclides were to become concentrated through the food chain. The food chain in the area is quite short, and the probability of buildup of radionuclides is extremely low. The snmpling program to detect any buildup in the food chain has been described. E. Rare or Endangered Species The biota inventory prepared by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission supports the SCS statement that the ferruginous hawk and the peregrine falcon may be BE~T AVAIWLI! COPY
I found in the Highland Yrea. We have received no I reports of sightings of the trumpeter swan in the area. We believe that the Highland mine and mill I will not have any significant aQverse effects on these birds or other biota in the area. The vastness I of the open land a~ea in eastern Wyoming that is very I much like the Highland area renders insignificant the effect of the temporary removal of the mine and mill I site from forage access by animal species, whether they are classified as rare or not. I F. !!!!!atory Waterfowl I While the water in the tailing pond may tend to I attract migrating waterfowl, it is unlikely that waterfowl would remain on the pond surface. There I are three reasons for this belief: (1) There would be no food in or near the pond. (2) The water will I be sour tasting-~about like vinegar or lemon juice. I (3) Fresh water will be available to the birds in the mill water pond. I It is extremely doubtful that any short stay on the tailing pond could be harmful to the birds. The I direct radiation level is low, and they would not I drink enough of the water to ingest any significant quantity of radionuclides. ,I I IIE~'f AVlllWtl~ t:OPY I I
However, should our beliefs be in error and the tailing pond attracts migratory waterfowl or any other animals, Humble will request the assistance of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission in developing tech-niques to assure that these birds or other animals are not adversely affected, EXHIBIT I RESERVOIR FILLING CAICULATION Assumptions: Runoff Area - 2,500 acres (measured) Precipitation - 12 inches/year Runoff - 501> of precipitation Solids Content of Runoff - l.91J solids by volume (5\ by weight) Solids Content for Deposition - 68% solids by volume (85~ by weight) Calculation of Reservoir Life: 2,500 acres x 43,560 ft,2 x 1 ft. H20(rain) x o.5 ft. runoff x
~ ye~r ft. H20(rain) 3 slurrv 3 3 3 1,0191 ft. , X ft. solids 0,0191 - - - - ~ ~ ~ x 1- ~ _ 39 , 250 yds. solids ft, 3 runoff ft.3 slurry 27 ft. year yds. 3 solids 39,250 ----~~~-
year x 1 yds. deposit 06 8 yds.3 solids - 5 71700 yds.3 deposit year 20,000,000 yds.3 57,700 yds. yr. 3 - 347 years Calculation of Sheet Erosion of Watershed: 3 20,000,000 yds.J X 27 ft. X 1 x 1 acre = yd.3 2,500 acres 43,560 ft.2 4.96 or 5 ft.
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EXHIBIT III (REVISED EXHIBIT I, APPLICANT'S ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT) Dosage of Radiation From Radon Released by the Tailing Pond Part I. Release of Radon From Pond Surface Assumptions
- 1. All of the radon diffusing through the boundary between the deposited solids and the clear super-natant water is liberated to the air. This assumes perfect mixing and no transport delay in th* water.
- 2. All of the deposited tailing material is sub-merged in water.
- 3. The tailing material at this upper location is at 82~ solids by weight or 63% solids by volume (37% voids). The density of the tailing is therefore 2.031 ..a_.
m.l
- 4. 'Radon in the tailings is that which would bG in secular equilibrium with 0.2% U30s ore even though the U30e has been removed.
- 5. The relative abundance of radon-222 *t secular equilibrium is 2.17 parts per trillion parts of natural uranium.
6, The specific activity of radon-222 is 1.54 ~ 10 11 !!£!* gRn
- 7. The diffusivity of radoo-222 in a continuous water mediumCl) is 1.13 x 10-5 em2.
!ec (l)"Radon Migration in the Ground," by Allan B. Tanner, The Natural Radiation Environment, edited by Adams&. Lowder, Rice University (1964) p. 116.
BE~1' AVAIUBtEOOPY
I Exhibit III Page 2 I
- 8. The diffusion of radon can be des~ribed as follows<2): I I
Where: I J =- diffusion in uni ts of weight or radioactivity D = per (time unit x area). effective diffusion coefficient based on I total crosg se~tion area of porous media= 1.13 X 10- Cm Sec X .37. I C0 a equilibrium concentration of radon (>>;f) in I secular equilibrium with 0.2% U30e ore at conditions above= 2.031 g slurry x .82 ml slurry.
- I g solids X ,002 g U308 X .85 g U X g slurry g solids g U30s I:
2.17 X 10-12 I..!! X 1.54 X*lOll pCi = 9.46 AICi. ml g U g Rn I
")... .. decay constant ... 0.692 2.1 x 10-6 Sec-I, T 1/2 m
3,8229 X
.692 24 X 60 X 60 I L-= distance from interface into the deposited tailing.
I Calcula tio.ns At L = 0 I
.To* -DCo J~ = -4. 18 x 10-6 §:: x 9. 46 x 10-4 pmcl x I 11 (2l Measurements of the Effects of Atmosphere Variables or I
Radon-222 Flux and Soil-Gas Concentrations" by H. W. Kraner I et al, The Natural Radiation Environment, edited by Adams & Lowder, Rice University (19~4) pp. 209*210. I I RES'I' lll7111IJllltE COPY I
Exhibit III Page 3 2.1 x 10- Sec- = -16.99 x 10-10 ,uci crn
~.4 .18 X 10-6 Cm2) Cm3 SN'
\ .37 Sec
_. -16.99 x 10-lO ~Ci = -16.99 X 10-6 .uCi "Cm Sec m2 Sec Total radon generation from tailing pond - 16.99x1<r6 ,UCi x (710m)2 = 8.561!£!_ m2 Sec Sec The negative sign means that the diffusion pro-ceeds in the opposite direction of the measurement* of L. Part 2. Calculation of Dosage at Nearest Boundary of Restricte~ Area Downwind rrom. Tailings Basin The tailings basin is located relatively close to therestricted area boundary. The center of the tailings storage area is about 840 meters south-southwest of the nearest boundary of the restricted area. Since the tailing storage area will average about 125 acres during the prQject life, it must be considered as an area source in order to estimate concentrations of radon-222 at relatively short distances downwind. Since there is presently no rigorous method of calculating annual average atmosphere concentrations of a material emitted from an area source when the distance between the source and the receptor is not substantially greater than the crosswind dimension of the area source, three methods of approximating the concentrations of radon-222 and tbe resulting exposures for 1001, occupancy at the restricted area boundary nearest the tailing~ reservoir are presented here. Method A - Description This method, recommended as a useful approximation technique by the AEC's meteorological consultant in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, results in estimates for downwind concentrations that would be observed over a 10-minute observation*interval. Because the method does not account for the wind meander over long time periods, average concentrations over longer measuring periods will usually be significantly lower. This pbenoaenon is discussed in reference 3, page 38.
I Exhibit III Page 4 I In the method, the area source is considered to I be composed of n point sources distributed evenly over the area of the actual source, each emitting at a rate 1/n times the total emission rate. The concentration of radon-*222 at the receptor location is found by I summing the downwind concentrations that are calculated to result from each of the point sources. I Method A - Assumptions I
- 1. The tailings reservoir is square, 710 meters on a 2.
side. Nine point sources located as shown in Figure 1 I adequately represent the area source.
- 3. Average atmospheric stability (stability class "D")
I repres~nts average conditions.
- 4. The concentration of radon-222 at the receptor I
resulting from discharges from each point source is g1ven by 6 I
/\- -_ 10- Q (Equation 3.4, page 6, ref. 3) where:
,,. oy azU I
-X, = Radon-222 concentration at the receptor, ~f Q = Emission rate, ~1 s ec I
oy - Horizontal dispersion coefficient, meters oz= Vertical dispersion coefficient, meters I U ... Wind velocity, meters/second I
- 5. Since the sources the receptor, the are generally south-southwest of annual average wind velocity of I 7.2 met~rs/second when the wind is from the south-southwest applies tion frequency of for all sources, and wind direc-5.5% also applies. (Average I 3 Workbook of Atmospheric Dispersion Estimates," Public Heal th Service Publication No. 999-AP-26 (1969), equation 3.4, p. 6.
I I 1 BII~'l !VAIUHtl~ tOPY I
Page 5 velocities and frequencies from U.S. Weather Bureau Publication '~limatograpby nf the United States Nn. 82-48*' for Casper, Wyo,,u.ng.)
- 6. Emission rate from each point source is 1/9 of the total emission rate calculated in Part 1, i.e.,
Q a 8.56 pCi x _!... = 0.95 ~ Sec . 9 Sec
- 7. MPC for radon*222 is 3 x 10-9 J}Ci. Continuous ml exposure at this level results in a dose of 1,500 millirems per year to the lungs, Method A - Calculations Source-Receptor Distance Source No.
l
- (lleters)
'100 1,150 3.6 2 580 860. 4.9 3 520 710 !;. 9 4 870 1,650 2.6 5 810 1,500 2.8 6 760 1,350 3.1 7 1,100 2,500 1. 7 8 1,040 2,300 1.8 9 1,020 2,200 l.9 Ex= 28.3 x 10- 11 pct ml Average concentration*
~ (28.3 x 10-ll !Ci) (Wind Direction Frequency) ml
* (28.3 X lo-ll)(,055)
~ 1.56 x 10- 11 8Ci ml Exposu"e at receptor -=
~ (i.ss x 10
_11 pci) (1,500 rillirems)
-9 pCi ml 3 x 10 rn 1
- 7.8 millirems/7ear
EXHIBIT III I
\
FIGURE 1 - REPRESENTATION OF AREA SOURCE I' I
- RESTRICTED I
AREA BOUNDARY I SEC21 SEU I RECEPTOR-(N1or11t Boundary)
... -----, I I
I ** ** I I I
~
AREA SOURCE I SECH
- 1 1 0 ,. ___
Bff I I I I I I I I
Exhibit Ill Page 6 Method e*- Description In this method explained on page 40 of reference 3, the area source is treated as a single source having an initial horizontal standard deviation of oyo = S , n where Sis the length of a side of the square area source. A virtual source is then located at a distance of X that will yield this standard deviation, and the equat10K for a point source is applied to determine concentrations at downwind receptors. As with Method A, the calculation is intended for use in estimating concentrations over short time periods and may yield concentrations signi-cantly higher than the annual averages. Method B - Assumptions Assumptions 1, 3, 4., 5, and 7 from Method A apply. Also: *
- 1. Distance from center of area source to nearest boundary of restricted area m 840 meters.
! 2. Q = 8.56 µCi (from Part 1)
- l Sec Method Bis the method which was used in the Applicant's Environmental Report, Exhibit I. However, the original calculation contained several errors, including the estimate of wind speed and frequency.
The nearest boundary of the restricted area is approxi* mately north-northeast of the average center of the tailings area over the project life. The original calculations assumed that the nearest boundary was northeast of the tailings area center. The effect of this change reduces the calculated exposure by a factor of about 4 due to the lower wind frequency. Method B - Calculations Estimate of virtual source distance from pond: oyo q 1!Q.
- 165 meters 4.3
....---------, From Figure 3-2, reference 3, Xy = 2,600 meters
Exhibit Ill Page 7 I Since X = 840 meters, X + Xy D 3,440 meters I at 3,440 meters, at 840 meters, ay
- 215 meters (Fig, 3-2, Ref. 3) 0 z
- 28 meters (fig 3~3, Ref. 3)
I X* 10
-6 Q.,. 8.56 X 10
-6
..., 6
- 29 X io*ll pCi I
'"yozU (,r)(215)(28)(7.2) ml Average radon-222 concentration~
I
~ (6.29 x 10- 11 )(Wind Direction Frequency)
* (6.29 X lO~ll)(0.055)
I
~ 3.45 X lo-l 2 8£!
ml I; Exposure at receptor* I
= ( 3
- 46 x 10 -12 l!m)i) (1,500 millirems) 3 x 10*9 pCi I
ml I
= 1,73 millirems/year Method C - Description In this method the annual average concentration calculation for point sources is used (Exhibit II, Figure 1), using ae the distance between source and I
receptor the virtual source distance, X + Xy = 3,440 meters, as determined in Method B; and the ~ertical dispersion coefficient is read from Pigure 3-3 at tho I true distance, 840 meters, between source and recepto1*. This method results in a reasonable sector width for the annual average without introducing any artificial I vertical dispersion. into the calculation. Method C - Assumptions I Assumptions 1, 3, 5, and 7 from Method A apply, as do the additional assumptions made for Method B. I I I
Exhibit III Pa1e 8 Method C - Calculations
"" pCi ml Since H ~ O, the equation reduces to:
Substituting,
~ ~ J_ ,(.01)(5.5)(8.56)(16)1 j10-6J ff (28)(7.2)(2 )(3,440) where 0 z - 28 meters and X c 3,440 meters
~ 1.38 X 10-12 pCi ml Annual Average Exposure~
~ ( 1 , 38 x 10-12 pCi) (1,500 millirems) lDl 3 x 10-9 l!Ci
* .
- ml
~ 0.69 millirems/year Conclusions The use of three methods of approximating the exposure of an individual occupying a location at the boundary of the restricted area nearest the tailing reservoir gives results ranging from 0.69 to 7.8 millirems per year. The highest value resulted from the calculation method recommended by AEC's meteorological consultant. This value is probably higher than the true average value, since the calcu-lation inherently assumes that the emissions from all BE~T AVMWU COPY
Exhibit Ill I Page 9 the point sources used to tdmuJ.ate the area souJ*cc I are additive at a point receptor location. Further, it 1s recognized that the equation used is designed for the estimation of short-term concentration averages I and that annual averages would likely be lower than those calculated. Method Buses a method described by the 1969 Public I: Health Service publication "Workbook of Atmospheric Dispersion Estimates" for estimating concentrations downwind from area sources over short time interval8, I Method B probably overestimates annual average concen-trations because of the effect of wind meander, Method C, which uses the same assumptions as I Method B, replaces the short-term observation equation with the annual average equation that accounts for
- normal wind meander. In this case, the radon emanating I
from the tailings area is distributed over a reasonable sector width of 2ff(X + Xy) a 2ff(3,440) = l n 16 , t 350 me ers, I at the receptor distance of 840 meters, The calculation averages the concentration of radon at the receptor location over this reasonable sector width and, therefore, I probably results in the most reasonable estimate of the annual average concentration. In summary, we believe that calculation Method C I yields the most realistic estimate of annual average dosage from radon-222 emanating from the tailings reservoir for 100% occupancy at a location at the I restricted area boundary nearest the tailings area, It should be pointed out that the point on the I restricted area boundary nearest the tailings reservoir is not tho point of maximum potential unrestricted area exposure. Check calculations by all three methods indicate that exposures at the boundary northeast of I the tailings reservoir, because of the higher wind direction frequency in that sector, would average 3 to 4 times the exposure at the nearest unrestricted area I receptor location, as calculated in the exhibit. In any event, the calculations show that the maximum potential unrestricted area exposure to radon-222 from I tailings is low--probably less than 5 millirems per year, I I I
DAM*S 8 MDORB
' * * * "** * ** ~ ' I ,i **~ I :. I,..'** Ii< I la' f '"I August 10, 1972 EXHIBIT IV Humbll* 011 and Re!J n ing Campany Min~rals Departm~nc P. o. Box 2l80 HuusLun, Texas 77001 Attention: Mr. Edwin llom1scau Gl.!n t 11.!lnen:
Cons u 1t a t ion I 'l'ai 1 Jngs Disposal System Highland Uranium Mine Converse Cnunty, Wyoming For Humb h* Oil and Refining Company I- CNTRODUCTION I As requt?s ted by Mr. Rousseau *>f Humble Oil and Refin.ing Company, this letter provides additional data on the subject tailings disposal system, Speciflcally, the follnwlng three arcali arc dhcussed: I 1. Seepage from tai I ings reservoir basin.
- 2. Design criteria for the ultimate tailings dam section.
- 3. Structural monitoring of the tail Jogs embankments.
BACKGROUND JNF'ORMATION Prio1" to this letter we have completed several engineering studies on the subject tailings disposal system. These studies include the design of the existing tailings dam embankmt?nt, as well as the ultlmate embankments, on-site inspection during tht: construction of the *existing embankment, detailed slope stability studies subsequent to the construction
- of the embankment Ln which the "as-built soil parameters wer<? utilized, and a detailed study of anticipated evaporation losses from the tailings reservoir. The data and information obtained from these studies is summarized in the following reports and letter:
- l. Rt!port of Ta! lings D4m Study, High land Uranium Mine, Near Casper, Wyoming, For Hwnble Oil and Refining Company, 11 dated October 28, 1970.
Humble Oil and R~!inlng Company I Augu1t 10 1 1972 Page I
- 2. "Report of Earthwork lnlipection, Tailings Dam, Highland Uranium Mlne, Conver1e County 1 Wyomlng, For Humble Oil and Refining Company," dated November 11, 1970. I
- 3. "IJ,*tailed Upstream Slope Stability Analysis, Tailings Dam, Hlghland Uruaium Mine, Near CasJ)l!r, '-1yoming, For Humble Oil and Refining Company," dated February 8, 19 71.
I
- 4. t1con11ultation, Evaporation LoHes, Proposed Tall ingi.
*aeservoir, Highland Uranium Hine, Converse County, I
Wyoming," dated April 29, 1971. With the exceptlon of report No. 3, wt-tch was submitted to Mr. Jamee C. Malaro of the United State& Atomic Enei:1JY Coonission~ Washington, I D. C,, all of the above were submitted to Mr. Ru 1seH E. Campbell uf Humble Oil and Refining Company, Casper, Wyoming. I DlSCUSSI<lfS AND CONCWSIONS Cit.'NERAL: I Except for structural monitoring of the tailings dam embankments, the subject areas of this letter have been discussed ln one or more of the previously mentioned reports and letter. In preparing this letter we have I revlewed our previous studies and, lf necessary, made modifications to these studies such that they could be presented in greater detail in this letter. I SEEPAGE FROM TAILINGS RESERVOIR BASIN: TheOfI. 'lbe basic equation which fonnulates the quantity of seepage with permeability ls the Darcy equation. Thia equation in its most basic I form is: I where: Q - discharge in a glven unit of time k
- coefficient of permeability for* the foundation. i.e., dis- I charge rate through a unit area at unit hydraulic gradient 1 s hydraulic gradient * .h
- difference in head L length of flow path I A* gross area of foundation through which flow takes place.
When utilizing this seepage equation or ones derived from lt, it is I n~ccssary to appreciate '"he 11.mltati.ons of the values obtained from thls fonnula. The following quote from the book "Design of Small Dams," written *1 I I
H..-ble OU ar.d lefining Company August 10, 1972 Page *l* by the United State, Bureau of Reclamation, le pertinent to this 1ubJect:
"'nle accuracy of the *ount of under*aeepage as determined
- by the Oarcv fomuJ.a dependa on the homogeneity of the foundation and the accuracy with which the coefficient of penacability i1 deter,nined, The re1ulta 1hould be con*
aidered aa an indication only of the order of magnitude
- of seepage in evaluation of water loH from I project use viewpoint."
Destin Data. Value* u1ed. in the Darcy equation.on the Highland Uranh111 Mine tailings dilpo11l system were detenalned as follows: . _t_ The coe~fident penaeabiUty for the bedrock waa determined by a aeries of field percolation tests utilizing Packer testing equipaent in a three-inch hole. '11\e results of theae field percolation tests indicated that the bedrock at the alte ha, I permeability coefftcf.ent, k, ranging from Oto 7SOO feet per year, 'n,e O feet per year reading I is indicative of the silty and 1halely areas, while the high value ia lndicative only of the highly fractured sandstone layer*. In formation, such as the sandstone at the site, the average penneability of the formation is I L:onsiderably lese than the penneabllity of occaelonal fractured layers. The reason for thls is that wat(!r b unable to flow a1 freely into the permeable zones as I the1e zones are capable of transmitting water. Therefore 1 the overall permeability of the fonaation is generally controlled by the permeability of the leis perm~able zones, Por thi1 reason we utilized a coefficient of per-I meablllty of 500 feet per year for the on*site sandstone. Thie value roughly corresponds to the lower values obtained from the field percolation tests ln
- sandy zone, '111e I coefficient of ~mieability for silty and sh&lely areas was chosen** zero, 1ince seepage through these areas will be imperceptible, I J:L. ln our study, "h" corresponds to the difference. in eleva*
tion of the water at the point where it enters the permeable medium to vh,re lt exits the pe?'llle&ble medium. The value of 11 h11 vaa conaldered to be the elevation difference between the maximum water level tn the reservoir and the approximate top aurface elevation of the tailings dam shale which underlies the entire subject area. The t*ilinga dam shale is f.Jnpermeable and no seepage will flow out the "bottom" of the reservoir and will essentially elimi-nate the po11ibillty of contamination of deeper aquifers,
Humble OU and Refining Company I August 10, 1972 Page *4-
...b... 0 11 L is the seepage path distanc,1 through the porous medium.
I Because of the tailings which will build up on thQ face of the embankment, the min1Jllum seepage path distance is approx1mately 1000 feet and is located in the vicinity of I the sandstone abutments of the dam. The seepage path is greater than 4000 f.eet and is located in the upper reaches of the reservoir. In our studies, tailings are considered I to be permeable materials with the same characteristics as sandstone. The cross*sectional area through which the seepage wi.11 flow I is determined by estimating the proportion of &hale and sandstone materials above the tailings dam shale and adjacent to the walls of the reservoir and calculating the approximate I cross*sectional area of the reservoir basin. Shale areas are not considered as part of the cross-sectional area because these areas have negligible permeability. A subeurface~section I through the existing dam showing the approximate distribution of sandstone and shale is presented on Plate l, Subsurface Section. I Conclusions. Based on the above theory and data, we have calculated that the maximum seepage rate out of the reservoir basin will be 100 gallons per minute or less. Approximately one*half of this quantity will flow I towards the pit located south of the reservoir basin, and the other one-half will flow through the abutment, of the dam. I With time, it is our opinion that this seepage rate will diminish. Jn fact, it is doubtful that the seepage rate will ever reach 100 gallons per minute, This ls because the flne fractions of the tailings deposited in the reservoir basin have a tendency to "sea.1" the sandstone strata through I which the seepage will occur. This "sealing" effect occurs as the silt-sized particles are washed into the formation where they are trapped ln the inter* stitial space between the sandstone grains. As these interstitial spaces I are filled, the permeability of the sandstone formation is greatly reduced. This reduction in permeability may be one to two orders of magnitude or more, I We would assume that by the time the reservoir is filled to its design elevation, much of the sandstone wUl be greatly reduced in per-meability. The effective permeability of 500 feet per year which was utilized in our calculations could well be in the range of 5 to 50 feet per I year. As the Darcy equation indicates, a reduction in the permeability would cause a proportional reduction in the quantity of seepage. I The scope of work which was completed during the field portion of our investigation approximately two years ago did not include a study of the subsurface conditions at elevations greater than 5200 feet, which is I I Ul!~'l 1
!fAl~Ult~ OOPY I
.Humble OU and lefining Company August 10, 1972 Page *S* the top of the existing embankment. Therefore, we do not have direct field permeability data for the materials 'lllbich will be exposed to seepage when the ultimate dim height is reached. However, it is our opin:f.on that these upper materials will have eBBentially the same permeability characterietict as the materials already investigated. Also* these upper materials wU l tend to "eea l" as previously described. TI!er~fore, the total seepage out of the reservoir basin should diminish with time in spite of the increased area subject to seepage and increased h~ad. It is our oplnion that the seepage in the amount calculated and distributed over tbe large surface. area involved will evaporate as it con* tacts the free air surface. For this reason. we do not believe that a catch basin to c.ollect and return seepage effluent from the reservoir will be necessary. DESIGN CRITERIA-ULTIMATE DAM S2CTIC*:
. Description of Section,
- As shown on Plate 2 1 Slope Stability Data, the ultimate dam section will consist of two, 25-foot*hlgh embank~
11\ents constructed on top of the tailings which will be deposited behind the existing embankment and the first additional embankment. These two embankments will have an overall slope of three horizontal to one vertical. The individual slopes on these embankments vill be two horizontal to one vertical and the crest width will be 25 feet. Stability Analyses. We have perfonned computer stability analyses utilizing the Pellenius Method of Slices to compute the factor of safety for the ultimate embankme~ts. The location of the critical circle and the minimum factors of ~afety for the downstream and upstream slopes of the ulti.m&te embankments are shown on Plate 2. nie f11ctor of safety values are given for a stationery condition and for a moderate earthquake load equal to o.os times the gravity load. The results of the computer stability analyses indicate that the critical circle does not pass through the existing embankment, the reason being that the factor of safety for circles passing through the existing embankment is greater than the factor of safety for the circles indicated on Plate 2, As Plate 2 sbowa, the most critical circle for the upstream and downstream cases passes largely through the tailings which are the 11 wea~at" materials in the embankment system. For our stability studies, the wafer level which i.s shown on* Plate 2 was utilized. We feel that this water level ls an esti.mute of the worst water level condition which could occur. I! the tailings discharge syitern is properly controlled, the free water surface in the reservoir will be approximately 500 feet from the crest of the dam. However, for purposes of deaf.an, the water is asaumed to be at the crest of the dlllD which simu~ latee the most unfavorable condition with respect to stability.
I Humble 011 and ReHning Company August 10, 1972 Page *6-I Seepage. As stated in the previous paragraph, the free water surface in the reservoir should be approximately 500 feet behind the crest o( the dam during operation. With the free water surface this I far from the crest, the water level within the reservoir should be lower than shown on Plate 2. In fact 1 the water level may never encounter the ultimate embankments except at the point where the first additional I embankment contacts the existing embanlanent surface. We anticipate that if any seepage occurs, it will occur at or near this point. This seepage, lf it does occur, should be so sinall that it will evaporate as it contacts I the free air surface on the downstream side of the embankment. Alternate Construction Materials. Based on our stabLlity studies, it is our opinion that either compacted tailings or compacted I mi.ne Sllndstone may be utlllzed to construct the ultimate embanlanents. Our stability studies were perfor:med with soil parameters based on utilizing tailings. The factors of safety indicated on Plate 2 would have been grea-I ter if these same computations had been performed utilizing soil parameters which correspond to compacted mine sandstone. Soil parameters for compacted mine tailings are ~hown on the existing embankment section of Plate 2. As I can be seen, these parameters are significantly greatl!r than the parameters for compacted tailings. Thereforet the dee is ion as to which should be utf.Uzed may be based on economic factors and whichever material is easiest to work with and most available at the time when the ultimate construction I takes place. Clay Core. It is our opinion that it is not nccessary*to extend I the clay core through the ultimate embankment sections. This h based on two factors. The first factor is that the quantity of seepage, if any, will be so small that whatever seepage occurs will evaporate as soon as it I contacts the air and, second, the flow path of the water from the pond would tend to be toward the sandstone walls of the pond and not toward the dam. STRUCTURAL MONITORING OF DAM: I Existing Embankment. With the exception of the clay c~rc. the existlng embankment is composed of eesentially granular materials. These I granular materials consolidate rapidly and are not anticipated to undergo detectable movement during the life of the tailings disposal system. I Our engineering studies performed prior to the constructinn of the embankment indicated that approximately 50 percent of the ultimate settlement of the clay core would occur within 120 days after construction and that 90 percent of the ultimate settlement of the clay core would occur I within one and one*half years following construction. Approxlmately two years have passed since the dam was constructed. Therefore, little, if any. I I n,~~T AVMIJ\Hll COI1Y I
Hwnble OU and Refining Company August 10, 1972 Page -7*
.additional settlement will occur and monitoring movement of the existing embankment would not be practical.
ULTIMATE DAN SECTION: Some consolidation of the materials from the conetruct{on of the first and second 25-foot additions to the exie ting dam embankment is anticipated, Howe~er, the rate of consolidation should be rapid and ahould not affect the stability. We do not reconmend monitoring of this movement as long as the free water remains at a considerable distance from the embankment face. Yours very truly, DAMES tis MOORE g -/
*~ ,,~-~~
Geor~~~lind
- GCT/REV:ab Cons~~~gTPartner Professional Engineer No, 992 Attachments: State of Wyoming Plate 1 1 SubHurfac~ Section Plate 2, Slope Stability Data 1
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M*o**D' * ._... ,, ........ *&111 October 28 1 l970 Humble Oil and Refining Company JU Eaet "A" Street Ca1per, Wyoming 82601 Attention: Mr. R.uaaell E. Campbell Gentlemen: Six copiH of our "Report of Tailings Dam Study, Highland Uranium Mine, Near C11per, Wyoming, For Humble OU and Refining Company, 11 are here* with submitted. .e I.. The study wa1 planned in discuaaions between Mr. R.u11ell !.Campbell of the Humble Oil and Refining Company and Mr. George C. Tol*nd of Dames & Moor*'* Salt Lake City office. A detailed description of the purpose and scope of this *tudy was presented in our propoaal dated July 16, 1970. Autho-I
- rization to perform the 1tudy was provided by your letter dated July 21, 1970.
' During the course of the study, our ,cope of-work vas changed to include pro-vidlng recoaaendations for increa1in1 the reservoir capacity ln the future. Our studies indicate that the proposed site.is suitable for the construction of the tailinss dam system. Our studies included evaluations of the soil and geologic conditions at the site, the type of construction mate-rials to be used, volumes of construction materials, water losses, slope sta-bility and settlement. Detailed discussions and reco!lllllendations regarding the final design and future construction of an ultimate tailings dam are pre-sented in this report. If you have any questions concerning this report, please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours very truly, DAHES & MOORE ~ DA--* ,.~..;z .
~oland 9706100105 701028 Professional Engineer No, 992 PDR ADOCK 04008102 State of Wyo111ing C PDR GCT/WW:ab ~~w~
Enclosures Associate
e UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION Dt1L,1C11D'8 .!~~; ! J 191. J
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PDR ADOCK 0400810~ C PDR
e DETAILED UPSTREAM SLOPE STABlLJTY ANALYSIS TAILINGS DAM HIGHLAND URANIUM MINE NEil CASPER; WYOMING FOR THE HUMBLE OlL AND REFINING COMPANY Ii e J Dam.1 & Moore Job No. 2022-035-06 e
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February 8, 1971 Unlted Statee Atomic Eneray Commission W1shin1tan 1 b. C. 20545 Attention: Mr. Jamel C. M1laro A11i1 tant Chief Material, Branch Divlalon of Materials Licen1ing Gentlemen: e Detailed Up1trecn Slope Stability Analyaia TliUn11 Dam Highland Uranium Mine
.Near Ca1per 1 Wycmln1 For The Humble Otl and Refining Company INTRODUCTION .
After receipt of Mr. Malaro's letter of January 18, 1971, Humble Otl and Reflnins Comp&11y p1r1onn1l reque1ted that Mr. Toland of Dame* & Mo~re COIIII to Hou,ton ta discuss th1 apparent lack of ensineerin1 data for the 1Jpstr1&111 dope deatgn of the subject tailings dam. In the discuuion with Mr, Kirby and other m1mtbera of H11nble 011 and Refining Company'* 1taff, D1m1s & Moore was requested to respond to Mr. Malaro'a letter. Our response with additional *naineering de1isn data is provfded herein. PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this letter ia to provide the Atomic Energy Coaaiasion with ensineerina justification for the upatream face deaign cf the presently con1tructed tailinas starter dam. To acc.1mpliah this purpoYe, the followina itema were completed: 1, An extensive review of our original en1lneerin1 file*,
- e. including a atudy of the data used in detenDining the original safety factor for the slope and an analysis of the computer data obtained in determining the original calculated factor of 1afety.
9706110010 1102oao~ PDR ADOCI( 04008 t
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DAMl!S 8 MOORE e United State* Atcmic Ener1y Coami**ion February 8, 1971 Pa11 *2*
- 2. Thi developm*nt of a1~built 1011 parameter* based on our engineerin1 in,pection and teatin1 durln1 the con*
1tructlon of* th* taiUn11 den.
- 3. The cc:aputation of 1afwty factors for the up1tre1m slope utilizina these actual 1011 parameters and com*
puti111 comparative* data utUidniJ th* soil parameters 1ua1e1ted by th* Atomic Energy C0111Dia1ion.
- 4. Computation of the future 1afety factor when ta111naa
.1r1 bullt up a1ain1t the face after 78 daya of tailinas dhch1r1e, EXISTING TAILINGS DAM SECTION On Plate 1, Typical Exi1ttn1 Dam Section, there 11 1hown a cro11-11ction throuah the Hi1hland Uranium Min* Tai11n11 Dam. Aa i1 1hown on the cro11*11ction, the tailtn11 dam ha1 been constructad with a two to on, up1tream 1lope, a cre1t width of approximately 20 feat, and a down1tre111 1lop1 of two and one*half to one. IP.neath th* creat of the dam i1 the fmp1rviou1 core. The c:ora ha* a maximum width of 20 feat near itl bottom and aradually narrowa to a width of approximately ten feat near the cra,t.
The core waa conatructed of compacted clay (weathered ,hale). In our origi-nal de,tan a11umptlon1 the,1hell portion, of th* da111 would be con,tructed entirely of compacted friable 1andstone. Kovever, durtn1 con,truction va approved the u,e of'1ilty 1and material, in the up1trcam 1hell portion of the tailin11 dam. Th* friction anal* for the 1ilty ,and u11d 11 1am1what 1111 than orialnally planned. Hovaver, the 1llty 1011 baa cohaslv* 1tren1th which more th6n compen1ate1 for the loaa of friction anale. The tailing, will be depo1lted from the upstream slop* of the tailings dam. Therefore, ,olid tailing& *rather than water will build up against the 1h1ll of the dam. Since the tailing* tend to deposit on a slope of approximately ona percent away from the place of discharae, the free water 1urface ln the reservoir will be forced away from the face of the dam and further out into the reservoir. Btcauae of this altuation, riprap will not be needed to pravent erosion on the up1tremn face of the tailings dam. Without the effect* of ero1ion minor failures due to surface 1loughing should be eliminated.
DAMl!S 8 MOORE e United Stat** Ata11tc En*ray CC11111t111on rebruary 8, 1971 Paa* -3* The a*n*r*l da11an practice for tailin1a dami which do not have outlet 1ace1 11 not to conlider rapid dralldown condidon1. Th*r*fore, the upatre~ faca . ,hc,uld be u 1taep H the '.downitrelli face.
- Where taUina* are d1podtid adjacent to tbe.upatrtt* dope the* iap1tr** llop1 11 normally 1t1ep1r than the dovn1tr11111lope, The acceptable 1afety factor* for.tailln11 d** are u,ually lower than UIH ln normal water ator*a* dlU *.
811.. 'on the rHult* of our lddi.tlonal 1tucU.e1, it 11 our opinion that th* exl1U.n1 up1traa face of the d* ii more 1table tlw\ wa had odatna11y calculated c,r than t~* deatan coiuU.Uon 1uge1tecl by the Atomic ln*raY Colllirll11ion 11 data.* In &11 ca*** lnve1tl1atad an adequate 1af1ty factor
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the follovtna para1raph1 de1cribe
- tit ~etaU the r11ult~ of__ ~ur tddltlonal 1tudle1. S*v*ral platai are included vi.th thl1 rep~rt which 1bow thi tallln11 d.. ,onflguretiaa aad th* minimum factor, of 1afety for the differtftt cond'itin, evaluated. . ' . . .
H!JJLI@-Of lJII ccairvm sr.ou §TMXLITY IWP~II; G991ral, . The ,ma Dama, , Moon c*uter and c0111P,uter pro1r* which.were ,utOued t.nour analyH1*preHnted in our previou1 report were u,*4. to perform the. analy111 *pn..nted 'in thll- r,poi:t. th* cmputer proa~am ii ba...d on the Taylor dip ctr.cle method *of computia& dope 1~abUlty ~ IUCh factors Al earthquake,coeff1denta, water* Levell, tlope &**try, and chan111 in 1011 pareMtera car. be eadly ,valuated vlth thia pro1r*.
. Becau** of the raote po11ib-illty of an earthquake in **the vicinity 0~ .. th, tai~~DIII 4* litt, each Of the* follovina CAlei Viii "*~for,ied for & .
aonial c.ond1t1on with no earthqullke and* alio for the condition of an. ea;th* qu~e,. Aft earthquake coefficient of 0.05 WII Utilized. In two ~-f the four caaea *v&luattd ln the *camputer the cohe*lon VAi equal to aero~ For thil circua,tance,. the minimu:al faci:or of ,,fety ll. for a 1urfac1 aloualain1 type of failure. How.var, due to th* canfineaent of tbe*talllna* which will ext,t on the 1lope of the dam it 11 not probable that
*urfaee 1lau1hla1 would occur. Therefore, in th11e ca***, tb* computer aaaly1l1 was al10 run to determine th* minimum factor of 1afety for a deep~
***t*d*or toe type of failure. ?tala additional analysis was only applicable for Case I and Cai* II, BE~TAVMIJBLECOPY
DAME8 8 MOORE -e United State, Atomic Energy C011111iseion February 8. 1971 Pa11 *4* Each of the four ca1es a,e described below and followin1 the description of the cases, the r~sults of the computer analyses are tabulated. Ca1a I. Thie caee waa *~*luted utilizing the Atamlc Ener1y C0111Di11ion 1 1 racommanded data, A slope anale of two and one*half horizontal to one vertical wa1 utilized and a f anal* of 33 de1ree1, cohesion equal to zero and a soil denaity of 12S pound* per cubic foot were utilized for the 11011 parameters. Caae II. Thia ca11 ie the same aa was presented in our previoua report, A alop* anal* of two horizontal to one vertical and a 0 anglt of 37 de9ree1, cob11ion equal to zero and a eoil den,ity of 135 pounds per cubic foot were util~ed in the computer program. Ca11 Ill. tn thla ca1e we utilii~d the two horizontal to one vertical ,lope which wae conatructed in the field and wae u1ed in the previous ca,e. However, for.this analysis we uaad the new 1011 p~rametera based on our aa*buUt data. 'lbese 1011 parameter* .nre e equal to 30 dearees, cohHion e equal to 500 pounds per aquare foot and a soil d1n1ity equal to 125 pound* per cubic foot. C&1a IV. In thla ca1e we utilized th* same ,oil parameters a1 v.re utilized ia CaH III bu~ thll time, instead of a11U111ing th,n the tailinsa dam~** full of water; WG a11umad that th* tallinga had built up for approxi* matily 78 day, of continual ditcharae of taillna* into the reservoir. The
. ccnfiguration for thia computer analysis was based on the data pr11ented on Plate 6, Profile of Tailln11 Depoaition, Initial Dam &llbankment, presented in our prevloua report.
Tabulation of Safety Factors. The following table presents the results of our 1lop1 stability analyses: Slope Earthquake Minimum Factor Factor of Safety For
£aee GeometrY* Coefficient of Safety Deep*Seated Failure**
1-A 2*1/2:1 o.oo 1.67 l. 73 1-B 2*1/2:1 0.05 ,1.29 1.34 n .. A 2:1 o.oo 1.48 1.53 II*B 2:1 o.os 1.23 l.27 Ill*A 2:1 o.oo 2.04 III*B 2:1 o.o.s 1.65 IV-A 2:1 o.oo 1.93 IV*B 2:1 0,05 1.68 e
- For all caae1 excepe IVaA anJ IV*B, the water level was asaumed to exist within five feet of the crest of the tailings dam and no tailings were assumed to exiat behind the dam. In Cases IV-A and IV*B the "78-day" condition of tailinaa deposition and water level was aaaumed.
**See p11e 3 for an explanation of these data.
BES1' A\1AIUBmCOPY
DAMES 8 MOORE ,~ United States AtClllic Energy Comaission February 8, 1971 Paga A araphical presentation which ahowa the computed failure su1faces for the adnimua factor of safety for each of the four cN1e1 is illuatrated on Plata* 2, 3, 4 and S, Slope Stability Data. Vhere applicable, the minimum deep*seatad factor of safety ls also shown. IECCIIMEHDATIONS Ba41d on tha pTeva1Ung practice of tailings de design and of safety value* computad for the exilting dam, it is our opinion that the up* 1tr** slope of the uiatlng tailings d* llllbanlcmant il!I stable and will con-tlllue co rauf.n stable throupout the life of the taUlnp cla ayat*. We, therefore, reco srul that the ui1ting tailings dam be approved with an upstrea slope of two horizontal to one vertlcal. Your* very truly,
- DAMES & MOORE
~~
~~- Toland ProfeHional Ellg:lneer Mo. 992 GC't/lEV:ab' State of Wyoming Attacment1:
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WASt-llN~TON. O.C 20,ttO OfflC[ Of TIit AIINIIIII!;? J * 'CII 14 JUL 1J7Z Mr~ Julius H. Rubin Asaistant Ger.~ral Manager
~, fnvirnnmcntal SafPly U.S. Atomic l~ncrgy Cor:1:1ission Washington, D.C. 20545
Dear Mr. Rubin:
This is f.n rE.'sponsc to Hr. C. T. Edvnrds' letter of April 25, 1972 1 transmitting the ALomic Energy Commission's Draft Environmental Statement related to the issu:mce of an operating license to Hu:":J.blc OH .and Rcfininr, Conp.1ny for the HiLhl:tnd t:ranill:! Mill - Docket No. 40-8102. tfo have revie,,.1cd this stat<:1tcnt anc', enclose *out detailed cori~~cnts. Our primary concern with the proposed .action is with the regulations ,,hich u.i.11 be clpplicd to the control and stabllization of the Highland 1:1ill taJ lings. The State* of Wyominc, in our opin-ion, doc.s not hm*c ildCGUCtc t~ilin~s control rcgul3ti~n.s at the present time. The EPA region VJll office has prepared 1:1odel regulations dlich are nvail:iblc. Until an adequate set of St.'.lte regulations nre pr01:iulgatcJ by \.:)*oming, we arc concerned about how*
- legally enforceable requirements, stringent cnoush to pn,tect the environment, will be applied and by ~hom.
We would be plcnscd to discuss any of our comments. If we can assist you further in this matter* feel free to contact us. Sincet(!ly yours*
~i;~~;z-:-_-
Of(icc of Federal Activities 7 Enclosure 9706120012 720714 PDR C ADOCK 04008102 PDR BE~'I1 AVAI~WLE COPY
ENVIRO:::-mNTAL PROTJ::CTIO!l AGENCY COMMENTS ON THE lll'MBLE..Q!h.ANJ? REFINING CO~*fPA~'S HIGHLAND URANIU!1 HILL INTRODUCTIO~ At-0 CO'.~CLUSIONS This report summ~rizes an evaluation of the draft statcme~t for the Hit~hJ and Ur:iniuni !1ill cubmilted by the Atomic* Energy
- Coznm1~sion for forma] rcvie~ on April 25. 1972. Thf~ fArility is being cc,*st1:uctcd in cnst-ccntral Wyoming for the purpose of mining and milling uranium ore found at one site in the Highland Flats ar~a. Converse County, Wyoming.
The major area of concern to EP,\ is the lack of o!ficial state regulations governing the control and re tent Jon of the taJ lings which will be prCtduC'ed. Addition.il infornntion is necessary, and is requested in this report, to allow a co111prehensive evaluation or the ~mticf pated cr.vironre.('ntal :ir.;pact. Tile cessation of Humhlo 's responsib:i l ity f ollt,wing a 50 year perioJ is important in Hcht of the fact that the fopact of tailings upon the cnviron:-::ent and pubJ ic health extends b<.>yond 10 JOOO years. The AEC and Ht;rable OU ancl Refining Company should r.:.:ke every effort to assure perpetual maintenance and surveillance oi Lhe tailings retention :.ysteu:. Such assurance would be provided if the State of Wyoming adopted regulations for the stabilization of radioactive mill tailings, MINING Additional information should be provided concerning the effects of the planned oining nud milling activities on the ground water in the art?a, Water obtained from the mine will be discharged into a dry surface strc:im bed whereby it wi 11 cv.1porate or reenter the ground WJter. As c1 result of mine dewciterlng, the following questions should be .add rcssed in t.hc final s tateml?,lt.
- 1) ~~1~t are the cxpect~d differences in the water quality caused by accelerated leaching as the result of .agitation and incre~scd surf~~~ area to water volum~ rntia in-lhe mining area?
- 2) What are the rC!charge areas for the ground watcr1
- 3) Will dewaterinr, of the mine affect other ground water users in the area?
- 4) What is the extent of the aquifer?
Page 2 - llighland Uranium Mill Althbugh some of th(;!~e questions are answered Sn tbe applicant 1 s Environ1i1cnt:al N.cport, July 1971, they should be addre&sed in the final AEC-prq>iln*d statcr.:ent. The method of dewaterJng as mentioned on p~ge 12 of the drnft statem~nt should Le spcciffcd in the final statement. Also, mcn~ures that will be t.lkeu to avoid stream ban~ erosion resulting from mine d('\.out~ring dlsd1Jrge, H and when it occurs, should be discussed i 11 the final s Lilt<!ment. This discuss ion
- should include consideration c,f the susccptibilit}* of. the local soils to ero~ion.
The final statC?r.;"~nt sh*auld ir.c:ludc a provision whereby the effluent from the open pit mine would be routinely monitored for radiological and stl1hl<! chemical constituents prior to its anticipated discharge to the Box Creek bed. HILLING The clc:;cript ive rcfonmcc;, on page 18 c,f the dr:ift statcc<!'nt tc liquid and 5olid w~stcs gcncrat~d in the course of milling o~er3tf6ns, 11 i.e., l1quj'1 and ~CJlid \lilStcs fn,m the 1:1illing oper.:i.tfons cont.1in onl)' low lC\llll conc.:l'.!nt rat ions of r.ndio:icLi\*c materi.ils," is mislead Ing to the public, A<lr.dttc:dl)*, the total rndioac:t!ve concentratio!1S of the waste produced fall with in the low level c~ t.cgory of accepted clasdfi-ca.tion schcr..es. llo\,..cver, the s~*ncral public, to whow the draft stalcmt>nt i!; addresst!d, views the label o! low lcv12l as being of little or no pubUc l1calth concern. Ccmsidcring the radionuclides involved ,d lh their lone half-lives, thit,; is ccrtainl)' not the case.
~NVIRO~'!-,ENTAL MO~: JTORJ NG The draft stat~r.C'nt does not fully d~fine the pre and post opern-tional ttnvironrr.ent:il s.ir:plin;.*, program. The applicant's Environ~an:.al
, Report indicc1ter, that san:.ples of soil .and biota will be collected yearly, durin~ the rn~nth of August. Pre attd post operational scil and biota s.1u.plcs Ehc.iuld be obtained more oftC'n to detect the inill!~nce of seasonal w~~ther p~ttcrns. 1hc final slatcccnt should give additional in£ormrltion as to (requ<.'ncy of c-ollection c,i environtieu~.tl snmpl~s. The fin:-\l st:,tC!z:,C'nt should include infM1:1ation rcc;ulting from the biou inv~ntory 1..:cntion1.~d on page 11 of the draft statf.ment. It is desirable to establi~h the m~gnitudc of nou-radJoactiv~ air pollutam emmiss:lons rcEu]ling fro;n t'he use of this facilit~*. Therefore, the f b :: l inp.:.ic t r. t J t<.*u,,:n t shuu l d p 1 <Wide c~ t: !ti:? t ~s of th~ ~nnunl
- in\',"'nt.Jry oC hoi:.h r~dfo~cLi\*e onrl nunr.:..!fraaivc e~~i$.si.:"r.s f roin thC' Hj l'hland fad l iry.
1 1ll!S1 1\Vl\lJJ\Btl! COPY
u**----.... - -----..-:...- ***&.* Information on page 11 of Lhe drnft statement concemi ng prc*,ai Ung vindn vhould be expanded to include data for the populated areas of Casper. Glenrock, and Dou~las. Data sucli as that 11:Hed in Ehibit H, Figure 4 of the applic:mt's Environmental Report, July 19il, would be very hl"'lpful in dc-tt'roinini; Lhc true si~i1Hicance o( radiation dose commitment to th~ local popul.1tion in the area surrounding the High laud si Le. 1 TAILl NGS RETE:;rro~ In his April 29, 197] l~tlCT to the ~umble Oil and Refining Com!':rny, Mr. r.N*rr." r., Tn1="",t "' thn Jl, ... ~I'! ~~,J !"".'C'r'~ ".'~:-,~ul!'.~; Enginc<1rs, writl1s, "Ln this report ('Report of T.1iUngs Dam StcJy, Highland tirc'lniu:;: M1nC!, nt..'ar C;rnpcr, Wyoming, for llur:iule OU and Refining c,,~p:.n)',' dntcd Oct"bc:r 28 *. 1970), w~ statt!d ** ,and that in two to thri::c yc..irs th~ sccpa1~e los!lcs plus cvJporation losses will hold lhc free wut:cr pond c1t. n('ar constilnt area." This quote* which consid~rH scepae~ lo~scs for u~ to 3 yenrs, conflicts with the dra!t .st:atcr.:cllt \*:hich
- on pnce> 20, impliru that Et'<>pa~e of about 80 gal luns per r'litlutC' wi 11 occul' cinly inltiallr and t.hrit the liquid l('lsscs wlll h" entirely by cvr.1,L1ruthm. 1'his appar~nt conflict should be d:u*if frJ in th\! iinul sc.1t~1:1t..,nt by evalu:aling the fioeepage and/or pcrcul.iti<m throuch ~J.l surfacc:.i oi th~ rett"ntion area.
Soil iln~lys is uat a uhould .llt.o tic pr1>v.ldcJ to tiUb!Hnut.inte tht: claim 011 pagt> 24 nf the draft st.1tcm<."nl t1Hlt most so1 h have the ability to rcc1ovt.: contamf.nant.s from llqu.tt!i.:: by absorption and ion exchilnge. It ls stated that a collection b~sin will be installed at the toe of t1,c dam ~nd the secp~g~ pu~p~d back into the pond i{ sig~i-ficanl r.ccp.igc o~curs. The t,*rm 11 signiflcant 11 should be quantic.sLed in the final stUtl'lll(*nt,. An alt~rnatc to this appr<.l.:ach which wt1u!J be more ncceptablr would be in~tall.ition of the collection basin prior to st3rtup to ~llow for the pumping of sc~pate hack*into'the retcnLion pond whl"II the b.J:;in's freeboard limit is reached. Pay.<! 2t. of th1.1 drnft stat('mt-nt indfcatt.>s that four sampli:1; "'* ..~lh around t.he tilil in~:~ pile \.:il J be used to 111onitor for seerage* into the water to1ble. Howcv~r, the l,ydr~logical .md geological infom..iti n in the* draft st.1tN:11nt 1s not d<!tailcd enough to ev:ilu:itc the a,~1.~11ac,* of the nu~bcr of w~lls or the probability of d~tecting s~epa~e i~t~ the grc,und wat~r tali le by the chl"mical anJ radio.act h*c wa~tes a:lC i-cipated Lo nccu1:1ul.1Le in the railings r(."tl.!ntion Rystt'r:i. Additf'."r,.1! in(orm.:1tion, 1ncludin~ a ground water flow pattern, sh1J~1ld be? lilC!udcc in the f ini!l ~tatc;,1~nt to ,1l}ow cv.1luali1."ltl of th11 D.d1.*qu.1cy of thv sampling \.:ell nC1twork.
Page 4 - Highland Uranium ~Ull The p:ktnrlal representation (E>:hJbit C, Figure 8) in the
~pplicant's Eovfronm~nlal Report, July 1971, describing future p]iJns to cxtca~1<.I the prt"scnt 100 foul retention dam to 160 fee~,
dClC.:!. not prudd<! ~nf\u~h ir.form:1tlo11 to en,11,)l" an independ~nt evalu.1tfon. The w~d for d<'c;f~:, fofor1;:3tion arid construction crJtcria 1s ~*msic.lcrcd kporrant at th:fs stc1ge of ll'..iM 1 s op,*ration since the! .:.dlU Lioaal 60 feet c,ctcnsion will li1Jld eight tir:ies more tai lin&s than the origi n:Jl de!, ign. Tht>!'.:C add it ion.i 1 dat.a should includl' foforr.i.1tfon on the c*~~lcnsion of the present clay core to thD entire 160 foot ilejght anJ ~ny c>:pl'ctcd ittcrc-.isc in the se,c,pagl' r;ttc*s bl!yond th.it currently anticipated for the pr~!:cnt dam. The HurJblc> OJ 1. and R,*f lnlng Cor1p.iny in their letter of April lO, 1972, to th<! Alomic Energy Commission indicates Lhat 1 "If the whole body external 1*.a:t'Tla r.idjar ion rate is more th,m 0.05 mR/hr. the area of ~xcessivci r:,di3t1on wj 11 bt' covcr£'d wilh addJ tional nonndioacti\*e
&oil to rl?ducci the level to 0.05 mR/hr or less." It should be pointed out that the cmtirc uranium miU trr:i Unns cont.1inr.1cnt area rrpresC'r.ts a haza1d to public hc.tllh \d1ich coc5 bcyon~ the implic:nlior.!i of tl;i:
0.05 mR/hr gm: ..1::i c:,,t'osurL! rilte. In additJon tt> the gnr.:::ia l:azard, tht' rdc:m.c of rildon-222 1~ni; can pose a pul>lic hcnlth probler.i. It is t:1p combinntion of th* um:-,ma lrnz.:ird \*:itl1 tht! (\Scaping radon r,ns which requires th~t this tailin~s retention resrrvoir be classified as a cont rolled arr.a. .\s suc:h, arcC'ss to th(1. 250 acre tail illc\S area would be restrictad :ind ,,crpctual mnintcnancc a11d surveill,mC'e o! this area would be required. Page 27 of the draft statement jndicatcs that the Humble Oil ~r.d RcCining Cur.:pany or succC!ss!ve owners will b<? b<'und by land co\'er..int to control lhC!. uraniu:il mill tailinRs for 50 years or until tailings control mensur~s are prescribed by official r~&ulations. ln light o[ p expe1*i ence wHh ur.~niur.i tailings. control ut. Gund Junction, Coloru<!\, and Riverton, W)*c,ming, to name a few, it is app11rnnl that long rar.ce , perp~tual cnrc nrr~nge~cnts ar~ badly needed. Discussions r~6~lt1n; f.ror.i the Gl',111J Jimcti<111 indd\!nL h.1\'~ huiic;1tcd l:hilt Lhe Al'.C nc, ...-pu liiil~d rcspc:16ibllity in th~*nr~a of tailin~s contr~l, thus de:~~dti~~ the 111ajor rn~p1*nsibil.fty t*o the state in which the millin:,! tr1k~s pla.c<", The JluriblC' Oil ;md Rcfinint: Cl,mp~ny's 50 year rc::itl'icrio*! pC"riod .igrC'<*.,c*:'t ha:; bt:C'll prl*cipi t;1tC'll by the lad of JppUciJ.bh enabling lr.,~h:lll.lioll ,111J c1mLrlll rq;uJ.1tfc,ns in tht" State* uf WyominE* IL is clear that ofUci.11 re~nlations gDv**rnin~ uraniuc tailings st;*?*i I i::.atic,u n11J long t'~rm c,mtrol ;:a-c n~1.'d~d. ifo ber!cvl.! th.:1t lht> AEC, 111 Cul,pcr.ition with LPi\ 1 should ,wrk ~1th t.h~ Stult? of ~yo~ing in this regurd.
Pege S - Highland Ur-3:iium Mill
...R.ECJ,A*tATION Page 27 of the draft st.1Lcment 1ndfcates that land reclar..ation effort~ \-:ill includc* grading ~nd revegc-t:ition on slupes up to 26.5 degrees (2 hori.?.or.tal - *to 01,C' Vertical.) The U.S. l1i.?partmcnt. of Inh*rior publ ic:<<ti"'" "Surf ar.C' Mf ning and Our f.nv1rc:mr.c.>nt" uatc*~ that stabiliz.:::t io:i of slopes in l'~cl'.'~S of 20 ck*r,reet. i:.: quit~ diffic*1 l t in light of the occurr~nc~ o! m:1jor la,1d sl iJcs. The finnl statement &h<1uld, thcrcfnr\?,.givc addlti,m.il inffll'1!13tion concLraing the stabUfzutft,n, Le., rt!vc~g~t.1ti..>r., rip-r.'.!pping, t't,~ **. oc slopc*s in excess uf 20 dc~~n*cr.. This L1Corr.i.nif,n r.hould al.so inC'lude lh~
ntn?,ilt4'4~t!_;,~ .. ~ :!,-: ~:.:,~ r.. ~, * ~:6.:~:~-!:~~. t?,~ .i~~!t!.:r,:.l t:,C r~"°'t cf. dam to uc cons l ru,:tcd <'lt a l.itcr time. GENERAL 1bc drnft sLnt~~~nt docs not discus~ ncfse impact caused b7 the mininc and mfllinp, f.:,ciUtir.s, lt .is l"l!,1.!lOnablc to assume that: thct'C! will br lilll() 1 H iln)'. nuisc ir.1pnct on the of(sltc art'a, H< 1wcvcr, the fir.ti st :?tl'1:1rnt. t:l:uuld cct.*:id~r both off:lJte :md "~~f,He cxpusurc lcvc:ls Qf ncisc Mrnoc:fat~d w1.tl1 the m1ning and 1:1illir.J fncilith~s, e.g., the oreo cn::-l1f.!r, the red mill. b~rkup diesel gcneraLor, and th~ llarth:novinr, rc:utpm~nt; 1'1u? find fit~tcmt*nt should provid" information regarding measures that ~re ind will b~ taken fnr th~ rn~n~g~mcnt of construc-tion w~ste ~~n~r~t~d at the ~ill &ite. 11 Page 19 Ctf the draft stntr.mcnt re.::icl~, 0thcr solid wastes will consi~t nf trn~h {such as chcmic~l containers. c,1rdboard, paper, ~tc.) and sludpcs fro~ the sPnitnry s~~ag~ systc~." It should be stated t!rnt the~<' \.*,,stc:i will be disposed of in such a awnn(ll" as to c:onfon:i t.o all t\pplicnble stnte, local, end feder,11 regul n t kins *
(j IL ( f I j ..::.h {(.1 Dec..a..r ll, 1972 Joenv llcur, OGC llaalr IAINDNr&, L1f&N Let bun, L1TS1 HUNII.I OU. IIIGNUIID ruw. DIYII\Oll<<DITAL STATINIIIT 1Dcle11d h the 4rah of the f lael Detailed Stauaent for the Hullblt Oll Hl&blancl Uraal111 Nill, 1111* 1tataamat a4dr***** tbo**th1cC11111Dt1 OD and *u*1tl0111 offer.. by the reviawf.D& aa*11el11 AIC Draft Detal11* ltatant, In order to upedU* l11terul rel'ln the roup copy ll Mil& . 1ullllltted for rour crlUqu1. We wuH a,prectate rour c-..u by Dtclllber 19 1 1972, J, c. Nalaro, Chl1f Naeerlal1 lralldl Dlrect.ora,, of Llcadaa lociotuHI Draft of rlul D1tall1d Stataeat for Hlllbl* OU Ur111l111 HUl Distribution: JCMalaro, L:MB L:F&M R/F L:HB R/F 9706120019 7,1222 PDR ADOCK 04008102 C PDR
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- 11U19 CIPINtfw wttfl tht CG .. 1"1 1 1 NtgltllM Uruf* Mill, CollMl'II
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Note to s. H. S111Uey
- nie cOfflfflent period for the draft envt ronmenta 1 st atelllent for thP.
lhmble 11111 ended on 7/10/7'1.. On 7/21/72, wt forwa1'def1 all suh*
. atanthe cmments to flulllhle for reply. J called Fd Pom1seau of
- umle on 8/1/72. He uid that UumhJe we!; y,reparin, an!lwfl1'!'l to all the COlllments and that the!le llft5Wf!!'9 would hr suhlllit.ted in ahout 2 weeks * .ffarrinr. unfore11een diffkult!f!s (or reque5ts for I
hearinli!) I UfleCt to have a final environmental 5tat~ment pre-pared for suhfflission to f.F.Q hy 10/1/72,
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On 7/20/72, Humble suhmltted aprlication for an interim licf!'n~~ t 1y1 o so that they c1n start operation of the ml 11 hy Se,y,temher 1. The app~tcatlon is hetn, ~rocessed. ~f Al/ V:.' ~.- iY,jVt f,
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~tala1'a, f.htef lfatPrh1s Rranch I see no reason to notify '!ey~rs tllat cofflfflents should he stont tn W. . J.
~
Regulatnry instead of <i'-~. Other co111111enrs of thh natureo havei
~etn s~nt to Rell\)latory. Thi~ t, rrnhahly just an isoJaterl error.
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- UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION WA9HINGTON, D.C. ZOMI
~p~ ~ l~il Daalraan Schlealnger COlllls,toner ...ey Collds1ioner Johnson Cclllllls1ioner Larlon CG1111l11ioner ~
Genera I M111a1er DIRECTOR OP REGULATION'S INFORMATION REPORT NO. 19 Draft Envlron1ental Statnent
- HUlllble OU and Reflntn1 cca,any Onnlua MIii The DiYillon of Materhl1 Llcen1ln1 plus to issue on Wednesday, April 12, 1972,
- draft detailed stataaent on the envlronaental cansideration1 related to Humble Oil and Refining Coapany*s new Hipl111d Unni* *111 locbted In Converse County, Wyoaln1, 'Ibis 11 th* flnt enviroMental stateaent dealing vlth a urani1111 alll alnc:e the Calvert Cliff* deci1ion.
Notewonhy ls the fact thet the applicant speclftcally J>rovldes for 1tll>Uhatlon and lon1*tera care of the taiUnas. Hmle hu qned to po1t a bond wl th the Wycatn1 Land Coablloner whereby adequate fundt will be available to cover the cost of 1tabtlizl111 the tallin11 when operations are concluded. To insure lon1-ter11 control of the taUlnp. the appllcant has placed appropriate re1trictlons on the deed to the land on which the tallln11 will be 1tored. 1he re1triction1 are bindin1 for a period of sn yean after the alll closes or unti 1 such tble prior to the expiration of the SO-year period u govemaent regulations are instituted to control di1po1ition of uranta aill t1lUn11, '111* Envlronuntal Protection A,ency has developed a IIOdel re1Ul*tion dealing with thi lon1-t1n dbposlUon of unnh11 tat Hn11 and hu recaaended adoption of the reaulatlon by all involved states (lncludin1 lyaatn1) by July l, 197!. L. Mannina Munt ng Director of Reaulatton
Contact:
J. c. Malan* 7591 9706120084 720410 PDR AOOCK 04008102 C PDR
DISTRUUTION: Adclrn*** Ullulltdng, DR CDeck, DI Jc:oake, DJt DR 1./P SHSau.,. IIIL
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- llrrin1ca11ta1 5'8UMnt
- Hal* OU and 1tcftnt111
'!hi D1Y1d111 of Materlall u...1111 plDI to l11ue on W.....4.,, April 12, 1912, 1 dnft *tat.led *~*t-t 01 th* nYl****tal eauldlratl.aM related t* Hullll* Ml ** ..flnt111 capay*, - HiafllllMI Un:.!111111111 loatN In Coawne C01Mty, W,*ln1. '11111 f.a die ftJlt lllYl1w*tal atat....t alullaa wt th
- u:rul* 11111
- h* tla* Calwn Cltfft decltlon.
Not*orth111 Ila* fMt that di* applleat apedftcally prewt ... for *t*Ulutl*
- lan,-.cen CIN of dt* tat 111111. ._., ** Ila aptN to PDII I MIii wlth the W,Gllla1 La4 r...t.1dOD11' 1*enb,
.......,. fladt will he 1111,llabl* to...,., the COit of 1tabtlt1ia1 the ta1Uap *
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rotrl1tt...
- the .... to the I** on lfhldl the tdlllp will
- 1tnN. ffl* Nltrletlou 1ft 11l'ftdl*1 tor
- peri.. of IO r*a1 afl*r th* *lll cloen or *ell 111Ch t l
- prior to tile a,lntl*
of the 50*:,tu ..rlod a IOWlllllftt replltlou an t11etltutN co ceatl'Ol dllpo1ltlon of unnta atll talll11,a. '111* l!mrowntal Pnwctlon Apac, ha deftloped a IIOdeJ naulatlon de1Un1 with tllc loq-tn11 dhpoaltton of uratm taUlnp w hH rec .... MOPU* of tla* n111latton by all lnNIWtl 1tat*S (lncludl11, .,...**, ,, Jut, 1, 1973. (sig11t*ti> L. Manuing Munurn~ L. Mmnln1 fbltlin1 Dltector of Reaulatlon Ir, I\. *.-.1\*t.Rl'iMU.T 11k0il10H. Uf'.'IC"'l. ar*i'U ._1
- 4i*!i-)411
- UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D,C. IONS ".,..~~,,~
~~~
IAR a 1 Ill uocket Nu. 40-Jl02
-- ......... ~
.i... Manni11.g Muntzing, i.Jia:t:ctot: oi 1te&ulation L<nCk.tied for yl)ur C(H\:iit.ieratiun iti a copy of the draft envlrorunental statement pre1>are<l U)' th<:! ,>ivloion of Materiah L.ic~nsing relative to the application l:iUlimitteJ b>- Uw1;ble vil :. itefinin,~ Compan:, fol* the Hi~hlnnd Uraniuin Mill. 'l'hi:; ili uur Urst such 8tatcm"-lnt for a nii.ll,
,*,c d1J not. plan to rt:quc~t Gun111isaion 1:eviel-l of this .;tatt.:mt!nt prio.r tu itJ di~trlbutiun.
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~. i 9706120089 720331 t/ I .
PDR ADOCK 0400810; ->, ll. .:>11,iley I Oi rec to i-C
- PDR
~iv is i~n uf Haterial~ ~lcensing t!:nclosure ~
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.1,.....u-I 9706120115 7~0329 PDR ADOCK 04008102 C PDR
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- UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. t05'5
* :- . ! ,.(~ . , ...:.
lJJD 29. I. H, a.Ll*y, Director Div11ioa of Ktterialt Licentlna DIAFT IIVIDllllltAL S'UTININT, KUNIL! OIL , IIFllflllG CCl<<PMIY
- HlCHLMID UUIIUN KILL A* requeeted in your **rtadua of tMrcb 1~
- 1972, ,,. concur in your propo1ed i11uanc:.e of the draft environaaatal 1tet*..at concernina BU11b1e Ot l and tefiDlDI CO*p1ra7 '1 DIii uraniua a111 in conve rae county, Vyold.na. In our review of the 1t1teaeot ve vere plea,ed to note th1t po1itive ..a,ure1 will be t1kaa hy tht applicant to 1t1bill11 the t1ilin11 and to auure Chat the tlilina* will not be reaoved froa th* aill eite.
We 'have two co-nu to offer for your condder1t1on:
- 1. At pe1* 35 of the draft, tr1a1port1tlon accident* ire briefly dilcuaaed. A 1hort di1cu11ion of otber 11pect1 of tran1port1tion (for euaple, hov tbe aill 11 product will be 1bipped end the fre,ueacy of 1bip111nt1) al~t 1110 be added.
- 2. At ,aa* 22 the ter* "acute racli1Uon eapo1ure 11 11 ueed. In order to avoid po11ibl1 d11cua1ioD of th* aeenin1 of that t*ra* w 1uge1t r1wordin1 of eh e fln_t aenten.ce of the 11co11d paraarepb on p11* 22. Perhaps tb* followiq would be con11tteet with your intended ..anina:
"Stace uranh111 ailU.ns deala only vfth very loa, .. level
*nd dilutl coneentr1t1oa1 of radioactive *ter1all, radiation 1xpo1ure1 to either eaploye11 or 1111aber1 of the 1en1r1l public ire aot expected to be .ore tban a few percent of the Uaitl apectf ied in the AIC 11 regulation, 10 era Part 20."
~~
Leiter lo& r irector Divi1ion of la iolagical and lavi roDMnta l Protection
FEb I ell
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L'f;:: Allbtaa ...... ......., a....... °"..,,. '"'" Diati*I.bution: 9706120116 720209 DML ll/f' PDR ADOCK 04008084 cn:,~ards GErtter, DR (OR-4017) C PDR
!~1 !fMWrn [l~f 1
- - --- - t Docket No. 40-8084 ~nvironrnental
~ c k e t No, '*0-8102 Environmental l
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GoVt.-.,01 PA ... TIMl OfFICf 1910., "°' 1Y
- UNJTID IITAta ATOMIC e,ERQV COMMISSION WAeHI...TON. D,C. IONI
- s. H. Smiley., Dire,.!tor Division of Materials Licensing DRA?l' OF eNVIRONMEN'TAL S'fAThM~T, HUM.BL!:. GIL AND Rt-;li'INING COMPANY, HIGHLAND UHAtdUM f*1lLL The draft env1 ronrnent.al statement.. enclosed with your rnemo:randum of Mar~h 15, 1912 is, in general, a clear arJd well written statement, and we believe the a~thor should be complimented for a Job well done. 'l1he few conunents we have are as follows:
- 1. Page 22~ 2nd paragraph.
This paragraph states that the mill wastes *1~011tain con-centrations of radioactive mater*ials slightly in exceas of th0se which may be released .into unrestricted areas. 11 S1n~e these conl'.:entrations may be much higher than the s tandard.s, it would be better to des1Jri be the wastes :i.n some other manner, such as low level activity and avoid the word slightly in this context. The emphasis would be better. placea*:m the ab1li ty to contl'Ol and ~ontain the material rather than level of radioactiv1ty.
- 2. Pages 25-6 and 36-7 discuss the mill tailings retent:1.on system and its stabilizat.ton after milling act1vit1ea are terminated.
In some respects tbe description of the tailings stabili-zation approach leaves some potential problems. The height of the tailings dam 1 initially 100 feet, and later raised to 160 feet, 1s the highest in the industry. 'fhe plans call for d1s~harg1ng acid ta::..l1ngs so that sands drop out near the dam and the slimes and liquids form a pool upstream. The surface liquid will evaporate, concentrating the a~id ..:orite:nt, until a .!rust forms over the slime layer to inhibit further drylng. The slimes beneath remain fluid indefinitely. For adequate sta-b111 zation for long-term retention af'ter milling ceas~:s 970612012* 720321 PDR ADOCK 04008102 C PDR
S. H. Smiley
*
- March 21, l~J7 2 e.xperien0e indicates 1 t .is necessary to solid.ify the slime purtion of the tailings pond so that it will not flow. A se~ondary prriblem 3ould result from acid s~ep-ing to the sur*face by capillary a.:!tion to \nh1 bit re-vegeta tion.
There are a number of tmknowns which may not be possi.bl.;:; to assess with any degret of confidtnce at thJ~ time which could substantially affect th~ Jost of th, stabjli-zation project at some future date. Wed~ not know the proportion of fine sL. 1a.e to sand in tht ta*i 1 i.ngs_ whj ch wjll be generated *1n th1a 111.Ul, the fir*st H1 t.he Powder River !Jasin area. It is not easy to det-crininc at thH, tim~ the eventual acreage that will Lu JOVcred by fine slime, or the depth of material wh1\.!h may ha1.te to be added in order to soljdify the area of the tailings pond containing a h~gh* proportion of slime. While a bond in the amount of $1,000 *per a~re may appear reasonable to some todayJ 1t ls ponsiblc that it may prove quite inadequate at a later d~te. The tailings stabilization costs at the AhC mill at Monticello; Utah, and at thi= Glimax mill in Grand Junction, Colorado we1*e substar,t!ally higher, al Lhough probably not directly comparable to the Humble mill. We suggest that the statement should indicate that the $1,00u per a,.:re bond does not 1.. epresent the only commit-ment, and that the bond is or should be adJustabl~ depending on the estimated cost of tailings ~tab1liza-tion at any point in time based on the conditions, costs, and state of th~ art of stabilization methods at the time.
- 3. Page 4~, paragraph 5.
This paragraph indi~att.:3 a dcfj nt te preferenc~ for a . natural basin as a tallings site over other type of struJtures for tailings ret~ntion, Considering in particular the height of the dam needed 1h thjs case, we do not believe there is a particularly clear-cut choice. Since the above general ground level dams are commonly used and have been generally satisfactory we
would suggest the comparison be avoided. AsLuming the points above noted can be Batisfactorily resolv~d, we have no further comments on the report, and COO*:!Ur 1n it. Richard H. Kennedy Metallurgical Kagineer Supply Evaluation Branch Division of Production and Materials Management
I I.
' *
- _. 'V' -
eo, bit 25th StrMI, lo* 309. Cti.y*ruie. Wvo 82001 Tl'l-s,hone: Aret Cadt 307 - m-7f/115 LYU at:NnDI lt'ANLEI" ll. HATH.tWAY P.t.Dta.Wlfimt J'1f'lldm1 Gotnnor
~ <'Olal88ION OfflCH8 August 2, 1972 ft.t)\'p IAaTJ.JPiC., \"oct ,,ftldn11 lltlh"fl -'dthuon 1~"***" rllu, a,J.&. 1'1.4.TIUN, 11~1H,rn 0 ~>:?'JI l JI\ l*1'11<11 A~ftllN r / / t .'\
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~~-,;- !\t"' IGII A>1111w l4h . . . . Mr. Leland C. Rouse 11...... . . . . . . ISill \\". 5prwt Chief, Technical Support Branch Directorate of Licensing llawh111 IIJOI lldiD. . _ _ I' 0 lklt. 116 u.s. Atomic Energy CommiS$iOn
- ru,.,.. ISll'I Washington, D, C. 20545 111111 , . _ I.ff funtlGn 129911
Dear Mr. Rouse:
l>llbaa am A Mr, John Kendick. (if l caught his name correctly over the telephone) called this office regarding National His-toric Preservation Act clearance on the proposed Highland Uraniwn Mill Site to be built by Humble Gil and Refining Company in Converse County, Wyoming. We had already answered this question in a letter to Mr. M, T. Worley, Mine Manager for the Humble Oil.Company. Mr, Kendick asked that I send a copy of that correspondence to you. This letter serves as a cover for that purpose, Ned Frost Historian ,* ~
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~DR ADOCK PDR C
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D D OTH£A COl<C\JIIJIENCE COMM(NT 0 0 DATl Ato1$Wl£11£D av, POliT OFfCCE FIL(COO£. IWTION: I MAI B* u".:1a111t1tdl IIEG. H*~O------i---~";...::4;::;lll=---.....---,,----------- IIEFEIIIIEO ro DA u 111ct:ivr.o *Y OAT& Ill. ts mnaa. aMlt&wl lafa IJJIII. . . . . . W.1 t...a. allWb.., . . .i..1 ......
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DO l~OT Il.Elvlt)\TE U.&. AlOMIC fNIIIIGY COMMISSION MAIL CONTROL FORM ,...,, POIIII Ae;MN
Jut, 14 1 1972 Kr. H, r. Worle7, Hlaa Kan*a*r Humble OU 11:-,d llef inlnR Colllpaa, Hlr.hlnnd Urani1111 011or<<Uou 1 1 011t off ,.ca Box 3020 Ce1per, l,'Yomln1 82601 Dt*r Mt. ~orle11
~ rI l:e hftve 1.*e:::1tvod you,: July J, 1972 coaaunlcl'tioo rehU.v1
'1 to Jour coms,:nn7', mlil 1f.t* ln S1ctloo 29, 't 36 N, a 72 V of the 6th 1'. M.
Our evaluotton 1s that thf.1 ~1ll 111:a Vlll not hive *n, adt'erae envtronment1l tmp~ct on on, pre11DtlJ knovo V,,oabia hl*torto ett, property.* Stoc:ocel1,
/
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HUMBLE OIL & REFINING COMPANY CASPER, WYOMJNO 82601 HIGHLAND u*AHIUIII QPaltATION9 . l'OIT OFFICI ltOJI 1010 July 3, 1972 TILSPHON* I IOn 119,aa** Mr. Paul Westedt Director of Wyoming Reclanatlon Commission Box 309 Cheyenne, Wyoming
Dear Mr. Westedt:
As we discussed on the telephone Friday, I am transmitting a loca tton map of tt,e Highland Uranium Operations showing ~ . proximity to the towns of Douglas end Glenrock. You will 1mt lt-e thai the mill site is in Section 29, T36N, R72W. ,. I em also enclosing for your information, 2 pages reproduced from our Environmental Report which describes tie history @f the area es we know it. If we can be of further assistance to you in your evaluation of the environmental impact of the Highland Operations. please do not hesitate to call. Very truly yours,
\ )11.TL~t~.
\~
- 11. T. Worley lftne Manager MTW:ld
Enclosures:
- Location Map
...,.(,~eproduction ~J ' ,~,,. ,c.~
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- .,,,_ ;y~ V ..')
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If~ 0'° ~ l, rt" lll!~UUIWll tl ~f
Letter 1...,., Dlnct*, Dlvlll* of aMlol..lcal I Davln*111tal hwtectlan H. I. lbapu. Aaa<*t Gtneral COUDNl, Offlee of the a.,n1 c...1 IIMl'I D, Nblapr, A11l1tat Dinctor for
. ... Maeerll11, Dldtl* of Pro.tactl* I Materl1l1 M...,,..t. ~ BtW IROININTAL STATIIMINI', IIJMILI OIL I UP UCI* CCltPANY, HIGHLAND UUIIIUM NILL I ..._. .,,neut, JIUI' -eurrtaCI . . , . CIIIPltl Ii tM *clolN
~ - 1 1 atat-t. --1111 ....1* OU . . laflala& c..,-,1 1
... IINR1* alll ln C*VlrH ColatJ, w,ad11, bJ COi Nanb 20, 1972.
Orl,11iri"!' ~*., .... ~ ,y t.: I
- s. u. aau,,, D1Netor Dbi*l* of Nac1rl11t Lle1111t11 D1ffl1Ml0N:
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- s. H, Salley, DNL CTlldward1, DNL JOCalaro, DNL DPffanloll/DML DI 1/P II& 1/F 9706120132 7:2031~
PDR ADOCK 0400810.Z C PDR
lllrcll 11 It'll Mote to s. H. SldltJ IN(JJIIY cmaaNIJl<'i N£PA UiWIEW P<II fltMIU OIL UIANIU14 MILL
- 0. Much 21 117a, Id *w** callllll ,.,.. U..l* OU Cer,ent* llt......nen 111 "-'t* H l111111ln ibaat tlll ltatal ef _, NYi* *f 1Wtle1 1 ltlri,_.
antal nport. Ill stated that tllllale ou ii 1Ni* t* bell* .,.,atl* ,I thelr alll by A11pa1t 11 lt72, I t*ltl llr. ***** that I *ntt lta....t W Nltl "'"" _. w11 btla1 clNUllt.. lflthta .,.11&1,t.'1 fer ltaff ml*, ta a1keli . _ 111 111,tlt a.. ,.,.ete4 to pullUah 1 *ntt 1tat,...t f.r . . .llt. I told Ma that" .... rt.,~--**** WIN,., .... 1M
- l1llt 111ft tht dnft ....,. for i,*1 lcatl* .,, Apri 1 1, lffZ. A *nn 1ta~..., *** p,.,aflltl lllid clrealatecl within tlle 11,11111 for 11111111
- Pelmary I, 1'72.
A11uata1 the clran cu bl puhlhhH ,., . - n i
- April I, I elri*l*
tht follawl*& *l*l- tl* table (a11Ullla1
- Nrl1111 quelti** .,.
NheJ durilf the c-.t ,-rlotl)a Draft publl19-d *** , ******* , * *11/72 F.1111 of ua1at parto4 * * , , , , * * * , *ll*/71 Fl1al 1t1tnnt 111baittt4 to Clll, * * *
- 7/12/n Able to l11ue operatl*1 lltiea11 **** , 1/14/72
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'l~~f U!IU~lfitfH
January 19, 1972 J..., c. Nalaro, Jr. A11i1tat Chief I llatert1ll Branch Divlaion of Nattrill* Lictll1lna Tb* follovtna ~nta pertain to the appUcant 1a eaviroaental report, B1&blad Vrent* Mill, 1ubattted b7 Hable OU and llafiaiQB COll)any, July 1'71, IDd tba ,upplautal report of January 1972. I blw 1tudl1d tbe report fraa tlll geoloatcal ,1111potat vttb reaard to tbl accuacy and coapletenaaa of tb* preHDtation, 11pecially r11pectiag tbl dt1po11l of t1tllag1 water and atne water tbat .., be PIIIPld frGII tbl alat.aa operattoa. The cle11&n of tba tatltnga di1po1al er.. appear, acllquau to prevent the
- cape of any but D1&li1lbl1 aaount1 of tailtnaa water to the ground water 1y1ta. Rlllblt 1tatt1 (JI, c, 4, b, 4, b, p. 51) tbat ...,,..,
froa tbl b11ln will initially b1 1111 tban 80 &PII* and tt1 *fftct will be loca U1ed in the area around the pond"
- Tb* repor~ c:ctlU.nue, that "11 tba clay, in tba t1Uina 1111 th* r111rvotr lldae, the rate abould clecreaH to 1111D1t notbiaa", I believe tbat thi* ta true and I b1Uav, tbat tbl u
effect of ao ... a quantity of water would probably aot be detectable aon thlD 1 1bort dlatanc:a **Y fr* tba dmp ar... Noreovtr,
- Mrill of aonttor vell1, deeertbed in IV, D, 2, b, p. 99, la de1tgaed to identlfy 111111,ectacl Nlpt&t, Tba locatl.0111 of tbl aouttor well*, daacribad in IV, D, 2, b, 1, b* p. 100, Shale S111pUag 1 appear to be 1pproprt1t1, If 1,,
aucb ...,.., 1bould be recoarab:1d, it would b1 collected and puapecl back. .. ~.i tato tbe pond II lndtcatid under II_, C, 4, a, p. 50, Se1pa11, penultiaita parqrapb, 10 ao, 1vnt, tht effect would appur naaltatblo vblr* tbt 1111r11t rancb ta 3 all** 1v1y 1 110r1 or 1111 dOIID dip but not dOWD 1lop1, Th* 1111r11t penal\lnt 1tr1aa to vbicb the aru ta tributary 11 tb1 Cheyenne liver, 70 all.ea .way. Tba 111aly111 that will be 111de on tbe vat*r froa tb1 IIOllitor wells 1pp11r
- d1Cluat1 to identify t1tlinas 111p1g1.
Th* par11r1ph II, c, 4, b, l, a, 2, p. 39, on Ground Water 11 not entirely clt1r, It ,..., to **Y that tb1 eaudetone tbat overlie, tb* Tailf.1111 D11a
&bale contain,* percbld vat,r table that doa1 not connect hydraulically vltb the 1and1ton1 1ubjacant to the TaUiD&* D* Shala (which 11 evidently tbe uppar UDtt of the Bf.&bland Sand1tone Mnbar). Thia ii evidently the unit tbe t1Ui1111 1upq1 will enter ill tba initial 1t*s** Tbera 11 aot a probla if tbll it true, ** dt1cua11d abova, bacaua* of tha nagliaiblt quaatttt11 and tbe 1r..t dt1taact1 to po11tbl1 uHr1.
9706120143 720119 PDR ADOCK 04008102 C PDR
...,_: Review of Environmental Report, Hihgland Urani\11 Hill, Converse County, Wyoming, t.: Don F, Harmon, Division of Materials Licensing, USA.IC
'111.e two area, of meteorological concern in the report are the calculation of radiation exposures from the radioactive dust collector discharges (Exhibit H. figure l) and from the radon released to the atmoaphere by the Tailing pond (Exhibit I, pages 3-5),
We have checked the Exhibit H calculations by a different method which is widely used and accepted in reactor licensing procedures. Our results show, for example, that at a distance of 10 stack heights downwind from the crusher discharge, the resultant concentration of u3o8 would be 1.S x 10*12 gU/ml as compa~ed to the applicant's value of 8,J x 10*13, thus a difference of a factor of 2, However, at a distance of 8~0 feet from the crusher discharge we compute a concentration of 8 x 10-l gU/ml using a stack height of 60 feet, a wind speed of 10 mph and average (neutral) diffusion conditions. This compares to the applicant's value of 4,65 x 1o*lS which is a factor of 17 lower than ours. Thus, the exposures listed at the bottom of figure 1, Exhibit H should be multiplied by a factor of 17, They should also be divided by a factor of 10 since it is unreasonable to assume, as did the applicant, that the wind blows 100 percent of the time towards one direction, A 10 percent value would be more realistic.
'lbe computations with regard to the Tailing pond as shown on page 4 of Exhibit l are in error manumber of places due in part to typographical errors and also to a misinterpretation of the problem referenced on page 3 of Exhibit I, The numerical solution to the equation on page 4 should read:
.. 6 3 C. {1,42 Ci/sec) (10 m /ml). 7 10-12 Ci/ 1 (2SOm) (52m) (Sm/sec) x m*
-12 The result compares to the value of 1.81 x 10 shown on page 5 which is a factor of 4 lower than our calculation.
In aWllllllry, our calculations of radioactive air concentrations are a factor of from 2 to 4 higher than that of the applicant. This difference may be purely academic ir1 light of the fact that the estimates are_......11!8'~;.~~~~ers of magnitude below MPC values. /'lV\ I 1*,*.1 ( *
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October le*, l~-' .:1 R. H. Ke,1r.edy 1 ,\sdstant to i,irect,or, Division or Rav MateJ"tala, Heldquarttl"fl l-'81~ ;*?. 'lbe rlat.m in p&!'agraph ' t.nat the .. nickener u11d~r1'law contains
*!!! of 1.ht> uranium daugnter prOducts wbich accowit t'or 85\
of thP. ral..lioflctiv! ty of' the ore" lffllS to be &ri overstatement. The waGte ru!1(' w(..:-1~ mer.tions that ~5-J of the tot.al radio*
~ctivity o: t.:1e ore bt-cCIQes rnill waste, but th1a wow.d include radon and it.s short-lived d&Ufdlter1 11 vell aa activity in the rafftnate, all of' whirh &r'J in lddi tion to tbkkener underflow actJvity.
P~e 7i . :;~conn par~raph. 1be report mentions "no hlfflful 1nrpact on Iuture l 111d u~e" but dou not mention 11f1 plan to Ntain the. tailing area indefinitely, to restrict its uee or to 11111nta.1Ji the fence around the plant area.
~e 77, The r!!port mentions reaeedlnt areas with native gruae.s with the quality of the grasses "1!1J)roved since the grue ii being replanted 1'rom clean se,d." We have not determinfl!d what seed waa planted in Dunrp No, 1, but fireveed ie the moat prevalent plant, and its distribution 1s 10 r!gul&r that it appears to have been seeded. Fireveed providH 8l'ound ttabilization and it MportedlJ good fodd'er but 111 hardl,y a grt.16 lllproveunt and in rnan)' areas is regard@d as
- noxioua weed &1Jno1t u bid u the Russiar, thistles vhich are frequently found vitb it, Some **lover was seeded am poaPtbl.y e-rau will be eatlblhhed later,
~v,.n tho1.1gh t!:e r*1:*~rence dtet! so specifiu, it vould be less ambiP"uo~s undt:r l) to refer to the awr~e annual "radiation accUJ'!luJative doce fer" a l!raon "in cL hour t<<'ftidence above the d1111 to less than 171 11\illirf!tD 15, ", '!be rA.d iaUon ean bP.
r*~<iuc*ed to t::1 s J.evl".!1 by one to t"o feet ot zoil cover, but this ~ill 11ot clo mut:h for the radon concentre.t.ior1 11.bove tbe tailinp RT"&, 9706120162 711012 PDR ADOCK 04008102 C PDR BE~T AV1UUBtE COl'Y
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Dear Mr. Edwards:
This is in response to your letter of April 25, 1972, requesting our comments on the Atomic Energy Corrunission's draft detailed statement, dated April 5, 1972, on environ-mental considerations for Highland Uranium M.11, Converse County, Wyoming. Gene:ral In ~eneral, the statement adequately assesses the environmental impacts of the proposed action. particularly pleased with the plans to r~duce impacts with the land restoration program. Specific comments are presented in the following para graphs according to the fo:miat of the statement or according to specific subjectsi Hydr1ology The water analysis shown on page 10 mRy not be indicative of the quality of all waters that will be pumped in dewater-ing the mine. Experience ~n the Gas Hills and Shirley Basin indicates that the water quality differs widely. Discharge of the mine water to the Box - Lightning - Lance Creek drainages will result in flow for short distances before it percolates underground. Some of the constituents in solution will remain on or near the land surface because of evaporation and will become concentrated with time. Areas of the stream channel wetted by waters discharged from the mine should be monitored to determine if concentrations of radioactive and toxic constituents dangerous to wildlife and cattle occur. The discharging-well tests to be conducted near t~e strip mines will give a basis for computing radius of effect of water withdrawals and impact on groundwater ~esources. Noise The noise levels from the mill and mining operations
- should be discussed in the final statement.
.* ~ .
9706120311 720726 PDR ADOCK 04008102 '- ', C PDR
Impacts on Wildlife A quantitative evaluation should be made in regard to wildlife which would be displaced and possibly eventually lQst as a result of the project. In general, displaced wildlife should be considered lost if the habitat and wildlife involved were in approximate equilibrium. This discussion should also include an evaluation of the restoration program in regard to wildlife after the opera-tion is completed.
- Historical and Archeological Significance The final statement should show evidence of consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer. He is the Directo~, Wyoming Recreation Conunission, 604 East 25th Street, Box 309, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.
The final statement should also indicate the effect that tne combined mining and milling project will have on archeological resources. Such effects cannot be deter-mined until an archeological survey has been made by professional archeologists. We suggest that Dr. George C. Frison be contacted concerning protection of a~cheological resources which may exist at the mine and mill site. His address js: Department of Anthropology~ University of Wyoming, Box 3431, University Station. Laramie, Wyoming 82070. We hope these comments will be helpful to you in the preparation of the final environmental statement. Deput.r Aasl1t.ut Si7!~ Secretary of the I Mr. C. T. Edwards Assistant to the Director Division of Materials Licensing Atomic Energy Conunission Washington, D. c. 20S4S 2
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June 27. 1972
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Jame B C. Ma laro Assistant Chief, Materials Branch
- Division of Materials Licensing A.E.C.
Washington, D. c. 20545
SUBJECT:
Review Of Draft Detailed Statement On The Environmental Considerations By The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Division Of Materials Licensing Related To The Proposed Issuance Of An Operating Llcense To Humble 011 And Refining Company For The Highland Uranium Mill Docket Number 40*810'5 Dated: April 5, 1972 Gentlemen: The Subject Draft, indicates the purpose of the impact review to determine the issuance of a permit for. a Uraniwn Ml 11 Operation in Converse county. On Page 2. of The Draft. It is stated that the impact s.tatement is to cover both the operation of the Mill and related Mining activities. This ls considered a plus ln the completeness of suhject statement in that impact on Fisheries and Wildlife is often compounded by one particular form of impact in another area of impacts. On Page 3 1 paragraph 3 under II. Site. A.) Location. It is stated that a 1500 acre site on which the Mine and Mill is located. is fenced with sheep* tight fence.. This would not exclude some forms of Wild life frurn the area, some of which is apparently conddered hazardous. On Page 9 under D.) Hydrology. 1,) Surface Waters. It is stated that the North Platte River, the only continously floving stream in the area, is 15 miles to the south of the site. Because of the local topography, surface drainage from the HUM does not reach the North Platte River. This would preclude an impact on fisheries and surface related water resources in the area. 2.) Groundwater. It is stated, "procese and potable water from the operation will be obtained from subsurface deposits, at the approximate rate of 500-1500 gallons per minute," with complete groundwater quality information included on Page 10. This information should prove useful in our evaluations of possible future uses on two lakes to be included in the Reclamation Program outlined on Page 35, No. 5 of the listed benefits.
~706130010 0
720627 DR AOOCK 04008102 PDR BE~T AVAIWlE COPY
Review of the Draft Detailed Statement June 27, 1972 Page 2, On P&ge 11 under G.) Ecology. It is stated that 11A biota inventory of the HUM site will be undertaken by the applicant in the spring of 1972," Our question in this matter is related only to assurance that the inventory would be made by a qualified ecologist and that we as a responsible stale agency be pennitted to review and cCMIIDent on said inventory. On Page 12 under III Mine and Mill, It is stated that the Mi.ne will disturb approximately 600 acres as waste dumps. We can only a88ume that this .includes the tailings pond which is described as covering 250 acres on Page 20. Also On Page 12, paragraph 2, It is stated that waste dumps will be covered with a 1ayer of top soil and planted with native grassetJ as part of the Reclamation Program. We suggest that consideration be given to a ~ooperative determination of vegetative types that would be best suited to growth on the exposed soil and at the same time replac~ the Loss of Shrubs and Forbs currently present in the area and supporting the resident Wildlife populaUons, On Page 14 under B.) The Mill~ It is stated that presently known uranium reserves within the area, would substain the planned operation through 1984. It indicates that the planned operation would end at that time ~nd that the area would be totaUy reclalmed within a given period after 1984. This period of time is described as the impact period, elsewhere throughout this draft statement, However, it is indicated on Page 22 of 1, Supplement To Applicant's Environmental Report. That the area of 250 acne containing the tal ling pond, would be subject to controls over all uses of the land except grazing, for a period of 50 years. This information is aho included on Page 27 of The Subject Draft. However, it is not listed on Page 30, of said draft as an adverse impact "hich cannot be avoided. In SWIID8ry, our concern can be listed as follows: 1, There is no apparent concern for opportunities for mitigation of the Loss of the included area to Wildlife use, However, .in the Applicant's Environmental Report on Page 22, is suggested that the applicant has considered granting title to 2,400 acres of land, including two ground* veter lakes to appropiate govemmcntal agrncies for such agencies of responsibility for maintaining vegetati\te cover over the tailing area. It might well be that we should consider this in a long range acquisition program subject to the following conditions:
- a. That the groundwater source from which the lakes will be supplied, is such that a fishery could be supported,
- b. That the applicant would agree to a revegetation program 1, Supplement To Applicant I a Environmental Report Highland Uranium Mill Converse County 11 1 Wyoming Humble Oil and Refining Company Mineral&
Department, P. O. Box 2180, Hou6ton 1 Texas 77001.
Review of the Draft Detai 1 ed Statement June 27* 1972 Page 3. which we will determine to be in the best interest of Resident Wildlife of the area. In all, I would eay that combined draft impact statement by the A.E.C. end the Applicant's Environmental Report represent one of the better efforts of developing environment considerations, that I have reviewed to date. Our Field personnel have agreed to develop a Biological Reconnaissance on the area to be used for determination of feasibility of an agreement to assume ownership of the area after completion of the HUM site operation. Thank you for the opportunity to review this impact statement. Sincerely,
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- S_tate Game and Fish Comissioner JBW/cUM
( HUM Site - Humble Mills Site Including The Mine Operation.) ( HUM * - Humble Uranium Mills .)
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Rec'd w/ltr. dtd. ,->>.'12 A BRIEF INVENTORY OF THE 111.DLIFE R£SOURCEI IN THE HlGHLAtl> Fa.AT& AR.EA Of CONVIRII CXMffY Pnpand by, Larry Pate, Blg Ge* Blolo9ht. C.aper Dl1trlct, Wyaaing Glilll and Fllh C...ltllon Date Suba1tted1 Jun1 27 1 1972
A BRIEF INVENTORY OP THE VlLDLIFE RESOURCES IN THE HIGHLAND f'LATS Allla OF CONVIRSI COUlfff lntroduc tion; County, Wyoming. 1.'hil invenlory lncludH th* pre1ent 1tatu1 of vUdllfe preeent ln the area. Occurrence ond 111portance of any epecie1 ln tNI report auay change tn the future, as wildlife population* are not static but 1ubJect to change vlth chaaaina environmental conditions. Only the current 1tatu1 of trhe wtldlife population, found within the ere* have been included and the report i i not intended to exclud* the pos,ibility of occurrence of othe~ 1pecle1. The vegetal 1pecle1 liat i i not all*lnclu1ive of plant* fa.and vlthln the area but rather include* the IIOlt cCllalOn. Current St gtus;
'l'h<' mosL important vUdlUe apecleti in th* 1re1 under con1tderaUon tn thlt rcpurt urc pron11horn antelope cmd sage grouse. LHIH' 1pecte1 prHent include aule deer. cottontail rabbit*, hun11rlan partridge, IIOUrning dove1, waterfowl end shorebirds, coyote*, bobcat*, red fox, b~dger1, a variety of 10111 blrdi and a variety of av:an predator,. Each major 1pecle1 will b1 di1cu11ed below.
Pronghorn Antelope; The Highland area le located on the boundary of antelope managenient areas numbers 26 and 28. The area ie ueed thrcasghout the year by a re1ident population of antelope with very little seasonal migration1l movement* takina place throu1h
~he area. During the peat five years. there hae been an increa*e in the antelope population trend* in the above ..naaeaen~ area* ,o that at the preaent time the
*reai are a~pportlna optlaua population level* for th* current habitat coadltlon1.
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The pro1ent denttty of antelope in th* ar11 t1 between five and *l* ant..11 per 1quare mile. say Grousei Sage grouse population, within the area are directly tied to the avallabS.Ut:, of big aagebrueh (Artemlaia tridentata) and the occurrence of free water for vateriDI and brood rearing. At the pre1ent time the area 1upporte
- liEeable population of bird, year*around. The annual harve1t of birds in Conver*e County ha* been approx*
i11Ulte1y SOO blrd1, The county could 1upport more huntln1 pre11ur1 for thl1 1p1cie1 tb,m H h111 rocf'ived in tho pe1t, Although mule deer are pre1ent within the area they are le11 numerou* than the pronghorn antelope due to the 1ack of euitable habitat. They are found mo1tly alona Box Creek in the 1outhern part of the area. Population den1ity of thi* 1p1cle1 w~uld be lea, than two animal, per 1quare *ile for the habitat. Waterfowl and Shgrebirde: Waterfowl and varioue ahorebird1 utilize the pothole* on the highland flat* a1 production and brood rearing areas, Ducke to be found tn the area include aal* lard,, tea~ gadvall, and pintail*. The importance of the area for vatr.rfawl pro* duction varle1 from year to year with the IIIIOUnt of precipitation received ln the area and collected in the pond1. Other.Wildlife Species: Several apeciea of wildlife occupy the general area concerned within thla report. Althoush they are not** abundant ae the 1pecte1 above. they 1hould be noted, Theae include hungarian partridge, mourning dove1, cottontail rabbit*, prairie doa*, **v*ral 1pecie1 of 1001 bird*, and ... 11 predator* includlna co:,ote*, red fa,;, bobcats and bad1er1. A110 found are avian predator*, tn~ludlna ..rah IIE~1' AVAIIJlll1'E (~OPY
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- havk*, red ~ .. U, ferruginoul and 1parrov hawk, and prairie f alcon1, Peresrine falcons c:oclfl possibly be found within the area. Golden ud b~ld ~*glea utU1&1 the area a, a vlntering area vith aoae golden **al** v11n1 the area 1*ar*around *
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Vept*l Specif! Utt
- Highl1gl lllne Site Shtybs and Tree1 Btno,,111 Cottonwood Popul us !l!2!.
Big Sagebru&h Artemisia trldent1t1 Silver Sagebru&h Art~mi sh SD! Fringed s.gebivah Afteml!,la f[lqid1 Small Soapweed YuEca gl aUcf Rabbitbush 9Y::rsothanu1 !RI!.&. Rose bu !SR& Prickly Pear Opyntl1 P!!IXICIDSbl Grasses and Grass-lik* Indian Rice Gz-as& Q!nopsi s hymenoldel Needle and Thread Stipa comata Prairie Sandreed Gr111 Ca 1amoui lf a l oggifoll9 Western flheatgra,s Agropyron smith11 Bearded Bluebunch Whe1tgr111 Agropvron spicat\1111 Blue Grama Bouteloua gracllit Cheat Grass Bromu& tee tQJJID Sandburg Bluegrass !a secunda Threadleaf Sedge ~ UUteUt Forbs Russian Thistle Cirslum rothrocl£.!!. Prairie Sunflower He1;;::thu1 petiolariu1 Eriogonur.J - Peren11l Buckwheat Common Dandelion ii) nynt !m!.I. Goat& Beard Taraxacwn ofticln11, Ita9oe99on pratepflf Indian Pai.ntbru&h Castillfjl cocct0t1 De: a t.h Carn a, lY9!1!!1!!l !l?I!& Uu*J*l"*J J*hlox l&i lkvetch I:bi.~~ !JW.t
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- UNITED STATES COAST GUARD us COAST GUARD (
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- Hr. C. T. f.dwards Assistant to the Director ntviaiun of Materials Licensing L'. s. Atanic J:nerey C00111ission Washington, D. C. 2 0545 near Mr. r:dwartf f!:
Thia is in response to your letter of 25 April 1972 eddr~ssi!d to Mr. Herbert r. DeSimone, Assist.ant Secret.u1 for Lnvironment and l!rban Systems, concerni.ng the draft environmental impact statement and supplement relative to the Humble Oil Refining COlllpany' s Highland t!raniwn Mill, Converse Count), Wyrniin~. The concerned operating adndnistrations and staff of the llepartment of Transportation have reviewed U1e material presented and we have no commenh; to offer. It is our det.ennination that the impact of this pro,iect: u1,on transportation is miriimal and we have no object ion to the issuance of a license for thi!i proje<'!t. The oppf)rtu11 i ty to review and con1m,~nt on the draft statement and supplement for ~ he Highland rranium Mill project is appreciated*. S i.ncere ly, t}..,JlM} -*iR~~f !VMIAllUl fflPl ~r ~r .~; .~,'.. : 11 .....
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OEPA~TMENT or AGRICULTURE Of F'ICt Of fl-IE 5.[CA(1~RY WASHINGTON. D C 20250 JUN Nr. c. T. Edw1rde Aa1iatant to the Director D1viaioP of Mlteriala Licen1in1 Atomic Inergy Coam1**1on va1hln1ton, D. c. 2054S
Dear Mr. Edward*:
We have had the draft eaYlroruaental l~p*ct 1tate11ent for the 1N11ble OH and B.eUning Company 1 11 Highland Uranium Nill in Wyoa1ns reviewed in the relevant agencie* of this Department. Commeot1 from the Soil Conaervatlon Service and the Pore1t Service, both agencie* of the Department, are enclosed. FUD H. TSCHIRLIY Acting Coordinator, lnvironmental Quality Activitiee Encloeures
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9706130055 720616 PDR ADOCK 04008l~ C* PDR
UNITED STATES DEPART?t£NT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE Re: Draft Environmental Statet'lents. Humble I I Oil and Refining Company, H1.ghland Uranium Mill Our only comment is that after the 12-14 yeari, of operational life planned, the Forest Service might be intereeted in acqui.ring tltle to the 2,400 acres of land with ite two lakea for grazing, wildlife habitat improvement and recreational opportunUies (Supplement, page 22). n,e Thunder Basin National Grassland is within nine miles of this property, l l!~'l llfil ~Ultl! t011f 1
Soil Conservation Service, USDA, comnents on draft environmental stateanent prep*red by Division of Materials Licensing for Hlinble Oil and Refining Company for the Highland Uranium Hill. Our review of the impact statement indicates that you have presented the information in a factual manner. The information appears to be complete. There may be a need to more fully expJa;n the following points: I. Is there supporting data to show that SO years is a reasonable period of tfote to provide for restricte.d use and monHoring of the area?
~erhaps it should be a longer or shorter period.
- 2. Page 11, G. of the green report from U.S. Atomic Energy COfl'lnission:
Ecology The ferruginoijs hawk (8uteo regalis) frequents this area. lt w has been proposed for classificetfon as rare or endangered by the U.S. Bureau of Sports, Ffsheries and Wi 1di i fe. The American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrines} might also be found in this area. It is listed as 11 rare 11 in the above book. The tr1.111peter swan (Olor buccinator) uses this area as a flyway and is listed as rare.
- 3. The consideration of water fowl use of the tailin9 pond shoula be expanded. During migration, waterfowl may use the area. What effe~t will the quality of the water, radiation, etc., have on these birds?
How wilt the material affect the food chain?
- 4. In 12 to 14 years when the operation is being phased out and while the pond is drying up, what provisions will be made for prevention of wfod erosion? There wi J l be a r.onsiderable amount of tfme involved before equipment can be used to cover the area. Perhaps some temporary measures could be used.
- s. Page 3 of the supplement, paragraph 2 - are 2:1 side slopes safe to people and animals? Will they be stable? This wi11 depend on many factors.
6, It appears the feeling is that sheep ranching will continue on this area. This is opposite to the seendng present trend in Wyoming.
- 7. The statement regarding sheep ra~ching seems quite optimistic. While the area may not be damaged very much, it probably will not be enhanced either.
We appreciate the opportunity to review and conment on this impact stat8nent. Sincere Ir~
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File Cy* dory THE AISIBT* SECRETARY OF COMMERCE Washington, O.C. 20230
' '"'"I I .*J June 8, 1972 Mr. c. T. Edwards Assistant to the Director Division of Materials Licensing U.S. Atomic Energy CODlllission Washington, D. c. 20545
Dear Mr. Edwards:
The Draft Detailed Statement on the Environmental Considera-tions by the u. s. Atomic Energy Conmission Related to the Proposed Issuance of an Operating License to the Humble Oil and Refining Company for the Highland Uranium Mill, Docket Number 40-8102, which accompanied your letter of April 25, 1972, has been received by the Department of Cmmnerce for review and connent *
. The Department of Co11111erce has reviewed the draft environ-mental statement and bas the following conments to offer for your consideration.
Accumulation of concentrated waste, even if it ls mildly radio-active should be discouraged. It is sugge,ted that other al-ternatives for disposal be discussed along with their associ* ated safeguards. Providing.that the radioactive so~rce terms listed in Table V on page 22 arP. accurate, even the most pessimistic meteorologi-cal diffusion assumptions will result in concentrations at the nearest occupied dwelling (2.9 miles to the northeast) which are a factor of 1000 below maximum permissible concentrations. Consequently, we conclude that there will be no radiological impact from airborne effluents beyond the site boundary. We hope these comments will be of assistance to you in the pre-paration of the final statement. ~-'.""""'i7~=-:--*; . . ._, Sincerely, 1~261 ~8~: iroti'lo2 ' BE~TAVAIUBl!COPY fl. I n c £ u ~ ':f '*" * **.L
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AEC ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS PERTAINING TO lWMBLE OIL AND REFINING COMPANY, HIGHLAND URANIUM MILL, I DES'l' A\rAIIABII COPY
1, The description of the taillnge atabiliration approach eay leave 1ome potential probleas. The plan* call for dt1char1tng acid tailings so that sanda drop out near the daa and the slimes and liquid* fora a pool upstream, The surface liquid will evaporate concentrating the acid content, until a cr~st fora* over the slime layer to inhibit further drying. The slimes beneath remain fluid indefinitely. A secondary problea could result from acid seeping to the surface 'by capillary action to inhibit r.evesetation, For . adequate stabilization for long-ter11 retention after milling cease**. experience indic*te1 that it la necea1ary to aolidlfy the altae portions of the tailinsa pond so that it vill not flow. Z, Statement relating to Ground Water in Paragraph II, C, 4, b 1 1), a), (2), page 39 oC applicant's Environmental Report dated July 1971, is not entirely clear, It seems to indicate that the sandstone that overlies the Taillnsa Da111_ Shale contains a perched water table that does not connect hydraulically with the sandstone eubjacent to the Tailings Dam Shale. This appears to be the unit the tailings seepage will enter in the initial stage. Please clarify.
- 3. ln the applicant's supplemental report, dated January 1972.
Paragraph 11, A, 3, c, 11 page 47, Ground Water Usage, it ia stated that the water pumped from the mine will be taken to a settling pond. There is no statement of what 111&y happen to any excess. The method or location of return of the mine water to the ground water at a lower stratigraphic level ie not clear. No sand, only a thitk shale beneath the Highland Member, is shOlln on the section.
- 4. Two areas of meteorologtcal concern in the Environmental Report dated July 1971 are the calculation of radiation exposures from the radioactive dust collector discharges \Exhibit H, figure l) and from the radon released to the atmosphere by the tailings pond (Exhibit I, pagee 3-5). The National Oceanic and At110spheric Administration (NOAA) has checked Exhibit H calculations by a method which 1e widely used and accepted in reactor licensing procedures.
Their results show, for example, that at a distance of 10 stack heights downwind from the crusher discharge, the resultant concen .. tration of u o8 would be 1.5 x 10*12 gU/ml as compared to the appli-cant's value 3or 8.3 x 10~13; thus, a difference of a factor of 2. However, ut a distance of SOOD feet from the crusher discharge, NOAA computes a concentration of 8 x 10-1~ gU/ml using a stack height of 60 feet, a wind speed of 10 mph and average (neutral) diffusion conditions. Thia compares to the applic.ant'a value of 4.65 x 10-1s which 11 a factor of 17 lover than NOAA. Thu1, the exposures listed BIT !VMIABUCOPI
at th* bottoa of figure 1, Exhibit ff ahould be 1111ltiplied ~ya factor of 17. In addition. divi1ton by* factor of 10 ta necessary aiuc:e tt 11 unrauooabla to uauae that the wind blow 100 percent ol the ti** towards one direction. A 10 percent value would be aore reaU1t1c. Tha co11putation1 vitb regard to tbe tailinga pond a1 1hovn on page 4 of Exhibit I are in arror in a number of place* due in part to typoarapbical 1rrora, and alao to a ldainterpretation of the problea r1farenc1d on page l of Eshibit I. NOAA advise* that the n111.erical 1olution to the equation on pa11 4 1hould read:
-6 3 C * (1.42 Ci{sec)~lO D /ml)
- 7 x 10-12 Ci/ml (250 ml(S2 m)(5 m/aec)
Thl1 reault compare* to the value of 1.81 x 10*1 2 ahovn on page 5 which 11
- factor of 4 lower than NOAA', calculation,. Con1equently, NOAA.'1 calculatiolll of radioactive air concentration* are a factor of 2 to 4 higher.
0 S. Throushout the report mention ie DIil.de to reseeding various areas vith natural graasea. What 1eed will be planted and what i* the depth of the root ay1tem of the proposed ground cover? Fireveed provide1 ground 1tabilization and ia re~ortedly aood fodder but 11 hardly a arua improvement and it1 many areas is regarded as a noxioua weed al11D1t .. bad al the Russian thistle, 6, Though the tailing* pond ia to be covered vlth one to two feet of aoil cover, ao III to reduce the average annual radiation accumula-ti'YI' do1e to a parson for 100% occupancy above the dam to less tban 170 millirem1. radon vill 1till diffuse through the aoil and be pre1ent above the tailins* area.
- 7. Itema 5 and 6 of Exhibit Part 1, Exhibit 1. of Environmental Report dated July 1971 1 contain anomaliea which will affect the source tel'II for the emiHion rat.e of radon above the tailings pond and. hence, the do1e *quivalenta downwind. In addition. it should be noted on page 4 of Exhibit l that the MPC in air for radon-222 for 168 bour week 1bould be 3 x 10-9 ~Ci/ml aa atated in Appendix B, table 11~ column
- 1. 10 CFR 20, which again affect* the dose equivalent downwind,
- 8. Dewatering and other ground water withdrawals vill affect ground water uae1 in the area. An analy1ia ahould be made to predict the rate of diacharge neceaaary in dewatering to keep the local water tabl* at the nece1aary lavel; the voluae of water to b* pUlllped per MOiie appropriat* tiae interval; and di1tance froa 1ite to vhich 11gaificant water tabl* dravdovn vill occur.
- t. The procedure de1cribed for reclaiaing the mine pit wall* 1a to reduce the 1lope of the pit well to about a two horizontal-to-one vertical alope. I* this in accord with reca1a1endations of the Soil i Co1111rvation Service engineertn1 handbook? What will be the watershed (
characteriatics 1 expected runoff, and eatimate of sediment accumula-tion 1n lake*? Are tbeae characteristics euch that the lake, may
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tend to deteriorate toward 1hall0111 ataanant 11Ud flata? l
- 10. Regarding the vegetation aaapling program. plant apeciee, grazed by the larger indigenous aniaala of the area. e.g., sheep, antelope, should receive special e~phaaia and be qualitatively and qua~tatively examined for radioactivity, e.g. 1 Ra-226, U-238, Pb-210, and Th-230, Po1aible radionuclide uptake through plant roots from reclaimed covered areaa ahould be analy&ed, S811lplea in the predominant down-wind direction at a location where maximum deposition is expected to occur ahould be included in the aampling regime. With regard to the rcdent sampling program, aa11ple1 of the femur and aut me.y be analyzed for Ra-226 and the kidney for uraniua,
- 11. Will the ultimate volW1e of the pond be of such a size as to preaent a problem in connection with atabilization plans? Will the pond overflow when the rock and 1oil are added to the pond?
- 12. A detailed description of the periodic inspection program of the dam has uot been indicated. This program should define those items that will b~ tnapect~d and the frequency of inspection, In addition.
readings of instrument* and other measureaenta made as part of the II 1tructural aafaty *urveillance progra111 should be provided. Records ahall be maintained which ahov dates of inspection. result* of the in1pection, instrument reading~ obtained, and changes or correctiona made to the embankment retention 1yatem.
- 13. What proviliona h*ve been *tablt1hed for aanaging di1coveriea of itlllMI of archaeolo1tcal intere1t!
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OTHER FEDERAL. STATE AND LOCAL AGENCY COMMENTS PERTAINING TO HUMBILE OIL AND REFINING COMPANY, HIGHLA1111> URANIUM MILL
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A0N;111S1 ~jTOJI 14 JUL 1J7Z Mr. Julius U. Rubin As8iStant Ge1~*-*ral M,mager Clf F.nvi ro;ir.1entnl ~iafrty U.S. Atomic Enc*rmt Cotr.: .* ission
~ashingtona D.C. 20545
- Dear Mr. Rubin; This is :In rc*spons(' to Mr, C. T. Edwards* le:tter of April 25 1 1972, tr..insr:iittine the Atomic Energy Co111n1i~sion's Draft Enviromr.ental StatC't:1cnt related to the issuance of rm operating license to llu!:1ble OH and Rcfininr, Cor.ipany for the Highlnnd U-raniu:i.
Hill - Ducket No, 40-8102.
- We have. reviewed this state:mc:nt and enclose our detailed con*.~cnts.
Our primary con~ern with the propo$ed llct ion is with. the regulations which \IHl be applfod to the control and stabi liiation of the HighJand mill tailings. The State of Wyoming, in our opin-ion, docs not ha\*,~ .idcq u::tc tail i n~s cont1:ol regulations at the present time. The f.PA region VIII office has prepared model regulations which arc nvailnblc. Until an .idcquate set of state rcgul.adons are prurnul gated by *:)*omi ng; we arc concerned about how legally enforceable rc"lui remcnts, stringent. enough to protect the environment, will be applied and by whom, We would be pleased to discuss any of out comments. If we
- , can a*ssist you further in this matter, feel free to contact us, Sincerely yours,
~ h e do....n~h-s.)'<'--+ss-'7;-
' !rector
- Office or Federal Activities Enclosure BE~TAVMIABliE COPY
ENVIRO:tMF.NTAL PROTECTIO:l AGEMCY COMMENTS ON THE HU~mLE OJL AN) REFINmG cmn>.U."Y'S HIGIILA~D URA!HU!*[ MILL INT.RODUCTTO~ A.r.:D co~:CLCSI01'S . 11iis report summarizes an cv~luation of the draft statemeat for the Highl,md Ur,1nium Mill submitt:ed by the Atomit.Energy
- Commission !or formal revfotl "" April 25, 1972. Thh f~rilf ty is being constructed in cust-central Wyor.iing for the purpose of 11ining and milling uranium ore found at one site. in the Highland Flats area I Converse County 1 'll>*omi 11g.
The major area of concern to EPA is the lack of official state regulations governing the control and retention of the ta11ings
.which will be produced. Additional informntion is necessary, and is requested in this report, to allow a comprehensive evaluation of the anticipatf'd environmental inpact. The cessation of Hur.ible's respons:f bility folfowing ,'\ 50 year period is important in light of the fact that the impact of tailings upon the cnvirnnn:cnt and public h<?al th extends b~yond 10 1 000 years, The AEC and lh.ar,blc Oil and R1?fining Company should ma.kl' every effort to assure perpetual maintcna~ce and surveillance of the tailings retention system.
Such assurance would be :,rovided if the State: of Wyoming adopted regulatio,ns for the stabilization of ri-ldioactivc mill tailings. MINING Additional information should be provided concerning the effects of the planned oining and milling activities on the ground water in the area. Water obLained from the mine will be discharged into a dry surface stream bed whereby it will evaporate* or reenter the grou11d water. As a result of mine dewaterit1lh the following
- questions should be .addressed b~ the final statement,
- 1) Wh~t are the expected differences in the water quality caused by acceleratPd leaching as the result of agitation and increased surface area to water volume ratio in the mining area?
- 2) What are the recharge areas for the ground water?
- 3) Will dt:'watering of the mine affect other gt'ound water users in the area?
0 What is the extent of the aqui!erT BE~T AVlIWLE COl1Y
Page 2 - Hi&l1land Uranium Mill Althbugh so:nc of these questions arc answered 1n the applicant's EnvironlbCntal Report, July 1971 1 they should be addressed in the final AEC-pi-cparcd stater.:ent. The method of dewatering as mentioned on page 12 of thP. draft statemer.t should Le specified in the finnl statement. Also, m~asurcs that will be tc1kcn to avoid stre:am bank erosion resulting !rom mine dl!llatcring discharge, if aud when it occurs, should be discussed in the final statcar.ent. This d.Lscussion should in~ludc con5ldcration of the susccrtihility of.the local soils to croslon. The final statcr.icnt should fndude a provJsion vhercby the effluent from the open pit !!line \:ould be routinely n:oni tored for rndiolocical and stable chemical constituents prior to its anticip,ll'ed discharge to the Box Creek bed. HU.LING The doscr1pt l\'~ reference on pagt, 18 of the dr3£t statement tr: liquid and solid w.istcs c~n~rJLed in the course of milling opcrntfons, i.e., "liquid and solid m1st:cs from tht! milling opcrntions cont.:iin only low lcval conc~ntrations of radio:icti\'c m.itorlals. is misleading lo the. public. Adr:iittcdl>*, the total radio.:ictivo concentrations of the waste produc;:cd fall 1.dthin the low level c~tetory of accepted claF.tiifi .. caLlon schemes. Uow1?ver, the g1.*ru?ral public, lo *..thor,1 the draft statement 1~ addressed, views the l~bcl of low level as being of little or no public health concern. Considering the radionuclides involvc,l "ith their long half-lives, this is certainly not the case. ENVJ nm~~mN1'AI, nm: l TOR 1NG The draft statement does not fully define the pre and post op~r~- tional environrr.cmtd s.i~pling program. The applicant's Enviror.r.:ental
, Report indk.itcs thilt samples of soil anJ bioL.i will be collected yearly, durin~ thc*roonth of August. Pre and post operational ~oil and biota S.'.'l!!il~lcs should be obtained more often to detect the inilu~nce of seasonal w~ather patterns. The final statement should give additional fo!orm.ition a~ to frequency cf coJlection of environ;icntnl samples.
The £1n:il statement should include infornation rc!C;ulting fro1:1 the biot::i inventory t.ientloncd 011 page 11 of t.hc draft statement. It :ls desirable to ei;tablitih the m3gnitudc of non-radioactt\"e air polJutant emintssions rrsulting from the us~ of this facility. Therefore, the fl na1l inp;1ct stdtcmcnt ~hould pni\'idc estimates of thr. annunl inv"ntJry c,£ hoth r.?dio:1ctive and nonr.;;Jicactivc cmr.iissfor.n from thr llit~h lilnd foci J It y. BES'f AV1UWLE COVY
Information on page 11 of Lhe draft statement concl'rning prllailtn~ winds Ghould be expanded to indude data for the populated areas of Casper, Glenrock, and Douglas. Data such as that Jh:ted in EMbit H, Figure 4 or the applicant's Environmental Report, July 19il, Yould be very helpful in detemining the true sir,111f icance of t*adiation dC1se commj tmcnl to the lot.al population in the area surrounding the Highland site. TAILINGS RETE:~1'10N In his April 29, 1971 kt Lcr to the Hutibl I.'! Oil anJ Refining C('lmy,:rny, Mr. t'lt"M.!11 r., ,.nlpntf ,,, th111 f'l"!'"'(" ~~,j ~".'C'r~ r,:,:,~~'!.!.~~: Enginet>rs, writ~s, "ln this reporl ( 'Ri;port cf Tailings Ca: Stu(!y
- Highland Ur,oniu:i. Mi nc, n~ar Ca~,;pcr, Wyom1nc, fer llumtile 011 and Refining Comp:my,' dated October 28
- 1970)
- we s Lated *.* and that in two to. th rec ye.1rs the seepage losses plus cvJprration losses will hold Lhe Cree water pond at near constant area." This quote, vhich consld~r~ seepage l0sses for up to 3 yenrs. conflicts with the draft statement whict,, on pag~ 20, impli~s that scepnse of about 80 gallons par minute wi 11 occur only initiall)' and that the liquid loss~s wfll b~ entJrcly by eva~or~tion. This appsr~nl conflict should be chrifil'd in the final statement by evaJuatJng the seepage and/or pct*cul:lt1on t hrour,h all surf .ice.u of the retention area.
Soil analysis data should also u(l' 1,rovidcd to tiUbstnntiate the claim on pag<' 24 of the draft statement tbat most soilt, have the ability to reo1ovti contaminants from liquids by absorption and ion exchange. It is stnted that a collection basin will be installed at the toe of tho dam and the seepage JiUmped back into the pond if sig~i-ficanL seop.:1ge occurs. The? tr.rm "s.1.gnificant" should be quant.itated in the final stat~mont *. An alL~rn3~c to this approach which woulJ be niore acceptable would be installation of the co1Jcct1on basin prior to staL*tup to allow for the pumping of seepage hack into 'thP retention pond when the basin's freeboard limit h reached
- Page 24 of the draft statement indicates that four samplin; ~ells around the tailings pile ~,11 be used to monitor for seepage into the water table. However, the ltydn,logical and geologic-al inform.itfrn in the drclft statC'mcmt 16 not detaihd enoutih to ev3Juate the achr.:uac.!'
of the number of wells or the probability ~f dctectin~ seepage int~ the ground water table by the ch~mical and radioactiv~ wastes anti-cipated to .i~curnul.ate in the tililings rctl*ntion ,;yst('n,, Additfon.:i! in!or1n:1tion, including a ground water flo~~ pattern, shvuld be include(! 1n the final statrmcnt to allow cvnluation of th~ adC'quacy of thE' samrling ~ell nct~ork. 1 111!~1 AVAIIAIIU! COPY
The pictorial reptesentation (f:>:hibil C, Figure 8) in the applicant's F.nvirunmcntal Report, July 1971, describing future plans to extend the present 100 foot retention dam to 160 feet, does not provide c>n"uth information lo enal,le an fndependent evaluatfon. The 1l£'ed for d'c.ign 1nfon~ation and cons.ttucticin crJter1a i~ c~us1d~rcd icportant at this st~g~ of HUM's operation since the ild\Utlonal 60 heL cxtens:1011 will l1 l)]d t:i~ht tiJ'lcS more tailings than the original design. 1nese addH ional data shollld include Jnforrnation cm the f'~tcns1.on of the present clay core to the entire l6U fool height and nny c~v~cted ibcrcase in
,the &e£ rag~ nitt-~ beyond that currently ,mtici pated for. the prnsent dam,
'J'hl' Humble OU and ReUni.ng C11r.1pany in tht'ir letter of Apr 11 10, 1972, lo the Atomic Energy Co:umissJon indicates Lhat, "If the whole body ext1:r11tll gare.rua radi~tion r~tc is more thun 0,05 mR/hr, the area of excessive rad lat1on will b~ covcnd with addHional nonradioac:t i\'e tJoil to reduce the level tc, 0.05 mR/hr or lct:is." It should be pointed out that the entir~ uranium mill l~111ngs contain~cnt area r~presents a hazard to public health vhfch gnc-s llerond the impli.c3tions of tht!
0.05 mR/hr gar..n13 cxposurl? rat.c. In addition to th~ gar.-.r.ia i:azard, the release of rndt111~222 gas can pose a pubUc health problem. It is t::p comb1natJon of t:i:e gamma hazard with tho NH~ap:lni radon tr.H which requires that this tnilJngs retentivn res~rvoir be clas~tffed as a controll~d area, As sud1, arcvss to tht" 250 acre tailings area would be restricted nnd perp~tual 11,dntenanc<.: and surveillance of this area would be required. Page 27 of the draft statement indicstcs that the Humble OU anc.l ReHning Company or successive! owners will be bour1d by land co\*cnant to control thl! uranium mill tailings for 50 year,; o,: until tailings control measures are prescrJbcd. by of !icial rc*gulations. ln 11~ht of p exper1<'nce with uranium taiVnr,s control ut. Gl"and Junction, Colon,do and Riverton, Wyoming, to name a few, 1t is apparent that long rar.[;e
*, perpetual care arrangeMents are budly ne('ded. Discussions r~bultin~
from the Grand Jun c.: t ion i nc:i di:n t h~V'-' indica tcd tlw t the J\l'.C :ic, ~ pts limited r~sp~nsibility in the ar~a of tailings contrcl, Lhus d~lcgati~g lhe Njor r<'sponsibility to the r.tnte in which the millinr, takes placP.. The Uu1:1bl(' Oil and Rerinin~ Comr,any's 50 )'ear restrictt.on p~rJod ngrcrm<*nt ha~ bf.*<'n ph*C' i pit at(*J by the lack of applfrable en.1bling legisl~tion .1nJ c1mtrl.ll rt*~uJ.iLic...,ns in th<' Stat<' of llyominc. ,It 1s clear that ofUc:fill n*~ul.:itions govl~rnin~ uranium tailings st.1Hlit.:1l1on anJ long term control ~.-e nfa:-dc<l. We bel~e\'..? th,,t tht* ilF.C, in cooper.:1.tion 'With LPA, should work '1.'ith the State or Wyoming in this rcgijrd, UE~'f AVAl~UltE COPY
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. I Page 27 of the draft statement indicates that land reel alliation ef!orUi will include* grading and rever.eLation on slopes ur* to 26.5 degreas (2 hori?.ontal - Lo one v1:rtical.) The U.S. P~partmcnt of Intt:riot* publicnl h,n "Surf ace Mining and Our F.nvirnnmcmt" stntL"!~ that stabiljz;lion or sior~s in excc~s of 20 d~grees is quite dlffic~Jt in light of the occurrence of major land sli<l!s, The final statement should I therefore I giv~ additional. infomation concern fog the stabilization, i.e., rcvrgelntJon, rip-rapping, etc,,.of s!op~s in excesi of 20 dcgrl'cs. This iufurmatf.c,n should ah:o include the
&tn.!iil!it:.t!v~, ,*,~ t! ..: Gc.:.i ! .. L .. J !;~.::!*~..!~~,i; t~c "~.:!!t~(.:~.:.l i~ r~~:. er dam to he co11s tructcd at a later time.
The draft stat\'iili!Ot does not discuss noise impact caused by tha minbg and m1111ng facilities. It .is reasonable to assume that: thcr<' will be littlC'1 if any, noise impact on the offs1.te- area. IIPWL!vcr, the fi11~11 s1:1tern(1nt sl*,ould ccr,-:idcr both ofhite and c~r;ite expos11r<: levels of noise as.sodatcd wilh the mining nnd 1:1illin~ facilfifcs, e.g., the.ore crc~hcr, the r~d rnill 1 b~ckup die$el generator, and the- f'arthmovinr, er::uipment: The ~inal AtatemPnt should provide information regarding measun*s that arP. .ind will hr. taken !nr the m:magemcmt of construc-tion w_.ste &enC'ta\cd at the mill &ite. Page 19 of the draft statement read~, "Other solid wastes will consfst of trash (such ~s chemical cont4incrs, cardboard, paper, <<.>tc.) and slud~cs from the senitary sci,:age systcr.i. 11 It should b~ stateJ thnt thcHe.wastcs will be ditiposcd of in such a m.cumcr ns to confon."I Lo all ,tpplicable st.,te, local, and federal regulations. UE~'f AlAl~\UU~ COl1Y
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Division of Material Licensing United States Atomic Energy Corrunission ....,\ Ci.) Washington, 0~ c. 20545
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Dear Mr. Edwards:
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We hav.e read the "Draft Detailed Statement on the Environmental Considerat~ons" relating to the Highland Uranium Mill to b" constructed in Wyoming, Docket No. 40-8102. We find it necessary to question the usefulness of the small lakes to be created as a result of the incomplete mine backfill. It has been our experience that lakes created in this manner, below the water .table, may contain Radium 226 in concentrations exceeding those in NBS Hand-book 69. The Felder #1 Mine near Three Rivers, Texas, is a lake created in this manner, and it has been determined that the con-centration of Radium 226 exceeds the NBS Handbook 69 value of 100 pCi/1. Two samples analyzed for 226Ra had 192 and* 155 pCi/1 for samples collected in April 1971, and November 1971, respectively. Alpha act--\.,*it'l.£1s of thE'SP samples were 3281 +/- 9'l~ and lf.79 +/- 7.,-1; for th~ dissolved fractions. Another mine, the McLean #l Mine, has been assayed at 63 pci/1 and 3113 pCi/1 for 226Ra and gross alpha in the dissolved fraction. This is a shallower mine which may have a higher percentage of rainwater than the Felder #1 Mine. The water seeping into the mines may (and, in Texas, does) show lower activities than this. It is our theory that oxidation and other weathering of the res1dual ore in the mines is responsible for these high amounts of radjoactivity. Our Water Quality Board has told us that . this water exceeds their .* discharge requirements. 1 UES'l A\rAIIJ\lltE (~OPY
Mr. c. T. Edwards Pag-.: ::: May 10, 1972 There is one mine, the Korzekwa Mine, which does contain good water. Thi mine is above the waler table nnd drains a large area. Dis-solved alpha activity of this water has been measured at 6 and 7 pC~/1 in February 1~72.
- We believe that th<? plans for these lakes whould be reviewed, or that the lakes be closely monitored after their creation.
Thank you for the opportunity to conunent on this document. We hope
.our experience in these matters has been helpful.
Sincerely, 0
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Dear Mr. Edvard a:
Reference io made to your letter ot 25 April 1972, trnnsmittin3 the drart Det~ilcd EnvironmentBl Stntcmont.relnted to Humble Oil and Refining Company* s Hichlc.nd Urnnium ~lill. The proJect "ould not affect o.,y cxhtina projects, or proJecta under cons1dcrnt1on by the Omc.ha District Corpa of Engineers. The environ-me~tal irripBcts asaocio.tod vi th thd operation ot the mill and mining operation vere well covered, Sincerely yours, t"'" * ,,.._ * ,10,1301oa ~OR ADOCK
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MAILING ADDRlH UNITED STATES COAST GUARD u. COAST GUI.AD (C:WS) aD IIEvtNTH !.1 AIH'f ltW WA5HlkG TON DC .IOHO PHONE 202-42(,-: 2262
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- Hr. C. T. Edwards Assistant to the Director Division of Materials Lic~nsing U. s. Atunic Cnergy Ccmnission Washi.ngton, D. C. 20645
Dear Hr. Edwards:
Thie ie in response to your letter of 25 April 1972 addressed to Hr. Herbert r. DcSfn,one, Assistant Secretary for Envh*onrnent and Urban Systems, concerning the draft environmental impact statement and
- supplement relative to the llumbh Oil R~fining Cooipany' e Highland Uranium Hill, Converse County, Wyooiing.
The concerned opcKati ng adm in i strat ions and staff of the Depart,nent of *rransportatiun have reviewed tlae moterfal prcsenhd and we lwvc no conunents to offer. It is our dotcrnd.mttion that tli(! inipact of this proj~ct upon h*,msportat ion is minimal and we lmve no ol>.i,*ct ion to t. lui 1ssuanco of a l iceusc for th is proj ~cl. The oppo1*tunity to review and cOOU11ent on t.he draft statement and supplement for the llighlaud Uraniwn MHl project is appreciated. Sincerely, 0/*};!1, ,J_.JJ n ~"'
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r-. r:-i:: .~3SJS"."AtJ"/ e::c~ETARV or- COM:V:EP.CE Wasri,ngton. 0.C. 2J230 June 8, 1972 Mr. C. T. Edwards Assistant to the Director Division of Materials Licensing s.
- u. Atomic Energy Commission Washington, D. c. 20545 ....
Dear Mr. Edwards :
The Draft Detailed Statement on the Environmental Considera-* tions by the u. s. Atomic Energy Commission Related to the Proposed Issuance of an Operating License to the Humble Oil and Refining Company for the Highland Uranium Mill I Docket Number 40-8102 1 which accompanied your letter of April 25, 1972, has been received by the Department of Couimerce for review and comment. The Department of. Commerce has reviewed the draft environ-mental statement and has the following comments to offer for your consideration. Accumulation of concentrated waste, even if it is mildly radio-active should be discouraged. It is suggested that other al-ternatives for disposal be discussed along with their associ-ated safeguards. Providing that the radioactive source terms listed in Table V on page 22 are accurate, even the most pessimistic meteorologi~ cal diffusion assumptions will result in concentrations at the nearest occupied dwelling (2.9 miles to the northeast) which are a factor of 1000 below maximum permissible concentrations. Cons~qucntly 1 we conclude that there will be no radlological impact from airborne effluents beyond the site boundary. We hope these comments wlll be of assistance to you in the pre* paration of the final statement. Sincerely, ~~ffiet~ Deputy Assistant Secretary
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"Lt'"ANIIVlt.N I Uf' AuHICULTURE OU'ICC OF THE 5CC:AtTAflY WASHINGTON. D. C, i0250 Mr. c. T. Edwardt
- AHbtant to the Director DLvilion of Hatertals Licensing Atomic Energy Commission Wathington, D. c. 20545
Dear Mr. Edward,
We have had the drnft (!RYironmcntal lmp~c:t statement for the Humble Oil and Refining Company's Highland Uraniam Mill in Wyoming reviewed in the relevant acencie1 of this Department. Comments from the Soil Conservation Service
- ahd the forest Service, both.agencie1 of the Department, are enclosed, Sincerely, / ---<.1--fl. -
4~1 I lqt I PRED H* TSCHIRLEY 1 Actlng Coordinator, Environmental Quality Activitie, Enclo11urea
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UNITED STA1'ES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE Re: Draft Environmental S~atements - Humble Oil and Refining Co~pany, Highland Uranium Mll l Our only co,nment ls that after the 12-14 yeara of operational life planned, the Forest Service might be interested in acquiring title to the 2,400 acres of land with its two lakes for grazing, wildlife habitat improvement and recrnational opportunitie1 (Supplement, page 22). The lbunder Basin National Grassland is within nine miles of this property. HES'f AVAIIAlltE co1,y
Soil Conservation Service, USDA, cOfflllt!nts on draft environmental statcwnent prepared by Di vision of Haterials Licensing for H1M11ble OH and Refining C0111p1ny for the Highland Uranfl.ffl Hill. Our review of the impact statement indicates that you have presented the information in a factual manner. The information appears to be complete. Th~re may be a need to more fully explain the following points: I. Is there supporting data to show that 50 years is a reasonable period
- of time to provide for restricted use and monitoring of the area?
>erhaps.it should be a longer or shorter period.
- 2. Page II, G. of the green report from u.s. Atomic Energy Conrnission:
Ecology* The ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) fre~uents this area. It has been proposed for classification as rare or endangered by the u.s. Bureau of Sports, Fisheries and Wildlife. The American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrioos} might also be found in this area. It is listed as "rare" in the above book.
*The*trumpeter swan (Ofor buccinator) uses this area as a flyway and is
- t isted as rare.
. ). The consideration of water fowl use of the tailing pond should be expanded. Our;ng migration, waterfowl may use the area. What effe~t wi II the qua I ity of the water, radiation, etc,*, have on these birds?
How will the material affect the food chain?
~. In i2 to 14 years when the operation is being phased out and while the pond is drying up, what provisions wfl1 be made for prevention of wind erosfon? There will be a considerable amount of time involved before equipment can be used to cover the area. Perhaps some temporary measures could be used.
5, Pagel of the supplement, paragraph 2
- arc 2:1 side slopes safe to people and animals? Will they be stable? Th;s will depend on many fa,tors.
- 6. It appears the. feel{ng is that sheep ranching will continue on this area.
This is oppos;te to the seening present trend in Wyoming. 7, The statement regarding sheep ~anching seems quite optimistic. While the area may not be damaged very much, it probably will not be enhanced et ther. We appreciate the opportunity to review and conrnent on this impact statement, Sincereliy.,
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Thi t is fn res?onte to youc request for comnent!' en the envi ron:-.1entol t.111pact &Latel.lcnt idcnti!icc by a c.upy 1.>f your co*.1er Jetter attached to this d<:cum, 11 t. The s t:i .CC ,, C the ,\cl..,. i s~~ry Cou.:.d J. has re\: ;;.;c.J the subr.,ltt"*rl ir.pa,; t &t:.itc*:eru 1111cJ sugbeas the kl; .win~. 1dcnti tied by checkman. on this torr:;: _The final sr.:atcrr.cnc. Shl1ulc! ,outaJ.n (J) a SC:1ite.11..:~ i nJic,1:.ini th.it. the Nation:11 kegistor of JHstc*ric Place~ has be~:1 c.L . .:.ulti.:d e:"ld :..'.Hlt 0 no H11tii.mal Re3iste:- properties Yill .,e af(ectcJ b:, t!1e projac:~. or (2) a lir.::.in~C1! chc prq1~rti<:>'.= t~, !,c. a!!ectct:, ,rn anillyeis of th;- nature o! the effects~ a discuLsi~n of the ways iu which the cffetts were tak~~1 into :?rcnu.:t, and ao .i::-cc;urlt. Df 'steps* ta:~.::n to assur.::
~ornpliancc with SccLioo 106 o! the :~tia~al Hi~coric Preecr~ati,n Act of 1966 (BO St.,':l.t, 'Jl~) in accc*i.-d.11,.~ wir:l proc:e,lurc~ d the AcivLsory Council or. Hi.. stor ~c Pres<:r\.*at i ,,n ns t\.1,:y appear in llii:: ~-:.L !C?.:-~i ~ .
March* 15, l1J72. _ _ In the casC! cf prorcrties un<!er the control c,r jurir.dic::ion of the United SL~1tl.!s G.;v,n;:.i~:-.~ 1 llu~ stMe.:*~r:t sh.;,;Jl,:l s:1.,*.** t:..-1.c!er.;t? oi contac;t
'\ with thr: cHicial arp.:ilutec by your_ agency to ii.Ct: ;ii; liaison for p\.lr*
poses of Execl:tive CJrc!c:- llS~:3 oL :~a, D, 1~71, a,,d include a di.scussipn of steps ter.(:>n to comply wilh S(;c.:tio:*1 2(l>) oi the Ei-:ccut:ivu Order *
. / The Hnal St.'ttC!mcnt sho-1ld c,.mtain r.vi.~encc of crntact with the iiisw'l*ic preservati.:in Officer (l.*r Lhn St,1te in\.*,:ilvc?J .mo a co 1>y of his corn:nent& concei*ning the e!{,c.t of th<! u11dcrca;.~in 0 upon historical and 1rch~r,,~ .. ic~l rl's.,~.rrc:-!.
_Spec i he ro.-:::r.ents att~chcd, Coe',mei,ts on envir0n~c~t.,l 11::p:ict &tate:*euts sre nut to be co11!:i<lered aS*~"i.lUlt.:l,t:S Ol li°,C J..~.:.i.S*.=r) C~*'41l.;d i.n S,i:LiOII l:.;,, .: ... tCl~[ti,
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Memorandum 1U..GIONAI. OFFICE 9017 Federal Bldg., 1961 Stout St., Denvvr 80202 TO c. T. Edward1, As&istant to the Dir-1ctor, Division DA1'£: June 1 1 1972 of Hateriah Llccn&Lng, AEC, Washington, D. c. 20)45 *'"J~
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We have reviewed the referenced Statement for DH~ 1 Regional otticet.\f\~:-~ .* Region Vlll, Denver, Colorado. . .... We do not have any adverse Comt;1ents to make. Thoma.; E,. Moore Regional Engineer ROFEC , General Engineer, Environment*l and Inspection, ROFEC-cc: Mr. Robert Lanza b ___-----11.JdYY7 Hilt HIMfNAJI WASH
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Memorandum National Water Quality Laboratory 6201 Congdon Iloulcvard Duluth, MN 55804
- Hr. William Cowley, Deputy Di tee tor DATE: April 28, 1972 Program Management Division, EPA IROII : Di rec tor, NWQL IUIJICT: Review of Draft Environmental Impact Statement fer Highland Uranium Mill, Converse County, Wyoming. Review by Brungs.
This mine and mill wiil discharge no liquid or solid materials into any permanent streams and no impact. is expectc,,d of the plant operation on the&e waterways. We are assW11ing that other people will comment on the
*trip ,nining processes themselves. ,
Donald I. Mount 1 Ph.D
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GAME AND FISH COMMISSION ~....J-/.4,!, CHEYENNE 82001 June 27 1 1972 nEC{fJ!li!J~,(~~ JlJLs E James C, Molaro o.,. rvrc 1912 ~ ~ tt.",*i~. f"'Elar A88istant Chief I Materials Branch b ""l.. l °"*lif
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- 20545 ~
SUBJECT:
Review Of Draft Detailed Statement On The Environmental Considerations By The U. S. Atomic E11crgy Commission Division Of Materlah Licensing Related . To The Proposed Issuance Of An Oper.ating L1canse To Humble Oi 1 And lt('fining Company For 'l'hc Highland UrJ.nium Mill Docket N111~!1,:,r 40-SH~ Dated: April 5 1 .1972 Gentlemen: The Subjec:t Draft, indicates the purpose of the impact review to determine the issuance of a permit for a Uraniwn Mill Operation in Convene County, On Page 2. of The Draft. It is st:at"d that the impact statement is to cover both the operation of the Mill and related Mining activities, This is considered a plus in the completeness of subject statement in that impact on Fisheries and Wildlife 1~ often compoWldcd by 9ne particular form of impact in another area of impacts. On Page l. paragraph 3 under 11, Site. A,) Location, It ii stated that a 1500 acre sit<! on which the Mine and Mill is locatc:d, is fenced with 1heep*tight fence. This would not exclude some forms of Wildlife from the 1rea 1 some of which i& apparently considered hazardous. On Page 9 under D.) Hydrolont:. 1,) Surface Waters, It is stated that the North Platte River, the only conotinously flowing stream in the area, is 15 miles to the south of the site, Because of the local topography, surface drainage from the HUM docs not reach the North Platte River. This would preclude an impact on fisheries and surface related water resources in the area. 2,) Croundwate.!.!, It is stated, "process and potable water from the operation will be obtained from subsurface deposits, at the approximate rate of S00*1500 gallons per minutc 1 " with complete groundwater quality information included on Page 10, This infor1Uation should prove useful in our c*;aluations of possible future uses on two lakes to be included in the Reclamation Program outlined on Page lS. No. 5 of the listed benefits. 1 BES'l AlAl~lHU~ COPY
Review.of the Draft Detailed Statement June 27 1 1972 Page 2. On Page 11 under G.) Ecology. It is stated that "A biota inventory of the HUM *site will be undertaken by the applicant in the spring of 1972, 11 Our qu(!stion in thls matter is related only to assurance that the inver.::ory wou.ld be m.. dc by a qu.i Uficd ecologist and that we as a responsible state agency be permf.ttcd to review and comment on said inventory. On Page 12 under III Min~ and MilJ. It is stated that the Mine will disturb approximately 600 ac1*cs as waste dumps. We can only assume that this includes the uilings pond which is described as co\*cring 250 acres on Page 20. Aho On l'aBc 12, paragraph 2. It is stated that waste dumps will be cover,*d with a layer of top :-oil .ind pJant<'d with nalive grassu as part of the Rcclaroat ion rrogr.:im. We suggest that considna tlon. be gi\,en to a cooperative dctcrmi:1ation of vegctativl~ types that would be best suit(:d Lo growth on lhe exposed soil and at the same time replace the loss of Shrubs and Forbs currently present in the area and supporting the resident Wildlife populations, On Page 14 under 8.) The Ml 11. It is stated Lhat prest>ntly known uranium reserves within the area, would substnin the planned operation th1Jugh 1984. lt indicates Lhat the planned operation would end at that ti.me and that the area would be totally reclaimed within a given period after 1984. This period of time 1B descrU,ed as the i.rr.pact pC:riod, elsewh<!r<' throughout this draft , statement. However, it is f.ndi.cated on Page 22 of 1. Suppl<'111cnt To Arplicant's'-- Environn:c>ntal RE>por.t:_ That the .irca of 2SO acres containing the tailing pond 1 would be subject to controls over all uses of the land except grazing, for a period of 50 years. This in!ormation is also included on Page 27 of The Subject D,rah. However, it is not listed on Page 30, of said draft as an adverse impact which cannot be avoided. In summary, our concern can be listed as follows:
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- 1. There h no apparent concern* for opportunities for mit1iation of the loss of the included are.1 co Wildlife use, l!owever, in the AJmlicant's
~ronmc>ntal Report on Page 22 1 is sugecsted th&t the applicant has considcrnd granting title to 2,400 ilcrcs of land, including two ground*
vater Jakes to appropiatc governmental agencies for such agencies of responsli>i lity for raintainins vegetat1vc cover over the tailing area. lt might well be that we should consider this in a long range acquisition program subject to the following conditions:
- a. That the groundwater source f rorn which the lakes will be 1upplied,. is such that a fishery could be supported.
- b. That the appli~ant would agree to a revegetation program
- 1. "Supplement To Appllcant's Environmental Report Hichl:snd Uranium Mill Converse County", Wyorning Humble Oil and Refining Company Minerals Department. P.O. Box 2180, Houston, Texas 77001.
~If AVAIIJBLE OOPY I
Review of l~e Draft Detailed Statement June 27
- 1972 Page 3.
l which we will determine to be in the best interest of
\ Resident Wildlife of the area.
In all, I would aay that combined draft impact statement by the A.E.c. and t.he Applicant's Environml'ntal Report represent one o( the better efforts of developi11g environment considerations, that I have reviewed to date, Our Fleld personnel have agreed to develop a Biological Reconnaissance on the area to be used for determination 0£ feasibility of an agreement to assume ownership of the area after completion of t:he HUM site operation. Thank you {or the opportunity to review this impact statement. Sincerely, JBW/crJM
' ( HUM Slee ..
- Humble Mills Site Including The Mine Operation,)
( HUM * * * * *
- Humble Uranium Mllls .)
- ..., Rec'd wJllr. dld. ,-;27..'7 2 A BRIEF INVENTORY OF THE WJLDLJFI: RESOUllCES IN THE HIGHLAND FLATS AREA OF COINERSE CX>UNTY Prepared by* Larry Pate, Big Game Biologist,
- Casper Di,trlct, Wyomlng Game and Fl,h Commla1lon Date Submitted, Juno 27, 1972 I
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l BRffF INVENTORY OF THE WILDLIFE RET6URCES IN' THE HIGHLAND FLATS AREA OF CONVERSE COUN'l'Y J,ntJoduc tton i
'l'hh inv11nrory p!?rtA(mi m11fnly l"o thP Art!1t wft.htn T:~~H., H,71H1 tn '1rinvH~fl County, Wyoming. Thh inventory includes the present status 0£ wUdHfe present in the area. Occurrence ond importance of any specit?B ln tits report may change in the future, as wildlife populations are not staUc but subject to chnnse vtth cha.ncing environmental conditions. Only the current status of thdwildlife populations found within the area have been included and the report 18 not intended to exclude the possibility of occurrence of other specie,.
The vegetal species list is not all*incluaive of plants found vlthin the area I but rather include a the most comon.
\
I Currcmt StntuR:
'rho. most la1portnnt wUc.lU!a apcciett in the orce1 under can1idcration ln Lhit I
report arc pronghorn Antelope and sage grouse.
- Lesacr ,pcctea present Include mule deer, cottontail rabbits, hungarian partridge, mournins dove1 1 waterfowl and lhorebLrds, coyotes, bobcat*, red fox, badger~. a variety of *ona btrda and a variety of avian predator,. Each major 1pecie1 will be dilcusaed below.
Prenshorn Antelope; _The Highland area 11 located on the boundary of antelope management area, numbers 26 and 28. The area ls used throughout the year by a resident population of antelope with very little seasonal migrational movements taking place through the area. During the past five years, there haa been an increase in the antelope population trends in the above management-* *area, ,o that at the present time the
.I areal are su**.,orUng optimum population levell for the current habltat conditions *
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Tho prc1cut acnatty of.antalopo ln the area i1 between !ive and elx animal* per square mlle.
§110 Cr-ousc; Sage ,rouse populations within the area are directly tied to the availability of bfg sagebrush (Artemisia tridcntata) and the occurrence of free water for vltering and brood rearing. At the present time the area supports a itzeable population of birds year-around. The annual harvest of birds in Converse County has been approx*
imately 500 birds, The county could support more huritiug i)reuure
- for thll 11 ccie1 tbnn U: bns ri,cdvcd in tha rHt, Although mule deer aTe present within the area t~ey are les1 numerous than the pronghorn antelope duo to the lack of suitable habitat. They are found 1110stly along lox Creek in the southern part of the area. Population density of thi1 1pecie1 would be less th11n tvo- anf.Nla per square 111Ue for the t-.abl:tat, Vaterfpwt and Shorebirds:
Waterfowl and various shorebirds utilize the potholes on the highland flats
&* production and brood rearing areas. Ducks to ba found in the area include mal-la~d** tea\gadwall, and pintail,. The importance of the area for waterf0\11 pro-duction varies from year to year with the amount of precipitation received ln the area and collected in the ponds.
Other Vildlife Sp~cies: Several specie* of wildlife occupy the general area concerned within this repo~t. Although they are not as abundant as the species above, they should be noted, These include hungarian partridge, mourning doves, cottontail rabbits, prairie doga, several species of song birds, and small predators 1nc1uding coyotes, red fG'IG, bobcats and badger1. Alao found are avlan predators. including ma~sh
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- havka, red tail, {cs~ug u1 nnd eparrow hawk* and prnl falcon,. Peregrine falcons could possibly bo found within the uea. Colden and bald eagle. uU.Ute the area 01 a wintering area with eome golden eagle* using the area year~arouftd,
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- E:r~ogonur.i - Perenid Buckwheat rio onun soo.
Common Dandelion Taraxacun officinale Goats Beard !raoopogon prAt~nSi! Indian Paintbrush Castilleja coccine1 J)ailt1' Carau lY9~1tO!!! !CI!t iiuoJ!d 1!1ilox H!i_~; ~.J:Rt Milkvc t<;h Asbi19,1Jus !Ifill. Pen5temon Pcnstemon srm,. Prairie Clovor Molt lotus !me. tlinterfat Eurotia 1:tMtl
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I Ea\*ir"lll.l.it*,,r ..i hi~* ~ub.1to1y F'ile Cy. U~,=ED ST-ATES.GOVERN. DEPARTMENT OF HEAdllf EDUCATION, AND WELFARE REGIONAi. OfflCt: Mernorandum 9017 Federal Bldg., 1961 Stout St., Denver 80202 TO c. T, Edwards, Assistant to the Dlrector, Division l>ATF. June l, 1972 of Materi*ls Liceneint,, AEC, Wa&hington, D. c. 2051,5 FROM ROFEC 1 Region VIII ltltt~ ...
~l'BJECT
- Draft Envlronmental Impact Statement Highland Uranium Mill, Converse County, Wyoming Docket No. 40-8102 We have reviewed the referenced Statement for DHEW, Regional Region Vlll, Denver, Colo~ado.
We do not have any adverse conaents to make. ThOlllas E . Moore Regional Engineer ROFEC By
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FilP. Cy . DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY OMAHA DISTRICT CORPS Of" ENGINEE~$ 71110 U. S POST OFF ICE AND COURT HOUSl OMAHA. NEBRASKA 681oz MROED-PE Mr. c. T. Edwards ,.:,* Division ot Materials Licensing United States Atomic Energy Commission Washington, D. C. 20545 ';.
Dear Mr,
EdVlll"dS : Reference is made to your letter of 25 April 1972~ transmitting the draft Detailed Environmental Stattment related to Humble 011 Bild Ret'ining Company's laghland Uranium ~ill. The proJect would no~ affect any existing projects~ or projects under consideration by the Omaha District Corps of Engineers. The environ-mental impacts associated with the operation of the mill and mining operation vere vell covered. Sincerely yours, I! .
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Vl"AIUflto/(lTIII\;. UC. 2Q~11,, MAY 101972 Deer Mr. Rogers : Thi* is in respon&e to your. request for comments on the environmental impact statement identified by a copy of your *cover letter attached to chis document. The &taff of the Advisory Council has reviewed the
*ubmltt~d impact statement and suggests the following, identified by checkmark on thia form:
~~-The final statement should contain (1) a sentence indicating that the National Register of Historic Places has been consulted and that no Hational Register properties will be affected by the project, 2.£ (2) a listing of the properties to be affectedt an analysis of the nature of the effects, a discuS&ion of the ways in which the effects were taken into account, and an account of steps taken to assure compliance -..,ith Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (BO Stat. 915) in accordar11:e wit.h procedures of the AdviSory Council on lUsturic l'reservation as they appear in the Federt'll HegifLJ:.!!!.,
March 15t 1972.
- ___ In the case of properties under the co1.trol or jurisdiction of the United States Government, the st:aten~ent should show evidence of contact with the official appointed by your agency to nc t as liaison for pur-poses of Executive Order 11593 ot Hay 13, 1971 1 and include a discussion of steps taken Lo comply with Sl!ction 2(b) of tho ~>cecutive Order.
~ The Unal statement should contain evidence of contact with the Hiscoric Preservation Officer for Lhc State involved and a copy of his comments conc(,miinit the effcc.t of the undertaking upon historical and archeological resources,
___Spec ii. ic comments attached. Comments on envfronmcntal. impact statements are not to be consLde~8(\* ~ !--;:~~--:---.. . as comments ot the Advisory Council in Section 106 mattet"s. .,_' \ * ** * * ~ *.. I I *** .,_.-* .,_, f ,*1 , '"D
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tu:'"1.Y TO ATTIJITIOI 01': SPDPD-R 1 May 1972
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Mr. S, H. Smiley, Director Division of Materials Licensing Atomic Energy Commission Washington, D. C. 20545
Dear Hr. Smiley:
'l'hie is in response to your March 1972 letter requesting Cort,s of Engineers review and comments on the Applicant's Supplemental Environ-l!lmltal Report - Operating License Stage for Uranium Concentrator, Utah,
*ubmitted by Rio Algom Corporation, and the supplement to this report eubmitted by Humble Oil & Refining Company. ln accordance with our review procedures, this letter represents the consolidated response of the District Engineer, Sacramento, and the Division Engineer, South Pacific.
'lbe proposed project does not conflict with existing or authorized plans
~ of the Corps of Engineers. Recognizing that such matters are not within the responsibility of the Corps of Engineers, we would, however, like to make the following comments and suggestions:
It ls not evident from the statement whether or not reservoir operation studies ha,e been made to determine the size of reservoir required to contain the entire runoff for the most critical period, Statements on pages 110, 113, and 206 of the supplemental report are con-flicting. Page 206 indicates the reservoir could store the runoff from a abort term, 12-1/2 inch rain and subsequently a 30 inch rain before per-mitting any water runoff over the dam. This would require over 2,000 acre-feet of storage. Pages 110 and 111 of the supplemental statement, and page 36 of the draft statement indicate the storage space provided for runotf from the 590 acre drainage area is less than 200 acre-feet, and that the design is based on the runoff from a non-critic~l general 9706160010 720501 PDR C AOOCK 04008084 PDR min !fMWrn OOH Z463
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- 1 May 1972 Hr. S. H. Smiley rainstorm. Page 206 of the supplemental report indicates that it is known that the area has had more than 6 inches of rainfall in an 8-hour period.
'rile proposed method of raising the dam described on page 108 of the
*upplemental statement and page 37 of the draft statement is questioned in that tailings are not considered good foundation material upon which to construct a dam. If the dam failed at the end of milling operations when the proposed total estimates of 1,850,000 tons of solids (page 101, supple-mental report) have been impounded and the failure resulted from runoff from the type of storm indicated on page 206 of the supplemental report, the volume of solid and liquid material which would result would be many timea greater than that indicated on page 114 of the supplemental report.
'ftte statement provides no indication of how much sediment would be deposited in the reservoir from the.runoff within the drainage basin. The project is in an area where space needed to store sedbient can be significant.
The rate of evaporation shown in table 1 (55 inches) and appendix E-2~ fisure 4 (84 inches), of the supplemental environmental report are con-flicting. An annual rate of 55 inches is considered to be a more reason-able figure for evaporation in the project area. Page 157 of the supplemental report indicates that the Corporation would bs willing to post a bond fox $96,000. on completion of the operation for covering and seeding the tailings. It was not mentioned who would be responsible in case of a dam failure or other problems after completion of operations.
'l'hank you for the opportunity to review and col!IQl!nt on the report.
Sincerely yours,
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JJ'.J.emoranuum Nat:Jonal Water Qua] icy 1..aboratOT!' 6201 Congdon Boulevard Duluth, MN 55804 1'0 .* Mr, William Cawley, Deputy Director DAT£: April 28, 1972 Program Managemenl Division, EPA ftOM .* Director, NWQL IUISJEar: Review of Draft Environmental Impact Statement for llighland Uranium Mill, Converse County, Wyoming. Review by Brungs. This mine and mill will discl~rge no liquid or ~olid materials into any pennanent streams and no impact is expected of the plant operation on these waterways, We are assuming that* other peopl~ will comment on the strip miniug 1,JlOl'.csses thernsd\l't>S, c** i**.( "l ~- Donald I. Mount, Ph.D. cc:
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oion: IIECl:ivt:o .... t:)A'fl
--..aau11u, *
-* . .i*
~
--. I._. ... _
DO NOT RErJ<)\TE ACKNO\VLEDGED l Iii I*--* - Fl l Catliia I - - SUI
- u.l. li>OVIUINl,l[NT pll, .. T, .. r, orFtCf Ul!-4~4 .... &2 MAIL CONTROL FORM .,.,..,. ....
Dletri.lJnloa:
~ Docbt PU* 8102 eawiro....tal DNut .llo. 40-110.Z . AIC PDI.
Local PDI ACl...ueeo. PUP llSbapar
- OGC JPelt** Dl
...laro. DIii.
Director, w,caa1111 llacrutloa Illa~. - Ca 1Hi* SlllilaJ, DNL 604 laat 25th ltreet Cldvara. DML
... JOt JShafer, 1111.
<:My..... , W,.taa &2001 116, 1/F
\
Dear &tr:
lllc1Ned for ,our revlw ad coae11t u a COPJ of the draft utaUad NIYiroDMDtal etetout for llUllble OU , bft*ta1 Coapa1'
- B11blad Ural* IUll located 111 Conyer** CowtJ, w,oa1a,.
The ,raft atat...at v.. praparad bJ tbe raiialatory 1taff 111 acoord&11c* vitb the *tateaaat of ...-.i policy ad proeedura oe iap1-alatieD of tu aiaU.-.al lavl roD1111111td Policy Act of 1'69 t aa **t out 111 Appaclb D* of tlMI Coaf.Hloa'* r*1ulat100* 10 en Put 50. ill co Hta
- cbe draft ..,,.,raa... cal 1tat....t .... c b* r*c*lv*d bJ thl* Divtatae by JIily 10, 1972. Ple..e coat.act .. r*1*rdtn1 an, ~robl... which
*licll1llhn.& 111 thi* uttar.
**1 be S1acer*ly 1
~,
~/**
X.::.:--**
,* ~
,/
C. T. ldvar4e Aaeiataac to the Dlr*ctor Dt.taloa of Haterl.el.a IJ.ceaallla kclNve: Draft **tallad *tatae11t 9706160154 720428 PDR ADOCK 04009102 C PDR Of'Fltf.* ~ ' , ' ' /.* .
.i ..
v-SURIIAIIU .. . .., . rda/J* DATE .. \ ( 4/JJ/72 ...._Alill.".a1111Hrw.9 r.i,
I
.:.u
. ti DISTRlBtrrION:
- - , Docket File - environmental Docbt ... ~-1102 AEC PDR Local PDR JPelton, DR LRogers, DREP SSmiley. DML Nr. 111.lll- C*ley, Deputy Dlr..etoT JHalaro, DML Prear- 1Cmq11aent l>tvidon DHa rmon
- DML Office of Rtl9earch, 'Hanttetins CEdwat"ds, DHL r.ntr-tal Protectlua Ageney JShafer, DML a- JIG2 G, Wateni4e Mall DML R/F
.01 M Stnet. s. w.
Waaht.aatm, D. C. 20460
Dear KT. C*l-,
llldoae4 for your IW!IYiw *d C!OIIBIDt are two copi* of the <lraft Mtalled
*d.ra1 1ntal atete11e11t r.lated to Rualtle OU & bf1ntn1 eo..,an:,'* Hitlhland I
I Urml- Mill. flt.a draift at:*t-nt:: wu prepared b1 the teftUhtory staff bl iu:cord*ce wt.th the *t*t*atat cf general poltc7 md prneeduTe 01t lllpleaentatton of Ch* Natl*al ln'ril'OD'Mntal Polley Act of 1969 1
- 11et out in Appeac!1* n t of ttaa Calllih.S.nn'
- regulattona 10 en Part SO.
A notice of natl.,1U.t, of the <<lraft etat. .at :1.9 bal*1 p..,liahed tn th* r*!!.! !!Ii!!!!! toda,. Ccwnt* on the draft atateant a:at be meehie4 laJ thla office forty-flw (45) da,a froa thh date. Plaal* CGntMt
- ngaTdtn1 any problem wld.cb uy be eneoantend ln tht.
*tter.
Sincerely, C. T....... arda* Aaalatant to th* Dtnctol' I>lvt.aton nf Hated.ab Llceaalna lli'llelae*n : Draft Detdl*d ltateant (2) Humble 1 s 4-10p72 ltr, re tailings 9706160162 720425 PDR ADOCK 04008102 C PDR cuss~ *. -~- ... /!:. .... I T-N2017 ctldwarde:t~c 4/5/72 SUMA** . .I 4/(¥/71
-*-* . ~~~--*:a.a****.-,*=.=:..:-'
hi. Al<'.-~1& 111.n, 9. \11 Af.UI OHO ~ , t ...... .._., ,. * ** ~.1 , , ** *
.e .
-~=a~,...,...,
MDIIII 1.tff ftJI IIAff Miliuilfll'i& IU1Uiili . IIYIIOlf.ff'JffA PIOl'ICTIOII AaP.NCI' Mr. VUlta Calla,. Daputf Direclllr .
'Proar* Naug....t Dl*l*I*
Office of 1Maarc11 I llodterbl
* &nwlr-*atal Pr*tactl* Al-,
.._ J20l c, Vatenlde Nall 401 N Strwet, I.V.
VAnta;t*, D.. C. 2CM60 Hr. JD1Mpb ll**l . (2 ..,..., Offlc* ., PlanntDg. IYaJaattoa
- DlYl*l* ef &tr. ladtatl* & PeactcUea Progr.. AAalr*t*
IDYlrommtal Protectl-. Ac-, 10C111 lll~T. "*t*nHe Mall 4tll
- N Streata, 1.v.
Vublll&tea, D. C. 20'60
' Hr. 1w1, M*nuso Cl-,,)
Office *f loiN Ab.eteaaat I Coalnl
!niroaafttal ProiactS. Aa--,
ltla Floor 1135 l Street, ** v. llubhat*, D. C. Z0460 I Hr. lo..n !. **u,aa - - -
- __ Dl*lttoa of &ppll*4 faellll~loa1 ...... . .> *.
~----~-
Office of .&lr Protr... .
&11YlNG11D11tal PnttecU* Al....,
leaurcb Trtar.le Part
- Durb*, Nonh ~rolba znu Dr. Gord* hentt .
OfUca or lftrorCMeDt I O..al GI nl
. Bnlroanatal Prot~tl* &1...,
IOGII ,211 C - V*t*nlde 1la1l 401 K Str..t, s.v. vu*ta1:t*. D. c. .10660 Mr .. Crat,R loberta Office of ladtatS. Pngr- I
~ t a l Protectlai - ~
Parltl.aft llllWa. 1.oaallll
. * /
*,. 5'0D rlallln I.all . . . *
~ . 11at11M ..
ZOUI
. I
~
- I
e* ,
-.e
*,)
* . * ,. * *J Dr. Carl Sluater '.
.. . , .....ial)
Otflce *f Water *Pr9Er... E4YlrA esatal h'eteett* .tg ** - . ~
.__ 1oa111026
-- : . Cr,-tal Mdl 12 T
- VMbinstGD, D. C* 2°'60-J*
Mr. laNrt Zaar * . '(1 ..,,, MNClate C-.ral C....el
&iw1r-..tal PN~i* A,f*a,
- ao..1101 C.,,.tal Mall IZ .
luld.ast*. D. C. 20460 Dr. Daul.4 tlomlt, Dlnctor (1 ..,,, Ratlooal Uat*r t)ilaality wlM,ratoay l \
** &.UOIIINtltal Protect!* A,-,
1201 Coag4oll JlcNle,,ard Dal*tb. MlAMaDta 55806 Dr. Clarace Tuftll11, Directer (1 ..,,,
' Watloul Harlaa Vater Qla&U ty Lalnac.r, ln.*s..ro..tal hotecttow .AKene, Ltbert7 I.ma Paf.qn.ada ....
' P.O. las 217 u..t 11-1:atoa, 1. l. 0202
- Hr. hmd laha, Cld*f ladlochaiatzy ad Duel.ear' lns'r. Dt*
- Cl..,,., I
.aattoul EMll'CIIIUatal INeal'CII C..ter
. *--~--~- . laYll'OIIUlatal Protect:lClll ~ -
- Ctadmatl, Old.D 45261 .
lk. Prdk Kl.Wl*ua, Dlr.ec.r Advance WHte (I -,y) larirN1SCGtal Protectt. &aeac, Treatw.ntTraataent Laboratol'7 55S5 *~* AYIIIWe Ciac.11111&&1, Ohle 4,W
, Kr, Prak lnlavatn (1 eiw)
Plldflc :lortnut Vater t.laorat.BF Sawtraailatal Pntltcttoa jcw,
- JOO loat....t lStla la-*&
Con.Ula, One* fflJO Dr* .Iola ltaplllr . ci ...,, Tvlallnok IMearcla ~
~wu,,..1e.s .'
.... w*~*--,
......ue* .....,lalll IUU Bi~f AVAIIABU! [Ol1f *.
- e
'Ir. ,..._l'tek B.. Varna (I ......,
Federal P-.rc1 l*I*
- - - -- -
- laaa 4007 441 c lei.et, 1.u.
llubh,:teea, ** c. l6UI C!!,!.1 OP tlfflJH!tll
..., Colanel IIUlS. L. larMa a-,,,
Carpa of £aahHra ExeaU.** Dtrectw .r Cl*tl V.b Of flee of tM ,111., *f hataeen Depena.at of tha An1J J*ffaaCal lutldta,i * . . . . -G060 IOC:b, lad.,_..._
" "*hi-ta, a. c. 20:114 U. S. Army Engineering Diat.ricf; Oaab 7410 USPu ~ Courthouse .
215 North 17th Street Olnaha, Nebraska 68102 DEPAlf?!E!ff 0, Dfl!IJml Mr. lnaee 11-cbull. >>ihctw Off1* of lntn nantal PaJM'ta ' " ' - Clt ....., Deparblalt ef lat.tor a... SJZl I 11th IC *t....t*, *. v.
"-hla.tt*, D. C. IOZ40 Dr. Sl.aey Galler Deput7 Matatut Secretary
- t<< lwltPlrtn *&al Affatn
.... u,,
IJ. s. laper&wt ef C * * *
- 14G I c..us.u.. a *******
Ma***1t11* D. C. 202JO
.. .~
I .
IS,&* I ttr. lartleU A. Ha.~* (l -.,) Mr. Claarlaa Halwu (1 copy)
~,r...-w Protectl* _..., lll'f'iraG1:1nta1 Pnceut.oa Aaac, JPl Poderal a.t141at * .,_ 2JCd 1402 !la Str*C loat*, tlM*chuNtU QUQS Dell.et, Ta.. JS202
~l!'!Ll! 1e,1oa l'tl Kr. Carl Paul (1 _,,,_ >Ir. Id Yut (1 c:opy) lnlreM41Gt.al Pntaetl* Aaacy antraa.*tal Pn4ect:laa _.., .
......... a. ,..., Olll7 ..._ 702 t11 Val1111t !tr.et tenau Cle,, IKUW'S M10i
!sloa .ru !!ti~ Vtlt Hr. hbert J. Bl.uco (J. _,,) ,* tlr. Jeel IIIINtW (S copies)
EnvtrOll\eata.1 Protects. Aceac, lm,trC1111a11tal Protectloe ~aae, C-.rtte BuUtU.u.
- 6th rleor 1160 LIMola ILr. . t, INa 12"'4 I 5th and llalaat Street hllNr
- Co.lera4o I0201 Pblledelpht.t. P-.ylw..S. ltl.06
~toG, ff Mr. Frank lteclaoDtl . (1 -,,) .. ttr. rvl J;,Dfft (1 copy) i~**~~t*l Proteetloa Asceac, htroaeatal Protectioa Ag.c, 1421 Puchtne Str*c, S111ta JOG,. 1.u. 100 Caltforala StTeet Atlante. t""ll* JO,ot
- S* Praad.aca. C.Won.ta '4102 lftlea, .. . le!ina !~
(1 COJly) llr. Doul4 ~ r u r *
, Mr. Valter Jupera (1 copy) )
llrtlrC11111Utal Pntectlaa Al*CJ
- 11. V*cbtr Drift uoo,t,--.
._lr......tal Pnteethll Aaac, a.t-.o, uu.u '°'°' luttla, llutaleac. H101
Distribution: Docket llo. 40-1102 Docket File - environmental APR 2 5 197l AEC PDR Local PDR J Felton, DR LRoge rs , DREP SSmiley, DML
"'* lal>ert Lmea JMalaro, DML Offlee of the Mdetmt f.ecnta" DHa rmon , DML for Health
- Sdeuce Aff,iin
- Dep1rtant of IIHlth, Eduution .CEdwards, DML and Welfare JShafer, DML Reoll ~f>Z, North um RuUdin~ DriU. R/F 1130 It1dlpei11tlmu:e A.verulf!. s.w,
~aehiaatoa, D. C, 20201
Dear M'r,
Lana:a: F.ncloacd for your review and COll'llf!nt are three cor,iea of the draft *'etalled entnn*ntal 1tate*mt rebted to Hunt>le 011 & Refinfn~ COWttpany's llitd'ilanit Ura1* Nill. Coptee of Huet,le OU'* environmental report and auppleaP.nt t'hento an aleo eocloef.d. The draft atatea1t1t vu prepared by t11e HRulatory st. ff in er.c~r:hmce vlth the *t*te111mt of Rllheral poUcv and prnu,.ure on implementation of the National &lvf.ronme,ntal ,oltcT Act of 1969. a~ Bet out 1a Appendl~ D l of the Cllllldaetoo '* rer,ulatlons 10 CPR Part 50. i A notice of n11Uabtltt1 or the draft atetement te betnr. publ:l.&hed in II the Fellt>ral Regf.ater today. Cawrlienta on the draft stat~nt 11URt be r.c:el¥ad bJ thta office fort~-five (4~) derye from thle date. II Ple** contact *
*tter.
nRAT,ftntt imv rrobles which ,11/tV be nncountered ln tM111 I Sincerely, 9706160173 720425 c. T. T*:ctwarda PDR ADDCK 04008102 AHistant to the n1 nc:tor C PJ>R Division of Kdteriale Ltc~nefar, lnc1-UNl9:
- 1. Dnft Detal1*d Stataent (:;)
- 2. Appllcat '* 'P.liv. Report
*td July 1971 4 Humble's CRESS oma* -~~~~1?° ,--'
CT ards:ds IUlf!NMlt* . ****** . . .
........ .. -*- ... --. ***--~-*-
t .....~!L.- ~Jl/lJ~ *** '..a * - - ... - * ,, -
~ ... " - ~EC:-t111l., !I. Ht AICM OkO '; ', ** *wtl,*,.*4**.I ........ , o ,o*o
- I 1~71 -**f *11111 **:*:.*~~:. -.:.~:-.:!_,:~~ -~*---.....:.::
.-. , I I
*--.:-*:-~
," Ill *
- li:fill
*. Xr. Robert Lanza
- orr1ce ot the Aaaiatent Secret:&17: ~ . **
for Heal th & Science Attain . r. Departznent ot JJealtb, F.ducatiCD * : .- . . . and Weltare
-. Room 1'o62, North HEW 1\11 l 41 Di
,., 330 Independence Avemae, 8,V. /
Washington, D. c. 2<201. AGRICULTURE Dr. 'I'. C. Byerly (~ oop1ea)
~
I Assistant Director Science and Education
.,. Office ot the Secretal")'
Room 31.2, East. U. s, Department ot Agric:ul.tu.n WashingtoA, D, c. 20250 *
..'* J film Re' ion VI II ... -
Mr. lobert C. Rosenhel.m. (2 copaa) Regional Administrator
*Denver Reg1onal Offfce
$amsonite Building 1050 :>outli Broadway /
Denver, Color~do 80209 cc: V.:r, Samuel Jackson A'ITtl: Mr. Brown Departl.lent ot Bowiing u4 U r b u l * ~ t 7th & D Streeta, s.v.
- Room 7100 Waah.1.ngton, l). c. 20410 **
Mr. Herbert F. DeSimone * (l cow) AH1stant Secretary tor ,, Envirora:ient & Urban Syateu
- Depart.u.ent ot 'rre.naportat~ . . .
400-7th Street, 8.W. _Room 10406 Vaahin&ton, D,* C. 205SIO .
cc: w/encl Coounander lr:illiam D. Derr '(4 copies)
- u. s.Coa1t Guard
"\ WS/83 RoOlll 8326 HISTORIC PRESERVATION Mr. i\obert Garvey, Executive Director (1 CopJ)
Advisory Council on Hletoric Preservation Suite llOO 801 19th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C, 20006 State Official (Separate letter to Gov. Hathaway 10 copl11) Local Officials (Separate letter to HDuncan l copy) I
*. a:,,
. ->, l 1
111!~1 ilVAl~Ulll! ~011f
ufll Uloger1. DIEP SS11i ley , IIIL JFelton, Dll DHamon, tJill. JKalaro, [IQ. Docut le. 40-llOZ CEdwards , Il(L JShafer
- DML rltL R./F Kr. fnMrielt 11. Warn11
,...nl
_,, PGNr Cc h*l* 441 c ltnat, 1.w. WMhta,un. b, C, 20425 Dllar Nr. Varnnr lnclae** for ,_,. tnfonatloa are tvo eopl* of the 11-ry 1heet for the 4raft earironental atat**at pnpand by the CCladHtaa'11 niplatory 1taff nlattn1 to the applleattGD 1\l>lli tted by llullble Oil , Refbln1 c.,-,.
'l'be draft atat...at v.. pupared ln accordanca *1th tl., *tat. .at of
.-.,a1 policy ad pro*dun cm iapleantatlon of the Natiaaal lnnroo-
- t
- l Polle:, Mt of 1969
- Ht Olat ln AppeDIJ.11 J> of the CDlllllnlon'*
n..i.ttou, 10 en Part 50. A aotlce of nail~Uity of th* c1raft Nn'lro,t*atal ltat. . .t llld the appltcmt '* n.t rouental nport ** nqwt for a I ate froa Stat* md local apad* ta bet~ 1ant to the Office of the Pedaral lapater for ftllng ad pllllteatton. A ractunt for CGall1lte aJ.ao ii 'being Hilt to appropriate Pederal *ttand* ta acc:orunce with pldaUMI tasad bJ the Comdl OIi F.a.tro11*ntal Q~allty, Hraa.rely,
- c. T, U.arde MIS.tat to tba Dlftctor Dhillon of Materiah Ltee1111S.ag lllclmllft ,
r.-17 llaNt fer llraft anil'llaaatal *tatlMftt (2) 9706160179 720425 PDR AOOCK 04008102 C PDR ~=r:::::,~:".:'!-,..,...-.-,,.-:-.T.~.:;~ . (f'~-'!'1'-.~-:~----_:d-.P.~1--.-:-:.*:-.*.:*.-::-.:--:~j~:-u*-_.:_.-.- -...-.-..-.-...-.---,,.....---...-...--.*:-:~*-.:~~-~~~---~~~~~~------
- -.uc-,,, ,.. * .. .!'!J!. ,11,.,.. " __S]i.4¥-rt.n...
AEUf OHO
. *.. ,, ... .,..,. '* , , *1' *-. .. , .. ,
1i.at1 -**'-' -IB&
DIS TR1BUTI0N: DNbt le, 60-1182. APR l 5 1111 AEC POil Local PDJ. JFelton, DR LRoge re* DRIP JMalaro, DML SSmi ley, DML DHarmon, DML CEdwarde, DML Nr. Hulfl 0.ua JShafer, DML CJlel. . . of th11oar* of m,_ R/F t.aawn* r.mt, ec..d1aienen CGnaua CNlty Gft'el'alnt lhdldim.1 JO! Bwth 5th ltnet DINllll. W,Olllnr 126J3
- r. ,.... lafol'llltlon there i* eacloaed
- copy of th* draft detaU.ecl 1tateaat an ..S..renantal conaHerattana related ta Bale OU
- a.flnlq Caapm1 *, Htlhland UnadU11 HUI. datel April 5, 1972, pn-pan4 ~ the Al:Olllc Faaru c<<wd*ll* *, ft1Nlatory 1taff. A copy of tile nottca of nallabllity of th* "raft detail.ad etateaut wlltch u batq ,..Uahecl tn the Federal ~a.titer 11 at.o enclaaed.
SiDcenly,
~-
~-
C, T , l'.dlfads Aali1tant to the Director Dbil lon of Kat'!daltl U can11btR fadNMNlt
- 1. Dnft
- cletdlad atatMant
- 2. hcleral ~,*ter notice
- 3. Humble's 0-'1 ltr. re tailings
~:~~~* --z~.---**:ti, .. **--*--+* .. . .
-* . . . jI .. ::*:.:.::.**:-~J-***-*.***:.
41sn2 "112 --*** .. --~It-~.*: *~t-*,.:*::.:. .... All.-,11 ,11,,. tJ \,1 AIOI OJtD
p ... , . Low 111 Lloten, HIP SSmiley, DKL JFelton, DR DHarmon t DML llocbt llo. *1102 .JMalaro, mn. CEdwards , lllL JShafer t DML
- 00. R/F 11:r. Olarlu Nelaan Offlca *f Ma*aaent *d Budget llllaatl'lll Office iutldlng Wlllhtagtaa, D. C. 2050!
Dear Mr. Helaana Incl*** for ,aur tnfoniaU.an en tvo eopiu of th~ *u*ety 11bt1et for cha draft eninn*ntal *tateaant pnpared 1,y the Coiadulon '11 r*1ulatory
*taff nlat1111 to the appU.caUon eli>mltted by Hmble 011 & hfintn1 ea.,.,.
'l'ba draft atateemt v* pnparecl in accordance with the *tatnant of anaral PoltCJ act pnceclure on i11plea11tation of the National P.nYlron-
-taJ. Palley Ae.t of 1969 as H t out tn Appe1ults o af the eo.lu!on 1 1
*plattGM, JD en Part ~. A notice of availability of the drdt anron II tal atatwn.t ad th* appltcant'e eovtronaental report and i.a-.t far cozz Dbl fl'CIII State m4 lout agenctr:a ta betn1 ant to the Offiee of tlaa federal la&f.1ter for filing and pmlicat:lon. A nquut for 1 ratll Abo u being 1ent to appropdate Pederal agend* in accordance
.S.&11. p:ldlU... UDued b:, the ComcU on F.n'ri ronaental Quality.
- c. T, Edwardl Mailtmt to the Director Dhillon of Materiala U c:enaing lacleaanr 1--, N ..t far draft awt.roaantal 1tat**nt (2) 97061601~0 720425 PDR ADOCK 04008102 HEST AVAIIAIJU! COPY C PDR CRESS mil. ,*
TN1010, \W'c5i;-***~****. 4/5/721UttfM... .cr.~-~~-rd& :_dp. I . ...... : ::=t:::: .:.:. . ......... *-****--*-* ----** .. -*--* - . --~.!!~ .. ;_4~~(J(?,t.~-... ) ....... **---** : . _) . . ......... ..;.* - . -. - - - - - - ,__ AIC-111 iR~* 9- HI AEf:M OJ'O ***-* ..........._. ... :*:-*::** *- :*.**. ---~--~.:.:!.!,,*:;;."":*
** * "1 .. ,.-.".._. 1-,..:-*0:-*.*, -~*** a IQ11 -*40 -184
"I*~** 0 1,,1 "f lU!fl "ltllLJilY.I l![lll~~t-\(P.I -~ *.1 OHO N'.llY IE~ 8 *,w*) llf-:,n, . . .
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- i - 1N*lfll UU, tip* tt*11 I) *-..i liii;ij 111111J
,....n., ...,e41 .., iaanwi* ,,... 1111 ,. llt1"'1JU* ,. * * ,
. "OI UW4 K> 01 *-,iqdN ,.-,111 :J 8'I -,0 Q 11,a:Mv
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- iee * '*1 ,. - . "'~n.. tet....,.. PIIIJIIIII -.. ,.
.....-d , - *11.. tu***,. ....... .., .aya
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,1-....."1fllJ1,-i** lnl*tdu tlll '4 ........ - * *,.. i,tq . . .
. *....... 1119 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
177 * ..1 tfl...,._. t,110 *t... ,. *,S., '1tlll aJ11U11 ,all"'IN 11.flllll 3 t TIO It. . . el J19191N t**IWII tw1**tl1A99
,.,raw, UNP 1111"'91,.. JO . , . . . , NW i* 11 , - * .,.. ...C aJ ..., ...
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Dlfll1Mat of LIiier ... ltatl1Uu ICM C:.,lte111111'111 C.,W, IJU ... 12001 DISTRIBUTION: Docket r:ile
- environmental AEC PDR l.ocal PDR JFelton, DR I.Rogers, DREP SHSmiley, UML JCMalaro, l',11, DFHarmon, DML CTEdwards, L>MI.
JShafcr. DML DML R/F
~: lcrez!s/dmb:
DATU, I 4/24/72 .l : : .. *: . ... ' .... **-.: .... *:.: ..... *:*-:.."::::.*.:.:-..": ~==~.=:
- H* I\E('~UI iRr, If ~1. All:M cU.W I.*. r.,.,\J-~"-\rt.h1 l'J.fl~II:\* P .. t-11 I ,~ ...
- 4,*, ** ,.
..a: . .
1,ocal ftll LRoge rs I DREP SSmi ley , DML JFelton I DR lllannon, llfL Doaat lo. 40-1102 JMalaro , DML CEdwarda, DML JShafer, DML IIIL R/F - Mr. wtW* Dtreu Caadl
- FA.trmantal Quality blaU.w Offtee of tbe Ptutdnt 112 , - . . Plaee, 1.w.
VllblqhB. 1>.c. 20006 naar Mr._ Di rm: I
,i W* u. ple*** ta pnn1.41e the Cffndl with ten eo,1* of the draft adraantal *tat--.t, pnparad by the ca.d.*ton'* l'epl.ator, ataff, Nlattq to Haltt Otl 6 leff.Diall (:cnpm.1'1 Highland tJr1111t1a Mill. !bit tlraft IM'il'Clll-tal atatetlllDt vu pnpand la ac:t!ordaee vtth the *tat-t of ....ral poliey *d proeecl11n 11111-.,laeutatton of the Natl--1 lntllNINUtal Policy Act of 1961 u Ht out in ApponM* D of tbe c.ata*loa'* regulet1011a, 10 en Part 50. A nottee of th* availability of the clnft *tat-nt aul req. . t for coaenta f.* being *ent to the Offta of the **rat *lhter for ftling and peltcation (copt.. endoaed).
A ftlt-t for e.,..*ta alao 11 being **t to th* appropriate Paderal aaead* _. ltat* and local offlclab la aecord*ea vUh pldeUDM Sa_. by die eo.d.1 an lnrinaantal Quality. VpN **t,t of ch* ca I at.11 froa r.ural qencl*, &tat* a41 local offl.ciala
** tatea.tN ...... of the pel11, ** *hall prepare a final .. tailed *tateaat illellllllq, where appropriate,
- dlaeuuiaa of any pnbl- or aJHtl- rat.a.. ** the dtapoatttoa thenof, and foi,,arcl copl* at th*
ft.ul atlt. . .t to the Ceunct l. Sincenly,
/~
/-
i C. T. r.-arda 1* 9706160284 720425 Malltet to the Diteetor PDR ~DOC~ 04008102 C PDR D19f1*1on of Materlala Licana!ng I BE~T AVAI~WLE C(H1Y
..-~ ';
*u*ui*s
-::, Docket Pile ** !nVU'Offllllffltal APR 2 5 1972 AEC PDll Local PDR JFel ton, DR LRoge rs, DIEP Docket le. 4102 SSnd.ley, DML JMalaro. DML 2DHarmon, DML CEdwa rds, DML JShafer, DML W,Gld.ng State ci.artnR)touse DML R/F State PLtmdag Coorcltnator Offtea of th* Coftrnor Capitol lulW111 a.,. ., lfym:ln1 12001 eenu.... :
'l'hll lllfplalllnta our previoua letters trllDlllaf.ttln~ tha ennronantal aport acl *11Ppleaat thereto aubllitted by llmrble OU r. Ref!niat Coq,any for th* Htpland Ul'anim Mill.
The ABC ngulator, 1taff ha analysed the enriron*ntal report and sup-pl...nt thereto, acl ha prepand a draft detailed 111tateant on en*hon-
...tal caoal..ratlGIUI related to the proposed operation of the Mlll.
Capua af the draft deWl*d atatemant and the !!!l!.r& ~R.!~~ notice of 19¥alllbilt ty are enclmed. !he ootice of aYdhbilU:y ha been trllM-lllttelll to the Office of the Federal 'R.egl.ater for p11blicatton. lequeata for copi* of the draft detdled stataent should he addn.11ed to tb* Unlted Stat* Atumic l'!ller11 Coad.11stan, Vaehlut¢on, n. C. 20545, Att1ntto1u Dinctar, Dlv1d.on of Material.a Ueensing. Sinc@rel:,.
~ 4
.... /
C. T. Edward& Aaaiatant to the nf.rector lacloauna: Dhilion of Hateriale lJ.eenain~ l* I
- 1. Draft detailed utatenent dt.d April 5, 1' 72 II i 2.
3.
,... ral ~ t t . r notice i\umhl~-,s ~-72 ltr. re taflinr,s I
I- I I 9706160291 720425 PDR C AOOCK 04008102 PDR lI 1
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,._ A1<:-,i1 tilt\ !I* ~S1 AEOC 0140 '** ..... ,.,.,.t..y**** ,,.,.1.-, .......* 111111 ....
DNbt lo, 4M102 Nr. r.nu* J ...... IDeuti** Hntter J*Sat c..t.tt*
- Atlllie 1uru
~... of tlla VDit.. ltata1 Dur ltr, la*IN'*
IDaleNII for the bforMtion of the Ccaalttn an copiu of tb9 dnft llffinwtal ltatwat, pnpueil .., tM CW-1H1-'I nplatfl'J ltaff, n!atf.q to dlt .,,J.taua nlllltt.. *, . . .1. OU I Wt.af.aa Cu111*1 fer t* lliplw Urata MUI. eo,s.e, of tba *nls.mt ** ...S.Z-tal report ... 111ffl1a11t thereto an al* ado.... Tbll baft ellYiff rtll 1tat. . .t *
- prepar.. b MUNWe wttb oor mtat-.at of ....i polieJ _. prNM** DD upl...CatiGll of tha latloul laftl'olllaltal Polley Alt: of lfft ** Nt fortll .fa.,.... .
oft.. Caaluift'1 replatiau, 10 Cft Part ,O. A Mtice of nallalttU.t, D of tlile *raft eanncrsntal aut....t _. .....-t for tc n1t1 Ira la&anat .. perNU .t.1 N1q ...t co tM Offiu of tlM , ...ral leaf.at* fer fUaa, ... ,.i.uuttaa. r.o,1u ara ..S.oeed.. A r ....,c for ea mt* ta kb1 Nat to ann,rlata ,.._a1 *aeetu a4 It.at* a 1oul offict&l** r.,s.. *f tlle draft llt&t-t an Hf.al f ~ e d to t1Mt Colmcil DD laYirOllllllltal Quite,. lotawrtbJ '8 the faet that tba appllaat .,..uw11, pl'ffUU for 1taltllb1tiola n4 i.,-tan ur* af the talliap, ....,1* bu qr_. to ,oat a loDI with tbe v,.dq tad Ca ***tour *n*y
, ..... vtu N ...ua,1. to onr the COit of ltuUbiq tba tatU.qa
...._t*
.._ operatl.ou an . . .Wed. To tuna 1-a-tua eoa.trol of cha tailfap, tu. anlteut 1111 plad a,,n,rlate natr1.ett,su oa the
.... t* * ~ - wh.t.ell ca tliliaa* will .. . . . . . '!Ila reatrle-tiau ** ~llMlf.aa fer * ,-w of 50 ,ura artu ti. ldl1 cloN* or llltil ..aa tia ,rior to the aptratioD of tm SO-,-r ......... u pwn-
-1: ~eplatt.aaa ara tn*tltlltN ta eaatrol 1H*poaltloa of uat* atll t.aU*q,. Iba lntrtnalatal Procacttoe Aaw, bu ..,.lo,a, * *el
, . . . .option of thil nplaU.on (1Mlwliq v,.taa) bJ Jaly 1, 1973.
*1
. ftlllJAtta daUq ntb tba J.aq-tera *bpoaf.tift of uat* talliaa*
- 1111 nea all inolN 1tat**
~7061602~7 720421 POR ADOCK 04008102 C PDR oma.,:
I SUJnWI[ ... i .. I OATl .. PDna a.a*-1111 ,Rn Pt,~.
lfr.U.U.J...... - z-Uta rwlpt of tlal , snt, troa rec1ua1 aawlaa
- ltat* ... J.oeal
*fftct.le, w will Phi*** fl*l *eaila.t am.n s h1 1tat-t, Huanly, Orlp!r:** 1 "** * * **1 ':iy
- s. ti. .. *
- s. B, lld.le1. Dtnetor Dl.taloll of Katutala Ltauiaa llelOM'UI
- 1. Dnft Datail.. ltat-t
. :I, AnUc*t'a a.. laport dU. JalJ 1171
- s. 1.,,1-ca1 -.,Ort Juau, 1172
*c*. ** !!fs*& 1a11as.s lottea S. Supplementary Ltr. dtd, 4/10/72 DISTRIBUTION: (v/encl, #4)
Chairman Schlesinger (2) Commissioner Ramey Commissioner Johnson Commissioner Larson Commissioner Doub Secretariat (2) flCR (2) LMHuntzing, DR (1 & 4) CKBeck, DR (l & 4) RCa t Un, OEA LRogere, DREP LDLow, CO ace (2) SHSmiley, DML JCMalaro, DML DFH.anon* DML DTEdwa rd s, DML JShafer, DML Docket file, enviro11111ental DR R/P DKL R/F
- I' Bl!S'l1 AVAIIABtl! COPY
l I 11cc v/ecl. 4 I Chainnan Schlesinger (2) ! Commissioner Ramey
** i Comniasioner Johnson Docket ** 41,.,-1102 *,
Commissioner Larson.* Co11111iee toner Doub ,
- I'
"*.. Secretariat (2) :
OCR (2) Mr. Urud J>~~*r lacatlw Dln~r Jcdilt Cmal ttea Clll'*~Olllc Bne'fp ec.ar-a of th* Uaf ~ Statu
' I
'\. I
' \
laelaa.. for th* info11111ti011, of th* Cola1 tte* are copies of the drdt i
*Ylnuatal 1t1twnt, pnp~*d by tho Com.at.an', regulatory I tiff, ii ralatt.*a to the appllcatian ***nll(tt** b:, Rlllble OU , lleftning (',oap*y I for die Rtplad Uratm Hlll. . ~ l
- of the applicant'* eaYlronaa.tal TepOrt ad 1upp1111nt thento are ~.~ eacl~d. II
'1'M draft enwtl'ODMDtal etateaant vaa *"1*,P*~*red in ac:cardanca with our I
) 1t1ttaaet of pneral poltc, 11td proced~ on 111ple1111ntatlon of the I
\ Hatioul lnrina*ntd Policy Act of 1"69'~ 1et forth S.n Appndb D I of dla Ccwduton*1 ngulattau 1 10 c;n 1'ar1; 50. A notice of awailabllit, of tb* draft nnt'OUlfttal 1tat-n~* and_ req.~t for camenta from I tatena~ penoa Sa betas sent tQ. 'the Of flea 'lt_f the Pederal legiltar for flU.q ad ,-Uutlon. eo,"9 are
- c l 0 1 ~ req. . t for eaan~
la btdq llllt to .,,roprtat* Pejleral agend* an State aud local offietah. Copt* of the *raft 1tat...nt ..ue bdna fonarded tb* ComcU on lnlraewtal Qullt,. ' \
'\
After meltpt of the cnt ¥U froa Pederal agenda 111,d\~t.t* and local offtdala. "' "tll prep~re
- final detailed ffriron.atal' ,1tate111M1t.
\
Slncaraly, I. H. Sidle,. Dlnctor ._ Dtviataa of Nltertala Llcenalnt -. _ Dist rib ut ion : lncloaun,a': Docket Fie] - environmental
- 1. ~ Detailed State.ant DR R/F LDLow, CO
*2. ~cat** raw. lli'lport DKL R/F OGC (2)
/ ** Ju1, 1tn LMMuntzing, DR SHSmiley, DML J. 's.,.._..tal ,.port dtd Cl<Beck, DR JMalaro, DML Je*r, 1,n RCatlin OEA DHannon, DML
*4. ,-ra1 !!Jt*t*r lfottce I
LRogers , DR.EP rde 1 CRESS DML O,,H:1.. .......... .. .. ... ' OGC DRF.P OCR N2017
.............CEdvards:da ..... t***********---**"*'
-*-* .. __'!!,~!J!__}!{ ... JJ-1,~ ',"'.: .. 4/ ... fl~ ..--*-" 41 ...172.,... ,!+l--.l.12 ........ *****...................*-*-******"***
.... A!C-)1* 1Rr,* t-~51 AlCN 01'11 ** ~ ...1 * * " ' * " ' * * ' ' " ' * * * ' * * .. , * * ' ' " ' ,c.,1 .... ,e.1**
ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION V, /1':,I llf,t, I liN IJ t ; .*,4*
.*.pr i~ 11:1, ~ ini Tit rr*r.t.nr 111'fl,*1* r,I' t.hl" .1"1.*1krnl Hrr'.I r.tr:r*
1;' ,N Nnt.1fl!lll) "1*d1IVP'. ;, IIC'l'Ol'rl:: ~~~rvlrr W11r.hl n1~t nn, D. I'. ~H,11),1 <("",*'\)..,,. t.
.,.. . *.. '*: '*,\ ., ., l,* '
I, At t,,\f'h(:<l for pub 1t cnt 11'JJJ t n t.h~ f<',,ernl Hl't~lnt~r nre nn ortp1 nnl nnrl t.wo c*ert.i ffr,J c-011ir.n of n dO!'tunC!'nt ~nt.U.lr.11: III!!=* or AVAIWttm OP DP.APT D!T~ S?Al'EMllff ~NV IR0tl<<lm'f'1_CONSJp!RATIOHB J>ublt ,*tit.ion of th~ AliOVP. document at thr. e!1rlieot pnestblr. dat.ri \101lld br 1rnp,*'d n l.f'rl, ranrr>rn l y yours, W. l!. Mr*f'nol fir<* rP.tnr;t of 1.h~ rorun1 ~~1 ion i:'.n~ loc :ir<<* :: : Ort R1nol nnd 2
* "" rt it' I r*cl ropieR bee: Tlock<'t Cl~rk (Dir. or neg,)~
Wm. Hur,hc>!: (PI) l.Pr,Bl J,'l)ra (Or;;) Co11cresGionnl J,i 11lr.Jon G'l' Fi lee (SECY) Puh H c Pror.cedingn nr, (SECT) 9706170037 720418 PDR ADDCk 04008102 C PDR
ATOMlC ENERGY COMMISSION [nocket No. ~0-8102] HUMBLE OIL & REF IN ING C0!11'ANY NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF DRAFT DCTAlLED STATEMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATJ.ONS Pursuant to the National Envirom11ental Policy Act of 1969 and the
- regulations of the Atomic Energy Commission (the *commission) in 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix D, notice is hereby given that a draft detailed statement dated April 5, 1972, on the environmental considerations related to the proposed issuance of a license for the Highland Uraniu~ Mill located in Converse County, Wyoming has been prepared and has been made available for public inspection in the Commission's Public Document at 1717 H Street. N.W.,
Washington, D, c. and in the Converse County Library, Douglas, Wyoming 82633. The draft detailed statement is also being made available to the public at the Wyoming State Clearinghouse, State Planning Coordinator. Office of the Governor, Capitol Building, Cheyenne, Wyoming. I . A notice was published in the FEDERAL REGISTER on November 5, 1971 (36 F.R. 21298) 1 concerning the availability of Humble Oil and Refining Company's environmental report for public inspection at the above designated locations. Notice of availability of the supplemental report was published. in the FEDERAL REGISTER March 11 1 1972 (27 F.R. 526S). -These reports have been analyzed by the Commission's Division of Materials Licensing in the 9Za0617004l 720418 Pllffl ADOCK 04008102 BES1' 1\V1\ILABLI~ COPY C PDR
preparation of the draft detailed statement. Copies of the Commission's draft detailed statement may be obtained upon request addressed to the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Washington, D. C, 20!i45. Attention: Director, Division of Materials Licensing. Pursuant to Appendix D to 10 CFR Part 50, interested persons may, within sevcnty-f ive (75) day a froao date of publication of this notice in the FEDERAL REGISTER, submit conunents on the draft detailed statement for the Commission's consideration. Federal agencies and State and local officials.are being prov~ded with copies of the draft detailed statement, Such comments as may be received from Federal agencies and,State and local officials will be made available for public inspection at the above designated locations. Members of the public should address comments on the draft detailed statement to the U, S, Atomic Energy Commission, Washington, D. C. 20545, Attention: Director, Division of Materials Licensing. 7 Dated at Bethesda, Maryland, this ______ li...-_~_..______ day of April, 1972. FOR TH! ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION Orlginal Signed by C. T. E*',* "*:*-ls C. T. Edwards Asdstant to the Director Division of Materials Licensing
- 1 t l91Z Nr
- Jot. L. LDftu, Jr.
a oral NP*.-,
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... :.r. i.itbf U.. Atelltc ....., a..!Hlcna 11 Nlf*S .. to ree*in
- nt*
- the O..uateB ** Draft n.tatW ltataiat *
- lllnrNalmtal o.uuerat**
fer tha Hqhlal -aaS.11111111, 'DNtet ** 4o-ll02, la oror to _,.it* the proc... tlaa 0.-l*eioft 1411,fonu* tbue our **t* ** aooa u ,011tb1* ratltar tm wtt utU the ...s of tbe off.lcSal cir
- t ,-tad. lln"nn, at the wl of the offlcal ~
- t 1
,aW all cu 1at1 will 1iie fonall, fonard.. to , - for ,-r offlcal w.,1,.
- la ...,DI With the ,roaedwe, uv u fr* Hw .,..... *
- acle..,,
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, 1, ch DU'aetente of Lleaaial laoleaarur 41 *tat..S Stci
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lll~~'f AVMIABti COPY 9706170119 720622 PDR ADOCk 04008102 =~l C PDR ,,1,11~~ ma~ ------=~~ . - >~~:---A----------------------*-- --*-------------** * - - -----** --- - - - . ***--t--*--------------
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.... AIC-Sla tln. t-U) AICM 0140 ,. *' i:- (.o.t...:...,.., ....,.. ,,..,u ,~*~*1 1.rt -4q -***
MAR 6 19'11 ltulttla on lo bUnta~ ~aay
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r<<aiert1la Diaparu.ut ao. lloatep, 'l'u.u
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17001
*ti* wideh 1a lsetaf( r-wil.uhml in the: ~~!.t~J. -~~!!! vlth reaptct
- c. GYailablJltJ of the tuPf.!i...nt*l ...Vil'Omllftatllll. r*pnrt prer*rcd by 4---
C. I. tdvarda AN!etut to the Director Dlvt8iet1 nt Nst*~tal* Liet"llm1n~ DISTRIBUTION: t,1/.; err I. Docket No, 40-8102 Environmental AGiambusso, REP SHSmiley I DML JCMalaro, DML DFHarmon, DML CTEdwards , DML AEC PDR Local PDR DHL R/1' St, Health w/encl. 9706170128 720306 ..~~l~~~. ~~Jtid:~:~: j.-.:: : :_-_-_~-~-*---*.*.*.*.*. . . . .. ... ...*.*.*. .*.*.*. ... ..... ... .... ...******t-*-- PDR ADOck 04008102 l C p~
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ATOMIC ENE~GY COMMlSSION (Docket No. 40-8102) llUMBJ.E OIL & REFINING COMPANY Notice of Availabilit;y...£!.._Applicant_'e Sup.J!l.cmentnl Environmental Report Pursuant to the National Environmental. Policy Act of 1969 and the Atomic Energy Commission's regulations I notice is hereby given that a copy of a report entitled "Sup,.ilement to Applicant's Environruental Report .. HiJ~hland Uranium Mill. suh111ittcd by Humble Oil Ir Refining Company and dated January 1972 * :ts being placed fo1* public inspection fo the Co111111is1aon's Public Document Room. 1717 H Street, *., Washington, D, C, A copy of the supple111ental report ir. also being placed for public inspection in the Wyoming State Clearinghouse I State Planning Coordinator 1 Office of the.Governor, Capitol Bu1lding, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Blld in the Converse County Library 1 Douglas, Wyoming, The report involves the application by Humble Oil & Ref1ning Company for an AEC license to author.- 1.ze uranium milling activities in Converse County* Wyonli ne. Comm~*1,ts on the report may be submitted by interested persons to the Director, Division of Materials Licensing, U. S. Atomic Energy Commission, Washington, D, C, 20545. Notice of availability of the original environmental report enti.tled 11 Applicent 's Environmental Report - Highland Uranium Mill 11 (dated July 1971), was published in the FEDERAL REGISTER on November 5, 1971 (36 F,R, 21298). On July 23, 1971, the United States Court of Appeals Bl!S'l' A\rAltAUIJ! COPY
for the District of ColumbJa Circuit held in Calv~rt Cliffs' Coordinatir!S_ CoDUu1ttee 1 Inc., et ~I. vs. United States Atomic Energy Commission et al. that AEC regulations for the implementation of the Nati anal Environmental Policy Act of 1%9 did not comply in several specified respects witJ-a the dictates of thE! Act and n~mandcd the proceedings t.o AEC for rule making consJstcnt with th*e court's opi.nion, Accordingly, the Commis'sion 1 e regulation 10 CFR Part 50, "Licensing of Productlon and Utilizati.on Facilities," Appendix D. was amended September 9, 1971, to conform with the Cou1*t 's decision, Under the provisions of the amended rc>gulations, it was required that J;uruble OU & Refining Company furn:l.sh additional information for consideration by the Cooonission. It is in conformity with that requirement thal the suppl.£!mental environmental report described in the first paragraph above has been submitted. After the reports have been reviewed by the Commission's regulatory staff, a draft detailed statement on environmental considerations related to the proposed activity will be prepared, Upon completion of the draft detailed statement, the Commisei.on will., among other things cause to be published in the FEDERAL REGIS1'ER a summary noti.ce of its availability. The summary notice will request, within seventy-five (75) days or such longer period as the Commission may det('rmine to be practicable, comments from interested persons on the proposed action and on the draft detailed statement, The summary notice will also contain a statement to the
effect that the co111111ente of Federal agencies and State and local officials ther(lon will be made available when rece:lved. II Date.d at Betht>sda, Maryland, this * .4, y.,.((. day of
..__Y,:,,£ ~f' t{.. I 1972, FOR THE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION C. T, Edwards Assistant to the Director Division 01 Materials Licensing
W,*111 itate CJ.eart~. ltaae '11aD1111 O.rt1tutor 011,.. .t the Coftnor C.pUol WMtaa a..,.. . .,,....q 12001 Gata..., la NHNUM vi.Cl* th* l".GuTtcU
- laril"OIIIIPtal Quality'* Guid*U-
*f Aprtl 2J, 1171. tad the ce.ut.a*loa'* replattona, 10 en PArt 50, Ap,-h D, bt>letllnti~ tba lllttoul 1!:iwirelllllmtal h-U.q Act,
...1onc1 I.a I re,ert entitla* li""l-11t to A,t,11.UDt 'e llwtro-.ntal 1-pert
- lllHlllAM lirllliw Mill/' prepared 1,, th* atabb 011 * ..H.S.ai C.,*1* ly letter ~*ted OltlilMr 29. 1971, ~ou wre funianad a aepy of the capay '* ol'tpbll ***lttal.
Alao nclm*d 1M
- copy of the 1mmary Mtlu wldall ti being r,llblt1h~
111 t111 .~r!L~l~.t,.!.* We appreetata 11t111' u1:utaae1 1n min,. the repnrt ffailabl* to the
,-u*.
- c. r. i:dwara Aa1'8t111t to t:ha Dtrtctor Otvlalor. af ltaterui. LiceuinN a.i.* * , DISTRIBUTION:
Docket 40-8102 Environme~tal
- 1. s.,,1. ..,on cltd AGiambusso, REP J......, lt72 SHSmiley, DML
- 2. B-ry Iott.. JCHalaro, DML g::~:;:;,
AEC PDR 0
~ IIES'l11\lrl\IJJ\IIU~ (~01,Y
,10,110136 120l06 ~ Local PDR
~DR ADDC"' 0 400810 PDR
- DML R/F CRESS 2/1.-a. -DML .p: * * *
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~
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... 40-***
llr. U.,m J ......r IIIMatlw llreetor Jelat C::...ttN - - -
- IMrgy
*CIIIIT** of tllia unte* lcacae
Dear Nr * ..... r,
C.,iM *f tu ,.._al lqlater leUaa of AYaUAl,tlitJ ef tba
..,,1. . .u1 entr-tal r.,.ru **attted Q ._.la OU , a.fiai*
c... ..,. ... 11* 411* Cor,orati* for tlaair pro,NN ldlliaa aetiY-lUM la V,Olll. . . . . Uta are eaclmecl for die 1af*nat1oe of l e c..tttN.* ~ * .,.1-ui re,ortll iacl** tu ..WUJ.oul Wer-
*tl* nqdr* .,
. . rnS.. of tu rlPffb.
**>*a to ......b: D. .. ..... Mt c...letN Illa Mtl. . U1Na Item tr....S.ttad to tJae Off1* of tile **ra1
...later far ,-uuuoa.
ltKerelJ, I. I. 11111e,. Director Dtruioa of Katuui. u .... taa
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DISTRIBUTION; Docket 40-8102 Environmental Docket 40-8084 Environmental OCR (2) . IJOluntzing, DR DML R/F OGC (2) DR R/F SHSmi ley , DHL 9706170164 720309 CRBuchanan, DML PDR ADOC9' 04008084 JC:Mdaro I OHL C PDR CTEdwarda, DML AGiambuseo, REP
ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION (Docket No. 40-8102) HUMBLE 01 L & RE.FINJ NG COMPANY Not1ce of Availability of__!W.icmH: 's Suppl~ntal Environmental Report Pursuant to the National EnviroNliental Policy Act of 1969 and the Atomic Energy Collll!llssion's rer,ulationR, notice is hereby given that a copy of a report entitled "Supplement to Arplicant 's Environmental Report - llighland Uranium Mill. submitted by Humble OH & Refining Company and dat(~d January 1972
- is being placed for j>UbH c inspection in the Commission 1s Public Document Room, l 7l 7 11 Strr.~L, N.W. 1 Washington, D. C. A copy of the supplemental report is ~lso bed ng placed for public inspection in the Wyo~ing State Clearfn~iousc, State Planning Co~rdinator, Office of the Governor, Capitol Building, Ctteyc"ne, Wyoming, and in the Convene County Library, Douglas, Wyoming. The report ir,vol vcs the application by Humble OU &Refining Company for an AEC license to author-ize uranium mUU ng activ:ltJ es in Conversl' County I Wyoming. Comments on the report may be submitted by fnteresLed persons Lo the Director I Division of Matcr1.als Licensing, U. S, Atomic Ent!rgy Collll1liss1on, Washington, D. C.
20545. Notice of availab:ili ty of the original envi roomental report entitled "Applicant 1 s Environmental Report - Highland Uranium .. 111 11 (dated ,July 1971)
- was published 111 the FEDERAL REG1STJ::R on November s. i971 (36 F .k. 21298). On July 23, 1971, the United Stutes Court of Appeals
,706170168 ~ . PDR AD0Ck o~ C PDR
for the District of Columbia CircuJ t held in .~alvr!rt C~)ffs' Coordi!!!!.~J.!ls. CommitteE:.J___lnG et al. vs. Un}!_e~.E_!:_rtL_e_s_~tun.!l_c: Enl'l"fi)' C~-~sJ_on ct al. that AEC regulations for the implemcntutJon of the Nation.al Environmental Policy Act of 1969 did 11ot comply Jn several spl*c:fCied n~spects with tl1c> dictates of the Act and remanded the proc.eedinw,i to AEC for rule making consistent with the C'Ourt 1 s opinion. Accordingly, the Commission's regulation 10 U'R Part 50, "Liceusing of ProducUon and ULflizadon Facilftfos ,a* .Appcmdix lJ, was a111enJc*d Sc*ptl!mbcr 9, 1971 1 to conf onn wilh the Court's decit;ion. Und£:r the provfa:fous of the amc*ndf!d i-c,gulations 1 it was reql!ircd that Humble OU & Refj nlng Company furnish addiLJonal 1nformat1on for considernt ion by thl~ C01:mdssiou. H is 1n C"onformity with that requirement that Lhe suppl l!ment.il envin:n111e11tal rt'port descrihed in the first *paragraph above has bC!cn submilU*d. A!ter the repoi.*ts l1ave been rev Ir.wed by thi* Commistiion 's regulatory etaff*. a draft detailed statement on env1n1nmental considt*rntions related to the proposed act1vity will be prr.!pared. Upon c.ompletion of the draft detailed s taLcment
- the Commission w.111
- among other things cause to be publislu:d in the Ft::DtRAL REGISTER n sumu1ary not ice of its availability.
The sumary notice will re.quest. w.1thin scvcnty-fJv~ (75) days or such longer p~riod as the CornmfBsion tnay determine to be practicable. comments from interested persons on the proposed action and on the draft dctaill'd statement. The sumn.ary notice will also contain a statement to the
-J-effect that the comments of l*'ederal agencies and State and loc-al officf ale thereon will be made ava!labl~ when received.
V:.~-~,'~~.L-~~~- day of Dated at Bethesda, Maryland, this --~d({.llior::..~<.*
*.1A: ,l \ :t. __ . 1912.
FOlt THE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMJ.SSlON Origin:11 Signed by C. T. f:.tl~'JUr'dS C. T. Edwards Air,sistant to th~ Director DivisJon of Mate.rials Lic£*nsJng
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tMn ML1c aac,acaan UC RECEIVES ENVIR<lCMElll'AL UPOITS POI TWO Pll>POSED UMlfIUM MILLS The Atomic Ener1y Co*heton hH recdved envtroaaaul raporu for uranha ailla betna constructed by l1o Alaoa Cor,oraUon in the Iii andian Ot~tr1ct of southea1tern UL1h and by HWl!ble 011 6 Reftnina CollplDJ in the l'°"'aer Rtver bain of ea&Lern Wy*>mng. The two report.I were prepareci before the Coa111ion publ11had, OD Septeaber 9, 1971, oev regulat ione; f.llfleaent tna the lat lonal lnvtron*
- ntal Pnlicy Acr Under theBe new re&1Alat1on11 1 the.~ ii required to a1*e11 the total envtroraental l111>*ct of thHt fac-UUle* bafon Uc1uea can be iaaued. In order to aake thi1 evaluation, euppbaental r*porte, containing additiona: 1nvtron*ncal tnforut ton, 11111 have to b* aub-
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Coplea of th*** envtronaental report, and thl 1upple11ental reportl ~hen thay becOllt 1vafl1ble will be aadl ~1il1ble for public tnapectlOG at the AEC's Public lro..:.llM!nt llooa, ~ 717 H Street, N .w., ta Wa1h1ngton, and local public documenL rooms especially eetabliahed tn the vtclntty of ~aC'h proj,*1c~. For the! Ric. Algo111 hc~iuy 1n l'uh, the docuaent rooa hH been eecabli1hed at the San Juaa County Library, Nontic~llo, Utah l4S3S. For Huable 011 1 1 :acili,y 1.nWyaming, it ha1 beer. aet up at tt* Conv*r* Cowity Library, Do~laa, Wyoelng 8263J.
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-z-Jn addl titin lo the abov1 locaUon1, repart, vill be available for publ 1,. in1pect ion at the Utah St*U Cleerfnahouae, Utah suu Pl1nnt111 t u,>r<11uatcr. State Capitol lulldina. Salt Lake City, Utah 14114 for the Rlo Alao* Corporation appl1c1tton and at the Vyoatna State Clearia,-
hous~. State Plannina ~oordi1111tor. Office of the Governor. Cepttol BuSldtng, Cheyenne, Vyoa1111, 82001 for the H111ble 011, lefinina Collpany 1ppl1catton, I
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ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION WT*',IIINl",11,11 11' , 4'. .< ,:~ *' r* . ., . '
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OP.nr fjir: At..tRchccl for f'l*bltcat1on f n the Fcderfll Ucnillter 11re Bn ort1<tnR1 Rnrl tvo cert! fte,t copie, of o tlor11ment entt tled: HUNILI OIL 6 DJIIIING COMPANY Docket No. 40*8102 IIOl'lCI a, AVAIWILiff a, APPLlCAft 18 DVIIONIUT'1, UPOIT P11blirAtion of the above document at the enrlieat poaalblr. dato would br. npprr.dot.ed. Gtnr.erel,y yours, W, B, McCool S~cretnry ot the rQllfflission
Enclosure:
Orts!nal and 2 certified copies bee: / f>ocket Clerk (Dir. of Res, ) 11m;* *nughes (PI) Legal Files (OGC) Coneresston,1 Li~iaon D.c. Files {SECY) GT Files (SECY) Public Pror.eedtngn Dr, (SECY) Contrac:ta 9706170216 711101 POI\ ADOCK 04008102 C PDR
WA'5HINtiTUN. D.C. 2D5'S ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION (Docket No. 40-8102) H1'1SLE OIL & REFINING COMPANY Notice of Availability of Al?,Plicant's Environmental Report Pursuant to the National F.nvironmental Poljcy Act of 1969 and the Atomic Energy ComD1ission's regulations, notice is hereby given that a copy of a report entitled "Applicant is F.nvironmental Report - Highland Ur.ani ubJ Mill" submitted by the Humble Oil & Refining .Company and dated July 1971, is being placed for public inspection in the Commission's Public Document Rao~, 1717 H Street, N.W., Washington, D. C. 20545. A copy of the report is also being placed for public inspection in the Wyoming State Clearing-house, State Planning Coordinator, Office of the Governor, Capitol Building, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 and in the Converse County Library, Douglas, Wyoming 82633. The report involves the application by Humble Oil&. Refining Company for an AEC license to authorize uranium milling activities in Converse County. Wyoming. Comments on the report may be sub-mitted. by interested persons to the Director, Division of Materials LicensinR, U. s. Atomic Energy Commission, Washington,~. C. 20545, A supplemental report to include infot'111ation required by the Commission's revised regulation implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Appendix D of 10 CFR Part SO, is expected tote submitted by HWDble Oil &Refining Company. Notice of availability of the supplemental report will be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER.
- 2 ...
After the reports have been reviewed by the Commission's regulatory staff* a draft Detailed Statement on environmental considerations related to the proposed actjvfty will be prepared~ Upon completion of the draft Detailed Statement, the Commbsion will, among other things, cause to be published in the FF.DER.AL REGISTER a sumroary notice of the availability of
'the Ap1>licant's Environmental Reports and the draft Detailed Statement.
The su111111ary nolice wiJl request* within seventy-five (75) days. or such longer period as the Conunission may detemine to be practicable, col!lfflents from inlcrested persons on the proposed action and on the draft Statement. The summary notice will also cont.'.lin a statement to the cff cct that the comments of Federal agencies and State and local officials thereon will be available when received. Dated at Bethesda* Maryland, this ~day of (( tf. 1971. FOR THE ATOMlC ENERGY COMMISSION
- Or,gm.:I : :* ' '. 1 P.i: ' ~ r ~ : I ,,,
Richard E. Cunningham Acting Director Division of Materials Licensing BE~1' AVMWlE tOPY
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HUMBLE OIL &. REFINING COMPANY HOUSTON, TEXAS 77001 NJNl:IIA&.9 11*1'AIITNRNT J ~AUL TICIWSLL August 31, 1972 U*tt**AL. JilANAG.lft It. J. IIOK ..
*JCIILORll\flQPI IIAPIIIAOS*
II. W. MILL*R au111-i*** ........ Ylla MANA Iii AN HIGBIAND: 7-1-6 11, *. *fllV.Y GPaflAflOltlil* MAfilA0.111 llr, Jamee c. llalaro Assistant Chief Materials Branch Division of Materials Licensing Atomic Energy C01DJ1ission Washington, DC 20545
Dear Mr. Malaro:
The following information was requested today by Mr. Kindig of your staff: 1, The initial height of the dam at the highest point is 85 feet. For supporting information, please refer to our Environmental Report, Exhibit C, Figures 5 and 8,
- 2. The final elevation of the dam is not certain at this time. Our best current estimate is that it will be about 5,240 feet. The total height of future lifts will be about 40 feet. For supporting information, see our Environmental Report, Exhibit C, Figure 7.
- 3. The initial dam is 1,800 feet long at the current elevation of 5,200 feet, The final dam will be about 3,300 feet long at the elevation of 5,240 feet. For ~upporting information see our Environmental Report,* Exhibit A, Figure 4,
- 4. The dam is approximately 400 feet thick at the bottom.
- 5. The dam is 20 feet thick at the top. For supporting infor-mation, see our Environmental Report, page 43. *
- 6. The clay core is 20 feet thick at the bottom and a mini.mum of 10 feet thick at the top. For supporting information, see our Environmental Report, page 41.
If you require any additional information, please contact us. Sincerely,
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COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY e environmental resources center
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FORT COL.LINS
.C:OLo~r.ao 80521 June 26, 1972 Hr. J.C. Halaro, Chief Haterlah Branch Directorate of Licensing U. S. Atomic Energy Commission Washington, D. C. 205~5
Dear Mr,
Mal~ro: This transmits an addendum to our evaluation of the Highland Uran* tum Hine and Mill environmental Impact analysis by Humble Oil Co* mpanv. In accord with your request during a visit here, *we have refined the list of observations previously submitted to ldcntlfy only those elements having a significant impact which need clarificatlon or further data. We have added discussion of their significance and suggestions as to an approach to resolving each Issue. Yours truly, Norman A. Evans DI rector NAE:bmt Enc: losure COPIES IENT TO COMPIJANCB 9706180087 PDR C
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ADOCK 04008102 PDR 0 . '
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY environmental resources center
- 1(__..L.'"')J FORT COt LINS COlORAOO 90521 June 15, 1972 ADDENDUM EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT HIGHLAND URANIUM MILL, CONVERSE COUNTY, WYOMING This modifies the original evaluation report of April 1~,
1972 by ldentifying those deficienci~s In the Impact analysis which are significant enough to require attention by the applicant. OBSERVATION I: Dewatering and other ground water withdrawals will affect ground water uses (dome'stic and livestock supply, springs, seeps, wildlife supply) In the area. Although a ground water inventory Is being made, neither data nor evaluation are Included In the report. RECOMMENDATION I: An analysh should be made to predict the rate of dlscha*rge necessary fn dewaterlng to keep the local water table at the neces* sary level; the volume of water to be pumped per month (or other app rop r I ate t Ime i rite rva ll; and d Istance from site to wh Jch s Ign t f i -
,ant water table drawdcwn will occur. These estimates can be made using analytical procedures illustrated by Glover.
With the foregoing estimates and a ground water inventory. the I rkl ihood of impacts due to changes in ground water regimen can be assessed. OBSERVATION 2: Two er.cavated areas will remain as lakes 1 to be recharged by ground water and surface water runoff. Special treatment of ex* cavated slopes remaining above the lake water surface will be re-quired to prevent severe erosion by surface runoff and/or wave action.* Furthermore, seciimentation in the lakes due to erosion fn y BESTAVAIIABLE COPY
1 r * . -, ADDENDUM* June 15, 1972 EVALUATION Of ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT HIGHLAl~O URANIUM Ml LL, CONVERSE COUNTY, WYOMING on the watershed from rainstorms of high Intensity may be expected to be sJgnJflcant In this region. The lakes might, therefore, tend to deteriorate toward shallow, stagnant mud flats. RECOHHENOATION 2:
. Design slde slopes fo*r stability .In ac.cord with recommendations*
of the Solt Conservation Service engineering handbook and provide
- , other slope protective treatments (such as vegetative cover or rip-rap) as required.
Analyze watershed characteristics, expected runoff and es-timate sediment accumulatlo11 In lakes. Standard Soll Conservation Service procedures can be used for these estimates. OBSERVATION 3: Access roads wlll be bullt for temporary use during operations and later stabilized or reclaimed when the site Is abandoned. How~ ever, specific treatments to be applied are not described. Water erosion on untreated roadways tends to create unsightly gullies and Impedes revegetatlon, RECOMMENDATION 3: Refer to roadway reclamation treatments and procedures recom~ mended by the Bureau of Land Management for thl~ region. Steps must Include erosion control and physical conditions conducive to natural revcgetation. OBSERVATION If! Social-economic impacts on the conY11unity due to a new rndustry may be large or small; positive or negative. Housing requirements
ADDtNOUH June 15 , 19 72 EVALUATION*OF ENVIRONM£NTAL REPORT HIGHLAND URANIUM Hill, CONVERSE COUNTY, WVOHING and residency patterns (Casper, other Jocatlons) are not analyzed In spite of one year of experience from which to extrapolate. The Impact on community services (water, sewer, power, pol Ice, fire, schools) Is not assessed. The Impact may be minor but. should be analyzed. RECOMMENDATION 4: An analysis of the labor force for this operation should be made, Question~ such as the following should be answered: How ma~y employees wlll be local, how many new to tnc com-
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. ',. How many wl 11 11 ve In Casper; elsewhere; at the ml 11* & I te?
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What will be the age and sex distribution of the new residents? What new public expenditures will be required to serve the new residents (fire, police, schools, utilities)? OBSERVATION 5: Radioactive particulates In mill stack effluents constitute a potential hazard to health of rnan and animals. Radloactl,e dust can deposit on vegetation and thereby enter the food chain. Sim* llarly Its Incorporation In plants through the soil and Into plant roots Is a distinct possibility. Maximum surface deposition of uranium, thorium and radium-bearing dusts ls estlroated at 10 stack heights downwind (500 to 1000 feet Northeast). This would be Tn one of the mine areas.
!!!f9HMENDATIONS 5:
,J
-.;*, \ A soil and vegetation sampling program should be designed I
\ with part(cular emphasis to the downwind direction at dfstances
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representing maximum dust deposit. Plant species Inventory should I be examined for tho'se grazed by sheep, antelope, deer and larger
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domestic animals nnd speclJl sampling emphasis given those species~. Possible radionuclide uptake through plant roots from reclaim-
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ADDENDUM June 15, 1972 EV/,LUATION or ENVIR01~HENTAL REPORT HICiHlJI.NO URANIUM MILL, CONVERSE COUNTV, WYOHING ed covered areas should be analyzed and soil cover adequate to pre-vent Its occurence should be specified,
HUMBLE OIL 8' REFINING COMPANY HOUSTON, 'l'EXAS 77001
,atlT o,P'tCr IIOI IIIO June 20, 1972 llr. Jamea C. lalaro A**i*tant Chief llatertala Branch Diviaion of Materials Licensing Atomic Bner11 Commiasion 1a1hington, DC 2054n De,.r llr
- Ila laro :
Jn reviewins *Y letter to you of June 12, 1972, I find that a confusing statement which I was trying to clear up has not been cleared up and may have inatead been further confused. In *F comment Number 1 where I talk about mine areas:
- l. The initial pit-bottom area as atated on Page 6 of our Envi:ropmental Re!!!r.! is 60 acres. Thia is not changed, 2, The total pit-bottom area open at any time will be about 120 acres as stated in the above report on Page 6.
This is not changed.
- 3. The 160 acres of open-mine area 1* a quite generous eat1~
mate of the crest-to-crest area of the pit, Actual mea1urement is more like 120 acres.
- 4. The 300 acres total open-mine area represent the aaximum di1turbed but unreclaimed mine and waste dump area active at any one time.
Very truly youra,
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E. s. Rousseau Staff Engineer vjg
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Dear Hr. D*ua:
For your taafoiaatton tbare an enclosed copte* of tha hlllllilr, notice vb1ch u being pubU1hed fn the Pedenl Ra£iet*.! v1th HltJHICt to avdlah1lft1 of the envi'roo*ntal report pnpend by Hlllhle OU It Raflntn1 COllpmJ aat1tlad Appllc&Qt' 1 bvirouental. llepolt - fU.ghlad Ur*tua Ntll, and of the p11h1lc anao*m*nt on thil utter. Btnarel)'. Or1g1n3\ s*1gncd ~y
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- HUMBLE OIL & REFINING COMPANY HOUS1'0N, TEX.AS 77001 1'09'1' Ol"P'IC&' *OI SIIO June 20, 1972 llr. C. T, Edwards, Assistant to Deputy Director for Fuels and Materials Directorate of Licensing Atomic Energy Commission Washington, DC 20545
Dear Mr~ Edwards:
As requested in your letter of June 6, we have arranged to have a Bumble representative from the Highland Mine check the document-room of the Converse County Library periodically to insure that their file on the Highland Uranium Mill is complete. Please let us know it we can be of further assistance. Sincerely yours,
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Gerald D, ortloff Environmental Advisor vjg 9706180103 7206204008"'"' POR ADOCK O lV& C PDR
DlSTIIIUTIOI v/o encl: OCf 11 1971 Do cut lo. 40-1102 lavh'oaental Hender90n, DI Felton, DR Low, CO (2) Shaper, OGC (2) Dockat No. 40-llOl AEC PDR Local PDR Rogers, DREP Halaro, DML V,Oldq Stat* r.J.ead.qbaue Harmon, DHL State Plaaalm1 eoor*!Datar Edwards, DML Offica of t ha Cowrar PAHorri 6 1 DRL Cepttal luil4laa AGiambusso, CO Che,-** W,.S..1 82001 Catlalla: Ia accor4-ae wttb tlle Co*cil
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lie 11ppnciata ,o*r a11htanca la aakiDI the report nAilal,la to tbl pul,Uc. llacel'elJ, ltcbard I. CUzlaingha* Aet 111& Director Dhtdon of Naterilla Ucen1tna laelo*n*:
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DISTRIBUTION: Docket 40-8102 Enviromaental Henderson, DR Pelton, DR Low. CO (2) Sha.par, OGC (2) AEC PDR DDcbe llo. 4G-1102 Local PDR Rogers, DREP Malaro, DML Hannon, DML Edwards, DHL
~ 'rlyaming State Clearinghouse DHL R/F ltat. ,1-*q CooNliMter. DR R/F Offla af die Co._.,r C.,ic.l luWbg Cbt~. V,.tn1 12001
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V. appnc:iate Y11J11W uat.taaee ta wk1R1 the repo!'t natl.able ..fa pal,Uc, I C Sf.merely, JU.chard E. Caudn,tham Actinp: Dire.tor DlYl*loD of t.faterlal.1 Ltc-bg CRESS 'ORL AIJM 4026 04 Of1KO SUlltlAMr* iJ/t.~ { 6'/is:mlm
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- HUMBLE OIL & REFINING COMPANY HOUSTON, THXAS 77001 MIHIIIAl.9 El&PAIITll'T Apri 1 10 , 197 2 f'OIIT O,,ICI ltQ,C 1110 IOHN ~. l.On1*. JII, Olrl<UA~ NAIIHI*
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Mr, Jaaes C, Malaro, Assistant Chief Materlale Branch Atomic Energy Coaaniseion Waahington, D. C. 20545
Dear Mr. Malaro:
In April of 1971, Humble Oil & Refining Company began constructio~ of a uranium concentrating mill et the site of its Highland Mine now under development in Converae County, Wyoming, The following 1tatement is furnished by Humble in order to continue construction of the Highland Mill, and to obtain an exemption fran Sections 40,31 (f) and 40.32 (e) of Title 10, Coj1e of Federal Regulations, as authorized in the amend* menta of. Title 10 pubUthed in the federal Reghter on March 21, 1972,
- 1. Huslble hH filed an Environmental Report with 1:he Comniesion. The aeport has been evaluated by the Coanisslon and no dgnificant technical objections have been raised by C011111i11ion per1onnel. W~ have been advised that, following the Conaiseion's study of the po11ible environmental impact of the Highland Mill, the COllllllissf.on has prepared ita draft Environmental Impact Statement as required by law, *
- 2. Humble requeats the Conni&1ion to consider the following factors, a, required in the amended regu la tion1:
(i) Continuation of construction will not give rise to a significant adverse impact on the environment,
- Construction is more than sixty percent complete.
All major buildings have been completed, and Humble is now grading the site to control water run-off.
- Water run*off to date at the site has been collected and contained in a pond which will ultimately serve as a proces, water storage basin, Any sediment cairied by run*off water will be deposited in the pond.
- The remaining co*. ~truction work will tend* to reduce the environmental impact of construction, 9706180479 72041002
~DR ADOCK 040081 C PDR Bl!ST AVAJWIJ! COPY
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Mr. Jamea c. Melaro April 10, 1972 Page 2 (U.) Al though there wil 1 not be any sf.gnf.ficant adverse impact on the environment frl,lDI. continuing construction. if any redress were necessary :lt could reasonably be effected. It would require approximately the same amount of work and time to remove the present construction and reBtore the site as will be required when operations cease. (iii) Continuation of construction will not foreclose subsequent adoption of alternatives. Considering the advanced stage of construction, and the labor, materials, and other investment already made in the Highland Mill, stopping construction at this stage would
- not result in any greater choice of alternatives than com-pleting the mill. Delaying construction at this stage ln fact might be'hanoful to the environment, as Humble would be unable to complete planned measures to protect the environment.
(iv) Any delay in completing construction will adversely affect the public f.ntereat. Interrupting construction at this stage will depr:lve 180 construction workers and 60 ~ine develoP111ent workers of their employment. Thie would be a significant rise in un-employment in Converse County~ Wyoming. Further, Humble would be unable to provide the planned permanent employment for approximately 50 addttional workers in Wyoming, Also, it is in the public interest to continue the orderly development of nuclear fuel sources for electrical power generation. Considering the advanced stage of construction of the Highland Mill at the time the amended regulations were published, the environment wU.l be best protected, and the public interest will be best served, by completing const~uctlon of the mill and the planned environmental pL*otecUon measures, lours very truly,
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RLUULIIIURI UUlll\tl nu 1,urr JllJM*BLE OIL & REFINING COMPANY HOUSTON, Tl!XAS 77001 POaT 0,,-,c::1: ao11
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Gentlemen: "I* :**** Humble OU & Refining Company has submitted to the Commission an Applicant' e Environmental Report, and a Supplement to the Environmental Report, in connection with Humble'a Highland uranium mill now under construction in* Converse County, Wyoming. The purpose of this l~_te*r is to clarify Humble's obUgations stated in the Supplement (in Part~ Section VI D, on page 22) for long tenn care of uranium mill tailings. v;_,- The above provisions of the Supplement require that for a period of 50 years or until control of the tailings is governed by regulations, whichever comee fir11t (the "restriction period,.), the tailings storage lands will be subject to the restricttone specified in the Supplement. Humt ** ,! 's obligations under the above provisions of the Supplement are as follows: During the restriction period, if Humble continues to own the land on which uranium tailings are stored, Humble will comply with the restrictions. If during the restriction period Humble selh or diepoaes of any lands on which uranium ta*utngs are stored, and the purchaser or succe111ive owner fails to comply with the restrictions, Humble will be obligated to comply with the restrictions until the end of the re-1trictlon period. Humble intends the ff.rat deed restriction on Page 22 of Supplement to -include the following re1pona1bility: On a regular basis and when required by abnormal weather occurrences, the owner will in1pect for pby11cal damage to Che cover. On an annual ba1i1, the owner will perform a radiometric 1urvey of the covered tail* ing impoundment b11ln and the creek bottom of the North Fork of Box Creek ianediately belnw the dam, If the whole body external gaa:aa ndjation rate is more than 0,05 mil/hr. (mllliroentsen per hour), the area of excessive radiation will be covered with additional nonradio-active 1011 to reduce the level to 0.05 mR/hr~ or less. The 9706l8CM8a 720410 . . *,*1 PDR ADOCR 04008102 C PDR Bi~TAVMIABlltOPY ' . _*_...1..;,,)
AtD1Dic Energy Coami11lon April 10, 1972 Page 2 determining radiation level above was based on a letter frOIII the Surgeon General, HEW, to the Colorado State Health Department as referenced on Page 23 of Humble'e Supplement to Applicant's En* viromental lleport - January, 1972_. Yours very truly, L JLL:fJc cc: Mr, Jame, C. Malaro
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H lJ M BL E O IL & R E F I N I NG C O M PAN Y HOllSTON, TEXAS 77001 MINU&l.t DIPAIITMINT January 13, 1972 l'OaT Ol"FICI: tlOJC I tao JOHN ~ LOPTIS, J*, OIIIINAI, .,,.IIAGI* II .* IIOlffl
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IJJltNlla ANALYlt* ..,aANA4a* II, I. fPIVJ'f Of'IIATtON1 t1.afr111aa*,,. Mr, James c. Malara Assistant Chief Materials Branch Divlsion of Materials Licensing U, S. Atomic Energy C0111niasion Washington 1 D, C, 20S45
Dear Mr. Malara:
Mr. Ed Rousseau will deliver to you today 200 copies of a report entitled, "Supplement to Applicant's Environmental Report, 11 The report 1s in response to your letter dated December 8, 1971 1 and the meeting on December 20, 1971, between Humble and AEC personnel in the ABC office in Bethesda, Please contact me if further infonnation is required, Yours very truly, ( ~__1;..6: 1 /:~.//A.. J-,. I/ Jl,L: fjc 9706l80484 720113 PCDR ADOCK 04008102 PDR
APPLICANT'S RESPONSE AGENCY COMMENTS ON DRAFT STATEMENT HIGHLAND URANIUM MILL DOCKET NO. 40-8102 SUBMITTED BV HUMILI OIL & IIFINING COMPANY MINERALS DEPARTMENT P.O. BOX 2180 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77001
~70610045~ 720828 PDR C
AOOCK 04008102
. PDR AUGUST 1972
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APPLICANT'S RESPONSE AGENCY COMP.1ENTS ON DRAFT STATEMENT HIGHLAND URANIUM MILL DOCKET NO. 40-8102 SUBMITTED BY HUMILI OIL & llflNINO COMPANY MINERALS DEPARTMENT P.O. BOX 2180 HOUSTON, TEXAS 7700'1 AlJGlJST 1972
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF EXHIBITS . ...... .... ..... . iv INDEX * * * . . . * * * * * * . . . .. . -. . V I. RECLAMATION OF DISTURBED l.AND . 1 A. Revegetation. . . . . . . . .* ... .. .. 1 B. Side Slopes . . . . ... ....... ... 2 C~ Residual Lakes. . . .... * .* ... .* . 3
- l. Reclamation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
- 2. Residual Radioactivity. . . .. . .* . 4
- a. Texas Situation * . . . . . . . .
b, Highland Situation. . . . . . . . . * . . 4 (~ . Conclusions . . . .. . . . . . 5 7 ! I D, Reservoir Filling with Sediment . . . . . . . . 7 E. Net Et:~ct. . . . . ............ 8 II. RELEASES OF RADIOACTIVE AND NONRADIOACTIVE MATERIALS TO THE AIR * . * * ...
- 9 A. Exposures Resulting from Dust Collector Discharges. ........ .* 9 B. Radon Release from Tailing Pond . . . . . . . . 10
- c. Total Annual Emissions. * . . . . . . . . . . 11 III. TAILING DAM STABILITY AND SEEPAGE .
* " .. * * *
- 13 A, Structural Stability of Ultimate Dam, ..... 13
- 1. Design of Lifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clay Core . . . . . . . * . . 13 2. 3. Inspection Program for Dam. . . . . . . * . 13 14 i
) I Page I B. Seepage from Tailings Reservoir. .. 15 1.
2. Seepage Estimates . . . . . . . . . . .. . Adequacy of Monitor Well System *. 15 15 I
- 3. Seepage Basin. . .
- c. Soil Characteristics. ...
17 19 I
- 1. Acid ConeumpU.on. . . .
- 2. Sorption of Heavy Metals. .
. . 19 20 I
Alternatives to Accumulation of Waste . * . . D. I 21 I IV, TAILING STABILIZATION ANO P~ClAMATION. .*.*. A. Stabilization * * *
- I I .. ... . I I
22
*22 I
- l. Slime Accumulations . . . . . . . . .. 22 I 2.
3. Solidification of Tailings. . Size Problems . . . . * ... .
. I 23 24 Basin Overflow During Reclamation * * * .
- I 4.
- 5. Wind Blown Dust. I .* . . .....*
I I 24 24 I B. Reclaimed Surface Condition.
- l. Radiation and Radon. * * . .. .* .. .. .. .* .* .*
25 25 I
- 2. Veget a,,.t ion. ..... 26
- c. Fifty-Year Restriction. . . . . . . . . * .
I I 27 I
- v. MINE DEWATERING * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * . . . 28 I A. Pres.ent Situation and Projections. . . . . .
- B. Effect of Dewatering on Supply. . I I 28 29 I
- c. Effect of Mining Activity on Water_Quality. I
- 32 11 D. Return of Any Released Water to.
Ground Water . ..
. . . . . * .. .. 33 I
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING . ... . Vl. A. Biota Sampling and Analysis .
... I
*
- 35 35 I
I ii HE~T A\rAIIABlE COl,Y I I
11age B. Biota Inventory . . ........ . 36
- c. Noise . . .. . * * ... .. 0 I t 37 VII. GENERAL *
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* * .. .. * * * * * * * * *
- 38 Waste Disposal. ....
- o I ... * * .... 38 B. IU.storic and Archeologic.:al Finds. ....... 38
- c. Future of Sheep Ranching * * * * * . .. . . 38 Purpose of Fence * . * . * * . * * . . * * * *
- 39 E, Rare or Endangered Species . * . . . * * * * *
- 39 F, Migratory WaterfQWl . . . * * . . . . . . . . . 40 iii
I TABLE or EXHIBITS I Er.hibit I Reservoir Filling Calculation I Exhibit II Figure l
.Exposure Calculation (Dust Colle~tors)
Equation and Assumptions I Figure 2 Calculation of Radionuclide Concentrations I Figure 3 Summary of Exposure Calculations Exhioit III Expusure Calculations (Radon Released from I Figure 1 Tailing Pond) Representation of Area Source I Exhibit IV Letter f~om Dames & Moore, August 10, 1972 I Exhibit v' Stratigraphic Cross Section I I I I I I I iv BI~'f AVAIWU fiOPY I I
INDEX or RESPONSES TO COMMENTS Comments by the Atomic Energy Commission Comment Number Section Page 1 IV-A, l and 2 22 IV-8, 2 26 2 tII-B, 1 and 2 15 3 V-A 28 V-D 33 4 II-A 9 11-B 10 5 I-A 1 IV**B, 2 26 6 IV-B, 1 25 7 II-8 10 8 V-B 29 9 I-B 2 I-C 3 I-D 7 10 VI-A 35 11 IV-A I 3 24 IV-A, 4 24 12 I I I-A, 3 14 13 VII-B 38 V
Comments ~z Environmental Protection A1enc1 Comment Number Section Page I liniDI Page 1, par. 3 Question 1 v-c 32 I Question 2 V-B 29 Question 3 Question 4 v-e V-B 29 29 I Page 2, par. l v-c V-D 32 33 I v-c Page 2,. par. 2 32 I Environmental Monitoring I Page 2, par. 4 VI-A 35 Page 2, par. 5 VI-B 36 I Page 2, par. 6 Page 3t par. l 11-C II-A 11 9 I Exhibit II, Figure 3 45 I Tailings Retention I Page 3, par. 2 III-B, l III-C 15 19 I Page 3, par. 3 III-8, 3 17 Page 3, par. 4 III-B, 2 15 I V-B 29 Page 4, par. 1 III-A, III-A, 1 2 13 13 I III-B, III-B, l 3 15 17 I I vi BEST AVAIIABLE (~OPY I I
Conunent Number Section Page Tailings Retention Page 4, pai*. 2 IV-B, 1 25 Reclamation Page 5, p l I-B 2 1-C, l 3 IV-A, l 22* General Page 5, par. 2 VI-C 37 Page 5, par. 3 VII-A 38 Page 5, pal'. 4 VI I-A 38 Comments by Department of Transportation No reply required C~mments bl Department of Commei*ce Par. 3 III-B 15 Comments by Forest Service, u.s.o.A. No reply required Comments by Soil Conservation Service, u.s.D.A. l IV-C 27 2 VII-E 39 vii
Comments by Soil Conservation Service, contd. 1* Comment Number Section Patte I 3 4 VII-F IV*A, 5 40 24 I 5 1-B 2 I 6 VII-C 38 7 I-E VII-C 8 38 I I Comments by Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Par. 4 VII-B 38 I I Comments by Department of Army, Corps of Ensineers No reply required I I Comments by Texas State Department of Health Page 2, par. 2 1-C, 2 4 I I Comments by Department of Health, Education, and Welfare J No reply required I Comments by Environmental Protection Agency National Water Quality Laboratory - Duluth, MN I No reply required I viii - BES'l' AlrAIIAHLE COPY I I
Commcnts_by Game :ind Fish Commission, state of w1oming Comment Number Section Page Page 1, par. 2. VII-D 39 Page 2, par. 1
- VI-8 36 Page 2, par. 3 I-A l 1-C' 1 3 Page 2 , par. 4 rv-c 27 Comments by Deeartment of Interior Hydrolos:t Page l, par. 4 V-A 28 V-8 29 VI-A 35 Noise Page l , par. 5 vr-c 37 Impacts on Wildlife Page 2, par. l I-E 8 Historical &
Archeolog1cal Significanc~ Page 2, par. 2 VII-B 38 Page 2, pa1*. :1 VII-8 38 ix
I. RICI.AMAT ION OF DISTURBED I.AND (This section responds to the.following comments: AEC #5, 9; EPA p.5, par. l; Interior p. 2, par. l; SCS #5, 7: Wyoming Game & Fish CG1111Dission, p. 2, par. 3, 5; and Texas Dept. of Health.) A. Revegetation The two grass mixtures described in Table l were recommended by the Upper Cheyenne District of the Soil Conservation Service and are currently under test for Highland revegetation. Both mixtures were recommended for grazing as well as su.fficient root depth for soil stabilization. Mixture No. l has been TABLE l SEED MIXTURES BEING TESTED AT HIGHLAND URANIUM MINE & MILL SITE Pounds Seed Per Acre Mixture No. 1. Mixture No. 2 Western Wheat Grass 9 3 Crested Wheat Grass - 5 Yelloll' Clover
.I! 3 3 Russian Wild Rye j - 3 I!
BE~T AV!IIABU tOPY
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planted on the top and downstreaa face of the tailings I dam and on four areas of waste dump No. 1. Mixture No. 2 has been planted on four areas of waste dump I No. l. I Although either ot the above mixtures will probably be satisfactory tor revegetation of most reclaimed I areas, final determination of the best plant types for each area will be made after further study, testing, I and consultation with the Soil Conservation Service, I the Wyoming Gaae and Fish Commission, and other agencies with expertise in the science of land reclamation. I The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission has pointed out the need for shrubs and forbs to satisfy the I animals' needs. The possibility of seeding these types I of plants will be investigated. B. Side Slopes I Mine waste dump No. 1 was contoured with side I slopes as steep as 2 horizontal to 1 vertical after surveys showed that naturally occurring 2 to l slopes I in the Highland area are stable and not subject to erosion problems, However, discing and drilling grabs I seed into these slopes proved difficult, and they. I were seeded by hand. The more recent dumps have been I I I I
contoured with more gentle slopes in the 2-1/2 to l and 3 to l range. No structural stability problems or erosion problems have been encountered on the 2 to 1 slopes. Reclamation of all slopes is described on page 79 of the Applicant's Environmental Report and pngcs 2 and 3 1 and 19 to 22 of the Supplement. The reclamation plan remains flexible and will be adjusted if problems appear. Any possible stabiiity problems
~*ill be obvious and can be corrected long before final reclamation begins.
- c. Residual Lakes The location of the residual lnkes is shown in Figure 4 of Exhibit A of the Environmental Report and in Figure 2 of the Supplement. The north~rnmost of the two lakes is located on a topographic high and will, therefore, collect no runoff or sediment. The southern~
most is in a drainage path and would be expected to collect sediment.
- 1. Reclamation The reclnmation of these two residual lake
~reas will be planned in conjunction with the agency which would take over the land if such
- arrangements are made. It is Humble's intention that the area have the maximwa residual value for I whatever the final use and Humble will direct the reclamation expenditures toward this end. Adjust-I
. ments in current thinking will most certainly be I made as to selection of grasses, shrubs, and forbs for revegetationi side slope& and use and location I of rip-rap; and access to the sites. Humble recognizes that adequnte, safe access to the lake~
I is necessary if their final use is for recreational I purposes.
- 2. Residual Radioactivity I
The Texas Department of Health has noted a I problem with radioactivity in the water contained in uraniwn pit mines in South Texas and pointed to I a possible similar problem in the residual lake~ at Highland. I
- a. Texas Situation I
Rumble has investigated the situation at I the Felder #1 and McLean #1 mines described by the Texas Departaent of Health. I The Texas mines have not been reclaimed, Mining is not yet complete, and the pits are I being used for temporary water storage. I I I I
Ground water seeps through the pit walls and some rainfall accumulates in the pits. Some of the radioactivity in the water present in the pits comes from the influx of naturally
. 1*adioact i vc g1*ound water.
) Ana~yses of water produced from wells in the vicinity of the mines shows that some of the ground water contain2; as much as 17 x 10-8 pCi/ml Ra 2 26, or 5.7 times MPC for discharge to unrestricted areas. Also, leaching of urnnium and its daughter products is occurring in the pits~ since high-
. grade uranium ore containing substantial quantities of pyrite Ca source of sulfuric acid) is exposed to atmospheric oxidation over large areas of the pit walls.
Under the existing conditions, radionuclide
. concentrations in water in those pits in excess of MPC must be ~xpected.
- b. Highland Situation At Highland, the rndionuclide content of the ground wa te1* is low. The High land wel 1 water monitoring progl'am was expanded in mid-1971 to include radium-2i6 and thorium-230 analyses. The highest single analysis for I radium was 1.1 x 10-8 pCi/ml or 361 MPC. The average value for radium was about 0.3 x I
10-8 µCi/ml or 101 MPC. Tborium-230 concen-trations have averaged about 1.5J MPC and the I highest concentration observed is less than I Also, at Highland the ore-grade material I will be completely mined and removed from the final one or two pits that will not be com-I pletely backfilled. No water accumulation I will be present in the pits at the time the upper part of the pit walls is blasted into the I pit as described in the.Draft Statement. Any uranium ainerals remaining exposed at 'termina-I tion of mining will be covered by at least I several feet of the rock and soil blasted down from the upper part of the pit walls. Thus, I no uranium minerals will be exposed to atmo-spheric oxidation and the water which fills I the reclaimed pit should not contain radio- I active materials in excess of the MPC for dis-charge in unrestricted areas. I I I I I
- c. Conclusions The differences in mineralogy, operational techni~ues, and the natural radionuclide con-tent of the ground water support our belief that the Texas situation is not analogous to I
Highland--that no problem with radioactivity will result when the Highland lake~ are formed. The ground water and mine wateJ~ monitoring program Will warn of any tendency to leach any radionuclides or undesirahle salts and allow appropriate reclamation to avoid any possible problem. l D. Reservoir Filling ~ith Sediment Th!: urainage area from which water would flow into the southernmost lake includes 2,500 acre~. The pit volume would be about 20 million cubic yards. It is estimated (Exhibit I) that between 300 and ~00 years would he required to fill this reservoir and the run-off area would be lowered by an average of about 5 feet if sheet erosion occurs. Because of the original depth of the lake, it should be quite deep and useful for many yeni*s. B!~'f AVAIIAHrntOPY
E. Net Effect I The reclaimed ground condition will be different but certainly no worse than that existing before I Rumble began developing the mine. The quality of the I: vegetation will probably be improved and the two residual lakes will enhance the value of the area for I either ranching or recreational uses. The ,.*ildlife species displaced by the project are I principally the smaller, short-ranging animals such I the rodents and snakes, whose nesting areas would be destroyed by the mining activities. Although it may I appear that larger species such as, antelope and deer are also displaced, the opposite may be true. The I site fence prevents grazing by sheep. This factor, I combined with the revegetation of disturbed land areas may actually increase the forage for the larger I grazing species. After reclamation, the quality of vegetation will I be at least equal to that in surrounding areas, and I ecological equilibrium similar to that existing prior to mining should quickly be reestablished. I I I I I I
RELEASES OF RADIOACTIVE AND II. NaiRADIOACTIVE MATERIALS TO THE AIR (This section responds to the following comments: AEC #4, 7; EPA p. 2, par. 6; p. 3, par. 1,) A, Exposures Resulting from Dust Collector Discharges The concentrations of radioactive materials in air and the exposures to individuals resulting from dis-charge of dust from the Highland milling operation have been recalculated by the method recommended by the AEC'~ meteorological consultant in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (see Exhibit II). In the original Exhibit Hof the Applicant's Environmental Report, the modified Bosanquet method was used t~ estimate the concentrations of nirborne
- materials at various distances downwind from the mill.
In the recalculation, the average annual concentration of airborne radionuclides at the edge of the restricted area was calculated for each of the 16 sectors of the wind rose ~sing the frequencies nnd tho annual average wind .velocities for the sccto1*s ns obtained from weather bureau data for Cnspor.1 1Climatography of thu United States, No. 82-48, Summary of Hourly Ohscrvati.ons, Cni,.;per, Wyoming, Bl1' AVMIABJJl tlPY
The equation used for ~alculating the annual average I concentrations of the rad1onuclides is given on page 405 I of the publication Meteorology and Atomic Energy - 1968, an AEC publication. The same equation can be derived I from equations 5.13 and 5.15, page 38, of the Handbook for Atmospheric Dispersion Estimates, Public Health I Service Publication No. 999-AP-26 (1969). The dust discharge rate of 25 lbs/hr. for the I crusher-scrubber stack is substantially lower than the I 45 lbs/hr. used 1n the original calculations. The new value reflects improvements that have been made in the I scrubber installation to insure conformance with Wyoming regulations for particulate emissions. I Figure 2 of Exhibit II shows the tabulated annual I average r.oncentrations of uranium and daughters at the 16 locations at the boundary of the restricted area I and at selected points of interest outside the restricted area. I Figure 3 of Exhibit II summarizes the calculated I exposures for 1001 occupancy at each of the same loca-tions. I B. Radon Release from Tailing Pond I The radon release from the tailing pond has been recalculated and the radiation exposure that would I I I I
result from lO()IJ. occupancy at the resti*icted area boundary nearest the tailing pond has been recalculated by three methods, including the method recommonded by the AEC's consultant in the National Oceanic and At~o-spheric Administration, Exhibit III summarizes the radon release and exposure calculations.
- c. Total Annual Emissions The estimated annual discharges to the air f1*om the mill and tailing pond are summarized in Table 2.
I I TABLE J. F.STIMATES or ANNUAL' EMISSIONS I lbs./yr. Ci/yr. I Crusher and Ore Bin Dust Collectors 2.6 X 10 5 (Dust)
.067 (Uranium) I Yellow Cake Dust Collector 842 (Dust) .092 (Uranium)
I Tailing Pond - Radon-222 270 I Leach Tank Vent 285 #S02 /
#S02 /yr.
I S-X Building Vents 365
#Kerosine/
yr. I Boilers (estimated from average data*) Solids 1,750 I S02 175 N02 Hydrocarbons Organic Acids 35,000 7,000 10,500 I Aldehydes NH3 1,752 3,500 I
- uanferous Propert1es of Industrial Materials - Tliircf Edi ion, editea by N. Irving Sax, Reinbold Book Corporation, New York (1968), Table I, p. 111.
I I I lj I
\ I
III. TAILING DAM STABILITY AND SEEPAGE (This sect ion 1*esponds to the fol lowing comments: AEC #2, 12; EPA p. 3, par. 2, 3, 4; and p. 4, par. l; Commerce #3.) A. Structural...§.!!.~lity of Ultimate Dam
- l. Design of Lifts Through an analysis of the ultimate dam design on a worst possible case basis, the following factors of safety were calculated (see Exhibit IV, Dames & Moore letter, page 5 and Plate 2).
TABLE ~ TAILING DAM SAFETY FACTORS Factors of Safetl Downstream Final Face - Two Earthquake Upstream Coefficient Additional Slope Lifts o.o 1.37 1.33 0.05 1.23 1.17
- 2. Clny Core Clay core will not be necessary in the two additional lifts. The seepage through the IIES'f AlAIJJ\BU~ (~011Y
lifts will be low enough to be evaporated, Most
*I of the seepage flow will be away from the dam (see Exbibit IV, page 6).
I
- 3. Inspection Proarram for Dam I
The tailin1 dam will be inspected one time I each operating shift for signs of erosional weakening fro* a malfunction of the filling opera- I tion. Very little settling of the structure is expected; both the clay core and the shell of the I dam were compacted to 90,, and 951, respectively, I of their maximum dry densities. The dam will have settled for two years prior to use, and most I of the settlin1 in this type of structure occurs in the firat ffffl months after construction. I Based on tbeir design of the Highland dam, I their experience in the design and construction of similar dams, and their inspection of the I earthwork construction of the Highland dam, the soils engineering firm has determined that an I instrumented inspection program is not necessary I (Exhibit IV, page 6). I I 1 HES'l lllriltlJ\lltE (~OPY I I I
B, Seepage from Tailings Reservoir
- 1. Seepage Estimates
__/ The estimate of seepage from the tailing basin of 80 gpm through the basin walls into the Tailing Dam sand and 20 gpm through the face of the dam are calculated by Darcy's equation. The estimate represents the worst possible case of a reservoir full of water containing no solids. The informa-tion for the calculations is contained in Exhib-it IV, page 2. In actual-practice, tailings will be deposited in the basin at a much lower head and contain fine solids which will greatly reduce the permeability by clogging the pore spaces in the sandstone. As a result, the seepage will be much less than that calculated fa1* the worst possible case, even with the additional lifts.
- 2. Adequacy of Monitor Well Sy~
The well system for monitoring seepage from the tailings retention reservoir was designed specifically to detect and sample any seepage:
- Through the toe of the tailings dam.
- Through the dam abutments and sides of the reservoir.
- Through the Tailing Dall shale member and I into lower sands.
I The Applicant's Environmental Report, pp. 99-101 describes the rationale for placement of the I monitor wells. Figures 2, 3, and 4, Exhibit C of the same report show cross sections of the forma-I tions exposed in and lying under the tailings I storage reservoir. seepage from the tailing reservoir will be confined principally to the
-1 I
Triling Dam sand unit immediately above the Tail-ing Dam Shale aember, The Tailing Dam shale is, I essentially impermeable; no seepage through this I stratum into the Highland Sandstone is anticipated, The Tailing Dam sand unit (overlying the I Tailing Dam shale) is only partially saturated with water. The water levels observed in the borings I made to obtain engineering data for the design of I the tailings dam indicate that the water present in the sand overlying the Tailing Dam shale gener-I ally follows the surface contours. No natural water flow pattern in this member can be determined, I other than the natural flow under the influence of I gravity from stru~-:turally high areas toward lower ones. Hence. the probability of detecting signifi-
- I I
BfS1' AVAIUBU fJ,Y I I
cant seepage into the sand~tone walls of the reservoir is highest when the intercepting well is located downdip of the seepage. Monitor wells A and B, located as shown in Exhibit A, Figure 4 of the Applicant's Environmental Report are com-pleted downdip of the tailings reservoir, with Well B completed in the sand unit that will be exposed to seepage, and Well A completed in the Highland Sandstone unit below the Tailing Dam shale to detect any possible percolation of tail-ings seepage through the Tailings Dam shale. The Applicant's Environmental Report shows Wells C and D positioned below the tailings dam. An additional well, located ~etween Wells C and D and approximately in the center of the dry stream channel below the dam has also been com-pleted. It is identified as Well E. All three of these wells are completed in the sand above the Tailings Dam shale. They will allow us to monitor any leakage through the toe of the dam and around the abutments, should it occur.
- 3. Seepage ~asin The engineering study, design, and construc-tion of the tailing basin dam indicate that the seepage through the dam will be negljgible. I However, Bumble bas indicated that a seepage collection basin would be installed below the I
tailing dam if significant seepage did occur. We would define "significant seepage" as I any amount that we can effectively measure, I collect, and pump. Our approach to the problem would be: I
- a. Observe quality of the water in the monitor I Well E- (Well Eis in addition to the four wells shown on Figure 9 of Exhibit C of the I
Environmental Report. It is completed at the I top of the Tailing Dam shale and is located in the.center of the creek channel about 200 I feet below the dam). I
- b. If the water sample at this monitor well is in excess of IIPC for discharge to an unre-I stricted area, a trench will be dug across I
the bottom of the creek to allow a measure-ment of the flow. I
- c. If the flow is great enough to be pumped I effectively, the trench will be enlarged to form a collection basin and the water will .I be pumped back behind the dam.
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C. Soil Characteristics The ability of most soils to remove contaminants from liquids is well known. Chemical reactions, ion-exchange, and adsorption are all effective mechanisms for the removal of water contaminants by soils.
- 1. Acid Consumption Laboratory measurements of the consumption of acid by Highland sandstone were made in order to design the ore mil ling process, 'The data show that one ton of the Highland sandstone consumes about 60 pounds of sulfuric acid by reaction with sandstone constituents such as calcium and magne-sium carbonates. This value is typical for many
.sandstones.* Therefore, one ton of sandstone, or about 17 cubic feet of the in-situ porous sand-stone, would neutralize the sulfuric acid i.n about 15,000 gallons of tailings solution at a pH of 2.
Thus, ~tan initial seepage rate of 80 gallons per minute through the tailings reservoir walls, approximately 5 cubic yards of sandstone wou_ld effectively neutralize the daily leakage. Under. the unlikely condition that seepage continued undiminished at this rate, and using a reasonable estimate of 500,000 square feet as the area through 1 81~~1 AVAIUBU~ tOPf
which seepage would occur (this seepage area is I equivalent to that of a reservoir with a perimeter of 10,000 feet with seepa~e into a sandstone wall I 50 feet high), the acid content of the seepage I over the entire life of the project would be depleted by the first 18 inches of sandstone pene- I trated by the seepage. I
- 2. Sorption of Heavy Metals Heavy metals are particularly susceptible to I
adsorption by (ion-exchange with) natural clay minerals found in sandstones. Highland sandstones I typically contain from 2% to 8% clay minerals with I an estimated average value of 4%. Montmorillonite is the most abundant clay mineral, followed by I kaolinite. The adsorptive capacity of montmorillo-nite clay is about 100 meq/100 grams clay 2 or I l meq/gram. The replacing power of an ion increases I with increased valence and with increasing atomic number for ions of the same valence; therefore, I radium ions (atomic number 88) will replace calcium ions (atomic number 20) or sodium ions (atomic I number 11). Assuming that one-half of the 4% clay I minerals is montmorillonite, there are 40 pounds I 2a. E. Grim, Cla{ Mineralogy, McGraw Hill Book co., New York, NY, (1953), pp. 26-159. I BEST 1'\11UIJ\IILE (~OPY I I
or 18,000 grams of montmorillonite per ton 6f ore. This would result in the adsorptive capacity of 18,000 meq or 18 equivalent weights per ton of ore. With an atomic weight ~f*226, the equivalent weight of radium is 113. One ton of ore has therefore the theoretical capability of adsorbing 2,000 grams of radium. Even at a very low extrac-tion efficiency, the soil would therefore provide an effective mechanism for fixing the radium. D. Alternatives to Accumulation of Waste Humble knows of no effective alternative to the accumulation ~f the mill tailings. The method selected by Humble for stabilizing and covering the tailing material appears to be the only satisfactory solution to the problem. The level of gamma radiation and the concentration of radon about the tailing area can be reduced to a safe level by proper 1*eclamation *. 1, JV. TAILING STABILIZATION AND RECLAJIATION I (This section responds to the following comments: AEC #1, 6, 11; EPA p. 5, par. l; SCS #1, 4; Wyoming I Game & Fisb Commission, p. 2 ~ par. 4,) A. Stabilization I
- 1. Slime Accumulations I The Highland tailing deposit will be different from those in the uranium mill tailing ponds that I have been reclaimed to date.
- Only one man-made wall of the basin need be I
reclaimed, I
- Reclamation has already begun although no tailings have yet been placed in the basin--
I the downstream face of the dam has been top- I soiled and reseeded. The grass cover is being established this summer. Tho tops I and downstream faces of the two lifts will be similarly reclaimed as they are constructed. I
- T~e placement of tailings in the basin during I
operatior will be planned to reduce the I difficulty of reclamation. Selective placement of tailings in the basin I will accomplish two goals: I I I I
- Increasing the stability of the basin by storing the coarser mate~ial against the structure during the early life of the basin.
- Decreasing the volume of the slime pond that remains at the end of :*.illing operations by mixing the entire later tailing production into the areas where the slime accumulated during the early life of the basin.
The selective placement of tailings will greatly reduce the volume of slime that would otherwise remain in a single accumulation at the end of the operation.
- 2. Solidification of Tailings As stated in Humble's Environmental Report and Supplement, Hum~le will reclaim all disturbed land I including the tailing basin to a useful condition.
. I However, Humble ls hesitant to commit to a specific procedure to accomplish the reclamation (AEC sug-gested necessity of solidification) because the small amount of effort applied on a worldwide basi~ to tailing basin reclamation has neither exhausted the possible techniques nor arrived at the optimum p1*ocedure. Humble will continue to investigate I reclamatory methods and will use whatever methods I are necessary to restore the tailing basin to a useful condition. I
- 3. Size Problems I The large surface area of the tailing pond will result in the most stable storage basin. Spreading I
the tailing over a larger area results in a lower center of gravity and less depth than could be I obtained with a much more elaborate, and probably I less stable, pyramidal structure. I
- 4. Basin Overflow During Reclamation Hwnble's commitment to contain the tnilings and I produce a surface condition that meets unrestricted area radiation levels requires that reclamation be I
carried out so as not to overflow the basin. Suffi- I cient freeboard will be maintained to permit recla-mation without overflow of tailings from the basin. I
- 5. Wind Blown Dust I Humble anticipates that the tailing basin reclamation will be carried out by stages. As I
soon as a reasonably large area is dry enough to work on with heavy equipment, covering with soil I will begin. If the monitoring program indicates I I I;
*J
a hazardous or obnoxious dust problem is developing, the dried sur-face will be treated as necessary to control the dust. B. Reclaimed Surface Condition
- 1. Radiation and Radon Humble estimates that the gamma radiation level and radon-222 concentration at the reclaimed tailings basin surface formed by adding 2 feet of suitable compacted mine waste and topsoil (see page 19 of Supplement and pages 45 and 46 of Environmental Report) w1i1 be low enough to qualify as an unrestricted area. The AEC found that the radiation level above the reclaimed tailing basin at Monticello was close to the background reading for that area of Utah.
The diffusion of radon 222 in the ground has been reported by Tanner.3 He estimates that "radon-222 will undergo hundred-fold diminution in the short maximum distance of 10.7 cm." His estimate is for water-saturated soil or for soil of comparable diffusional resistance, Thus, each foot of such cover would reduce the radon concen-tration by a factor of one million. The equilibrium 3 Allan D. Tanner, "Radon Migration in the Ground: A Review," The Natural Radiation Environment, The University of Chicago
,rees (1964), p, 112.
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I concentration of 9.5 x 10-4 pCi/ml in tbe tailing I is calculated in Exhibit Ill. One foot of cover would reduce the surface ~oncentration of radon I 10 to 9.5 x 10- µCi/ml, which is 1/3 MPC. The second foot of cover would produce another million-I fold reduction to one 3-millionth MPC at the reclaimed surface. I Although the two feet of cover on the tailing I basin at Highland will not be fully water saturated at all times, the selection of a siltstone-sandstone I mix plus compacting will provide a cover of suffi-ciently low diffusional permeability to keep radon I concentrations well below MPC at the surface, I 2, Vegetation I The downstream facns of the added lifts on the tailings dam will be revegetated as they are I constructed. Humble has not selocted the grass seed mixture that will be used to replant the I covered tailing basin, A balance of two properties I of grasses will be required. The roots must be long enough to stabilize the soil but not so long I that they will penetrate and possibly extract radionuclides from the stored tailing. I Humble will prevent the capillary transport of I acid to the plant root systems by modifying the I 1 I HES'l AV1UIJllltE (~OPY I
depth of cover or perhaps by other means, such a~ mixing sufficient limestone with the initial covering to neutralize acid that might enter the root zone of the vegetation. The soil itself has the ability to neutralize acid seepage as has been noted in section 111-C. C. Fifty-Year Restriction The fifty-year period was selected because it is a more than adequate time period for the tailing problem to be fully studied, any possible radioactivity hazards to be thoroughly investigated and evaluated, and appl'o-priate legislation dealing with the long-term care of tailings to be placed in force. The restriction on use is a undesirable environ-mental impact that cannot be avoided (page 50 of I supplement). I I l I BIT AVJ\IWLE fflPY
I V. lllNE DEWATERJNG I (This section responds to AEC comments 3 and 8; EPA comments on p. l , a.,ar . 3 , and p. !! , pars. l and 2)
- I A. Present Situation and Projections I Experience in dewatering the first open pit at Highland has shown that the initial water influx rate I
of about 900 gallons per minute has declined to about I 600 gallons per minute, and a cone of depression has been developed within the ground water around the pit. I Computer simulations4 of the aquifer and pit mine system at Highland indicate that the rate of water I influx into the mine will continue to decline through- 11 out*the mining period, averaging about 450 gallons per minute for the first five years of operation. I 4The computer program used for the calculation~ ts a general I purpose reservoir simulator developed by Esso Production Research Company for use in studying fluid flow in aquifers, oil reservoirs, and *gas reservoirs. The program is a proprietary one, incorpo-rat.ing the moat recent advances in computing techniques. In general, I it is similar to earlier programs solving the Darcy flow equations and material balances as developed by Esso Production Research. These programs have been reported in the literature: I L. J. Snyder, "Two-Phase Reservoir Flow Calculations," Soc. Pet. J::ngr. Journal, v. 9, 1969, p. 170. I J. H. Pee1*y and E. H. Herron I Jr. , "Three-Phase Reservoir Simulation," J. Pet. Tech., V. 21, 1969 1 p. 211. I J. s. Nolen and D. W. Berry, "Tests of the Stability and Time Step Sensitivity ot Semi-Implicit Reservoi1* Simula-
. tion Techniques," Soc. Pet. Engr. Journal. V. 12, 1972, I
- p. 253.
I I I
Mill water requirements are expucted to b~ about 500 gallons per minute, and a s toragt.' pond has bet~li constructed to retain an inventory ol mine w.it<?r to1* mill usage. Since the mill is not now operatinR,... att.>1* L:i be1n1 pumped from the mine to the mill pond, t1w11 directly to the tailing reservoir. After the mill is operational, the combin'-fd withdrawals f1*om the pond for 111111 usage, by seepage, and by evaJJoration aJ***
expected to exceed the rate of water wjthdrawals from the mine. Wells or recycled tailings water will tht.*11 be u~ed to supplement the mine drainage to provide an adequate water supply for the mi 11. Thul:i I no di--;<"lt;.1 ,*~c of water into the surfa~e drainag6 sy~tum is nnt1~J-I pa tad. llioe drainage will be fully uti l Lt.>u
~,u,d-I stone units outcrop in the stream bed of Box Cr~uk over a ran1e ot about l to 4 mileH east of the m1nin~
I I BEST J\VJ\IJJlBLE COI*Y I
I area. The ~ame sandstone units are continuous for at I least five miles to the northwest, west, and ~outhwest. Calculations at;suming that the aquifer volumt? is I equivalent only to that of a circular aquifer 10,000 feet in 1*adius (the known minimum extent of the Highland I aquifer) show that the total volume of water that will I .be produced by mine dewatering is only a small percent-age of the total water present in the aquifer; i.e., I. Volume of water present in an aquifer of 10,000 ft. radius, conservatively estimated 120 feet in net sand thickness, and a fractional porosity at I 0.3: v1 ~ 1f r2hf6 I v1 *" 1!"(10 4 ) 2 (120)(0.3) - 1.13 x 10 10 cubic feet I Volume ot' water produced, using the previously discussed five-year average value of 450 gallons per minute as the average rate over the life of I the mining operation, and using the maximum mine life of 14 years: r I v2 - (450 gal/min)(S.26 x 10~ minutu8/ year)(l4 years)(0.13 ft. 3 /gal.) I 4.31 x 108 cubic feet I Therefore, the water withdrawn by dewotering, expre~sed as a percentage of.water initially prc~ent within the aquifer is: I I 100 t J 2/yl - (100)(4,Jl 1.13 X X 1010 108 ) 4.31
- 1. lJ X
X lOlO lOlO
= 3
- 8'.I, I
I 1 BES'l AVAILABLE COPY I I
The ef feet of the mine dewatering on the wate1* table in the Highland vicinity is, therefore, very limited. Although the drawdown of the water table at the mine walls is essentially complete, the free water surface in the sands quickly *rises with distance away from the pits, and the computer simulations show that th~ aquifer will remain fully water-saturated at the 10,000-foot radius during the entire mining life. Therefore, mine dewatering will not reduce the supply of subsurface water available to users outside the mining area. The foregoing calculation of aquifer depletion by mine drainage does not consider the effects of natural I aquifer recharge. Pressure measurements in wells in
-the Highland mine area-indicate that the water in the I sandstone formations penetrated by the mine is moving at a rate on the order of 20 to 30 feet per year.
I Movement is a~parently in the updip direction and I causes a few springs to flow intermittently where the mined formations outcrop in the stream bed of Box I Creek. This natural recharge may originate from the Lara111ie Mountains to the southwest or from the Bighorn I Mountains to the northwest. The natural recharge will I reduce the calculated 4% depletion of the aquifer. I I
- BESTAVAIUBLECOPY I
I C. Effect of lining Activity on Water Quality I The effects of mining and mine dewatering on the quality of underground water are expected to be I negligible. Underground water will always be flowing into the mine. and no backflow of water from the mine I into the sands will occur. Therefore, the quality of I the underground water will be unaffected by mining. As previously stated, water collected in the mine will I continue to be pumped to a storage pond for use in the milling operation. The water is collected in ditches I and sumps and not allowed to stand in the area8 where I mining equipment is operating. The d1R80lved solids content and radionuclide content of the water in the I storage pond are determined regularly as part of tho environmental monitoring program. The quality of tho I water Jn the pond is esaentially the same as that ot' I wat.er pumped from wells in the immediate area that arc completed in the sandstones penetrated by tile 111ine. I The residence tim~ for water in the mine is very short. We have not found and do not anticipate significant I deterioration of water quality as a result of the I possible leaching of materials from exposud minin~ surfaces. I As stated previously, no discharge of mine water to the surface drainage system is anticipated. The quality I of the mine water will be routinely monitored, however, I 32
- IIES1' AlrAIIJ\IIJJ! COI*Y
- I I
and under no conditions will water be released to the surface drainage system if it contains dissolved or suspended solids in excess of state water quality standards for discharge or radioactive materialH in excess of the MPC for discharge to unrestricted ai*eas. D. Return of Any Released Water to Ground Water In the unlikely event that water is discharged into Box Creek bed. it will soak into the ground as it flows toward the east. -Because of the decrease in surface elevation to the east of the Highland site and the n&tural dip of the subsurface formations, both the ore-bearing formations and the underlying formations outcrop in the Box Creek bed over a distance of several I miles east of the mine site. Thus, water flowing in I the stream bed will soak through the alluvium and into the outcropping formations. The outcrops are illus-I tr~ted by Exhibit V, This exhibit is an extension of the cross section through the tailing roservoi1* shown as Figure 2, Exhibit C of the Environmental Report, showing the outcroppings and the beds below the ore-containing sands. Since there will be little, if any, discharge to the Box Creek bed, stream bed erosion as a result of discharge should not be significant. Discharged water would rapidly soak into the stream bed as described 1 Rl~S'l AVAIIA\RLI~ (~OPY
I above. If discharges occur for any reason, stream I bed erosion would be monitored and correctod wherever found by rip-rapping the channel with consolidated I ~andstonc boulders from the mine. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Bl!~T AUIWU mPY I I
VI. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING (This section responds to the following comments: AEC #10, EPA p. 2, pars. 4 and 5 1 p. 5~ par. 2; Jnte1*iol' Department p, 1, pars. 4, .5; Wyoming Garno & Fish Commis-sion, p. 2, par. l.) A. Biota Sampling and Analysis The biota and soil monitoring progJ*am at Highland has consisted of sampling and analyHiR of soil and vegetation to determine uranium cont<:!nt as dc..H;cribc.'d in the Envir*onmen ta 1 Repo1* t. Pre!rnrved soil samples from 1969 and 1971 surveys are now being analyzud for 2 30 Ra 26, Th2 ,*an~ Pb 210
- The biota Hampling pro~ram will be expanded to incorporate th~ HUKg~stionH mad~
by the AEC and the EPA. The anticipntud program will include spring and fall sampling of soils and of plant apccie8 grazed by the large indi~cnouH animal specie~. The long winter dormancy period in the Hiu-hlnnd aJ*oa makos ~ampling of vc"etotion betweun the mon t)u; 01* October and Ap1*1l redundant. Samples of' thu soils and veteelntion will be analyzed for u, Th2:JO' Ra226 1 nnd Pb210. Tho spring and l'o 11 sampl in~ Will t..JU t j llUC! until any seasonal variation pattern in radionucljde content of the samples is determined, Subsequent samplinK will then be done annually. Samplin~ ~ites will includ~ ar~a8 pt*edominantly downwind of ttw mine Bl~~T AVM~mu~ [OPY
I and mill where maximum deposition of airborne radio- I active materials would be expected. Although discharge of mine water into the Box Crf!ek bed is not anticipated, I soil samples from the Box Creek bed will be taken to detect any buildup of radioactive or toxic materials if I water discharge sh()uld occur. This sampling would I detect buildup from solution released from ei thcr the tailing dam or from the mill pond which holds mine I water. Premining base-line soil samples from Box Creek were taken in 1969 and 1971. Vegetation from reclaimed I mine waste areas and reclaimed tailings disposal areas I will be included in the program to detect possible uptake of radionuclides from the wastes by pl ant 1*ootH. I Analyses of the body burdens of uranium and Ra226 in rodents captured in the mine/mill area will be I performed each spring and fall to detect any buildup I of radlonuclides in the food chain. B. Biota Inventorr_ I The 1*eport "A Brief Inventory of the Wildlife I Resources in the Highland Flats Area of Converse County prepared by the Casper District of the Wyoming Game and I Fish.Commission is an excellent summary of the present s~atus of wildlife in the area around the Highland mine I and mill. A summary of this report could be included I in the final statement prepared by the AEC. Humble has I I I
requested additional comments by lht.* Wyomin~ Grime' anil Fish Commissioner on the suitability or the invento1*y as a base-line study. C. Noise The noise which will be evident off sit~ will include noticeable but faint sounds of mining equip-ment. When the few calcified layers in the pit that resist ripping are encountered, blasting is required. This sound can be heard at the property line. Engines driving mining and milling equipment are muffled to moet noise level regulations, The hammer mill, screens, and rod mill may produce noise dis-cernible on the site near the mill building, but not I noticeable off site, Other equipment produces no noise approaching limits sp~cifted jn any applicable I regulation. I Noise le~ol~ are now being regularly measured in the mining areas and near mining equipment, and noistt I dosimeters are being used to evaluate exposures of equipment ope1*ators. Noise levels in the mi 11 wi 11 I be similarly surveyed at regular intervals after I milling operations begin. 1 lll~S'l 11V1IIIJUIIJ~ (~OPY
I VI I. GENERAL I (This section responds to the following comments: AEC #13, EPA p. 5, pars. 3 and 4; SCS #2, 6; Interior I
- p. 2, par. 2; Wyoming Game & Fish CommiRsion, p. 1, par, 2; Advisory Council, Historic Preservation.)
I A. Waste Disposal I All of the mill site construction waste is being 1.I buried under mine waste as it is produced, Trash produced during operation of the mine and I mill will also be buried in a mine waste dump. No incineration of waste will be permitted except !or a I small amount of proprietary papers and maps. They will be incinerated .in coriformance with appropriate regula-I tions. Disposal of sludge from the sanitary sewer I sy6tem will be in conformance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. I B. Historic and Archeolog1cal Finds I
. The state historic preservation officer has indicated that the operation will not affect recognized I
historical sites, I Any historic or archeological finds will be protected and the appropriate state office notified. I C.
- Future of Sheep Ranching I Humble is in no position to determine whether or not sheep ranching will continue as n main use of the I I
I
land in the future. The present use of comparable land in the area is for sheep ranching, and Humbl~ will restore the land so that it will be at least as useful for sheep ranching as it was before mining began. D. Purpose of Fence The purpose ot the site fence is to keep people from frequenting the site. No part of the site is imme~iately hazardous to life, and common industrial accidents are of significantly greater concern than a1*e possible radiation exposures. The fence, neve1*- theless, serves as a reminder that there are potential radiation hazards at the site. The only potentially adverse effects of radiati~n o~ animals that can presently be foreseen would occur if radionuclides were to become concentrated through the food chain. The food chain in the area is quite short, and the probability of buildup of radionuclides is extremely low. The sampling program to detect any buildup in the food chain has been described. E. Rare or Endangered Species The biota inventory prepared by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commis.sion supports the SCS statement that the ferruginoua hawk and the peregrine falcon may be BE~T AVMIAHtE tOPY
I found in the Highland ~rea. We have received no I reports of sightings of the trumpeter swan in the area. We believe that the Highland mine and mill I will not have any significant adverse effects on these birds or other biota in the area. The vastness I of the open land a1*ea in eastern Wyoming that is very I much like the Highland area renders insignificant the effect of the temporary removal of the mine and mill I site from forage access by animal species, whether they are classified as rare or not. I F, Migratory Waterfowl I While the water in the tailing pond may te.nd to I attract migrating waterfo~l, it is unlikely that waterfowl would remain on the pond surface. There I are three reasons for this belief: (1) There would be no food in or near the pond. (2) The water will I be sour tasting--about like vinegar or lemon juice. I (3) Fresh water will be available to the birds in the mill water pond. I It is extremely doubtful that any short stay on t.he tailing pond could be harmful to the birds. The I direct radiation level is low, and they would not I drink enough of the water to ingest any significant quantity of radionuclides. I I D1~S1 ill7ill)J\HLI~ (~01,y 1 I I
However, should our beliefs be in error and the tailing pond attracts migratory. waterfowl or any other animals, Humble will request the assistance of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission in developing tech-niques to assure that these birds or other animals are not adversely affected, EXHIBIT I RESERVOIR FILLING CALCULATION Assumptions: Runoff Area - 2,500 acres (measured) Precipitation - 12 inches/year Runoff - 50% of precipitation Solids Content of Runoff - l.91J solids by volume (51 by weight) Solids Content for Deposition - 68% solids by volume (85% by weight} Calculation of Reservoir Life: 2,500 acres x 43,560 ft,2 x 1 ft. B2o(rain) x o.5 ft. runoff x
~ ye~r ft. H20(rain) 3 3 3 3 1,0191 ft. slurrv'- X 0.0191 ft. solids 1 X ----
yds. _ 39 , 250 yds. solids fi.3 runoff ft.J slurry 27 ft. 3 year yds. 3 solids 39,250 --~~------~ year X 1 yds. deposit
.68 yds. 3 solids - 57 , 700 yds.3 deposit year 20,000,000 yds,3 57,700 yds.
3 - 347 years tr. Calculation of Sheet Erosion of Watershed: 3 20 t 000, 000 yds. 3 X 27 ft* X 1 , x 1 acre ,:: yd.3 ~.soo acres 43,560 ft.2
- 4. 96 or 5 ft.
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EXHIBIT III (REVISED EXHIBIT I, APPLICANT'S ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT) Dosage of Radiation From Radon Released by the Tailing Pond Part L Release of Radon From Pond Surface Asswnptions
- 1. All of the radon diffusing through the boundary between the deposited solids and the clear super-natant water is liberated to the ait. This assumes perfect mixing and no transport delay in th* water.
- 2. All of the deposited tailing material is sub-merged in water. *
- 3. The tailing material at this upper location is at 82~ solids by weight or 63% solids by voJume (37% voids). The density of the tailing is therefore 2.031 ...&.*
ml
- 4. Radon in the tailings is that which would be in secular equilibrium with 0.2% U30s ore even though the U30e has been removed.
- 5. The relative abundance of radon-222 at secular equilibrium is 2.17 parts per trillion parts of natural uranium.
- 6. The specific activity of radon-222 is 1.54 x 10 11 P;,Ci.
gRn
- 7. The diffusivity of radoo-222 in a continuous water medium(l) is 1.13 x 10-5 em2.
!ec (l)"Radon Migration in the Ground," by Allan 8. Tanner, The Natural Radiation Environment, edited by Adams & Lowder, Ri~
University (1964) p. 116.
I Exhibit Ill Page 2 I
- 8. The diffusion of radon can be described as follows<2): I I
Where: I J ~ diffusion in units of weight or radioactivity per (time unit x area). I D = effective diffusion coefficient based on total crosg seition ar~a of porous media~ 1.13 X 10- Cm X .37, Sec I C0 a equilibrium concentration of radon(>>;;) in I secular equilibrium with 0.2% U30a ore at conditions above= 2,031 g slurr1 x .82 ml slurry I g solids x .002 g U308 x .85 g U x g slurry g solids g U30s I: 2.17 X 10-l 2 !..!!!. X 1.54 X loll pCi = 9.46 X 10-4
~.
- ml g U g Rn I
")...
- decay constant .., O. 692 .,
2.1 x 10-6 Sec-I, T 1/2
. 692 3.8229 X 24 X 60 X 60 I L = distance tailing.
from interface into the deposited I Calculations At L -= 0 I Jo*' -DCo ' ~ = -4 .18 x 10-6 ~:! x 9. 46 x 10-4 pmcl x I (2l"Measureme;;its of the Effects of Atmosphere Variables or I Radon-222 Flux and Soil-Gas Concentrations" by H. W. Kraner, et al, The Natural Radiation Environment, edited by Adams & Lowder, Rice University (1964) pp. 209-210. I I I
Exhibit Ill BEST AVAIWU lltPY Page 3
- 2. 1 x 10- Sec- = -16. 99 x 10-10 ,uCi Cm
- 4. 18 x 10-6 Cm2) Cm3 Se<*
.37 Sec
-- *16.99 X 10-lO ~Ci : -16.99 X 10-6 .uCi
'Cm Sec m2 Sec Total radon generation from tailing pond -
16.99x 10-6 .uCi x (710m)2 =- 8.561!£!_ m2 Sec Sec The negative sign means that the diffusion pro-ceeds in the opposite direction of the measurement of L. Part 2. Calculation of Dosage at Nearest Boundary of Restricted Area Downwind From Tailings Basin The tailings basin is located relatively close to the restricted area boundary. The center of the tailings storage area is about 840 meters south-southwest of the nearest boundary of the restricted are~. Since the tailing storage area will average about 125 acres during the pr~Ject life, it must be considered as an area source in*order to estimate concentrations of radon-222 at relatively short distances downwind, Since there is presently no rigorous method of
. calculating annual average atmosphere concentrations of a material emitted from an area source when the distance between the source and the receptor is not substantially greater than the crosswind dimension of the area source, three methods of approximating the concentrations of radon-222 and the resulting exposures for 1001, occupancy at the restricted area boundary nearest the tailings reservoir are presented here.
Method A - Description This method, recommended as a useful approximation technique by the AEC's meteorological consultant in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, results in estimates for downwind concentrations that would be observed over a 10-minute observation interval. Because the method does not account for the wind meander over long time periods, average concentrations over longer measuring periods will usually be significantly lower. This phenoaenoo is discussed in reference 3, page 38.
I Exhibit I I I Page 4 Bl~~T AVAl~lBLE COPY I In the method, the area source is considered to I be composed of n point sources distribute~ evenly over the area of the actual source, each emitting at a rate 1/n times the total emission rate. The concentration of radon-~22 at the receptor location is found by I summing the downwind concentrations that are calculated to result from each of the point sources. I Method A - Asswnptions I
- 1. The tailings reservoir is square, 710 meters on a 2.
side. Nine point sources located as shown in Figure l I 3. adequately represent the area source. Average atmospheric stability (stability class "D") I represents average conditions.
- 4. The concentration of radon-222 at the receptor I
resulting from discharges from each point source is given by
-.J ... 10-6 Q I
,-_ (Equation 3.4, page 6, ref. 3) where:
ll'oyozU I t Radon-222 concentration at the receptor, ~i Q Emission rate, S
~1 ec I
oy = Horizontal dispersion coefficient, meters oz Vertical dispersion coefficient, meters I U
- Wind velocity, meters/second I
- 5. Since the sources the receptor, the are generally south-southwest of annual average wind velocity of I 7.2 meters/second when the wind is from the south-southwest applies tion frequency of for all sources, and wind direc-5.5% also applies. (Average I 9,,workbook of Atmospheric Dispersion Estimates," Public Health Service Publication No. 999-AP-26 (1969), equation 3.4, p. 6.
I I I
Page 5 velocities and frequencies from U.S. Weather Bureau Publication "Climatography nf the United States No. 82-48° tor Casper, Wyo,u.J.ng.)
- 6. Emission rate from each point source is 1/9 of the total emission rate calculated in Part 1, i.e.,
Q a 8.56 ~Ci x _!_ ~ 0.95 ~ Sec 9 Sec
- 7. MPC for radon*222 is 3 x 10-9 J!Ci. Continuous ml exposure at this level results in a dose of 1,500 millirems per year to the lungs, Method A - Calculations Source-Receptor 1.
Distance "y oz (1im1Ci " 10 -11) (Meters) 2 Source No. l
- (Meters) 700 1,150 3.6 2 580 860 4.9 3 520 710 !'j. 9 4 870 1,650 2.6 5 810 1,500 2.8 6 760 1,350 3.1 7 1,100 2,500 1. 7 8 1,040 2,300 1.8 9 1,020 2,200 1.9 Ex= 28.3 x 10- 11 pCi ml Avera_ge concentration ""
~ (28.3 x 10-ll es!) (Wind Direction Frequency) ml
* (28.3 X 10-ll)(,055)
= 1.56 x 10-ll 8Ci ml Exposu*'e at receptor =
_ Ci) (1,500 rillirems)
= ( 1.56 x 10 11 ~
ml 3 x 10
-9 pCi m1 Bl~~'f AfAltABtI {~OPY m 7.8 millirems/7ear
EXHIBIT III 11 l FIGURE l - REPRESENTATION OF AREA SOURCE I I
- RESTRICTED AREA BOUNDARY I
ae:u SEC21 I RECEPTOR CN1ar11t loulldarr} r
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- AREA SOURCE I
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I I I B~T AVM~UILI~ tOPY I I I
Exhibit JII Pa1e 8 Method B, - Description In this method explained on page 40 of reference 3, the area source is treated as a single source having an initial horizontal standard deviation of ayo 2 S , n where Sis the length of a *ide of the square area source. A virtual source is then located at a distance of X that will yield this standard deviation, and the equat1oi for a point source is applied to determine concentrations at downwind receptors. As witb Method A, the calculation is intended for use in estimating concentrations over short time periods and may.yield concentrations signi-cantly higher than the annual averages. Method B - Assumptions Assumptions 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 from Method A apply. Also:
- 1. Distance from center of area source to nearest boundary of restricted area* 840 meters.
- 2. Q ~ 8.66 pCi (trom Part 1)
Sec Method 8 is the method which was used in the Applicant's Environmental Report, Exhibit I. Howt\ver, . the original calculation contained several errors, including the estimate of wind speed and frequency. The nearest boundary of the restricted area is approxi-mately north-northeast of the average center of the tailings area over the project life. The original calculations assumed that the nearest boundary was northeast of the tailings area center.* The effect of this change reduces the calculated exposure by a factor of about 4 due to-the lower wind frequency. Method B - Calculations Estimate of virtual source distance from pond: ayo * ~
- 165 meters 4.3 From Figure 3~2, reference 3, Xy = 2,600 meters 1
BES1 AVAIIABLE (~01,Y
Exhibit Ill Pa1e 7 I Since X ~ 840 meters, X + Xy D 3,440 meters I at 3,440 meters, at 840 meters, ay
- 215 meters (Fig, 3-2, Ref. 3) 0 z
- 28 meters (fig 3-3, Ref. 3)
I X* 10-6 Q"' 8.56 JC 10
-6
.,., 6.29 X !0-.11 I£!.
I wnyazU (1r)(215)(28)(7.2) ml Average radon-222 concentration~ I
~ (6.29 x 10-11 )(Wind Direction Frequency)
~ (6.29 X 10-ll)(0.055)
I
~ 3.45 X 10*12 f£!
ml I; Exposure at receptor* I
. (a. 46 x 10 -12 ~m)i) ( l, 500 3 X millirems) 10 ..g l!£!_
I ml
~ 1.73 millirems/year I
M~thod C - Desc!iption I In this method the annual average concentration calculation for point sources is used (Exhibit II, Figure 1), using as the distance between source and I receptor the-virtual source distance, X + Xy = 3,440 meters, as determined in Method B; and the ~ertical dispersion coefficient is read from Figure 3-3 Rt tho I true distance, 840 meters, between source and recepto1* *. This method results in a reasonable sector width for the annual average without introducing any artificial I vertical dispersion into the calculation. Method C - Assumptions I Assumptions 1, 3, 5, and 7 from Method A apply, as do the additional assumptions made for Method B. I I 1 IIES'l AVAIIJ\lltE (~OPY I
Exhibit III Page 8 Method C - Calculations Since H ~ O, the equation reduces to: Substituting,
~ ~ J_
1(.01)(5.5)(8.56)(16)] (28)(7.2)(2 )(3,440) 110-6] where 0 z - 28 meters and X c 3,440 meters
~ 1.38 x 10-12 pCi ml Annual Average Exposure~
_ (1 , 38 x 10-12 pCi) (1,500 millirems) ml 3 x 10-9 pCi ml
; 0.69 millirems/year Conclusions The use of three methods of approximating the exposure of an individual occupying a location at the boundary of the restricted area nearest the tailing reservoir gives results ranging from 0.69 to 7.8 millirems per year. The highest value resulted from the calculation method recommended by AEC's meteorological consultant. This value is probably higher than the true average value, since the calcu-lation inherently assumes that the emissions from all BEST A\1AIIABLE COPY
Exhibit Ill I Pa1e 9 the point soul'ces used to 1dmuJ.ate tho area sou1*co I are additive at a point receptor location. Further, it is recognized that the equation used is designed for the estimation of short-term concentration averages I and that annual averages would likely be lower than those calculated. Method Buses a method described by the 1969 Public I; Health Service publication 1'Workbook of Atmospheric Dispersion Estimateett for estimating concentrations downwind from area sources over short time intervalH, I Method B probably overestimates annual average concen-trations because of the effect of wind meander. Method C, which uses the same assumptions as I Method B, replaces the short-term observation equation with the annual average equation that accounts for normal wind meander. In this case, the radon emanating I from the tailings area is distributed over a reasonable sector width of 2ff(X + Xy). 2w(3,440) =*t 350 n 16 t me ers, I at the receptor distance of 840 meters. The calculation averages the concentration of radon at the receptor location over this reasonable sector width and, therefore, I probably results in .the most reason.able estimate of the annual average concentration. In summary, we believe that calculation Method C I yields the most realistic estimate of annual average dosage from radon*222 emanating from the tailings reservoir for 100% occupancy at a location at the I restricted area boundary nearest the tailings area. It should be pointed out that the point on the I, restricted area boundary nearest the tailings reservoir is not the point of maximum potential unrestricted aren exposure. Check calculations by all three methods indicate that exposures at the boundary northeast of I the tailings reservoir, because of tho higher wind direction frequency in that sector, would average 3 to 4 times the exposure at the nearest unrestricted area I receptor location, as calculated in the exhibit. In any event, the calculations show that the maximum potential unrestricted area exposure to radon-222 from I tailings is low--probably less than 5 millirems per year, I I I
DAM*S 8 MOORI! 111NUW.Slll.L
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- I-fl' I "'f ,, *Au A4 ,~ (tt*".... i August 10, 19 72 EXHIBIT IV Humbll' 011 and Re!Jning Company Min~rals D~partmcnt P. o. Box 2l80 Huus Lem I Texas 77001 Attention: Mr. Edwin Koll!;scau Gl.!nt li.!mcn:
Cons u 1t a t ion I/ Tailings Disposal System Highlaod Uranium Mine Converse C,}tcnty, Wyoming For Humbl~ Oil and Refining Company
- I fNTR.ODUCTION I As requcs ted by Mr. Rou11seau ,,£ this letter provides additional data on the nubjoct tailings disposal system, SpecUlcal ly, the folluwlng three areas art? discussed:
Humble Oil and Refln ing Company 1 I 1. Seepage front tailings reservoir bas in.
- 2. Design criteria for the ultimate tailings dam section~
- 3. Structural monitoring of the tailings embankments.
BACKGROUND JNFORMATION Prior to this letter we have completed several engineering studies on the subject tailings disposal system. l'hl'sc stud_ies include the design of the existing talll.ngs dam embankment, as well as the ultimate embankments, on-site inspection during th,: construction of the existing embankment, detailed slope stability studies subsequent to the construction o( the embankment Ln which the "as-built soil parameters wer<! utilized, and a detailed study of anticipated evaporation losses fram the tailings reservoir. 1'hc data and information obtained from these studies is swnmarized in the following reports and letter:
- l. "R~port o! Tailings D4m Study, Highland Uranium Mine, Near Casper, Wyoming, For Humble Oil and Refining Company, 11 dated October 28, 1970.
BEST 1\\r1UIABLE (~OPY
Humble Oil and R~fining Company I August 10 1 1972 Page *2-11 I
- 2. Report o! Earthwork Inspection, Tailings Dam, Highland Uranium Mine, Conver1e County, Wyomlng, For Humble Oil and Refining Company," dated November ll 1 1970. I
- 3. "!;,*tailed Upstream Slope Stability Analysis, Tailings Dam, Highland Ur.alum Mine, Near Casf)l!r, Wyomlng, For Humble Oil and Refining Company 1 " dated February 8, 1971.
I
- 4. "Consultation, Evaporation Losses I Proposed Tailingi,;
Reservoir, Highland U~anlum Hine, Converse County, I Wyoming, 0 dated April 29, 1971. With the e~ceptf.on of report No. 3, wt-tch was submitted to Mr.- James C. Malaro of the United State& Atomic Ene1JJY C0111Dission 1 Washington, I D. C,, all of the above were submitted to Mr. Ru1sell E. CStDpbell of Humble Oil and Refining Company, Casper, Wyoming.* I DISCUSSI<lfS AND CONCLUSIO~S Gt.'NERAL: I Except for structural lllOnitoring of the tailings dam embankments, the subject areas of this letter have been discussed in one or more of the previously mentioned reports and letter, In preparing thls letter we have I reviewed our previous studies and, if necessary, made modifications to these studies such that they could be presented in greater detail in this letter. I SEEPAGE FROM TAILINGS RESERVOIR BASIN: Theory. 'lbe basic equation which formulates the quantity of seepage with permeability le the Darcy equation. This equation in its most basic I form ls: Q* k i A I where: Q :;; discharge in a given unit of time k
- coefficient of permeability for the foundation, i.e., dis-I charge rate through a unit area at unit hydrauHc gradient l . hydraulic gradient. h
- difference in head L length of flow path I A* gross area of foundation through which flow takes place.
Whenutlli.zing this seepage equation or ones derlv~d from it. it is I necessary to appreciate ~he limitat(ons of the values obtained from this formula. flle following quote from the book "Design of Small Dams," written I I I
RUllble OU ar.d Refining Coapany August 10, 1972 Page -l* by the United State, Bureau of Reclamation, 1a pertinent to thi1 1ubJect:
nle accuracy of the ..ount of under**eepage as determined by the Oarcv fol'IIUJ.a depend, on the homogeneity of the
!oundatlon and the accuracy vlth which the coefficient of per11eabllity i1 detennined, The re1ult1 ahould be con-aidered ** an lndlcatlon only of the order of magnitude of seepase in evaluation of water 1011 from a project use v lewpolnt."
Desisn Data. Value, u1ed ln the Darcy equation on the Highland Uranl1111 Hine tailings dl1po1al 1ystea1 were deterralned as follows:
...L The coefficient permeability for the bedrock waa determined by a aeries of field percolation tests utilizing Packer testlns equipment in a three*lnch hole. fl\~ results of these field percolation te1t1 indicated that the bedrock at the dte ha1 I permeability coefftd.ent, k, ranging from Oto 7SOO feet per year. 11,e O feet per year reading ls indicative of the silty ind 1halely areas, while the I high value h indicative only of the highly fractured sandstone layer,, ln formations such as the sandstone at the site, the averaae penneability of the formation is I ~onsiderably less than the penneablllty of occasional fractured layers. The reason for thio is that water h unable to flow a1 freely into the permeable zones as I these zones are capable of transmitting water. Therefore, the o.verall permeabU ity of the fonution is generally controlled by the per111abllity of the leis permeable
*zones. Por thi1 reason we utilized a coefficient of per-I meability of SOO feet per year for the on-site sandstone, This value roughly corre1ponds to the lower values obtained from the field percolation tests ln. sandy zone. The I coefficient of p~r:meability for silty and shalely areas was chosen** zero, 1ince seepage through these areas will be lmpercept lb le.
I JL. In our study, "b" corresponds to the difference in eleva* tion of the water at the point where it enters the permeable medi111 to wn~re it exits the permeable medium. The value of "h" vas conddered to be the elevation difference between the maximum water level in the reservoir and the approximate top surface elevation of the tailings dam shale which underlie* the entire subject area. The tailing* dam shale is fJnpenneable and no seepage will flow out the "bottom" of the reservoir and will essentially elimi-nate the po11ibility of contamination of deeper aquifers.
Humble Otl and Refining Company I August 10, 1972 Page *4*
...!:... "L" is the seepage path dietanct! through the porous medium.
I Because of the tailings which will build up on the face of the embankment, the minimum seepage path distance is approximately 1000 feet and is located in the vicinity of I the sandstone abutments of the da111. The seepage path is greater than 4000 fe~t and ls located ln the upper reaches of the reservoir. In our studies, tailings are considered I to be permeable materials with the same characteristics _L 18 sandstone. The cross-sectional area through which the seepage vUl flow
*I is determined by estimating the proportion of ,;hale and
~andstone materials above the tailings dam shale and adjacent to the walls of the .reservoir and calculating the approximate I
cross*sectional area of the reservoir basin. Shale areas are not considered as part of the cross*sectional area because th~se areas have negligible permeability. A subsurface-section I through the existing dam showin1 the approximate distribution of sandstone and *hale is presented on Plate l, Subsurface Section. I Conclusions, Based on the above theory and data, we have ca lculat~d that the maximum seepage rate out of the* reservoir basin will b(! 100 gallons per minute or less. Approximately one*half of this quantity will flow I towards the pit located south of the reservoir basin, and the other one-half wi 11. flow through the abutment, of the dam. I With time, it is our opinion that this seepage rate will diminish. In fact, it is doubtful that the seepage rate will ever reach 100 gallons per minute. This la because the fine fractions of the tailings deposited in the reservoir basin have a tendency to "seal" the sandstone strata through I which the seepage will occur. This *isealin_g" effect occurs as the silt~sized particles are washed into the formation where they are trapped in the inter* stitial space between the sandstone grains. As these interstitial spaces I are filled, the permeability of .the sandstone formation is greatly reduced. This reduction in penneability may be one to two orders of magnitude or more, I We would assume that by the time the reservoir is filled to its design elevation, much of the sandstone wUl be greatly reduced in per-meability, The effective permeability of 500 feet per year which was utilized in our calculations could well be in the range of 5 to 50 feet per I year. As the Darcy equation indicates, a reduction in the permeability would cause a proportional reduction in the quantity of seepage. I The scope of work which was completed during the field portion of our investigation approximately two years ago did not include a study of the subsurface conditions at elevations greater than 5200 feet, ~hich is I BEST AVAl~\BtE COPY I I
Humble Oil and Refining Company August 10 1 1972 Page *5* the top of the existing embankment. Therefore, we do not have direct field permeability data for the materials which vlll be exposed to seepage when the ultimate dam height is reached. However, it is our opin:l.on that these upper materials will have essentially the same permeability characteristic* aa the materials already investigated. Also 1 these upper materials will tend to 11 &eal" as previously described. 'nler~fore, the total seepage out of the reservoir basin should diminish with time in spite of the increased area subject to seepage and increased h~ad. It is our opinion that the 1eepage tn the amount calculated and distrlbuted over tbe large surface area involved will evaporate as it ton* tacts the free air surface. For this reason, we do not believe that a catch basin to collect and return seepage effluent from the re~ervoir will be necessary. DESIGN CRITERIA-ULTIMATE DAM S!CTI~: Description of Sectlon, As shown on Plate 2, Slope Stability Data, the ultlmate dam section will consist of two, 25-foot-high embank-ments constructed on top of the tailings t.lhich will be deposited behind the existing embankment arad. the first additional embankment. These two embankments will have an overall slope of three horizontal to one vertical. The individual slopes on these embankments vill be two horizontal to one vertical and the crest width will be 25 feet. Stability Analyses. We have perfol'med computer stability analyses utilhing the Felle,nlus Method of Slices to compute the factor of safety for the ultimate embankment,. The location of the critical circle and the minimum factors of safety for the downstream and upstream slopes of the ultimate embankments are shown on Plate 2. 'nle factor of safety values are given for a stationery condition and for a moderate earthquake load equal to O.OS times the gravity load. The results of the computer stability analyses indicate that the critical circle does not pass through the existing embankment. the reason beins that the factor of safety for circles passing through the existing embankment is greater than the factor of safety for the circles indicated on Plate 2. As Plate 2 shows, the most critical circle for the upstream and downstream cases passes largely through the tailings which are the "weakest" materials in !:he embankment system. For our stability studies, the water level which i.s shown on* Plate 2 was utilized. We feel that this water level ls an estimute of the worst water level condition which could occur. If the tailings discharge system is properly controlled, the free water surface in the reservoir will be approximately 500 feet from the crest of the dam. However, for purposes of design, the water is assumed to be at the crest of the daro which si.mu~ late1 the most unfavorable condition with respect to stability.
I Humble OU and Refining Company August 10, 1972 Page I Seepage. As stated in the prevlous paragraph, the free water surface ln the reservoir should be approximately 500 feet behind the crest o( the dam during operation~ With the free water surface this I far from the crest, the water level within the reservoir should be lower than shown on Plate 2, In fact, the water level may never encounter the ultimate embankments except at the point where the first additional I e~banlanent contacts the exieting emhanlanent surface. We anticipate. that if any seepage occurs, it will occur at or near this point. This seepage, if it does occur, should be so small that it will evaporate as it contacts I the free air surface on the downstream side of the embankment. Alternate Construction Material!.:. Based on our stabllity studies, it ie our opinion that either compacted tailings or compacted I mine sandstone may be utilized to construct the ultimate embankments. Our stability studies were performed with soil parameters based on utili.z'lng tailings, 'lllc factors of safety indicated on Plate 2 would have been grea-I ter if these same computations had been performed utilizing aoil parameters which correspond to compacted mine sandstone. Soil paramet£!rs for compacted mine tailings are ~hown on the existing embankment section of Plate 2. As I can be seen I these parameters are signif lcantly greater than the parameters for compacted tailings. 'J'.herefore, the decision as to which should be utilized may be based on economic factors and whichever material is easiest to work with and most available at the time when the.ultimate construction I takes place.
£_lay Core. It is our opinion that it is not necessary to extend I
. the clay core through the ultimate embankment sect ions. TI1is 18 based on two factors, The first factor is that the quantity of seepage, if any, will be so small that whatever seepage occurs will evaporate as soon as it I contacts the air and, second, the flow path of the water from the pond would tend to be toward the sandstone walls of the pond and .not toward the dam. STRUCTURAL MONITORING OF DAM: I Existing Embankment. With the exception of the clay corc1 the existing embankment is composed of essentially granular materials .. These I granular materials consolidate rapidly and are not anticipated to undergo detectable movement during the life of the tailings disposal system. I Our engineering studies performed prior to the construction of the embankment indicated that approximately 50 percent of the ultimata settlement of the clay core would occur within 120 days after construction and that 90 percent of the ultimate settlement of the clay core would occur I within one and one-half years following construction. Approximately two years have passed since the dam was constructed. Therefore, little, if any,
-)
I I I
Humble Oil and Relining Company August 10, 1972 Page -7* additional settlement will occur and monitoring movement pf the existing embankaent would not be practical. ULTIMATE DAM SECTION: Some consolidation of the uterials from the constructlon of the Urst and t1econd 25-foot additions to the existing dam embankment ls anticipated. However, the rate of consolidation should be rapid and should not affect the stability. We do not reconaend ~onitoring of this tnovement as long as the free water remains at a considerable distance from the embankment face. Yours very truly, DAMES tis MOORE
/J . /
.~ **:~L Geor~~~nd Cone~~~g' Partner GCT/REV:ab Professional Engineer No. 992 State of Wyoming Attachments:
Plate 1 1 Subaurface Section Plate 2 1 Slope Stability Data IIES'f AVAIIJ\BIJ! COPY
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October 28, 1970 HUlllble Oil and Refining Company 311 E*at "A" Street Ca1per I Wyoming 82601 Attention: Mr. Ru11ell E. Campbell Gentlemen: Six c:opiH of our "Report of Tailings Dam Study, Highland Uranium Mine, Near C11per, Wyoming, For Humble OU and Refining Company," are here .. with submitted. The study wa1 planned in discussions between Mr, Russell £,Campbell of the Humble Oil and Refining CoMpany and Mr. George C. Toland of Dames & Moore's Salt Lake City office. A detailed description of the purpose and 1cope of this 1tudy was presented in our proposal dated July 16 1 1970. Autho-I . rization to perform the atudy was provided by your letter dated July 21, 1910. During the course of the 1tudy 1 our ,cope of work was changed to include pro-viding reco111mendations for increasing the reservoir capacity in the future. Our studies indicate that the proposed site is suitable for the construction of the tailinss dam system. Our studies included evaluations of the soil and geologic conditions at the site, the type of construction mate-rials to be used, volumes of construction materials, water losses, slope sta-bility and settlement. Detailed discussions and reco111111endations regarding the final design and future construction of an ultimate tailings dam are pre-sented in this report. If you have any questions concerning this report, please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours very truly, DM!ES & -~~
~Toland 9706100105 701028 Professional Engineer No. 992 PDR ADOCK 04008102 State of Wyoming C PDR GCT/LJW:ab
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ntreetorate of Llcens!aa IMIBLE on A.14> ;u:r1t1IHG COHPAfit
- LICENSI ISSUANCE Subject to ,our approval, I will lla\HI to th* Humble Oil and leftnt111 Co~pany a source aaterial licea.. aut:hortEtn~ the conduct"'- ur1111i111
*illiq operation* vith the e-,,.n,*1. lliRhl*nd Uraoiua IUll, Ccmnr**
County, Wyamilllh for a period of four (4) 110Dth1. the proposed licenee will ,er.e la an lnterl* capactt1 pr~~ided fo.T under Paragraph A.14 of Appeadla n. 10 en. Part 50, '1\e eul.e..ad Min:l*in*lroa.ental ln'ilW *nu ** the bull for ta,unca of th* propo,ed licaaae. fPRIGINAL SJG~'EI) il"'
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KINI*INVIBONMENTAL REVIEW _Highland Uranium Mill - Hudi le Oil and RefininR Company Colllllission Determination to Grant an Interim License Pureuan t to Paragraph* A.14 of .Appendix D. 10 CPR !)O September 1972
Hunble Oil ad RefininB C09')anv, Houeton, Texas, a wholly-owned auhaidiary of Standard Oil Company (Nev .. ereey) has decided to de"Velop a ui-<<ntu111 mine and mill in Vyoatng. Hulll>le 'e decision to develup the Hipland miniq and milUns operation at the time was based, in part, on AEC forecast* indicating an increased deNOd for uranium during the 1970'11 which would appear to neces*itate a eeveral.. fold increase in such facilitie.e in order to meet the anticipated demand. The Highland opera-tion conatitutee a significant contribution to the :lnduetrial expansion. This operation consists of an open pit uranium mine located in Converse County, Wyoaing, adjacent to which the mill is being constructed. Approxiutely 1,500 acres *1e affected by these activities. The neareet city 18 Caper. Wyoming (40.000 population), 50 miles west-southwest. The towns of Douglae and Glenrock, Wyoming (2,700 and 1,500 population), are located 24 miles southeast and southwest of the site, respectively. The settlement of Orpha, Wyoming (15 residents), is 15 miles south, end Bill, Wyoming (one resident), is 18 lliles northeast, The Voll111an Ranch (two part-time reaide~ts) ia 4 miles west and the Fowler Ranch (two part-time residents) :le 3 mi lee northeast. Prevailing winds are in the direction of the FCJ11ler Ranch and Bill. The uranium ore body to be exploited ie a thin, sinuous deposit lying at a depth of about 100 feet with a cover of sandstone and shale. The applicant states that he owna or controls about l,200 contiguous acree in this area. About half of this will be disturbed by the mining opera-tions. Presently, about 20 million cubic yards of overburden have been removed to expose BOD! 60 acres of c,re-bearing rock. Thie overburden has been deposited nearby, preparatory to res tor1ne the disturbed area at the conclusion of mining activities. Operation *of the mine was begun on July 11, 1972. When 111111 operationu normalize. ore will be produced at the rate of 1,400 ton~ per shift and 10 shifts per week. construction of the ore processing mill being erected nearby was scheduled for completion and startup by Septelli>er 1, 1972. It :ls designed to process 2 .ooo tone of ore per day continuouslv* and to pro-duce nearly s.ooo pounds of U309 per day :ln concentrate form. It will use the conventional acid-leach, solvent-extraction process. The leach residue, amounting to nearly 2.000 tons per day, together with waste solutions in the amount of 2,500 tone per day, 11111 be sent to the tailings pond for permanent retention. Waste reagent chemicals employed will be entirely contained in these was tea. No waste liquids will be discharged into the outside environment. The dam across a natural valley behind which the tailin&B solids and liquids are to be stored vill be nearly 3,300 feet long, 400 feet thick at the bottom, and *20 feet thick at the top. It has a atrengthening core of compacted clay BE~T AVAIIABLE COPY
. and abale 20 feet thick:. at the bottom and 10 feet at the top. The applicant propoees to periodic,aJ.ly raise the dam from an initial height of 85 feet to
- final hei1ht of some 12.S feet above the original ground.
The Department of the A~my. South Pacific Div1aion 9 Corps of Engineers has raised some question concerning the aethode used to raise tailings da11111. The Comlliasion proposes to resolve theae questions with the Corps of Engineers before authorizing the applicant to raise the dam. It ie estimated that the applicant can operate the propoaed mill for two years before the d(UII would have to be raised. The a~plicant's license will be conditioned to prohibit raising of the dam without specific approval from the Coami.ss1on. Virtually all of the proceaa dust generated by the DJ.lling operations will be collected by fan-pOW'ered wet collection systems. The design features of the processing plant relating to the control of effluents have been examined by the staff, and it is concluded that concentrations of radioactive and nonradioactive contaminants of air and water releases to the environment beyond the site boundary are expected to be et acceptable levels. The licensee will conduct a water and air monitoring program to confirm this. Accident possibilities, associ~ted with the operation which could have a significant impact on the environment are rupture of the tailings dam, fire in the solvent-extraction area, and a potential spill of the uranium concentrate product in transport. With regard to a tailings dam failure~ there are several events which could result in overtopping of the dam. Theae have been identified as an erosion of the top of the dam caused by a continuous overfla11 resulting from:
- An equivalent rainfall of two years within a period of approximately one week.
- Failure to uintain the proper minilffl.am freeboard height; e.g.,
either as a result of improperly placing discharge tailings lines, or wave action of the ponded water.
. An earthquake which would dislodge mine overburden which ha&
been stored along the southwest side of the basin and cause it to shake into the basin and displace the fluid in the pond within a short period of time. B~~r AVMIABrn tOPY
The consequence of a daa failure could result in the emptying of the liqUid portio of the p(llld within a few hours with a high percentage of the solids remaining in the tailing* retent1Clll area. The spill would be expected to be confined to the drainage area below the dam. Because of the low levela of radiation invohred, 110 imaediate or lona-term effects , whi_ch are dangerous to the environ*nt can be attributed to
- dam failure.
Should a fire occur in the solvent extraction building, the ef feet of the tire~ the enviroilaent would be expected to be confined to within a fev hundred* feet of the building, Because of the low ~eve ls of radio-active aaterial involved, no environmental problem ie expected.* a transportation accident involving the shipment of the finished product iD)' truck or train may occur. Such an accident may re1111lt in the rupture of one or more of the containers,. However, any material which is spilled from the container will be confined to the immediate area of the accident scene and be easily identified and cleaned up without producing any hazardous ghort-term or long-ter* effects to the environment, Various alternatives have been examined, including not conducting the mining and milL. ng operation at all, locating .the mill at a different . site, and usins a different method of mining. None sufficient to warrant a different course of e.ction were fowid to ex.let, Based on the foregoing considerations, and in light of the evaluation embodied in the Coamdssion'a draft detailecietatement. we conclude that the Hi1hland mining and milling operation can be conducted with a &'111811 environme~t~l impact. With respect to the specific factors that must be considered on a request for an interim licenae pursuaut to paragraph A.14 of Appendix D, 10 CFR Part .SO, the following additional conclullions have been reached.
- 1. Whether redress of any adverse enviraunental im2act from milling
_!Ctivit:ies can rE=aaonably be.. effected should such redress be
- necessary.
No environmental impacts are expected that woulc;. be of . such a magnitude so as to areatly accelerate th.e natural succeeeional ecological processes. However, should any adverse impact occur, redreas could be accomplished within the scope of recl81118tion and restoration procedures recognized in the Co111mission'a Draft Detailed Stateaent. Additionally 1 the applicant baa stated that he would take the necessary atepe to redre** the adverae impacte. 1 BE~1 AVM~UltE COPY
- 2. Whether gperation of the mill during the interim license period would foreclose aubeeguent adoption of *altemativea.
Operations under* the four-aonth license would not affect the design or construction of the mill or result ln any irretrievable comnit* menta of financial reeource1 by the applicant. l, The effect of dela1 in iseuence of an interim license. The effect of a delay in the ieeuance of an interim license would be the loss of jobs for some fifty employees. In addition, a delay would result in a substantial financial loaa to the Company in terms of interest charges on the Conipany 1 s investment and stand-by mainte-
~ance costs of the mine and 11111, In sumary. based on the analysis and conclusions embodied in the Coamialiion's draft detailed atate111ent concernln1 th*e Highland milling operation, and consideration and balancins of those factors apecified in paragraph A.14 of .Appendix D, 10 en 50, it has been deter:mtned that the interim licens~ requested thereunder should be granted.
- The license ao issued wUl be appropriately conditioned and will expire in four months or upcm co111>letion of the NEPA review and the iaiuance of
- regular license whichever comes sooner. The license shall be without prejudice to any subaequent Ucenaing actions which may be taken by the CODIDiaeion regarding environaental especte of the activitiea.
UNtTa> ST ATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION WASHING't'ON C.C 20!"! Date: Decelllber e. 1971 l.OCAI. PURl..lC nur.TJMENT ROOMS f.ndofwd am the following items submitted by Division of ~rateTials Licensing for Humble Oil_ & Refinin.1. Co_!!!P1tn_..y____
- Docket No. 40-8102 - - -
- pursua.,t to arr;\ni~em(*nts m.1tfo wi1 h the !'ubl ic Proceedings Branch, Of.flee <f the Sel*retary, for use by the puhttc:
I I Appl 1ntt fon (Patt "A") i.:onta!nins General and Fionncinl lnfonnation
!-".af(c'ty Analysls RPport. Volumes (Part B") l'OOtaininp. Technic.al I 11f orm:lt 1,m ( ____ PS,\H; =-FSAR)
I I Amendments to Appli c*.1tion and/or Safety Analysis Report 1i Envjronmt!ntal File (Applicant's Environmental Report, AFC's Environmental
~taLumenl, r:Pl'IITH?nts lr0m Feder l, state and loral offklals)
<:nrTL*r;pnnclenr.c> to and from applicant (Excluding Environment-'l and ,\nt !trust)
Ant !trust fj le !-/ Adjudicatory file (Notices of hearina, safety evaluati.un, ACRS report, Initial necjeJon and othvr orderR) /_/ Other Where po5s1bl<!, the mat<'rial should be punched and filed in folders, labeled :in ilClor<fonn.* with the forego1np, cate~or1es.
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Office of the Director of Regulation}}