Please refer to previous POLREP's for backgroud information.
The following actions were taken during the period of record:
Members of Kemron and CMC have began capping the area of the site between the Pad 6 outflow pond and Pad 6. This area has been chosen because of the high risk of contaminated sediment eroding into the creek. Currently the first clay layer is being put down and a rip rap drain is being placed around the base of the hill around the Pad 6 pond to allow for drainage for surface runoff. Gemini Services continue to treat the acid mine drainage from the Brewer and B-6 Pits.
During the reporting period, a pilot test was conducted by members of Kemron to try and improve the operational efficiency of the water treatment system. This pilot test was to see if a change from lime to a caustic additive would have a significant effect on reduction of sludge produced from the water treatment. The conclusions from the pilot test were that the addition of the caustic did very little to decrease the concentrations of the constituents of concern from what the lime additive was already doing. Also during the test, it was observed that there was very poor settling of solids.
A bench scale test was also conducted during the reporting period to evaluate additives in combination with coagulant reagents with the acid mine drainage at the site. This test was conducted in the field lab at the site. Two test were conducted, a lime slurry/flocculant bench scale test and a sodium hydroxide bench scale test. Results of of both tests were that a significant increase in the settling rate of the solids.
The following activities are planned at the site:
-Continue capping the area between the Pad 6 pond and Pad 6.
-Continue treatment of the acid mine drainage from the Brewer and B-6 pits.
-Continue to coordinate with EPA Region 4 North Site Management Branch on future remedial activities at the site.
Rain at the site will continue to pose a threat of erosion until the capping of the Pad 6 area is complete and erosion control grasses are in place.
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