Tailings Ponds, Reclaim Ponds, and Landfill - Runoff from these facilities
would be routed through a
series of ditches and retention basins before release (Figure 1-16). All
surface water drainage
ditches, culverts and other drainage control structures at the MWDF would
be designed for a
100-year, 24-hour rainfall event. Any excess glacial till or topsoil generated
during construction of
these facilities would be stockpiled and revegetated. Wetland soils removed
during pond excavation
would be used as a topdress for the tailings ponds embankments. Erosion control
measures such as
straw bales, check dams, and filter fences would be used as needed.

Access Road and Railroad Spur - A system of culverts, berms, riprap, filter
fences, straw bales, and
retention basins would control runoff along these corridors. Exposed soil
would be fertilized, seeded,
and mulched. The stream banks at bridge crossings would be protected by riprap
and sheet piling to
limit soil movement into Swamp Creek. Wetland soils removed during construction
and sediment
trapped by control structures would be used as a topdress during revegetation
efforts. Unused topsoil
would be transferred to the soil stockpile adjacent to the mine/mill.

Wastewater Discharge Pipeline - Trench excavation, pipe laying, and backfilling
would be completed
in segments to minimize the amount of open trench. In erosion-prone areas,
filter fences would be
used to contain sediment and revegetation would immediately follow trench
backfilling. Construction
in wetlands would either take place in the winter or lightweight equipment
and swamp mats would be
used during the growing season. The concrete discharge structure at Swamp
Creek would be installed
after the site was graded and riprap installed.

Haul Road and Tailings Transport/Water Return Pipelines - The dividing berm
on the haul road would
control runoff water as well as vehicular traffic. The haul road also would
have a surface water
discharge ditch on the north side of the road. Temporary erosion control
features such as straw bales
and filter fences would be used during construction as needed. The pipeline
route would be
revegetated but kept clear of woody growth to permit vehicular passage for
routine inspections.

Dust Control - Airborne dust, the major air pollutant associated with the
project, would be generated
during construction of the mine/mill and ancillary facilities. Site clearing
and grading, blasting, ore
and waste rock handling, and traffic on unpaved roads would be sources of
dust. A watering truck
would spray water or -chemical stabilizers such as calcium chloride, to suppress
dust from unpaved
roads and construction areas. Trucks carrying waste rock, preproduction ore
or soil materials would
be covered or water sprayed as necessary. The access road and frequently
traveled mill roads would
be paved during the construction phase to minimize dust generation. Cleared
areas without buildings
would be revegetated after final grading to reduce erosion and minimize dust
emissions. The
concrete batch plant at the mine/mill site during the construction phase
would have hoods with fabric
filters to collect dust.

Dust emissions during construction of the tailings ponds would be caused
by till handling, vehicle
travel on unpaved areas, and operation of the liner batch and soil processing
plants. Exposed soil
would be water sprayed, treated with chemical stabilizers, or revegetated
as necessary to suppress
windblown dust. The liner batch plant and soil processing plant would have
dust controls similar to
the concrete batch plant.

                                  CLOSURE AND RECLAMATION

Mine/Mill - Mining activities are expected to end in project year 32. Reclamation
and revegetation
activities at the mine/mill would be aimed at erosion prevention, creating
a pleasing visual effect,
and establishing a self-sustaining, long term plant cover. The proposed final
use for the mine/mill
and tailings ponds is recreation and forestry. Only limited potential exists
for agricultural uses.



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