COMMON
QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS
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Volume 5, Number 1 (April 2000)
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Q: |
Is the water level in the Pit
rising according to predictions? |
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A: |
Yes. The most recent evaluation
of monitoring data confirms previous predictions that it will
be approximately 2021 when water levels will approach the critical
level of 5,410' above sea level. Also, data indicate that the
water level at the Anselmo shaft is still the highest which means
it will be the monitoring point that triggers action to design
and build the water treatment facility. As shown on the timeline
(see bottom of pages 2&3), design work must begin eight years
before the water in any of the wells or shafts is expected to
reach 5,410' and the treatment plant must be ready to operate
four years ahead of time. This timeline is reviewed and evaluated
every year and updated as needed.
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Q: |
What is the water quality of
the Continental Pit compared to the Berkeley Pit? |
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A: |
Current sampling indicates
that the water quality is significantly different in the two
pits. The pH of the water in the Continental Pit is about 6.5-7.0,
which is much more neutral than the water in the Berkeley Pit,
which has a pH of 2.8. Also, the levels of arsenic, copper and
cadmium are many times less in the Continental Pit water.
In the future, as part of the reclamation effort, the Continental
Pit water will likely require some management to sustain water
levels and treatment to remove metals. However, that treatment
should be less costly and less complicated compared to the Berkeley
Pit.
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Q: |
Is water from the Berkeley
Pit expected to flow to the Continental Pit? |
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A: |
Presently there is no
evidence that water is moving from the Berkeley Pit to the Continental
Pit or that there is any underground connection between the two
pits. Right now, the mining level in the Continental Pit is about
40 feet below the water level in the Berkeley Pit. In the future,
by the end of the mine life, the bottom of the Continental Pit
may be as much as 400 feet below the water level in the Berkeley.
But even then, there is no expectation that Berkeley water will
enter the Continental.
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