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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRC-2011-001709 - 0901a068801ff33eState of Utah GARY R HERBERT Governor GREG BELL Lieuiennnl Governor Department of Environmental Quality Amand.i Smith E.xeciitive Director DrVl.SION OF RADIATION CONTROL Rusty Lundberg Director C-201 1-00 1709 MEMORANDUM TO: File n THROUGH: Loren Morton, P.G., Manager FROM: Tom Rushing, P.G. jj< ^^^/'^ DATE: February?, 2010 SUBJECT: Review of the August 17, 2010 Semi-Annual Groundwater Stability Monitoring Report, 1^' Half 2010, Rio Algom Mining L.L.C, Lisbon Facility, Received August 25, 2010 Radioactive Materials License No. UT1900481, Amendment 3 The Utah Division of Radiation Control (DRC) has reviewed the 2010 l" Half Groundwater Stability Monitoring Report submitted by Rio Algom Mining L.L.C. (Rio) for the Lisbon Facility. DRC review comments are below. Report Content The Report is broken into 9 sections. The sections are organized as follows: 1- Discussion 2- Analytical Data (Spreadsheets) 3- Time vs. Concentration Plots (Chloride, Sulfate, TDS, Arsenic, Molybdenum, Selenium, Uranium) 4- Depth to Water Plots over time for the wells 5- Hydrographs for the wells 6- Field Data Sheets 7- Laboratory Analytical Repoils 8- Groundwater Contour/Concentration Maps 9- Sampling Methodologies (Low Flow Sampling Information) The Report was reviewed to deteiTnine compliance with the Radioactive Materials License for the facility. No. UT1900481, Amendment 3, Condition 53. 195 North l')50 West •Salt LakeCity. UT Mailing Address: P.O. Box 144850 • Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4850 Telephone (801) 536-4250 • Fax (801) 533-4097 • T.D.D. (801) 536-4414 ivn n-.dfq.ulah.i^oy Prinlcd on I00':4' recycled piiper Rio Algom Mining Lisbon Valley 2010 Semi Annual Ground Water Stability Monitoring Report DRC Review Memo Page 2 Review for Compliance with Condition 53 Finding: The Report was received on August 25, 2010. Per the License requirement in Condition 53.G. (Table 4) the first semi-annual report is due by September 1 following the report period; therefore the report was submitted on time Finding: One sample event in the period is listed on the data sheets (Samples collected April, 2010). License requirement 53.G. The sample event per this Report conforms to time periods required by the License (Semi Annual). Finding: The following text and tables summarize the reported concentrations for the parameters listed in the License. Review of data for "point of compliance" wells EF-3A and OW-UT-9 for the quarterly sampiing events revealed that none of the.reported values exceeded the ACL maximum concentrations listed in the License. Table 1 - Reported Concentrations Values for the • ACL's listed in the License - Point of Compliance (POC) Wells Well No. Sample Date Mo ACL (mg/L) Mo Measured (mgA.) Se ACL (mg/L) Se Measured (mg/L) As ACL (mg/L) As Measured (mg/L) U ACL (mg/L) U Measured (mgA.) EF-3A 4/28/10 23.34 5.1 0.93 0.045 3.06 0.417 96.87 25.5 OW- UT-9 4/29/10 58.43 50.0 0.10 0.043 2.63 2.21 101.58 84.0 Review of data for "point of exposure" wells RL-4, RL-5, and RL-6 for the quarterly sampling events revealed that the reported concentrations for Uranium are below the uranium compliance limits listed in Condition 53.B. of the License. Table 2 - Reported Concentrations for Uranium Compared with Compliance Limits in the Well No. Sample Date License Uranium Compliance Limit (mgA.) Uranium Measured (mg/L) RL-4 4/27/10 0.32 0.0033 RL-5 4/27/10 0.32 0.0022 RL-6 4/28/10 0.32 0.0177 Review of data for trend wells EF-6, EF-8, ML-1, RL-1, RL-3 and H-63 revealed that laboratory results for Uranium at Trend Well RL-1 exceed the License Uranium Target Action Levels for the wells listed in the License. Additional infoiTnation conceming the DRC review is included in the Rio Algom Mining Lisbon Valley 2010 U'Semi Annual Ground Water Stability Monitoring Report DRC Review Memo Page 3 RL-1 Uranium POOC/OOC and Increasing U Trend section below. Per DRC review none of the other trend wells exceeded the License target action levels for Uranium. Table 3 - Reported Concentrations for Uranium Compared with Uranium Target Action Levels - Trend Wells Well No. Sample Date License Uranium Target Action Level (mgA.) Uranium (mg/L) EF-6 4/28/10 3.9 0.740 EF-8 4/28/10 0.30 0.183 ML-1 4/28/10 0.26 0.0142 RL-1 4/29/10 42.1 43.8 RL-3 4/28/10 37.3 11.1 H-63 4/27/10 0.06 O.OIOI LW-1 4/27/10 0.028 0.0020 RL-1 Uranium POOC/OOC and Increasing U Trend DRC received notification from Rio Algom that the April sample results for Uranium at well RL- 1 exceeded the Uranium License Target Action Levels on May 19, 2010 (via letter to Dane Finerfrock). A copy of the letter is attached to this memo (Appendix 2). Per DRC review of the EnergyLaboratories sheet submitted wilh the 1^' Semi Annual report it was noted thaqt the report was issued on May 17, 2010. DRC noted that the notification was within the 30 day notification requirement of License Condition 53.C.(1) Probable Out of Compliance Status (POOC). Rio Algom instituted elevated quarteriy sampling for U at well RL-1 per the requirement of License condition 53.C.(2) POOC. Per communication with Rio Algom representative, Chuck Wentz. it was noted that quarterly samples were taken August 2010 (3'^'' Quarter) and October 2010 (4''^ Quarter). Per e-mail communication with Rio Algom it was noted that the August' sample result was above the target action level which should have prompted Rio Algom to report OOC status at the well and provide notifications of such change of status, elevate the sampling to monthly, and re-evaluate the ACL model. It appears however, that Rio Algom did not implement these OOC requirements. The "Uranium Target Action Level" listed in table 3 of the License was based on breakthrough curve predictions (best estimate high) listed in the Rio Algom Long-Term Groundwater Monitoring Plan (LTGMP). It was noted that the breakthrough curve plots generate 3 lines: • Best Estimate (Model) Curve • Low Target Concentration • High Target Concentration Rio Algom Mining Lisbon Valley 2010 U' Semi Annual Ground Water Stability Monitoring Report DRC Review Memo Page 4 The high and low target concentrations were generated based on sensitivity analyses indicating that uranium concentrations in site monitoring wells may vary from the "best estimate" prediction by a factor of approximately 0.31 to 3.4. It was noted that the Uranium ACL for well RL-1 was approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and used the highest value for the High Target Concentration, 101.58 mg/L. DRC additionally notes that all monitoring wells (POC, POE, Trend and Background) on the eastem arm of the plume were given the same ACL regardless of anticipated breakthrough concentrations. Based on past DRC review of the NRC approved ACL's, DRC felt it prudent in the interest of environmental health to choose more realistic values of maximum breakthrough concentrations. Therefore, the facility License does not use the LTGMP ACL value (approved by NRC) but instead uses the high value for the best estimate curve (42.1 mg/L) for well RL-1 and prescribes 3 specific requirements (53.C.(1), (2) and (3)) for OOC compliance status if this value is exceeded for two consecutive sampling events. These requirements are: 1) Verbally notify the Executive Secretary within 24 hours of discovery of the event; followed by a written notice within 5 days of verbal notification: 2) Initiate monthly ground water sampling for the exceeded parameter in the well indicating the exceedence unless the Executive Secretary determines that other periodic sampling is appropriate, until the event is resolved to the Executive Secretary's satisfaction: 3) Prepare and submit within 30 days of discovery a plan and schedule to evaluate and assess the source of the exceedence and possible actions needed to restore and maintain compliance with License Condition 53.B. Such actions may include but are not limited to: a) Re-evaluation of the ground water flow and contaminant transport models used to set compliance limits and target action levels: b) Additional site investigation and characterization, and investigation of potential contamination sources, and: c) Active ground water remediation deemed necessary by the Executive Secretary. Rio Algom Mining failed to comply with the above 3 License Conditions. Per Rio Algom e-mail notification to DRC on December 20, 2010, it was reported that the October sample result for Uranium at RL-1 (4"^ Quarter) was below the License Target Action Level. DRC also noted that August 2010 split sample result from the DRC contract laboratory (Eberiine Services) for Uranium at RL-1 (39.5 mg/L) was below License Target Action Level. . Per a telephone conversation between DRC and Rio Algom representatives on January 4, 2010, Rio Algom representatives reported that they were unclear regarding the OOC status definition and thought that OOC status would not occur unless two consecutive exceedences occurred after the original POOC exceedence. This Rio Algom interpretation would have required 3 consecutive quarterly exceedences prior to OOC status. While DRC feels that the License condition is clear (OOC is defined as two consecutive exceedences), DRC does understand that this is the first violation of the License for OOC reporting and that the current License Modification (License UT190048I Modification 3), which included an update to the OOC reporting requirements, was recently issued (signed by the Executive Secretary January 2, 2010). Rio Algom Mining Lisbon Valley 2010 1" Semi Annual G round Water Stability Monitoring Report DRC Review Memo Page 5 Based on these findings, DRC will not pursue formal enforcement action for the above violations and will instead use Enforcement Discretion based on the following justifications: 1. This is a first time violation regarding OOC status notifications and required follow-up actions, 2. The Rio Algom 4'^ quarter (October 2010) sample result was below the License Target Action Level for Total Uranium at RL-1 (40.1 mg/L as reported to DRC via e-mail dated 12/20/2010), 3. The DRC RL-1 Uranium split sample result for the 3''' quarter (August 2010) was below the License Target Action Level, 4. Rio Algom has agreed to provide additional investigation/deliverables regarding the apparent increasing uranium concentration trend at RL-1 as outlined in the "Confirmatory Action" section below. Confirmatory Action Per DRC review of the time versus concentration plot and plotted regression line for well RL-1, included with the 2010 1^' Semi-Annual Groundwater Stability Report (includes 28 plots beginning in January, 2003 to present), an increasing U trend is shown for well RL-1. The increasing trend is not in conformance with the Long Term Ground Water Monitoring Plan, prepared by KOMEX, February 19, 2004 (LTGMP), predicted breakthrough curve for RL-1 which depicts a decreasing U concentration trend (Figure 6 of the LTGMP). Based on this finding, the following confirmatory actions were negotiated during; 1. A telephone conference call amongst Chuck Wentz (Rio Algom), Billy Ray (Rio Algom), Loren Morton (DRC) and Tom Rushing (DRC) on January 26, 2011: 2. A follow up e-mail from Chuck Wentz on January 27, 2011, and: 3. Subsequent conversations and e-mails between Rio Algom and DRC: 1. Rio Algom will hire an independent consultant, qualified to; 1. Review pertinent information and documents, including the existing ACL model, relevant laboratory data, LTGMP and associated technical information, and; 2. Provide potential additional ground water modeling (revised ACL model) as appropriate. Per the January 27, 2011 e-mail, Rio Algom expects that a qualified consultant can be under contract within 1 month of receipt of this Confirmatory Action Letter (CAL). Rio Algom will notify DRC once the contract has been finalized and provide information regarding the contractor name and individual qualifications; 2. On or before May 1, 2011 Rio Algom will provide the Executive Secretary a detailed written action plan and schedule for the investigation. The action plan is subject to review and approval by the Executive Secretary. The action plan and schedule will include a logic diagram identifying all actions, including dates that those actions will be initiated and completed, necessary to achieve outlined performance objectives. Performance objectives include but are not limited to: a. Justify whether the current RL-1 data set is or is not sufficient to depict the U concentration trend; Rio Algom Mining Lisbon Valley 2010 U' Semi Annual Ground Water Stability Monitoring Report DRC Review Memo Page 6 b. Conclude with definitive evidence whether the Lisbon Valley Facility is operating within or outside of the analyzed condition of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved "Application for Altemate Concentration Limits" (Approved May 11, 2004), and LTGMP, and; c. Detennine whether the ACL model should be revisited/revised to account for more recent data. 3. On or before August I, 2011 Rio Algom will provide the Executive Secretary a written final report. The report shall provide conclusions for all performance objectives listed in the approved action plan and schedule. DRC received confirmation of concurrence by Rio Algom with the above confirmatory actions and schedule, after Rio Algoms review of a draft of this letter, via e-mail from Chuck Wentz dated 2/3/2011. OA/QC Review Finding: QA/QC reporting requirements are found in Section 53.G. of the License as a series of footnotes to Table 4. Reporting requirements include the following items: 1. Sampling Methodology, 2. Field Parameter Measurements, 3. Laboratory Infonnation, 4. Data Evaluation, 5. Copies of Field Measurements, 6. Laboratory Analytical Reports, and 7. Chain-of-custody Documentation. Per DRC review all of the above required items were included with the Report. It was noted that Rio does not provide a separate section detailing their own validation of sampling methodologies and sample results, however, this type of evaluation is not clearly required by the License at the time of this review. All laboratory data and QA/QC was included with the Report. This includes verification of chain-- of-custody protocol. DRC noted that all TDS samples were analyzed by the laboratory within sample holding time (EPA Recommended, 3 days). This is an improvement from past reports which have flagged TDS holding times, typically for several of the samples. Sampling analysis was conducted by Energy Laboratories. Energy Labs holds a current UT certification. No. WY00002 which is valid through June 30, 2011. Rio Algom field methodology for well sampling is conducted per ASTM Designation D 6771-02 "Standard Practice for Low-Flow Purging and Sampling for Wells and Devices Used for Groundwater Quality Investigations." Per past correspondence with Rio Algom, as well as in- house discussion regarding the current sample collection protocols used by Rio Algom, there are concems regarding the quality of the sampling protocols; however, these are currently being addressed according to comments generated during the Rio Algom/DRC split sampling events. DRC has noted that Rio Algom generally addresses all DRC comments and that there has been continual improvement in the sampling protocols as well as improvements in the collection devices/field calibrations etc. Background Concentration Wells Review Table 4 - Reported Concentrations for Background Wells Compared with Established Background Rio Algom Mining Lisbon Valley 2010 1^' Semi Annual Ground Water Stability Monitoring Report DRC Review Memo Page 7 Well No. Sampled Date ; iVsfysA '?'f Established Background . '(n^) U-Nat Measured (mgA.) .; ^'•As^'--' Established Backgrourid Measured ;|ing/l.) i,,. Md-'- . ' • • Established Baiikgroundii. (mgL) '^^ VMxy-";' Measured (mg4) . ... Se Established Background (iiig/L) ^ Measured MW-13 4/27/10 0.02 0.0168 0.066 0.027 0.05 <0.1 0.01 0.008 , MW-5 4/27/10 0.01 0.0071 0.05 0.028 0.07 <0.1 0.01 0.061 The reported concentration values of Se at background well MW5 continue to be elevated above the background concentration, 0.01 mg/l per the quarterly monitoring data. The measured concentration has consistently averaged around 0.06/0.07 mg/L since the beginning of ground water quality data collection at the well. On this report the reported value for Se was 0.061 mg/l for the April 27, 2010 sampling event. The Report does not include an explanation of the elevated concentrations or propose any changes to background selenium concentrations other than making note of the exceedences and noting that the Class III Utah water quality standards are not exceeded. Effective with the Febmary 25, 2010 Report there have now been 15 consecutive sampling events where selenium levels in well MW-5 have exceeded the background concentrations. However, the License does not require explanation or additional actions if established background is exceeded. Time vs. Concentration Plots Per review of the current report, an upward trend was noted for Total Uranium at well RL-1. Per DRC negotiations with Rio Algom, a full evaluation of the ACL vs. current conditions will be provided by Rio Algom. The evaluation will utilize an independent consultant. Details are included in the "RL-I Uranium POOC/OOC and Increasing U Trend" section above. Groundwater Concentration Contour Maps Per DRC Review the submitted concentration contour maps are in compliance with the License and also continue to address past requirements according to DRC confirmatory action letters. Groundwater Stabilitv Monitoring Report Conclusions The 2010 1*' Half 2010, Rio Algom Groundwater Stability Monitoring Report is generally in compliance with License Condition 53. However a Notice of Enforcement Discretion and Confirmatory Action Letter will be sent to the facility as detailed in the "RL-1 Uranium POOC/OOC and Increasing U Trend" section above. The Confirmatory Action Letter will require Rio Algom to evaluate whether the facility is operating within the ACL analyzed condition. This is deemed necessary based on the observed increasing uranium trend at well RL-1 which is not in conformance with the ACL model projections. References Rio Algom Mining LLC, Groundwater Stability Monitoring Report - l" Half 2010, August 17, 2010 Utah Radioactive Materials License No. UT1900481, Amendment 3 Rio Algom Mining Lisbon Valley 2010 1^' Semi Annual Ground Water Stability Monitoring Report DRC Review Memo Pages Application for Altemate Concentration Limits Source Material License SUA-119, Lewis Water Consultants Inc. March I, 2001 Response to Request for Additional Information, Application for Altemate Concentration Limits Source Materials License SUA-1119, Komex, October 13, 2003 Rio Algom, May 19, 2010 letter from Chuck Wentz (Rio Algom) to Dane Finerfrock (Co- Executive Secretary) notifying DRC of POOC status at Monitor Well RL-1 Long-Term Groundwater Monitoring Plan, Application for Altemate Concentration Limits Source Material License SUA-1119, Rio Algom Mining LLC, Lisbon Facility, La Sal, Utah, Komex, February 19, 2004. Rio Algom Lisbon Valley Semi Annual Groundwater Stability Monitoring Report 2010 DRC Review Memo - Appendices Appendix I - Ground Water Module 30 Form Utah Division of Radiation Control Inspection Foim Ground Water Module 30 (Semi-Annual Ground Water Monitoring Report) Rio Algom Mining Company ; Lisbon Valley, Utah Regulatory Requirements Inspected Against: Radioactive Materials License # UT 1900481,Condition 53 License-in-Force (date): February 2, 2010 (major modification number 3) Applicable License Conditions: Condition 53 Ground Water Compliance Monitoring Last Previous Inspection Date: March 15, 2010 Date(s) of Current Inspection: December 27, 20010 Violations Recommended: • Yes ^ No Notes: INSPECTION ITEM - Ground Water Monitoring Reporting (Module 30): (check all that were included as part of this inspection) Reporting Year: 2009 • A) Ground Water Monitoring Report (First Semi-Annual) ^ B) Ground Water Monitoring Report (Second Semi-Annual) Ground Water Monitoring Requirements 1. Were the following wells monitored: A. Background Samples - wells MW5 and MWI3? ^ Yes • No B. Trend Samples - wells EF-6, RL-1, RL-3, EF-8, ML-1, H-63, and LW-1? 13 Yes • No C. Point of Compliance (POC) samples - wells EF3A, OW-UT-9? 13 Yes • No D. Point of Exposure (POE) samples - wells RL-4, RL-5, and'RL-6? ^ Yes • No Notes: 2. WeU or Boring Installation Notification (Condition 53.H) - Were any borings or monitoring wells reported to have been installed in any areas of potential groundwater impact, by either Rio Algom or any company holding private mineral rights? • Yes 13 No A. If yes, was the Executive Secretary notified a minimum of 30 days prior to installation? I I Yes Q No *see notes below B. Does it appear that proper drilling techniques were employed? r~] Yes No *see notes below Notes: *There are ongoing drilling issues within and directly surrounding the LTSM boundary. DRC has coordinated with the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining and the Bureau of Land Management regarding concems of cross contamination from the shallow aquifer to the deeper aquifers. Through DRC communication, Rio Algom LLC is now being contacted by DOOM directly for input if any drilling is proposed in or near the LTSM. Also, a proposed irrigation project utilizing a water right directly east of the facility is also proposed (Redd Ranches), BLM is in the process of approving an EA regarding the ground water withdrawal(s). DRC coordinated with BLM regarding the well locations (see DRC Review Memo). Rio Algom Mining Company Module 30 Inspection Form Paae 2 of 5 Form Updated 12/17/2010 Ground Water Analysis Requirements Laboratorv Requirements 3. Were all samples analyzed by a Utah Certified Laboratory? Yes • No Lab Name: Energy Laboratories Certificate No.: Cert No. WY00002, Utah Track 3072350515 valid through: June 30, 2010 Notes: Energy Laboratories is reviewed for compliance annually by the Utah BLI 4. Did methods used to analyze ground water samples comply with the following: A) Methods cited in UAC R317-6-6.3.L; and B) Have detection limits which are less than or equal to the License Condition 53, Tables 1 through 3. 13 Yes • No Notes: 5. Were the following laboratory parameters measured for each sample? Parameter Y/N - Comments Uranium Y - Method E200.8 Molybdenum Y - Method E200.8 Selenium Y-Method E200.8 Arsenic Y - Method E200.8 pH Y TDS Y - Method A2540 C Chloride Y - Method E300.0 Sulfate Y - Method E300.0 Bicarbonate Y - Method A2320 B Water level elevations Y - Per ASTM Field Methods Notes: Yes • No Reporting Requirements (Condition 53.G, Tables 4-6) 6. Report Submittal Date- Were semi-annual monitoring report(s) submitted on or before the following deadlines: First Semi-Annual Report - September 1 Second Semi-Annual Report - March 1 ^ Yes • No • Yes • No Notes: Ground Water Monitorins Reporting Content Requirements (Condition 5.?.G) 7. Does the monitoring report include the following criteria?: Rio Algom Mining Company Module 30 Inspection Form Page 3 of 5 Form Updated 12/17/2010 A. Sampling Methodology Description of sampling equipment, purging volume, technique,etc. ^ Yes • No Notes: The submission includes an Appendix with the ASTM sampling methodology (low flow purging) which is being undertaken by Rio. B. Field Parameter Measurements ^ Yes • No Notes: The submission appears to comply with the License requirements. C. Laboratory Information Laboratory name, location, state certification, adequate MDL's and QA/QC validation, copies of laboratory data, and, chain of custody form: 13 Yes • No Notes: The submission includes copies of the laboratory data sheets, QA/QC validation samples and results, and the work order receipt checklist which indicates chain of custody presence and condition. A copy of the state certification was not provided, however, this information is not required by the License and was obtained by looking on the Utah Department of Health website. D. Data Evaluation Concentration vs. time plots, interpretation of data, time series trends: ^ Yes • No Notes: E. Figures - Ground water contour map, uranium concentrations versus the predicted concentration for compliance wells, isoconcentration map for each of the following: arsenic, molybdenum, selenium, and uranium. 13 Yes • No Notes: Compliance Limits (Condition 53.B and C) 8. Were all concentrations reported found to be below the Compliance Limits established in Tables 1, 2 and 3 in the license as shown below? TABLE 1: POINT OF COMPLIANCE (POC) WELLS' Well Other ACLs (mg/L)' Uranium ACL (mg/L)' EF-3A Molybdenum = 23.34 Selenium = 0.93 Arsenic = 3.06 96.87 OW-UT-9 Molybdenum = 58.43 Selenium = 0.10 Arsenic = 2.63 101.58 TABLE 2: POINT OF EXPOSURE (POE) WELLS* Rio Algom Mining Company Module 30 Inspection Form Page 4 of 5 Form Updated 12/17/2010 Well Uranium Compliance Limit (mg/L) RL-4 0.32- RL-5 0.32- RL-6 0.32^ TABLE 3: TREND WELLS* Well Uranium Target Action Level (mg/L) EF-6 3.9' EF-8 0.30' ML-1 0.26" RL-1 42.1" RL-3 37.3" H-63 0.06" • Yes No Notes: 9. If "no", list wells exceeding the above listed Compliance Limits in the following table: Well ID Type of Well (POC, Trend, FOE) Coiistituent in Excess ofACL Concentration Compliance Limit RL-1 Trend Well Uranium 43.8 42.1 • Out of Compliance Status (Condition 53.C (1) 10. In the event of Out of Compliance Status, answer the following questions: a) Was the Execudve Secretary notified verbally within 24 hours following receipt of out-of-compliance data? ^ Yes • No Notes: b) Was the Executive Secretary notified in writing within 5 day following receipt of out-of-compliance data? 13 Yes • No Notes; 11. Was accelerated ground water sampling, in conformance with the License, initiated for the exceeded parameter in the well indicating exceedance, or as specified otherwise by Executive Secretary: Rio Algom Mining Company Module 30 Inspection Form Page 5 of 5 Form Updated 12/17/2010 ^ Yes • No Notes: 12. Did the licensee prepare and submit within 30 days of discovei-y a plan and schedule to evaluate and assess the source of the exceedence and possible actions needed to restore and maintain compliance with License Condition 53.C: • Yes ^ No Notes: Per the License requirements, the source plan and schedule is not required unless the exceedences result in Out of Compliance (OOC) status. The exceedences and follow up actions are currently under the requirements for POOC and thus this plan was not required. 11. Additional Records Requested/Inspected: Notes: Inspection Staff: Tom Rushing, PG Range of Records Inspected: From: L' Semi Annual 2010 GW Stability Report 1/1/10 To: 6/30/10 Modular Permit Inspection Form Version 1. updated December. 2010 F:\Rio AlgoniNGroundwater Monitoring Ist 20IO\RioLisbonGroundwaterStabilitylst2010ModuleForm30.doc Rio Algom Lisbon Valley I^' Semi Annual Groundwater Stability Monitoring Report 2010 DRC Review Memo - Appendices Appendix 2 -May 19, 2010 Rio Algom POOC Notice for Monitor Well RL-1 DRC-2010-00 RIO Algom Mining LLC May 19, 2010 Certified mail Return Receipt (7001 0100 0002 9977 4981) Mr. Dane L. Finerfrock, Director Division of Radiation Control Utah Department of Environmental Quality 168 North 1950 West PO Box 144850 Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4850 Received MAY 2010 Division of inadiation ControJ (68' Re: License UT 1900481 Probable out of Compljance Status - Monitor Well RL-1 Lisbon Sampling Event - April 2010 Dear Mr. Finerfrock, Please be advised that the latest sampling results for monitor v/eW RL-1 indicate that the well status is probable out of compliance according to paragraphs 53. A and B of the above referenced license. Attached with this letter are the laboratory results from Energy Laboratories and ACZ Laboratories. An average uranium value of 43.8 mg/L was obtained from four analytical results. The Uranium Target Action Level for this trend well is 42.1 mg/L. Rio Algom Mining will commence sampling RL-1 on a quorterty basis for at least two quarters, per paragraph 53.C(2), unless othen/vise directed by the Executive Secretary. If you have any questions or need additional Information, please call me at 505-287-8851 ext 15. Sincerely, Chuck Wentz Radiation Safety Officer Environmental Department Supervisor Attachment: As stated cc: L Morton (DRC) P.O. Box 218, Grants, NM USA 87020 - Tel: 505.287.8851 - Fax: 505.285.5550 ENERGY LABORATORIES, INC "2393 Salt Creek Hwy * PO Box 3258 * Casper, VVY 82602 MMM»1erAMiiid.-9 Toll Free 888.235.05t5 * 307.235.0515 * FM 307,234.1639 ' iyiiw.energyJab.coni LABORATORY ANALYTICAL REPORT Client: Project: Lab ID: Client Sample ID: RIO Algom Mining Corporation LLC 10-29 C10050031-009 RL-1 ReportDate: 05/17/10 Collection Date: 04/29/10 09:05 DateReceived: 05/03/10 Matrix: Qround Water Analyses Fiesult Units Qualifiers RL MCU QCL Method Analysis Date / By MAJOR IONS Bicartionate as HCOS Chloride Sulfate PHYSICAL PROPERTIES Solids, Total Dissolved TDS @ 1B0 C METALS - DISSOLVED Arsenic Molybdenum Selenium Uranium 1160 675 4410 0.003 10.4 0.067 44.1 mg/L mg/L mg/L 8540 mg/L mgrt. mg/L mg/L mg/L 30 0.001 0.1 0.001 0.0003 A2320 B 05/06/10 17:43 / dvg E300.0 05/09/10 06:05 / Ijl E300.0 05/09/10 06:05 / Ijl A2540C 05/0»10 15:19/Ir E200.B E200.8 E200.8 E200.8 05/05/10 0359/ts 05/05/10 0359/ts 05/05/10 03:59/15 05/05/10 03:59/ts Report Definitions: RL - /Vnalyte reporting limit. QCL - Quality control limit. D - RL increased due to sample matrix interference. MCL - IMaximum contaminant level. ND - Not detected at ttie reporting limit Page 10 of 28 ENERGY lABOFlAJOniES, INC. * 2393 Salt Creek Hwy " PO Box 3258 * Casper, WY 82602 Toll Free 888.235.05f5 ' 307.235.0515 * FAX 307.234.1639 * www.eneTgylab.com LABORATORY ANALYTICAL REPORT Client: Rio Algom Mining Corporation LLC Project: 10-29 Lab ID: C10050031-018 Client Sample ID: RL-1 A Report Date: 05/17/10 Collection Date: 04/29/10 09.05 DateReceived: 05/03/10 Matrix: Groundwater Analyses Result Units Qualifiers RL MCU QCL Metiiod Analysis Date/By METALS-DISSOLVED Uranium 43.8 mg/L 0.0003 E200.d 05/07/10 02:04/ts Report Definitions: RL - Analyte reporting Hmit. QCL - Quality control limit. MCL - Maximum contaminant level. ND - Not detected at tfie reporting limit. Page 19 of 28 Laboratories, Inc. 2773 Downtiilt Drive Steamboat Springs, CO 80487(800)334-5493 V |-/?;'.-f ^••.•'/if'-^j:^. Rio Algom Mining Company Project ID: 58t58 Sample ID: RL-7A ACZ Sample ID: L8^954-03 Date Sampled: 04/29/10 10:17 Date Received: 05/05/10 Sampie Matrix: Ground IVater Metals Analysis Uranium, dissolved M200.8 ICP-MS 43.30 mg/L 0.05 REPIN.02.06.05.01 Page 4 of 12 Laboratories, Inc. 2773 Dotmhill Drive Steamtioat Springs, CO 80487(800)334-5493 Rio Algom Mining Company Project ID: 58158 Sample ID: RL-IB ACZ Sample ID: L81954-04 Date Sampled: 04(29/10 10:17 Date Received: 05/05/10 Sample Matrix: Ground Meater Metals Ar»lysis Uranium, dissolved M200.8 ICP-MS 43.80 mg/L 0.05 0.3 05/12/1019:45 msh REP)N.02.06.05.01 PageSof 12 Rio Algom Lisbon Valley 1 sl Semi Annual Groundwater Stability Monitoring Report 2010 DRC Review Memo - Appendices Appendix 3 - February 19, 2004 Rio Algom Long-Term Groundwater Monitoring Plan LONG-TERM GROUNDWATER MONITORING PLAN APPLICATION FOR ALTERNATE CONCENTRATION LIMITS SOURCE MATERIALS LICENSE SUA-1119 RIO ALGOM MINING LLC LISBON FACILITY LA SAL UTAH Prepared For: Rio Algom Mining LLC 6305 Wctei^ord Boulevard Suite 400 Oklahoma City, OK 73118 Prepared By: KOMEX 1300 Jackson Street Suite 200 Golden, CO 80401 FEBRUARY 19, 2004 LONG-TERM GROUNDWATER MONITORING PLAN A long-term groundwater monitoring plan for the Lisbon site was presented in Section 10 of the RAI response document'. Based on comments received from the State of Utah conceming the RAI response document^ and subsequent discussions with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff, the groundwater monitoring plan has been revised as described herein. Figure 1 shows the location of wells proposed for long-term monitoring and the uranium jsoconcentration map for the May 2003 sampling event. Table 1 lists revised moniloring well locations to be sampled, a monitoring schedule, concentration limits, and monitoring targets used to verify compliance with groundwater protection standards and modeling predictions. COMPLIANCE WELL LOCATIONS Seven additional compliance wells have been added to the monitoring plan (EF-6, EF-8, ML-1, MVV-5, MW-13, RL-1, and RL-3) for a total of 13 compliance wells (Table 1 and Figure 1). Wells MW- 5 and MW-13 were added to the plan to monitor background water quality. Wells EF-6, RL-1, and RL-3 are wells located inside the current plume boundary and will serve to verify chemical transport modeling predictions and trends. Well EF-8 is located on the edge of the existing southern uranium plume boundary and will be useful to verify the onset of plume migration into this area and future concentration trends. Well ML-1 is located downgradient of the southem aquifer plume boundary and will also be useful to verify the onset of plume migration into this area. Wells EF-3A and OW-UT-9 arc existing Point of Compliance (POQ wells located in the plume "hot-spots". Wells EF-20, RL-4, H-63, and RL-6 (recently installed at NW POE location) are wells located at the Long Term Surveillance and Maintenance (LTSM) boundary and will serve to monitor conditions and trends at the Point of Exposure (POE). ' Response to Request for Additional Information (RAI), Application for Alternate Concentration Limits, Source Materials License SUA-1119, Rio Algom Mining LLC, Lisbon Facility, Sal, Utah. October 13, 2003. ^ Letter from Dane L. Finerfrock, State of Utah DEQ, to Mr. William Von Till, U.S. NRC, dated December 8,2003. Long-Term Groundwater Monitoring Plan - RAM Lisbon Facility 1 MONITORING SCHEDULE The frequency of monitoring has been increased as requested by the State of Utah and the NRC as shown in Table 1. Monitoring will occur quarterly for the first three years following the termination of the groundwaier Corrective Action Program (CAP). The monitoring frequency will then decrease to a semi-annual schedule over the next five years, followed by annual monitoring thereafter. Table 1 presents the regular sampling schedule assuming no monitoring violations are observed. There is a 1,000-year maximum time limit associated with the long-term sampling schedule, although it seems reasonable to terminate the sampling program much sooner if concentration trends follow predicted trends, with no violations. MONITORING PARAMETERS AND ANALYTES The list of analytes to be monitored has been expanded to include the complete list of parameters currently monitored as part of the groundwater CAP (NRC license condition) including constituents of concem (uranium, molybdenum, selenium, and arsenic) and non-hazardous "indicator" parameters including pH, TDS, chloride, sulfate, bicarbonate, and water level. GROUNDWATER PROTECTION STANDARDS The enforceable groundwater protection standards (concentration limits) for all site monitoring wells will become the Altemate Concentration Limits (ACLs) established for the site, as listed in Table 1. If ACLs are exceeded in any sampling event at any compliance well location, sampling frequency will be retumed to a quarterly schedule (four times per year). Out-of-compliance status will be defined as an exceedance of the ACLs in any compliance well for two consecutive sampling events. In the event out-of- compliance status is indicated, corrective actions may be required until compliance is re-established and verified by additional monitoring. Corrective actions may include, but not be limited lo, the revision of groundwater proteclion standards (ACLs) as justified through additional risk assessment and groundwater modeling. The regular sampling schedule will be followed and any corrective actions terminated once ACLs are no longer exceeded in two consecutive sampling events. Long-Term Groundwater Moniloring Plan • RAM Lisbon Facility 2 MONITORING TARGETS In addition to moniloring for compliance with groundwater proteclion slandards (ACLs), sile compliance wells will also be monitored to verify transport model predictions and trends. Monitored concentrations and trends ("targets") will be compared to model predicted concentrations and trends as a means of validating the groundwater transport model. As described in the hazard assessment portion of the ACL application, the RAI response document, and the subsequent all-pathway risk assessment, uranium is the risk driver and primarj' indicator parameter in site groundwater due to its relative mobility (conservative transport) and concentration relative to other constituents of concem. Therefore, monitoring targets for compliance wells will be established based on the predicted or observed uranium concentrations in site groundwater. Compliance Wells Impacted by Site Operations Model-predicted uranium concentrations in site compliance wells impacted by site operations are provided in Figures 2 through 10. These breakthrough curves will be used as the basis for comparison between observed uranium concentrations and predicted uranium concentrations presented in the RAI response documents Figures 2 through 10 identify the predicted range in uranium concentrations expected in compliance wells that are currently impacted by sile operations or that may become impacted by site operations in the future (as predicted by transport modeling). The target concentration range is based primarily on the model sensitivity analysis presented in the RAI response document^, which is a rough measure of model uncertainties. Results of sensitivity analyses indicate that uranium concentrations in site monitoring wells may vary from the "best estimate" prediction by a factor of approximately 0.31 to 3.4. The target concentration range shown in Figures 2 through 10 are based on this range of model uncertainty. It should be emphasized that target concentrations identified in Table 1 and Figures 2 through 10 are not enforceable concentration limits or groundwater protection ^ Response to Comment 6, pp.40-45. Response to Request for Additional Information (RAI), October 13, 2003. Table 6-2, Response to Request for Additional Information (RAI), October 13,2003. Long-Term Groundwater Moniloring Plan - RAM Lisbon Facilil}' 3 slandards. However, in the event that target concentration limits are exceeded based on results of groundwater monitoring, the groundwaier flow and/or transport model will be re-evaluated to detennine the possible cause of the observed exceedance, and adjustments to groundwater protection standards may be recommended based on this review. Compliance Wells not Impacted By Site Operations Four of the eleven compliance wells (EF-20, H-63, MW-5 and MW-13) are background or POE moniloring wells that are not currently impacted by site operations, nor are these wells predicted to become impacted in the future by plume migration. Therefore, the target concentration range for these wells was assigned based on the observed range in historical uranium concentrations^ REPORTING A report summarizing the results of the groundwaier monitoring program will be submitted annually to the State of Utah until termination of the site license and transfer of the site to the Department of Energy. The report will present the results of the most recent monitoring events and all historical monitoring results for each parameter and analyte in tabular form and graphically as concentration versus time curves (e.g. breakthrough curves). Isoconcentration maps for the most recent monitoring period will be presented for the following constituents: uranium, molybdenum, selenium, arsenic, sulfate, chloride, and TDS. A water level map of the most recent monitoring period will also be presented. A discussion and interpretation of groundwater modeling results and concentration trends will be provided, including the identification of any exceedances of groundwaier protection standards (ACLs) and/or target concentrations. Figures comparing the observed uranium concentration and the target concentration (Figures 2 through 10) will be provided to demonstrate monitoring results are consistent with model predictions. ' Based on the maximum and minimum historical uranium concentration values listed in Tables 1-2 and 2-1 in the RAI Response document. 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