DRC-2011-001152 - 0901a068801f5141

DRC-2011-00115 Page 1 of2
Loren Morton - RE: Confirmation of Phone Notification 01.11.11 on White Mesa Mill cell 4A
Freeboard
From: Harold Roberts <[e-mail]>
To: Loren Morton <[e-mail]>, Rusty Lundberg <[e-mail]>, "Ron
Hochstein" <RHochstein(@denisonmines.com>
Date: 1/13/11 11:42 AM
Subject: RE: Confirmation of Phone Notification 01.11.11 on White Mesa Mill cell 4A Freeboard
CC: David Frydenlund <[e-mail]>, David Turk
<[e-mail]>, Kathy Weinel <[e-mail]>, "Jo
AnnTischler" <jtischler(@denisonmines.com>
Loren:
Confirming our conversation of this morning, I would like to request a regulatory variance of the existing
freeboard limit in tailings Cell 4A, to allow the Mill to continue to operate as we are working toward the final
authorization for use of Cell 4B. Following the notice of the freeboard exceedance given to the State on
Tuesday, the freeboard level has continued to be monitored. As of this morning we are 2.76 inches above the
freeboard limit, but 21 inches below the level of the spillway into Cell 4B. The Mill has been on a scheduled
maintenance shutdown since Tuesday morning, but is scheduled to resume processing operations tomorrow
morning. I would like to request your concurrence to allow the freeboard limit in Cell 4A to increase a maximum
of 20 inches above the existing level (5593.97 feet amsl), which would still put the maximum allowable level
below the elevation of the spillway into Cell 4B. As we discussed on January 6*^, the likelihood of a significant
precipitation event this time of year is most likely in the form of snow fall, rather than a thunderstorm event,
and the subsequent runoff would thus be more manageable. We are hopeful that all outstanding issues related
to final authorization of Cell 4B can be resolved by mid next week. Our top priority is to fully respond as rapidly
as possible to any additional information your staff needs to complete the review and issue final authorization
for use of Cell 4B. As a worst case, I would hope the variance would not be needed past January 31^^ at which
time Cell 4B would be in operation. Please advise your concurrence with the freeboard variance request at your
earliest convenience.
Harold Roberts
Executive Vice President. US Operations
t: [phone] | f: [phone]
1050 17th Street, Suite 950, Denver, CO 80265
DENISON MINES (USA) CORP
' www.denisonmines.com
Tills e-mail is intended for the exclusive use of the person(s) mentioned as the recipient(s). Ttiis message and any attached files with it are confidential and may
contain privileged or proprietary information, if you are not the intended recipient(s) please delete this message and notify the sender. You may not use, distribute
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From: Jo Ann Tischler
Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 1:56 PM
To: Loren Morton; Rusty Lundberg
Cc: Harold Roberts; David Frydenlund; David Turk; Kathy Weinel
Subject: Confirmation of Phone Notification 01.11.11 on White Mesa Mill cell 4A Freeboard
Loren,
This email is a follow-up to our phone call at approximately 11:40 this morning regarding the status of Cell 4A
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liquid level. As you know. Cell 3 is almost full, and no solutions are being discharged into Cell 3. Cell 4B is
constructed and final approval is pending. As I mentioned during our call:
• Tailings solution has been discharged to Cell 4A through January 10, 2011.
• Through the weekend of January 8, 2011, the Mill had occasionally transferred fluids from Cell 1 to Cell
4A in order to maintain the level of Cell 1 below 5613 feet amsl, per our telephone discussions and
correspondence with DRC during the months of September, October, and November 2010.
• Harold Roberts had discussed with you during the week of January 1, 2011 the fact that Cell 4A was
approaching its freeboard level. His understanding was that DRC could use regulatory discretion
regarding the Cell 4A freeboard level if a) they were notified when the level exceeded the freeboard
and b) Denison did not discharge any fluids over the spillway into Cell 4B, which has not yet been
authorized for use.
• The Mill has been monitoring the Cell 4A level daily since January 6, 2011.
• Transfer of fluids from Cell 1 to Cell 4A ceased after the weekend of January 9, 2011.
• At 3:45 PM on January 10, 2011, Cell 4A pool elevation reached 5593.75 feet amsl, that is, 0.01 inches
above its freeboard limit.
• The Mill manager was notified at 3:45 PM and ordered the Mill into a scheduled shutdown for three to
four days. The scheduled shutdown commenced today, January 11, 2011, and fluid discharges to Cell 4A
will cease during the shutdown period.
• As of 9:05 AM today, January 11, 2011, Cell 4A pool elevation reached 5593.84 feet amsl, that is, 1.2
inches above its freeboard limit.
• The Mill expects to remain in shut down for 3 to 4 days. After completion of the shutdown, the Mill will
continue to discharge fluids into Cell 4A; however, the fluid level will not exceed the level of the spillway
between Cell 4A and Cell 4B.
• The Mill is currently awaiting authorization for use of Cell 4B.
Please let me know if you need any further information .
Your truly,
Jo Ann Tischler
Jo Ann Tischler
Director, Compliance and Permitting
t: [phone] | f: [phone]
1050 17th Street, Suite 950, Denver, CO 80265
DENISON MINES (USA) CORP
www.denisonmines.com
This e-mail is intended for the exclusive use of the person(s) mentioned as the recipient(s). This message and any attached files w/ith it are confidential and may
contain privileged or proprietary information. If you are not the intended recipient(s) please delete this message and notify the sender. You may not use, distribute
print or copy this message if you are not the intended recipient{s).
file://C:\Documents and Settings\Lmorton\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\4D2EE51OEQ... 1/13/2011