HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRC-2012-001703 - 0901a068802f7a6aDRC-2012-001703
Denison Mines (USA) Corp
105017th Street, Suite 950
^ _ - - _ _ - ^— _ ^ ^ Denver, CO 80265
DENISON^^^Ji
MINES Tel 303 628-7798
Fax 303 389-4125 www denisonmines com
July 30, 2012
VIA E-MAIL AND OVERNIGHT DELIVERY
Mr Rusty Lundberg
Executive Secretary
Division of Radiation Control
Utah Department of Environmental Quality
195 North 1950 West
PO Box 144850
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4820
Re Transmittal of Tailings Cell, Leak Detection System and Shmes Dram Sampling and Analysis
Plan, Revision 2 1, Denison Mines (USA) Corp , White Mesa Uranium Mill, near Blanding, Utah, and
response to DRC Request for Additional Information
Dear Mr Lundberg
Reference is made to the Division of Radiation Control ("DRC") letter and Request for Additional
Information ("RFI") dated July 26, 2012, regarding the White Mesa Mill Tailings Cell, Leak Detection
System and Shmes Dram Sampling and Analysis Plan ("the Plan") dated June 28, 2012 (Revision 2)
This letter transmits Denison Mines (USA) Corp's ("Denison's") revisions to the Plan in response to the
above referenced DRC letter
For ease of review we have provided both redline and clean versions of the document
The attached Plan Revision 2 1 has accepted all the redline changes proposed in Denison's June 28,
2012 submittal (Revision 2) as the base version in black type Changes resulting from the above-
referenced DRC comment letter are provided in redlme/stnkeout format
We have also provided, below, specific responses to each request in DRC's July 26, 2012 letter The
sections and numbenng of the remainder of this letter follow the DRC July 26, 2012 letter Each DRC
request is shown in italics, below, followed by Denison's response
DRC Comment
1 It IS not necessary to purge the Cell 2 slimes dram system in order to have a representative
wastewater sample, therefore, the last paragraph of Section 3 3 of the Plan should be modified
to read (removed wording shown in strikethrough)
Tho Coll 2 GlimoG dram will bo sampled such that roprosontativo fluids aro colloctod
Accordingly, samploc will only be colloctod from this location whon tho pump has been operating
m accordance with tho approved operating plan for a minimum of 48 hours prior to sampling m
order to assure that tho system is purged and ic producing roprosontativo fluids Tho sampling
personnel must tako caro not to disturb tho sediment m tho bottom of tho dram A disposable
Letter to Mr Rusty Lundberg
July 30, 2012
Page 2
bailer will be used to collect Cell 2 slimes dram samples and will be used to fill clean sample
containers The bailer will be disposed of and not reused, thereby eliminating the need for
decontamination of equipment or rinsate blanks
Denison Response
The text has been removed as requested
DRC Comment
The tailings wastewater solutions have pH measurements between 1 and 3 These solutions corrode the
field meters during the collection of field measurements (pH, specific conductivity, and temperature) To
prevent equipment damage, loss of measurements, and to protect health and safety of mill personnel
from the corrosive tailings wastewater solutions, measurements of field parameters are not necessary
The parameter pH will still be analyzed by the analytical laboratory The DRC already knows that pH in
the tailing wells are very low, we don't need a field measurement to prove it to us Therefore, DRC
recommends that Section 3 4 of the Plan be removed
Denison Response
Section 3 4 of the Plan has been removed as requested
Please contact me if you have any questions or require any further information
Yours very truly,
De^l^oii Mirfes (USA) Corp.
Jo Ann Tischler
Director, Compliance and Permitting
cc David C Frydenlund
Harold R Roberts
David E Turk
KathyA Weinel
Attachments
DENISO
MINES
Letter to Mr Rusty Lundberg
July 30, 2012
Page 3
ATTACHMENT A
Tailings Cell, Leak Detection System and Slimes Dram Sampling and Analysis Plan, Revision 2 1, White
Mesa Uranium Mill, near Blanding, Utah,
DENISO
MINES
REDUNE
White Mesa Uranium Mill
SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS PLAN
FOR
TAILINGS CELLS, LEAK DETECTION SYSTEMS
AND SLIMES DRAINS
State of Utah
Groundwater Discharge Permit No. UGW370004
Prepared by
Denison Mines (USA) Corp.
Suite 950, 1050 17"' Street
Denver CO 80265
toe-Julv 3830.2012
Tailings Cell, Leak Detections System and Shmes Drain
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Revision 2_1
Jtme^Julv 30. 2012
Contents
1 0 Introduction 3
2 0 Sampling Frequency and Monitoring Requirements 3
3 0 Field Sampling Procedures 3
3 1 Tailings Cell Sampling 4
3 1 1 Sampling with a Peristaltic Pump 4
3 12 Sampling with a Ladle 5
3 1 3 Sampling with a Bailer 5
3 2 LDS Samohne 5
3 2 1 Cells 1. 2 and 3 LDS 5
3 2 2 Cells 4A and 4B LDS 5
3 3 Shmes Drain Sampling 5
3 4 Decontamination 6
3 5 Field OC 6
3 5 1 Sample Duplicates 7
3 5 2 Tno Blanks 7
3 5 3 Rinsate Blank Samples 7
4 0 OA and Data Evaluation 7
5 0 Laboratory Analysis 7
5 1 Analytical Ouality Control 8
6 0 ReDortme 8
7 0 Agency Notification 9
Formatted Fontcolor Auto
Tailings Cell, Leak Detections System and Shmes Drain
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Revision 2_l
Jtme^JuIy 30, 2012
1 0 Introduction
This Sampling and Analysis Plan ("SAP") describes the procedures for sampling the tailings cells, Leak
Detection Systems ("LDS") and slimes drains at the White Mesa Mill in Blanding, Utah as required under
Part I E 10 of the Groundwater Discharge Permit ("GWDP') No UGW370004
The objective of the tailings cell, LDS and slimes drain sampling is to collect annual samples from the
locations identified below as required by the GWDP This SAP specifies the sample collection
requirements, procedures, analytical methodologies, and associated Quahty Control ("QC") checks,
sample handling protocols and reporting requirements for the annual tailings, LDS and slimes dram
sampling program
2 0 Sampling Frequency and Monitoring Requirements
The sampling frequency and sample monitoring requirements for the tailings cells, LDS and slimes drains
are as specified in the GWDP Sampling is required to be conducted on an annual basis in August of each
year for the solutions in tailings Cells 1, 3, 4A, and 4B, the solutions in the slimes drains in Cells 2, 3,4A,
and 4B (for Cells 3, 4A, and 4B after the commencement of dewatering), the solutions in the LDS in
Cells 4A and 4B and any detected solutions m the LDS in Cells 1, 2, and 3 at the time of the August
sampling event Sampling locations are shown in Attachment 1
3 0 Field Sampling Procedures
The field sampling and data collection program will obtain samples to be analyzed for the groundwater
compliance parameters listed in Table 2 of the GWDP Analyses will be completed by a State of Utah
certified laboratory using methods specified in the currently approved Denison-_Quality Assurance Plan
("QAF") for Groundwater Additionally per the GWDP requirements, tailings cell, LDS and slimes drain
samples will be collected and analyzed for Semivolatile Organic Compounds ("SVOCs") Per the
GWDP, the SVOCs will be analyzed by Environmental FVotection Agency ("EPA") Method 8270D
Minimum detecUon limits or reporting limits for tailings, LDS and slimes drain samples for those
analytes which have Groundwater Quality Standards (GWQSs") defined in Table 2 of the GWDP, will be
less than or equal to the GWQS The minimum detection or reporting limits for total dissolved solids
('TDS") sulfate, chloride and SVOCs are specified in the GWDP and are
• TDS will be less than or equal to 1,000 mg/L,
• Sulfate will be less than or equal to 1,000 mg/L,
• Chloride will be less than or equal tol mg/L, and
• SVOCs will have reporting limits less than or equal to the lower limit of quantitauon for
groundwater listed in Table 2 of EPA Method 8270D Revision 4, dated February 2007
Field activities include collecting samples, recording field data and field parameters, and preparing and
shipping samples to the analytical laboratory
Sampling informaUon will be recorded on the Tailings and Shmes Drain Field Sheet, (or its equivalent),
included in Attachment 2
Tailings Cell, Leak Detections System and Shmes Drain
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Revision 2J.
faft&^July 30. 2012
Sample handling and preservauon requirements for tailings cell, LDS and slimes drain samples are as
specified in the QAP, except for SVOCs which are not routinely collected for any other Mill sampling
program SVOCs do not require any chemical preservauon per EPA Method 8270D, however, SVOCs
are required to be chilled Receipt temperatures, for all analytes except SVOCs, are as specified in the
QAP The receipt temperature requirement for SVOCs is less than or equal to 6°C
Sample collection procedures for tailings cell, LDS and slimes drain samples are as described below
Where more than one sampling method is described, field personnel will choose a sampling method based
on field conditions and safety considerations at the time of sampling
The gross alpha and metals sample aliquots from the tailings cells, LDSs and shmes drains will not be
field filtered or field preserved due to safety concerns associated with the filtering apparatus and the
backpressure created by the increased viscosity of these samples The gross alpha and metals aliquots
will be filtered and preserved by the analytical laboratory within 24 hours of receipt Field preservation of
the gross alpha and metals sample aliquots may interfere with the laboratory's abihty to filter the samples
upon receipt It is important to note that field preservation of the samples is to preclude biological growth
and prevent the inorganic analytes from precipitating Based on the 2011 field data, the tailings, LDS and
shmes dram samples were at a pH of 3 0 or less at the time of collection without additional preservative
The addition of preservatives in the field would add minimal if any protection from biological growth or
precipitation The VOC sample aliquots will be preserved in the field
Clean sample containers utilized for this sampling effort will be provided by the analytical laboratory
3 1 Tailings Cell Sampling
As noted in Section 2 0, sampling is required to be conducted on an annual basis in August of each year
for the soluUons in tailings Cells 1, 3, 4A, and 4B
Taihngs cell samples may be collected using a ladle, a peristaltic pump or a bailer The procedures for
each sampling method are described below In all instances the sampling equipment will be either
disposable or dedicated and decontamination procedures and rinsate blanks will not be required
Sampling equipment will be inert and non-reactive
3 1 1 Sampling with a Peristaltic Pump
Tailings samples may be collected using a peristaltic pump Samples collected with the peristaluc pump
will be collected by extending collection tubing approximately 6 ft from the edge of the sampling station
The tubing will be attached to a horizontal rod with sufficient tubing attached to lower the suction end of
the tubing to approximately 1/3 of the distance between the liquid surface and the underlying solids The
collecuon tubing will be attached to a peristaltic pump The tubing will be replaced prior to each use to
preclude cross contamination and to eliminate the need for decontamination of sampling equipment Due
to the nature of the peristaltic pump, sample fluids do not come in contact with any surface other than the
interior of the tubing, and decontamination of the pump or rinsate blanks is therefore not required The
sample containers will be filled directly from the peristaltic pump outflow Field filtenng and field
preservation of the gross alpha and metals sample aliquots will not be required, as noted in Section 3 0
Tailings Cell, Leak Detections System and Shmes Dram
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Revision 2_1
Jtme^July 30. 2012
3 1 2 Sampling with a Ladle
Tailings samples may be collected using a ladle Samples collected with the ladle will be collected by
dipping the ladle directly into the tailings solution taking care not to stir up any solids below the liquid
surface Sample bottles will be filled directly from the ladle Ladles used for sampling will be dedicated
to each location or will be disposed after each use to preclude cross contamination and to eliminate the
need for decontamination of sampling equipment Field filtering and field preservation of the gross alpha
and metals sample aliquots will not be completed as noted in Section 3 0
3 1 3 Sampling with a Bailer
Tailings samples may be collected using a disposable bailer Samples collected with the bailer will be
collected by submerging the bailer into the tailings solution and allowing it to fill, taking care not to stir
up any solids below the liquid surface The bailer will withdrawn from the tailings solution and the
sample bottles will be filled directly from the bailer Bailers used for sampling will be disposed after each
use to preclude cross contamination and to eliminate the need for decontamination of sampling
equipment Field filtenng and field preservation of the gross alpha and metals sample aliquots will not be
required as noted in Section 3 0
3 2 LDS Sampling
The LDS systems will be sampled as noted below
3 2 1 Cells 1,2 and 3 LDS
The Cells 1, 2 and 3 LDSs will only be sampled if there is fluid present during the August sampling
event If fluids are present dunng the annual August sampling event, samples will be collected using the
dedicated pumps installed in the riser pipe Fluid level will be measured using the electronic pressure
transducers currently installed in the LDS systems in the Cells Samples will be collected directly from
the pump outflow lines into the sample containers Field filtering and field preservation of the gross alpha
and metals sample aliquots will not be required as noted in SecUon 3 0
3 2 2 Cells 4A and 4B LDS
Solution from the Cell 4A and 4B LDS will be collected into a dedicated stainless steel bucket Sample
bottles will be filled from the stainless steel bucket using either the peristaltic pump or a ladle If the
peristaltic pump is used to transfer the solution to the sample bottles, the tubing in the pump will be
disposed of and not reused, thereby eliminating the need for decontamination of equipment or nnsate
blanks If a ladle is used to transfer the solution to the sample botdes, the ladle will be either disposed of
or will be dedicated to that location thereby eliminating the need for decontaminauon or rinsate blanks
Field filtering and field preservation of the gross alpha and metals sample aliquots will not be required as
noted in Section 3 0
3 3 Slimes Drain Sampling
Tailings Cell, Leak Detections System and Shmes Drain
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Revision 2J.
Jtme^JuljL30,2012
Once a tailings cell has started de-watering procedures, a sample should be collected from the shmes
drain system At this time Cell 2 is the only shmes drain that should be sampled The location of the
slime drain for Cell 2 is depicted on Attachment 1 While Cell 3,Cell 4A and 4B are each equipped with a
shmes drain sample access location, these Cells have not started dewatering and the shmes drain will not
be sampled until dewatenng operations are underway Because dewatering in Cell 2 is ongoing, this cell
will be included in the annual sampling effort The Cell 2 shmes drain will be sampled using a disposable
bailer
The Cell 2 shmes drain will bc sampled such that representative fluids ore collected—Accordingly,
samples will only bo collected from this location when the pump has been operating in accordance with
tho approved operating plan for a minimum of 48 hours pnor to sampling in order to assure that the
system is purged and is producing representative fluids The sampling personnel must take care not to
disturb the sediment in the bottom of the dram A disposable bailer will be used to collect Cell 2
shmes drain samples and will be used to fill clean sample containers The bailer will be disposed of and
not reused, thereby eliminaUng the need for decontaminauon of equipment or rinsate blanks
3 1 Field Data
In addition to the analytical parameters noted above, field data will be recorded at the time of sample
collection—Field parameters required by the GWDP include pH, specific conductance and temperature-
One variance from the requirements in tho Permit will be implemented Tho Permit, Section IE 10 (d) 1)
requires the collection of field pH, temperature and conducuvity A field pH and temperature
measurement will be collectod at tho time of sample collection using pH paper and a glass thermometer
respectively Conductivity will bo measured by one of the Mill's contracted laboratories—During a
previous sampling event tho tailings wastowater soluUons corroded the field meter after tho collection of
the first set of moosuremonts which resulted in tho loss of tho meter and erroneous measurements
following tho first sample To prevent equipment damage and loss of measurements, conductivity will no
longer be measured m the field The laboratory will be able to complete the conductivity measurements
because tho instruments m use by the laboratories aro "sturdier", suitable for corrosive solutions, and loss
apt to be affected by the tailings wastewater solutions
3 54 Decontamination
Decontamination of sampling equipment will be completed if non-dedicated and/or non-disposable
sampling equipment is used to collect samples Decontamination procedures will be as described in the
approved QAP Rinsate blanks will be collected daily after decontamination of sampling equipment If
disposable or dedicated sampling equipment is used to collect samples, then rinsate blanks will not be
collected
3 €5 Field QC
The field QC samples generated during the annual tailings cell, LDS and shmes drain sampling event will
include sample duplicates, trip blanks, and nnsate blank samples as appropriate
Tailings Cell, Leak Detections System and Slimes Drain
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Revision 2_i
fefle48July 30. 2012
3 56 1 Sample Duplicates
Sample duplicates will be collected at a frequency of one duplicate per 20 field samples Sample
duplicates will be collected by filling the sample container for a certain analytical parameter for the
duplicate immediately following the collection of the parent sample for that parameter
3 5# 2 Trip Blanks
Trip blank samples will be included in every shipment of samples that has field samples to be analyzed
for Volatile Organic Compounds ("VOCs") Trip blank samples are VOC sample containers filled by the
analytical laboratory with laboratory grade deionized water and shipped to the site Trip blank samples
are taken into the field with the sample containers, never opened, and kept with the field samples from
collection through shipment to the analytical laboratory for analysis Trip blanks are analyzed to
determine if the sample concentration of VOCs have been effected by the "trip" from collection through
shipment
3 56 3 Rinsate Blank Samples
Rinsate blank samples are collected at a frequency of one per day when non-disposable, non-dedicated,
reusable sampling equipment is used to collect samples If the sampling equipment has a disposable
component that comes in contact with the samples and the component is changed prior to sampling at
each location then a rinsate blank sample will not be collected For example, if a peristaltic pump is used
to collect and filter tailings, LDS and shmes drain samples and the tubing used in the peristaltic pump is
changed at each location and never reused for more than one sample, no rinsate blank sample would be
required
4 0 QA and Data Evaluation
The Permit requires that the annual taihngs cell LDS and shmes drain sampling program be conducted in
compliance with the requirements specified in the Mill's approved QAP, the approved SAP and the
Permit itself To meet this requirement, the data validation for the tailings cell LDS and shmes drain
sampling program will utilize the requirements outlined in the QAP, the Permit and the approved SAP as
applicable The Mill QA Manager will perform a QA/QC review to confirm compliance of the
monitoring program with requirements of the Permit, QAP and SAP As required in the QAP, data QA
includes preparation and analysis of field QC samples, review of field procedures, an analyte
completeness review, and quality control review of laboratory data methods and data
The QAP and the Permit identify the data validation steps and data quality control checks required for the
tailings cell LDS and slimes drain monitoring program Consistent with these requirements, the Mill QA
Manager will performed the following evaluations a field data QA/QC evaluation, a receipt temperature
check, a holding time check, an analytical method check, a reporting limit check, a tnp blank check, a
QA/QC evaluauon of sample duplicates, a gross alpha counting error evaluation and a review of each
laboratory's reported QA/QC information
The corrective action procedures descnbed in the approved QAP will be followed as necessary when data
validation and QC reviews indicate a non-compliant situation
5.0 Laboratory Analysis
Tailings Cell, Leak Detections System and Shmes Drain
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Revision 2J.
Jtme^July 30. 2012
As previously stated, samples will be analyzed for the groundwater compliance parameters listed in Table
2 of the GWDP and SVOCs using the analytical methods specified in the approved QAP and EPA
Method 8270D for SVOCs The Laboratories used for the tailings cell LDS and slimes drain sampling
program will be Utah certified as required by the GWDP Part 1 E 6 (c) Laboratory data will be validated
as described in the approved QAP and as described in Section 4 0 above Analytical QC is described
below
5 1 Analytical Quality Control
Analytical QC samples and protocols are described in the approved QAP Laboratory QC procedures will
meet, at a minimum, the requirements set forth in the analytical methods that the laboratory is certified for
by the State of Utah
The analytical QC samples included at least the following a method blank, a laboratory control spike
("LCS"), a matrix spike ("MS") and a matrix spike duplicate ("MSD"), or the equivalent, where
applicable It should be noted that
• Laboratory fortified blanks are equivalent to LCSs
• Laboratory reagent blanks are equivalent to method blanks
• Post digestion spikes are equivalent to MSs
• Post digestion spike duplicates are equivalent to MSDs
• For method E900 1, used to determine gross alpha, a sample duplicate was used instead of a
MSD
All qualifiers, and the corresponding explanations reported in the QA/QC Summary Reports for any of
the analytical QC samples for any of the analytical methods will be reviewed by the Mill QA Manager
The effect on data usability will be discussed in the evaluation secuon of the annual report
6 0 Reporting
A Tailings Cells Wastewater Quality Sampling Report will be included with the 3"* Quarter Groundwater
Monitoring Report, due each year on December 1''
Each Tailings Cell Wastewater Sampling Report will include the following information
• Introduction,
• A description of sampling methodology, equipment and decontamination
procedures identify all quality assurance samples, e g trip blanks, equipment
blanks, duplicate samples,
• Analytical data interpretation for each tailing cell, slimes drain, and leak detection system
sample,
• A wntten summary and conclusions of analytical results,
• A table summarizing historic analytical results,
• A QA evaluation,
• All field data sheets accompanying the sampling event.
Tailings Cell, Leak Detections System and Shmes Dram
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Revision 2_i
Jme^Julv 30. 2012
• Copies of the laboratory reports, and
• A "Tailings and Shme Drains System Sample Locations Map''
7 0 Agency Notification
At least 30 days advanced notice will be given to DRC prior to sampling activiues descnbed under
this TaUings and Shines Drain Sampling Program in order to allow the ExecuUve Secretary to collect
split samples of all tailing cell wastewater sources
Attachment 1
10
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O OTW4-3 OrW4-12
arW4-iq3jvV4-11 OTW4-13
TW4-7{3SifS!^-8
OTW4-1
OfTW4-4 OrW4-14
07W4-6
MW-03
PIEZ-5
MW-17
SCALE r 31,000'
Denison Mines (USA) Corp mi\SO\F^kL
MINES
REVISIONS Proiect vVhite Mesa Mill
Date By County San Juan | UT
10-oe Location
ANNUAL TAILINGS
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
ANNUAL TAILINGS
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
ANNUAL TAILINGS
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
ANNUAL TAILINGS
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
A""'"'- unknown Aug 2008
SCALE rslOOff
Denison Mines (USA) Corp DENlSOlAtif J
MINES
REVISIONS Proiect VVhite Mesa Mill
Data By County San Juan | ^^^^ UT
10-08 GM Location
SLIMES AND LEAK DETECTION
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
SLIMES AND LEAK DETECTION
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
SLIMES AND LEAK DETECTION
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
SLIMES AND LEAK DETECTION
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
unknown Aug 2008
Attachment 2
11
Field Data Record-Tailings, LDS and Slimes Drain Sampling
Location: Sampling Personnel:.
Is this a Slimes Drain? • Yes • No
If this is a Slimes Drain, measure depth to wastewater immediately before sampling.
DTW immediately before sampling (slimes only):
Weather Conditions at Time of Sampling:
Field Parameter Measurements:
-pH
-Temperature (°C)
Analytical Parameters/Sample Collection Method:
Parameter Sample Taken Filtered Sampling IVIethod Lab
Name
Parameter Sample Taken Filtered
Peristaltic
Pump
Bailer Ladle
Lab
Name
VOCs • Yes • No • Yes • No • • •
THF • Yes • No • Yes • No • • •
Nutrients • Yes • No • Yes • No • • •
Other Non
Radiologics
• Yes • No • Yes • No • • •
Gross Alpha • Yes • No • Yes • No • • •
SVOCs • Yes • No • Yes • No • • •
Conductivity • Yes • No • Yes • No • • •
QC Samples Associated with this Location:
• Rinsate Blank
• Duplicate
Duplicate Sample Name
Notes:
CLEAN
White Mesa Uranium Mill
SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS PLAN
FOR
TAILINGS CELLS, LEAK DETECTION SYSTEMS
AND SLIMES DRAINS
state of Utah
Groundwater Discharge Permit No. UGW370004
Prepared by
Denison Mines (USA) Corp.
Suite 950, 1050 17* Street
Denver CO 80265
July 30,2012
Tailings Cell, Leak Detections System and Shmes Drain
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Revision 2 1
July 30, 2012
Contents
1 0 Introduction 3
2 0 Sampling Frequency and Monitoring Requirements 3
3 0 Field Sampling Procedures 3
3 1 Tailings Cell Sampling 4
3 11 Sampling with a Peristaltic Pump 4
3 1 2 Sampling with a Ladle 5
3 13 Sampling with a Bailer 5
3 2 LDS Sampling 5
3 2 1 Cells 1,2 and 3 LDS 5
3 2 2 Cells 4A and 4B LDS 5
3 3 Shmes Drain Sampling 5
3 4 Decontamination 6
3 5 Field QC 6
3 5 1 Sample Duplicates 6
3 5 2 Trip Blanks 6
3 5 3 Rinsate Blank Samples 6
4 0 QA and Data Evaluation 7
5 0 Laboratory Analysis 7
5 1 Analytical Quality Control 7
6 0 Reporting 8
7 0 Agency Notification 8
Tailings Cell, Leak Detections System and Shmes Drain
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Revision 2 1
July 30, 2012
LO Introduction
This Sampling and Analysis Plan ("SAP") describes the procedures for sampling the tailings cells. Leak
Detection Systems ("LDS") and slimes drams at the White Mesa Mill in Blanding, Utah as required under
Part IE 10 of the Groundwater Discharge Permit ("GWDP") No UGW370004
The objective of the tailings cell, LDS and shmes dram sampling is to collect annual samples from the
locations identified below as required by the GWDP This SAP specifies the sample collection
requirements, procedures, analytical methodologies, and associated Quahty Control ("QC") checks,
sample handling protocols and reporting requirements for the annual tailings, LDS and slimes dram
sampling program
2.0 Sampling Frequency and Monitoring Requirements
The sampling frequency and sample monitonng requirements for the tailings cells, LDS and shmes drains
are as specified in the GWDP Sampling is required to be conducted on an annual basis m August of each
year for the solutions in tailings Cells 1, 3,4A, and 4B, the solutions in the shmes drains in Cells 2, 3, 4A,
and 4B (for Cells 3, 4A, and 4B after the commencement of dewatering), the solutions in the LDS m
Cells 4A and 4B and any detected solutions in the LDS in Cells 1, 2, and 3 at the time of the August
sampling event Sampling locations are shown in Attachment 1
3.0 Field Sampling Procedures
The field sampling and data collection program will obtain samples to be analyzed for the groundwater
compliance parameters listed m Table 2 of the GWDP Analyses will be completed by a State of Utah
certified laboratory using methods specified in the currently approved Denison Quality Assurance Plan
("QAP") for Groundwater Additionally per the GWDP requirements, tailings cell, LDS and slimes drain
samples will be collected and analyzed for Semivolatile Organic Compounds ("SVOCs") Per the
GWDP, the SVOCs will be analyzed by Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") Method 8270D
Minimum detection limits or reporting limits for tailings, LDS and shmes drain samples for those
analytes which have Groundwater Quality Standards (GWQSs") defined in Table 2 of the GWDP, will be
less than or equal to the GWQS The minimum detection or reporting limits for total dissolved solids
("TDS") sulfate, chlonde and SVOCs are specified in the GWDP and are
• TDS will be less than or equal to 1,000 mg/L,
• Sulfate will be less than or equal to 1,000 mg/L,
• Chlonde will be less than or equal tol mg/L, and
• SVOCs will have reporting limits less than or equal to the lower limit of quantitation for
groundwater listed in Table 2 of EPA Method 8270D Revision 4, dated February 2007
Field activities include collecting samples, recording field data and field parameters, and prepanng and
shipping samples to the analytical laboratory
Sampling information will be recorded on the Tailings and Slimes Drain Field Sheet, (or its equivalent),
included in Attachment 2
Tailings Cell, Leak Detections System and Shmes Drain
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Revision 2 1
July 30, 2012
Sample handling and preservation requirements for tailings cell, LDS and shmes drain samples are as
specified in the QAP, except for SVOCs which are not routinely collected for any other Mill sampling
program SVOCs do not require any chemical preservation per EPA Method 8270D, however, SVOCs
are required to be chilled Receipt temperatures, for all analytes except SVOCs, are as specified in the
QAP The receipt temperature requirement for SVOCs is less than or equal to 6°C
Sample collection procedures for tailings cell, LDS and shmes drain samples are as descnbed below
Where more than one sampling method is described, field personnel will choose a sampling method based
on field conditions and safety considerations at the time of sampling
The gross alpha and metals sample aliquots from the tailings cells, LDSs and shmes drains will not be
field filtered or field preserved due to safety concems associated with the filtering apparatus and the
backpressure created by the increased viscosity of these samples The gross alpha and metals aliquots
will be filtered and preserved by the analytical laboratory within 24 hours of receipt Field preservation of
the gross alpha and metals sample aliquots may interfere with the laboratory's ability to filter the samples
upon receipt It is important to note that field preservation of the samples is to preclude biological growth
and prevent the inorganic analytes from precipitating Based on the 2011 field data, the tailings, LDS and
shmes drain samples were at a pH of 3 0 or less at the time of collection without additional preservative
The addition of preservatives in the field would add minimal if any protection from biological growth or
precipitation The VOC sample aliquots will be preserved in the field
Clean sample containers utilized for this sampling effort will be provided by the analytical laboratory
3 1 Tailings Cell Sampling
As noted in Section 2 0, sampling is required to be conducted on an annual basis in August of each year
for the solutions in taihngs Cells 1,3, 4A, and 4B
Tailings cell samples may be collected using a ladle, a peristaltic pump or a bailer The procedures for
each sampling method are descnbed below In all instances the sampling equipment will be either
disposable or dedicated and decontamination procedures and nnsate blanks will not be required
Sampling equipment will be inert and non-reactive
3 1 1 Sampling with a Penstaltic Pump
Tailings samples may be collected using a penstaltic pump Samples collected with the penstaltic pump
will be collected by extending collection tubing approximately 6 ft from the edge of the sampling station
The tubing will be attached to a horizontal rod with sufficient tubing attached to lower the suction end of
the tubing to approximately 1/3 of the distance between the liquid surface and the underlying solids The
collection tubing will be attached to a penstaltic pump The tubing will be replaced pnor to each use to
preclude cross contamination and to eliminate the need for decontamination of sampling equipment Due
to the nature of the penstaltic pump, sample fluids do not come m contact with any surface other than the
intenor of the tubing, and decontamination of the pump or nnsate blanks is therefore not required The
sample containers will be filled directly from the penstaltic pump outflow Field filtenng and field
preservation of the gross alpha and metals sample aliquots will not be required, as noted in Section 3 0
Tailings Cell, Leak Detections System and Shmes Drain
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Revision 2 1
July 30, 2012
3 1 2 Sampling with a Ladle
Tailings samples may be collected using a ladle Samples collected with the ladle will be collected by
dipping the ladle directly into the tailings solution taking care not to stir up any solids below the liquid
surface Sample bottles will be filled directly from the ladle Ladles used for sampling will be dedicated
to each location or will be disposed after each use to preclude cross contamination and to eliminate the
need for decontamination of sampling equipment Field filtenng and field preservation of the gross alpha
and metals sample aliquots will not be completed as noted in Section 3 0
3 13 Sampling with a Bailer
Tailings samples may be collected using a disposable bailer Samples collected with the bailer will be
collected by submerging the bailer into the tailings solution and allowing it to fill, taking care not to stir
up any solids below the liquid surface The bailer will withdrawn from the tailings solution and the
sample bottles will be filled directly from the bailer Bailers used for sampling will be disposed after each
use to preclude cross contamination and to eliminate the need for decontamination of sampling
equipment Field filtenng and field preservation of the gross alpha and metals sample aliquots will not be
required as noted m Section 3 0
3 2 LDS Sampling
The LDS systems will be sampled as noted below
3 2 1 Cells 1, 2 and 3 LDS
The Cells 1, 2 and 3 LDSs will only be sampled if there is fluid present dunng the August sampling
event If fluids are present dunng the annual August sampling event, samples will be collected using the
dedicated pumps installed in the nser pipe Fluid level will be measured using the electronic pressure
transducers currently installed in the LDS systems in the Cells Samples will be collected directly from
the pump outflow lines into the sample containers Field filtenng and field preservation of the gross alpha
and metals sample aliquots will not be required as noted in Section 3 0
3 2 2 Cells 4A and 4B LDS
Solution from the Cell 4A and 4B LDS will be collected into a dedicated stainless steel bucket Sample
bottles will be filled from the stainless steel bucket using either the penstaltic pump or a ladle If the
penstaltic pump is used to transfer the solution to the sample bottles, the tubing in the pump will be
disposed of and not reused, thereby eliminating the need for decontamination of equipment or nnsate
blanks If a ladle is used to transfer the solution to the sample bottles, the ladle will be either disposed of
or will be dedicated to that location thereby eliminating the need for decontamination or nnsate blanks
Field filtenng and field preservation of the gross alpha and metals sample aliquots will not be required as
noted in Section 3 0
3 3 Shmes Dram Sampling
Once a tailings cell has started de-watenng procedures, a sample should be collected from the shmes
dram system At this time Cell 2 is the only shmes drain that should be sampled The location of the
shme drain for Cell 2 is depicted on Attachment 1 While Cell 3,Cell 4A and 4B are each equipped with a
Tailings Cell, Leak Detections System and Shmes Drain
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Revision 2 1
July 30, 2012
shmes drain sample access location, these Cells have not started dewatering and the shmes dram will not
be sampled until dewatering operations are underway Because dewatenng in Cell 2 is ongoing, this cell
will be included in the annual sampling effort The Cell 2 shmes dram will be sampled using a disposable
bailer
A disposable bailer will be used to collect Cell 2 shmes dram samples and will be used to fill clean
sample containers The bailer will be disposed of and not reused, thereby eliminating the need for
decontamination of equipment or nnsate blanks
3 4 Decontamination
Decontarmnation of sampling equipment will be completed if non-dedicated and/or non-disposable
sampling equipment is used to collect samples Decontamination procedures will be as descnbed m the
approved QAP Rinsate blanks will be collected daily after decontamination of sampling equipment If
disposable or dedicated sampling equipment is used to collect samples, then nnsate blanks will not be
collected
3 5 Field QC
The field QC samples generated dunng the annual tailings cell, LDS and shmes drain sampling event will
include sample duplicates, trip blanks, and nnsate blank samples as appropriate
3 5 1 Sample Duplicates
Sample duplicates will be collected at a frequency of one duplicate per 20 field samples Sample
duplicates will be collected by filling the sample container for a certain analytical parameter for the
duplicate immediately following the collection of the parent sample for that parameter
3 5 2 Tnp Blanks
Tnp blank samples will be included in every shipment of samples that has field samples to be analyzed
for Volatile Organic Compounds ("VOCs") Tnp blank samples are VOC sample containers filled by the
analytical laboratory with laboratory grade deionized water and shipped to the site Tnp blank samples
are taken into the field with the sample containers, never opened, and kept with the field samples from
collection through shipment to the analytical laboratory for analysis Tnp blanks are analyzed to
determine if the sample concentration of VOCs have been effected by the "trip" from collection through
shipment
3 5 3 Rinsate Blank Samples
Rinsate blank samples are collected at a frequency of one per day when non-disposable, non-dedicated,
reusable sampling equipment is used to collect samples If the sampling equipment has a disposable
component that comes in contact with the samples and the component is changed pnor to sampling at
each location then a nnsate blank sample will not be collected For example, if a peristaltic pump is used
to collect and filter tailings, LDS and shmes drain samples and the tubing used in the peristaltic pump is
changed at each location and never reused for more than one sample, no nnsate blank sample would be
required
Tailings Cell, Leak Detections System and Shmes Drain
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Revision 2 1
July 30, 2012
4.0 QA and Data Evaluation
The Permit requires that the annual tailings cell LDS and shmes dram sampling program be conducted m
compliance with the requirements specified m the Mill's approved QAP, the approved SAP and the
Permit itself To meet this requirement, the data validation for the tailings cell LDS and shmes drain
sampling program will utilize the requirements outlined in the QAP, the Permit and the approved SAP as
applicable The Mill QA Manager will perform a QA/QC review to confirm compliance of the
monitonng program with requirements of the Permit, QAP and SAP As required in the QAP, data QA
includes preparation and analysis of field QC samples, review of field procedures, an analyte
completeness review, and quality control review of laboratory data methods and data
The QAP and the Permit identify the data validation steps and data quality control checks required for the
tailings cell LDS and shmes dram monitonng program Consistent with these requirements, the Mill QA
Manager will performed the following evaluations a field data QA/QC evaluation, a receipt temperature
check, a holding time check, an analytical method check, a reporting limit check, a tnp blank check, a
QA/QC evaluation of sample duplicates, a gross alpha counting enor evaluation and a review of each
laboratory's reported QA/QC information
The corrective action procedures descnbed in the approved QAP will be followed as necessary when data
validation and QC reviews indicate a non-compliant situation
5.0 Laboratory Analysis
As previously stated, samples will be analyzed for the groundwater compliance parameters listed in Table
2 of the GWDP and SVOCs using the analytical methods specified m the approved QAP and EPA
Method 8270D for SVOCs The Laboratones used for the tailings cell LDS and shmes drain sampling
program will be Utah certified as required by the GWDP Part 1 E 6 (c) Laboratory data will be validated
as descnbed in the approved QAP and as described m Section 4 0 above Analytical QC is descnbed
below
5 1 Analytical Quality Control
Analytical QC samples and protocols are descnbed in the approved QAP Laboratory QC procedures will
meet, at a minimum, the requirements set forth m the analytical methods that the laboratory is certified for
by the State of Utah
The analytical QC samples included at least the following a method blank, a laboratory control spike
("LCS"), a matnx spike ("MS") and a matnx spike duplicate ("MSD"), or the equivalent, where
applicable It should be noted that
• Laboratory fortified blanks are equivalent to LCSs
• Laboratory reagent blanks are equivalent to method blanks
• Post digestion spikes are equivalent to MSs
• Post digestion spike duplicates are equivalent to MSDs
• For method E900 1, used to determine gross alpha, a sample duplicate was used instead of a
MSD
Tailings Cell, Leak Detections System and Slimes Drain
Sampling and Analysis Plan
Revision 2 1
July 30, 2012
All qualifiers, and the corresponding explanations reported in the QA/QC Summary Reports for any of
the analytical QC samples for any of the analytical methods will be reviewed by the Mill QA Manager
The effect on data usability will be discussed in the evaluation section of the annual report
6.0 Reporting
A Tailings Cells Wastewater Quality Sampling Report will be included with the 3"^ Quarter Groundwater
Monitonng Report, due each year on December
Each Tailings Cell Wastewater Sampling Report will include the following information
• Introduction,
A descnption of sampling methodology, equipment and decontamination
procedures identify all quality assurance samples, e g trip blanks, equipment
blanks, duplicate samples,
Analytical data interpretation for each tailing cell, shmes drain, and leak detection system
sample,
A wntten summary and conclusions of analytical results,
A table summanzing histonc analytical results,
A QA evaluation.
All field data sheets accompanying the sampling event.
Copies of the laboratory reports, and
A "Tailings and Shme Drams System Sample Locations Map"
7.0 Agency Notification
At least 30 days advanced notice will be given to DRC prior to sampling activities descnbed under
this Tailings and Slimes Drain Sampling Program m order to allow the Executive Secretary to collect
split samples of all tailing cell wastewater sources
Attachment I
PIEZ-2
V
• V
MW-17 •
MW-03 • PIEZ-5
0 SOO'
SCALE 1 31000'
Denison Mines (USA) Corp oENISOl/Xlii
MINES
REVISIONS Troject vVhits Mesa Mill
Date By County San Juan | ^^'^ UT
10-08 GM Location
ANNUAL TAILINGS
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
ANNUAL TAILINGS
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
ANNUAL TAILINGS
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
ANNUAL TAILINGS
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
ANNUAL TAILINGS
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
unknown Aug 2008
//
//
ll
32
MW-02
MW-21
• C IVIW-12
MW.03
PiEZ-2
CELL 1
LEAK
DETECTION
SAMPLE
LOCATION
«^ W4-21
»XW4r226^ *T%4-20 OTW4-5
M42«TW4.1(P^^-® O 07W4-3 OTW4-12
brW4-1^TVV4-11 OTW4-13
TW4.7(3Si?3l^-8
1DTW4-14
MW-17
PIEZ-5 a
f-21
SCALE 1" = 1000
Denison Mines (USA) Corp DENISOI
MINES
REVISIONS Proiect VVhite Mesa Mill
Date By County San Juan | ^^^^^ UT
10-08 GM Location
SLIMES AND LEAK DETECTION
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
SLIMES AND LEAK DETECTION
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
SLIMES AND LEAK DETECTION
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
SLIMES AND LEAK DETECTION
SAMPLE LOCATIONS
'^"««"" unknown Aug 2008
Attachment 2
10
Field Data Record-Tailings, LDS and Slimes Drain Sampling
Location: Sampling Personnel:.
Is this a Slimes Drain? • Yes • No
If this is a Slimes Drain, measure depth to wastewater immediately before sampling.
DTW immediately before sampling (slimes only):
Weather Conditions at Time of Sampling:
Field Parameter Measurements:
-pH
-Temperature (°C)
Analytical Parameters/Sample Collection Method:
Parameter Sample Taken Filtered Sampling Method Lab
Name
Parameter Sample Taken Filtered
Peristaltic
Pump
Bailer Ladle
Lab
Name
VOCs • Yes • No • Yes • No • • •
THF • Yes • No • Yes • No • • •
Nutnents • Yes • No • Yes • No • • •
Other Non
Radiologics
• Yes • No • Yes • No • • •
Gross Alpha • Yes • No • Yes • No • • •
SVOCs • Yes • No • Yes • No • • •
Conductivity • Yes • No • Yes • No • • •
QC Samples Associated with this Location:
• Rinsate Blank
• Duplicate
Duplicate Sample Name-
Notes: