DRC-2016-005523 - 0901a0688061b559

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State of Utah
GARYR. HERBERT
Govemor
SPENCERJ. COX
Lieutetunt Governor
Department of
Environmental Quality
Alan Matheson
Exzcalive Director
DIVISION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT
ANDRADIATION CONTROL
Scott T. Anderson
Director
March 30,2016
Kathy Weinel, Quality Assurance Manager
Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc.
225 Umon Blvd., Suite 600
Lakewood, CO 80228
RE: Energy Fuels Resources, White Mesa Uranium Mill February 22,2016,4fr Quaner 2015
Groundwater Monitoring Report; February ll,2016 Notice Pursuant to Part I.G.l(a);
February ll,2016 Request for Removal of Monitoring Parameters from Accelerated
Monitoring, and; March 3,2016 Transmittal of Plan and Time Schedule
Utah Groundwater Discharge Permit No. UGW370004
Dear Ms. Weinel:
The Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control has completed its review of the following
Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc. (EFR) documents:
l. EFR, February 22,2016 - Transmittal of 4'h Quarter 2015 Groundwater Monitoring Report
Groundwater Quality Discharge Permit UGW370004 White Mesa Uranium Mill.
2. EFR, February ll,z|lG State of Utah Ground llater Discharge Permit No. UGW370004
White Mesa Uranium Mill - Notice Pursuant to Part 1.G.1(a).
3. EFR" February I l, 2016 - State of Utah Ground Water Discharge Permit No. UGW370004
White Mesa (Jranium Mill - Removal of Certain Groundtvater Monitoring Parametersfrom
Ac c el er at e d Monit or ing Status.
4. EFR, March 3 , 2016 - Transmittal of Plan and Time Schedule under Utah Ground Water
Discharge Permit UGW370004 Part 1.G.4(d) White Mesa Mill.
The review was conducted to ensure compliance with all applicable parts of Utah Groundwater
Discharge Permit No. UGW370004 (Permit) issued to the White Mesa Uranium Mill.
195 Norft 1950 West . SaIt Lake City, UT
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 144880. Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4880
Telephone (801) 53G0200. Fax [phone] 'T.D.D. (801) 5364414
tuww.ilcq.utah.goo
Printed on 1007o recycled paper
DRC-2016-005523
(Over)
EFR 4th Ouarter 2015 Groundwater Monitorins Report - Close-out:
Based on review of the EFR February 22,2016 4th Quarter 2015 Groundwater Monitoring Report,it
appears that all applicable requirements of the Permit were met. Therefore, the review is hereby closed
out.
EFR Februarv 11.2016 Notice Pursuant to Part I.G.l(a):
Based on review of the EFR February 11, 2016 Notice it appears that all requirements of the Permit
were met. Therefore, the review is hereby closed out.
Based on review of the EFR February ll,2016 Requestfor Removal of Certain Groundwater
Monitoring Parameters from Accelerated Monitoring Status ("EFR Request"), EFR requests that
monitoring well parameters be returned to baseline monitoring as listed on the table below:
Monitorine Well Parameter Baseline Monitorine Frequencv
MW-25 Uranium Quarterly
MW-3A Nitrate + Nitrite (as N)
Total Dissolved Solids
Semi-Annually
Semi-Annuallv
It was noted that the above monitoring well parameters have had sample results below the Permitted
Ground Water Compliance Limits for the most recent eight or more consecutive accelerated sampling
events. In accordance with past Division protocols, accelerated monitoring may be discontinued if at
least eight consecutive samples show concentrations below the GWC. Therefore, the request to return to
baseline monitoring for the parameters/wells on the table above is hereby approved.
EFR December 3. 2015 Plan and Time Schedule under UGW370004 Part I.G.4(d)
The EFR March 3,2016 Plan and Time Schedule (EFR Plan) addresses exceedances of the GWCLs for
sulfate in monitoring well MW-l8 and field pH and fluoride in monitoring well MW-24. These
wells/parameters are in out-of-compliance status in accordance with the Permit Part I.G.2. and are
required to undergo corrective action as specified in the permit part I.G.4.
In accordance with the EFR Plan and preliminary source investigations, which justifi that the
exceedances are not caused by tailings seepage or other Mill activities, EFR proposes to submit a Source
Assessment Report to the Director within 90 days after approval of the EFR Plan. The SAR will include
a more specific and detailed source investigation, and statistical analysis of the data for the affected
monitoring wells/parameters to calculate EFR proposed revisions to the GWCLs for Director review.
Based on review of the EFR Plan, it appears that the planned activities are appropriate. The EFR plan is
hereby approved.
If you have questions, please call Tom Rushing at [phone].
Sincerely,
Scott T. Anderson, Director
Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control
STA/TR/ka
c: Worthy Glover, Jr., MMHRM, CPM, Health Officer, San Juan Public Health Deparbnent
Rick Meyer, Environmental Health Director, San Juan Public Health Department
David Ariotti, P.8., DEQ District Engineer