DRC-2018-002865 - 0901a068807d507e

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State of Utah
GARY R. HERBERT
Governor
SPENCER J. COX
Lieutenant Governor
Department of
Environmental Quality
Alan Matheson
Executive Director
DIVISION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT
AND RADIATION CONTROL Scott T. Anderson
Director
MEMORANDUM DRC-2,00-o0256.5
TO: File
THROUGH: Phil Goble, Manager
FROM: Tom Rushing, P.G. -qi at lie
DATE: March 1, 2018
SUBJECT: Review of the Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc. February 13, 2018 Utah Division of
Waste Management and Radiation Control (DWMRC) Inspection of Monitoring Well
MW-39 Drilling/Installation - White Mesa Uranium Mill
Individuals Present During Inspection
David Turk, Energy Fuels Resources
Richard Redshaw, Ucolo Drilling
Tyler Shumway, Ucolo Drilling
Larry Casebolt, Geologist, Hydro Geo Chem, Inc.
Randy Bayles, Former Driller/Consultant Bayles Exploration
Tom Rushing, Utah DWMRC
Drilling Company
Ucolo Drilling Co., Dove Creek, Colorado, [phone]
Ucolo Drilling was recommended to Energy Fuels Resources by the previous driller Bayles Exploration,
who installed the majority of the monitoring wells at the White Mesa Uranium Mill.
DWMRC Inspection
DWMRC was present at the mill for the entire day, February 13, 2018 and observed the installation of
monitoring well MW-39. It was noted that monitoring well MW-38 had been installed the day before by
the driller; the DWMRC also inspected the location and cuttings from that well.
DWMRC Concerns Communicated to Ucolo Drilling Representatives
The following issues were discussed with the driller (Richard Redshaw) at the drilling location (MW-39):
1. No oil should be used down hole during the drilling (e.g. on drilling stem or drill bit threads).
Richard Redshaw reported that he had used a small amount of organic solvent to help unthread the
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DWMRC Observation of the Installation of MW-39
Page 2
bit from casing segment during drilling at monitoring well MW-38 but would make all attempts
not to use the solvent at all future wells. It was noted that well casing PVC threads had a
nonreactive o-ring included and that only clean water was being used on the threads.
2. Any water used during drilling should be from a clean source. The driller reported that culinary
water was being used from the mill, and that the water reservoir used was checked to ensure that it
was clean before filling. Per DWMRC inspection no issues were noted concerning the water being
used.
3. Equipment should be cleaned between drilling locations to ensure that no cross contamination was
happening. Per DWMRC observations drilling equipment (bit, stem and casing) appeared to be
clean and free of dirt/debris at MW-39.
Drilling Method and Sample Collection
The driller used air reverse circulation drilling (RCD) employing compressed air injected into the drill stem
A Tricone diamond coated bit was used (Photo 7). Cuttings were collected at five foot intervals from a 5-
gallon bucket placed in front of the air outflow from the hole (Photo 8). Cuttings samples were placed on
the ground from surface to bottom for washing and evaluation (Photo 4).
Observations/Drilling Logs
Per onsite discussion with the geologist logging the core, Larry Casebolt, it was noted that the drilling logs
for monitoring wells MW-38 and MW-39 were essentially the same in the southeast area. Generally, at the
White Mesa Mill area the drilling logs from surface to the contact with the Brushy Basin Fm clay is; 1.
Alluvial Deposits, 2. Mancos Shale, 3. Sandstone/Dakota Fm, 4. Gradational Contact between the
Dakota/Burro Canyon Fm with the Bnishy Basin clay showing increased clay and shale intermixed with
sandstone.
Washed samples (in plastic cases) and bagged samples were collected for additional analysis and for
storage at the mill. Final drilling logs will be prepared and included with the well constnrction report
submitted to the Director.
Well Completion
Based on the geologist findings that the Brushy Basin clay had been penetrated a final depth for well
construction was determined to ensure that the well screen penetrated the entire saturated thickness of the
aquifer. A final slotted screen length of 40' was used at MW-39.
PVC casing was placed downhole. The geologist calculated the amount of sand needed to form a filter
pack around the screened interval and quartzite sand was poured downhole. Bentonite chips were then
pouted downhole to land surface and wetted using the clean water from the driller's reservoir.
Conclusion
Based on observations it appeared that MW-39 was installed and that cuttings samples were collected
according to standard practice for monitoring wells. Final geological logs, development info., survey
measurements and hydraulic testing information will be submitted with the well completion report due on
or before August 31, 2018.