Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRC-2015-002582 - 0901a068805321e9Department of Environmental Quality Alan Malheson Ewe ituvi' Dun lot State of Utah DIVISION OF RADIA1 ION CONTROL GARY R HERBERT Govi-mnr Rusiy Lundberg Dirct ror SPENCERJ COX Lit'ttrrntinr Govemar DRC-2015-002582 May 28, 20I5 Kathy Weinel, Quality Assurance Manager Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc. 225 Union Boulevard, Suite 600 Lakewood, Colorado 80228 RE: Geotechnical Final Review of Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc., White Mesa Mill, Tailings Data Analysis Report dated April 2015, and Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis Report dated April 2015, RML# UT 1900479, San Juan County, Utah Dear Ms. Weinel: Please find enclosed the Utah Division of Radiation Control (DRC) Technical Memorandums on the final geotechnical review of the revised MWH Americas, Inc. (MWH) Tailings Data Analysis report (TDAR) dated April 2015, and the revised Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) report also dated April 2015. These Technical Memorandums will also serve to document DRC concluding resolution of AECOM's (formerly URS) review comments dated March 31, 2015 and January 21, 2015 on the TDAR and along with comments dated March 31, 2015 on the PSHA. Prior versions of these reports by MWH were both dated March 2015 and October, 2014. The Tailings Data Analysis Report was prepared pursuant to the MWH July 2013, White Mesa Mill Tailings Characterization and Analysis Work Plan. The Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis report was prepared pursuant to DRC's February 2013 review comments on EFRI's August 2012 responses to DRC's Round I Interrogatories for the White Mesa Mill Reclamation Plan Revision Each of the April 2015 reports include revisions addressing the review comments submitted to EFRI by the DRC in letter dated March 31, 2015 (DRC 2015a). It is our expectation that the information contained in the TDAR and PSHA will allow for continuation of preparation of the proposed White Mesa Mill Reclamation Plan Revision 5.0 as well as the responses to the March 5.0. 195 Nonh 1950 West • Salt Lake City. UT Mailing Address PO Box 144850 • Salt Lake City. UT 84114-4850 Telephone (801) 536-4250 • Fa\ (801) 533-4097 • T D D (801) 536-WI4 n it ti dcq ulult eft Printed on (OCK* recycled paper Page 2 May 28, 2015 2012 Round 1 Interrogatories and the subsequent February 2013 review comments. If you have any questions or require clarification concerning the technical memorandum, please contact Mr. Eric Boone at (801) 536-4250. Sincerely, John Hultquist, Licensing Program Mgr. Division of Radiation Control Enclosures cc: David C. Frydenlund, Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc. Jon Luellen, AECOM (Formerly URS) 195 North 1950 West • Salt Lake City, 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 www.deq.utah.gov Printed on 100% recycled paper State of Utah GARY R. HERBERT Governor SPENCER J. COX Lieutenant Governor Department of Environmental Quality Alan Matheson Executive Director DIVISION OF RADIATION CONTROL Rusty Lundberg Director T E C H N I C A L M E M O R A N D U M on T D A R Geotechnical Review of Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc., White Mesa Mill Tailings Data Analysis Report dated April 2015, Prepared by MWH Americas, Inc., RML# UT1900479, San Juan County, Utah. May 28, 2015 Introduction This Technical Memorandum prepared by Division of Radiation Control (DRC) staff presents updated final geotechnical review comments on the subject Tailings Data Analysis report (TDAR) prepared by MWH Americas, Inc. (MWH) for Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc., (EFRI). The subject report dated April 2015 (MWH 2015a) is a revision to the report previously dated March 2015 (MWH 2015c) and presents the results of subsurface investigations performed in accordance with a Work Plan dated July 2013 (Revision transmittal dated August 1, 2013) to collect site- specific tailings geotechnical data on tailings Cells 2 and 3 at the White Mesa facility in San Juan County, Utah. The objectives of the referenced Work Plan have been restated in Sections 1.3 and 1.4 of the TDAR. While there are several concepts were consensus has been difficult to obtain the DRC finds that the latest version of the TDAR (MWH 2015a) is at a place where future analyses using data therein can account for the prevailing differences. The revisions captured in the latest TDAR range from grammatical improvements to additions of clarifying text. Cross-sections and analytical figures have been revised to depict three soil categories within tailings Cells 2 and 3, and tabulated attributes of the soil categories have received additional qualifying narrative. This Memorandum is intended to provide tangible closure to the remaining open issues identified in the DRC March 31, 2015 review memo (DRC, 2015a) as well as to serve to document DRC concluding resolution of AECOM ’s (formerly URS) review comments dated March 31, 2015 and January 21, 2015 on the TDAR. Several items are being closed by the DRC with an understanding that EFRI’s consultant has interpreted and presented the testing data before them as reasonably as appropriate. It should be understood that in order for the DRC to make informed decisions on future geotechnical analysis and modeling that the DRC will expect subsequent geotechnical analyses to incorporate the spatial variability of the tailings constituents by presenting models and results that have utilized the range of soil categories and parameters that have been defined for these soil categories rather than single values or using the most conservative value. Page 2 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 Part 1: DRC March 31, 2015 TDAR comments The following section of this Technical Memorandum list specific DRC review comments that were contained in the DRC Technical Memorandum dated March 31, 2015 (DRC 2015a) and narrative as to how or why DRC staff considered the review comments to be adequately addressed and therefore closed. Findings – DRC March 31, 2015 TDAR comments 1. Section 2.1 - CPT Soundings For consistency with wording in DRC 2015a, see the following Part 1, Comments No. 4 and No. 5 of this Technical Memorandum for closure of several review comments concerning the interpretation the CPT plots with a simplified two category classification scheme and interpretation of water level data that were apart of Section 2.1 of the TDAR. Per a request in DRC 2015a, MWH has corrected several data gaps on Figure 2-1 – Location Map, by adding depths penetrated with CPT soundings: CPT-2W3, CPT-2W4-C, and CPT- 2W6-S in Cell 2. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 2. Section 2.2 - Direct Push Sampling In response to a request made in DRC 2015a, MWH clarified the depiction of push sample symbols that were absent from the “Push Samples” column on the log for CPT-2W6-S(3). The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. As above with Comment No. 1, see Part 1, Comment No. 4 of this Technical Memorandum for closure of the review comment concerning how material that would be identified by typical soil behavior classification charts as sensitive fine grained material was going to be classified, treated, and modeled. 3. Section 3.0 - Laboratory Investigation In DRC 2015a the DRC requested that the non-standard results from the tailings consolidation testing be noted and clearly described as such in the TDAR. DRC also requested that a qualifying statement be added to indicate how the licensee anticipates these data will be treated in downstream technical analyses/models. MWH expanded the narrative of Section 3.0 and Section 4.5 of the TDAR to adequately address these two DRC comments. General Laboratory Investigation Review Comments In DRC 2015a the DRC indicated that it assesses the particular portion of sample run “CPT- 2W6-S(2)@12.3 feet”, that was used within the consolidation test apparatus, as being comprised of material representative of the sand-slime category, that the material collected Page 3 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 within the sample run appears to have transitioned from one category to another along the length of the sample run and that the representative gradation test was performed on a separate portion of the sample run which classified as tailings slime. A gradation test on the actual consolidation specimen was not provided so the review comment ends up being moot. In any case, for the geotechnical properties associated with the subject consolidation test, MWH has defended their position that the test results from this consolidation test are reasonably within the range of previously published ranges for slime tailings (Keshian and Rager, 1988). The DRC understands that the tailings have a high spatial variability and therefore it is understandable that a particular result may fall within the representative ranges of two material categories. For this reason the DRC can accept MWH’s explanation for their interpretation of the data. As stated in the introduction of this Technical Memorandum, the DRC will look closely at future geotechnical analyses to determine that there have been sufficient parametric analyses to identify the behaviors and parameters of most importance to the computed responses. The licensee will need to evaluate if there is sensitivity to the range of cv rates, or to the relative percentages of material categories. The licensee’s analyses will need to show that the embankment settlement is consistent with on-going field measurements. And in order for the DRC to make an informed decision, have the final evaluations clearly documented how the licensee’s analyses have demonstrated that the key uncertainties have been accounted for and that additional information (from exploration or analysis) could reasonably be expected to change (or not) the outcome. On this basis the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. In response to a request made in DRC 2015a, MWH corrected the units for cv in Note g of Table 3-2, Summary of Laboratory Testing. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 4. Section 4.1 - Tailing Classification - Correlation DRC 2015a included a lengthy discussion on the MWH-recommended material classification scheme and the need to include a curve dividing sand from sand-slime. This MWH- recommended classification scheme is an adaption of the L&M 1986 classification scheme that has been revised for this project to account for data collected from site specific sampling. As mentioned in the introduction to this Technical Memorandum, this latest TDAR has revised the scheme to include a curve dividing sand from sand-slime. The DRC held strongly about the need to include separate sand / sand-slime categories and appreciates this revision to the classification scheme. The curve was placed in the same configuration as was done with the L&M 1986 classification scheme without a lateral shift as was done for the curve separating sand-slime from slime. On this basis the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. Page 4 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 DRC 2015a requested that the licensee re-evaluate the distribution of tailings sediments to provide horizontal interpretation of the interlayered nature of the tailings beyond the CPT plots and across each tailings cell. In response MWH confirmed their interpretation that the tailings are significantly interbedded with minimal large-scale segregation. They state that this vertical and lateral heterogeneity precludes the ability to develop a horizontal interpretation of tailings characteristics between CPT locations. The DRC does recognize the heterogeneity; however it also cannot overlook often thicker sequences of sand at the surface of both Cells 2 and 3, the localized conditions of equipment refusal at the southwest portion of Cell 3, as well as the localized condition of Sensitive Fine Grained soil observed within CPT soundings SP2W3; SP3-3S; and SP3-6N. These conditions behave differently from one another and therefore as stated above in Part 1, Comment No. 3 of this Technical Memorandum, the DRC will look closely at future geotechnical analyses to determine that there have been sufficient parametric analyses to identify the behaviors and parameters of most importance to the computed responses. And then in a final assessment has the licensee included a statement regarding what properties are most important to the performance of the tailings impoundments on a long term basis, and is the basis for selecting the values for those most important properties well documented and transparent. The licensee will need to evaluate if there is sensitivity to the relative percentages of material categories. And in order for the DRC to make an informed decision, have the final evaluations clearly documented how the licensee’s analyses have demonstrated that the key uncertainties have been accounted for and that additional information (from exploration or analysis) could reasonably be expected to change (or not) the outcome. On this basis the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. Editorial comments on Updated Figures MWH corrected several plotting errors in response to the DRC noting that the updated Figure E.1-2, Friction Ratio vs. Cone Resistance, Adjusted Tailings Classification, had several consolidation data points incorrectly shaded in the updated graph. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. DRC 2015a found that the legend within Figures E.1-21 through E.1-37 with blue shading for sand tailings was misleading because the previous two-soil category classification scheme would not produce blue shading displayed on the CPT plots. With replacement of the sand category, blue shading is now being displayed on the CPT plots and allowing for a better understanding of the extent of tailings sand. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 5. Section 4.2 - Pore Pressures DRC 2015a questioned the methodology used by the licensee to estimate water levels within tailings Cells 2 and 3 from the CPT data obtained during this study. In general the method Page 5 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 was to interpret dynamic pore pressure readings during CPT advancement to establish water surface levels. To address DRC’s and AECOM’s concerns with the interpretation of water levels in the tailings, MWH revised the interpretation of the estimated elevations of the top of saturated tailings shown on Figures E.2-1 through E.2-16 to conservatively base these estimates solely on pore pressure dissipation test measurements instead of using both pore pressure dissipation test and generation of positive dynamic pore pressure measurements. Based on this revision the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 6. Section 4.3 - Tailings Density DRC 2015a highlighted that in four places, figures called out in the second paragraph of Section 4.3 appeared to be incorrectly directed to figures labeled “E2” in Appendix E instead of “E3”. MWH corrected these editorial problems and the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. DRC also noted in DRC 2015a that the plots presented on Figure E.3-12 appeared to be incorrectly plotting the interpretation of data. MWH reviewed the plotting and confirmed the plotting is correct but has concluded the Lunne et al (1997) relationship does not provide a good correlation with field data. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. In DRC 2015a the DRC remarked that Section 4.3-Tailings Density of MWH 2015c discussed geotechnical test results associated independently within the sand tailings category. The latest TDAR has revised the soil classification scheme to include a curve dividing sand from sand-slime and therefore this comment is no longer a concern of the DRC. 7. Section 4.5 - Consolidation Properties Above in Part 1, Comment No. 3 of this Technical Memorandum, the DRC has reviewed MWH’s responses to our review comments on consolidation testing for the TDAR. As described above in Comment No. 3 the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 8. Section 5.0 - Summary In DRC 2015a the DRC requested and MWH has provided the DRC with a copy of the October 2013 work plan. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. DRC 2015a also inquired as to internal inconsistency with a conclusion made in the seventh paragraph of Section 4.1 and the second paragraph of Section 5.0. In response MWH revised the second paragraph of Section 5.0 to be consistent with Section 4.1. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. Page 6 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 Part 2: AECOM March 31, 2015 TDAR comments The following section (Part 2) of this Technical Memorandum considers the specific AECOM review comments contained in the AECOM Technical Memorandum dated March 31, 2015, that was included as a part of DRC 2015a (hereafter referred to as DRC 2015a-ATM). And a subsequent section (Part 3) addresses AECOM review comments that were contained in the AECOM Technical Memorandum dated January 21, 2015 that was included as a part of DRC 2015b (hereafter referred to as DRC 2015b-ATM). The comments have been reduced to specific questions and narrative how or why DRC staff considered the review comments to be adequately addressed and therefore closed. Findings – AECOM March 31, 2015 TDAR comments 1. General Comment: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM made a general comment that a document containing specific responses to the individual technical comments in its’ Technical Memorandum dated January 22, 2015, which would facilitate review and determination of whether and how each individual comment has been addressed, was not provided. To improve transparency and traceability the licensee provided a comment/response document documenting the response to each review comment previously submitted, with their April 2015 submittal package. The requested comment/response document is included in the reference section (see MWH 2015b) and therefore the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 2. Section 3.0., 6th paragraph, page 12: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM referenced Comment No. 19 in the January 22, 2015 Technical Memorandum, that noted according to ASTM D2435 the minimum specimen diameter or inside diameter for testing consolidation properties shall be 2 inches. AECOM also noted that the March 2015 redline version of the TDAR references two published papers that indicate that a reduction in diameter from 2.4 to 1.2 or 1.4 inches for fine-grained soils has an insignificant impact on measured consolidation. Both papers involved testing of clays (one involving marine clays), rather than tailings having grain sizes/classifications ranging from slimes to sands. In response MWH expanded the narrative of Section 3.0 and Section 4.5 of the April 2015 TDAR to highlight the non-standard testing results and added a qualifying statement how the licensee anticipates that these data will be treated in downstream technical analyses/models. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 3. Section 4.1., Tailings Classification, paragraph 8, page 16: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM comments that cross sections have been provided but no explanation is presented as to how slime and sand-slime zones will extend in plan view. Also Page 7 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 sand zones have not been identified but grouped in with sand-slime zones, without sufficient justification. Within the comment, AECOM recommended that the licensee re-evaluate the proposed adjustments to the L&M classification scheme and revise the TDAR report accordingly to reflect the licensee’s final proposed classification of the tailings materials, or, alternatively, provide additional detailed rationale to support the proposed adjustments. These issues were also a concern of DRC staff and the DRC has provided closing comments to this issue in Part 1, Comment No. 4 of this memorandum. However, due to the importance of this issue the DRC has repeated here the essential substance of DRC’s outlook on how future modeling and analyses of the tailings profiles and tailings material classifications will be reviewed. In essence, the DRC will look closely at future geotechnical analyses to determine that there have been sufficient parametric analyses to identify the behaviors and parameters of most importance to the computed responses. And then in a final assessment has the licensee included a statement regarding what properties are most important to the performance of the tailings impoundments on a long term basis, and is the basis for selecting the values for those most important properties well documented and transparent. The licensee will need to evaluate if there is sensitivity to the relative percentages of material categories. And in order for the DRC to make an informed decision, have the final evaluations clearly documented how the licensee’s analyses have demonstrated that the key uncertainties have been accounted for and that additional information (from exploration or analysis) could reasonably be expected to change (or not) the outcome. On this basis the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 4. Sections 4.1 and 4.2., and Figures 4-3 through 4-6: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM states that they do not agree with the established elevation of saturated tailings as shown on Figures 4-3 through 4-5 and recommends piezometers be installed to measure changing water levels with time and to establish the pore pressure regime with the tailings for further geotechnical analysis. In MWH 2015b, MWH acknowledges that installation of piezometers can provide measurements of water levels within the tailings however they were not a part of the Work Plan (MWH 2013). In addition, MWH points out that the estimates of the top of saturated tailings as now presented in the TDAR (April 2015) should be sufficient to provide conservative estimates for use in technical analyses. The DRC has assessed that the revisions included in the most recent TDAR have adequately addressed this issue, see also Part 1, Comment No. 5 of this Technical Memorandum. 5. Section 4.4., Hydraulic Conductivity and Table 4-4: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM recommended that Table 4-4 show each laboratory test value and what material type it is considered to be instead of showing a range of values. Additionally AECOM points out that the sand-slime permeability is shown to be as less permeable than slime. AECOM requested MWH clarify that the information is correct and accurate and provide an explanation for this apparent discrepancy, or revise the information if Page 8 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 necessary. MWH responded in MWH 2015b that Table D-1 in Appendix D provides individual laboratory test results for all the laboratory tests conducted. MWH further states that the results listed in Table 4-4 are correct and indicate that the laboratory vertical hydraulic conductivity results for the sand-slime and slimes tailings are similar and potentially controlled by the finer fraction of the tailings samples. The DRC understands that the tailings have high spatial variability and acknowledges the hydraulic conductivity testing indicates values lower than previously used for modeling. It is also noted that the geometric mean value for sand-slime in Table 3.2 is outside and below the range previously published for sand-slime tailings in Keshian and Rager, 1988 and as previously assessed by the DRC (see Comment No. 4 of DRC 2015a) that MWH had difficulty obtaining representative samples of the coarser tailings sand and therefore the tailings sands appear to have been under represented in the laboratory data analysis contained in the TDAR. Therefore, as stated in the introduction of this Technical Memorandum, the DRC will look closely at future geotechnical analyses to determine that there have been sufficient parametric analyses to identify the behaviors and parameters of most importance to the computed responses. And then in a final assessment has the licensee included a statement regarding what properties are most important to the performance of the tailings impoundments on a long term basis, and is the basis for selecting the values for those most important properties well documented and transparent. The licensee will need to evaluate if there is sensitivity to the range of kv rates, or to the relative percentages of material categories. And in order for the DRC to make an informed decision, have the final evaluations clearly documented how the licensee’s analyses have demonstrated that the key uncertainties have been accounted for and that additional information (from exploration or analysis) could reasonably be expected to change (or not) the outcome. On this basis the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 6. Section 4.5., Consolidation Properties and Table 4-7: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM recommended that Table 4-7 show each laboratory test value and what material type it is considered to be instead of showing a range of values. They note in Table 4-7, the cv value is greater for slime than sand-slime, indicating more rapid consolidation in slime than sand-slime, which is most likely not realistic. AECOM requested MWH clarify whether there is a significant difference in behavior between slimes and sand- slimes. These issues were also a concern of DRC staff and the DRC has provided closing comments to these issues in Part 1, Comment No. 3 of this memorandum. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 7. Section 4.4., Hydraulic Conductivity: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM recommended that this last sentence of Section 4.4 be deleted or, alternatively, a comprehensive analysis and discussion, including an evaluation of uncertainties associated with the use of values of hydraulic conductivities for all tailings types Page 9 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 that may be present in different areas of cells 2 and 3, be provided. In response MWH deleted the sentence to reduce the confusion. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 8. Section 4.5., Consolidation Properties and Table 4-8: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM comments on the estimated ch values in Table 4-8 and requests that MWH provide additional explanation of other factors and possible uncertainties that could affect the accuracy of the estimated ch values listed in the last column of Table 4-8. AECOM also requested additional discussion on the reliability of use of cv values measured for slimes, sand-slime mixtures, and sand tailings, given the small sample diameters that were used in the laboratory consolidation testing. MWH responded in MWH 2015b that other factors that can impact ch values estimated from CPT data were added to the 3rd paragraph of Section 4.5 of the TDAR. The issues with regards to cv values and the diameter of tailings samples were also a concern of DRC staff and the DRC has provided closing comments to these issues in Part 1, Comment No. 3 of this memorandum. Additionally, the DRC has assessed that the revisions included in Section 4.5 of the most recent TDAR have adequately addressed the concerns with regards the ch concerns. The DRC considers these items adequately addressed. 9. Section 1.2., Historical Tailings Data: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM identified a reference “Denison 2009” that was not included in Section 6.0, References of the TDAR. MWH revised Section 6.0 to include the reference. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 10. Section 3.0., 11th paragraph page 13: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM requested MWH to clarify if a statement, as follows, is correct and accurate that “It is not expected that natural moisture contents will not be used in any future technical analyses for the Reclamation Plan and ICTM Report.” MWH revised the sentence with removal of the second “not” from the sentence. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. Part 3: AECOM January 21, 2015 TDAR comments The following section (Part 3) of this Technical Memorandum considers the specific AECOM review comments contained in the AECOM Technical Memorandum dated January 21, 2015, that was included as a part of DRC 2015b (hereafter referred to as DRC 2015b-ATM). The comments have been reduced to specific questions and narrative how or why DRC staff considered the review comments to be adequately addressed and therefore closed. Findings – AECOM January 21, 2015 TDAR comments 1. Section 1.2, Objectives, and Sections 4.0 and 5.0: In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM requested that cross sections be provided that show inferred distributions of sand, sand-slime and slime tailings types in the two cells investigated and Page 10 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 indicating how the CPT characterization is used on sections. AECOM also requested a summary of tailings data collected to date and their intended use(s), including how the current data compare to previous information/data provided on tailings properties and indicate whether data acquired to date are considered adequate for fulfilling the intended use(s). These issues were also a concern of DRC staff and the DRC has provided closing comments to these issues in Part 1, Comment No. 4 of this memorandum (restated also in Part 2, Comment No. 3). The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 2. Figure 2-2: In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM indicated that the depths shown on Figure 2-2 were unclear and requested clarification. MWH responded in MWH 2015b that the depth of the CPT soundings is shown on Figure 2-1 of the TDAR (see also DRC Comment No. 1 in Part 1). The total thickness of interim cover and tailings at each CPT location are shown on Figure 2-2 of the TDAR and was intended to illustrate that CPT penetrations were above the cell liner. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 3. CPT Soundings In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM requested clarification of the distinction between interim cover and tailings with respect to data obtained by the CPT soundings. Additionally AECOM highlighted that all laboratory testing was performed on samples with lower tip resistance and lower skin friction, i.e. tailings. AECOM requested information on test data that are currently available for the interim cover/platform fill, and whether such data is considered adequate for final cover design. AECOM’s comment is similar to a concern raised by DRC in Comment No. 2 of DRC 2015b. MWH’s response was to revise Section 1.3 of the TDAR to include that the interim fill was evaluated extensively in Denison, 2011 and EFRI, 2012 and therefore not included as a part of the tailings investigation. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 4. Section 3.0 (all): In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM recommended that an explanation be added to the discussion as to how the Specific Gravity values determined for the different tailings samples tested might have been affected by gypsum concentrations in the tailings (owing to the low specific gravity of gypsum) and how this might impact any analyses completed for the Reclamation Plan or the Infiltration and Contaminant Transport Modeling. MWH’s responded by providing additional discussion in Section 3.0 (paragraphs 9 and 10) of the TDAR in regards to the potential impact of the presence on gypsum on specific gravity measurements of the tailings samples. The DRC considers that these items have been adequately addressed. 5. Section 3.0: Tables 3-1 and 3-2: In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM noted two matters relevant to the hydraulic conductivity testing present in Section 3.0 of the TDAR, firstly that a total of 5 tailings samples were tested Page 11 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 for hydraulic conductivity, compared to the 6 hydraulic conductivity tests specified in the Tailings Characterization Work Plan, and secondly, that Table 3-2 indicated no sand tailings were tested for hydraulic conductivity. AECOM requested the following information with respect to the characterization of hydraulic conductivities in the tailings be provided: i. A comparative analysis of the current hydraulic conductivity testing results (for sand- slimes and slimes tailings only) relative to (higher) estimates of overall hydraulic conductivity for the tailings previously developed based on White Mesa tailings testing data collected in 1987 and 1999; and ii. An assessment of the representativeness of the current tailings hydraulic conductivity testing results with respect to the distribution of sand, sand-slime, and slime tailings types in the various cells, with respect to the previously estimated tailings hydraulic conductivity values, and with respect to dewatering and final cover design needs. MWH responded in MWH 2015b that the specific hydraulic conductivity values used for analyses will depend on the type of analyses and how the tailings will be modeled. MWH indicated that it is expected that the hydraulic conductivities used for the tailings for future analyses will be lower than the estimated hydraulic conductivities used in previous analyses. Although the data presented in the TDAR will be used for these future technical analyses, it is not the intent of this report to provide specific recommendations on how tailings properties will be selected for each type of analysis. As stated in Part 2, Comment No.5, the DRC understands that the tailings have high spatial variability and acknowledges the hydraulic conductivity testing indicates values lower than previously used for modeling. It is also noted that the geometric mean value for sand-slime in Table 3.2 is outside and below the range previously published for sand-slime tailings in Keshian and Rager, 1988 and as previously assessed by the DRC (see Comment No. 4 of DRC 2015a) that MWH had difficulty obtaining representative samples of the coarser tailings sand and therefore the tailings sands appear to have been under represented in the laboratory data analysis contained in the TDAR. Therefore, as stated in the introduction of this Technical Memorandum, the DRC will look closely at future geotechnical analyses to determine that there have been sufficient parametric analyses to identify the behaviors and parameters of most importance to the computed responses. And then in a final assessment has the licensee included a statement regarding what properties are most important to the performance of the tailings impoundments on a long term basis, and is the basis for selecting the values for those most important properties well documented and transparent. The licensee will need to evaluate if there is sensitivity to the range of kv rates, or to the relative percentages of material categories. And in order for the DRC to make an informed decision, have the final evaluations clearly documented how the licensee’s analyses have demonstrated that the key uncertainties have been accounted for and that additional information (from exploration or analysis) could reasonably be expected to change (or not) the outcome. On this basis the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. Page 12 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 6. Water Levels: In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM notes an inconsistency between CPT static pore pressure measurements and laboratory data, with the CPT dynamic pore pressure measurements. The latter of which were interpreted by MWH to establish the top of saturated tailings (listed in Table 4-1). AECOM requested a discussion be provided on how the data will be used in future analysis. The DRC has assessed that the revisions included in the most recent TDAR have adequately addressed this issue, see Part 1, Comment No. 5 of this Technical Memorandum. 7. Section 4.2: In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM comments that vibrating wire piezometers should be installed to evaluate pore pressures within the tailings and thus providing data over time and guidance if drainage is occurring. In MWH 2015b, MWH acknowledges that installation of piezometers can provide measurements of water levels within the tailings however they were not a part of the Work Plan (MWH 2013). In addition, MWH points out that the estimates of the top of saturated tailings as now presented in the TDAR (April 2015) should be sufficient to provide conservative estimates for use in technical analyses. The DRC has assessed that the revisions included in the most recent TDAR have adequately addressed this issue, see Part 1, Comment No. 5 of this Technical Memorandum. 8. Section 4.2: In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM further commented on possible shortcomings of the methodology of using dynamic pore pressures to estimate saturated tailings. As stated above, The DRC has assessed that the revisions included in the most recent TDAR have adequately addressed this issue, see Part 1, Comment No. 5 of this Technical Memorandum. 9. Section 4.2, p. 12: In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM questions if there are additional data available that would confirm perched zones are seasonal vs. ‘perennial’ in nature, as implied in the statement by MWH that “there are also some lenses of elevated pore pressures at shallow depths, but these are considered perched zones in the interim cover and/or tailings due to seasonal fluctuations”. MWH responded by adding text to the second paragraph of Section 4.2, that there is no data “but considering the climate at the White Mesa site,…” the perched zones are expected to be seasonal in nature. The DRC considers that this item has been adequately addressed. 10. Section 4.2: In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM further comments that their interpretation of the CPT static dissipation tests indicates that there is near hydrostatic pressure below the ground surface. As stated above, the DRC has assessed that the revisions included in the most recent TDAR Page 13 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 have adequately addressed this issue, see Part 1, Comment No. 5 of this Technical Memorandum. 11. General Comment: In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM indicated that it was not clear how the delineation of sand, sand-slime, and slime tailings will be used for future calculations/analyses/models. AECOM recommended also looking at plasticity indices and densities to evaluate material behavior. These issues were also a concern of DRC staff and the DRC has provided closing comments to this issue in Part 1, Comment No. 4 of this Technical Memorandum. The DRC has assessed that the revisions included in the most recent TDAR have adequately addressed this issue. 12. Section 4.3, p. 14: In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM requests MWH to clarify/verify what figure or figures (e.g., Figures E.3-1 and E.3-2?) are relevant to the derivation of the recommended density values listed in Table 4-3. In MWH 2015b, MWH describes that density values provided in Table 4- 3 of the TDAR are average measured density values for the tailings samples collected during the October 2013 field investigation. Figures E.3-1 and E.3-2 show laboratory-measured total and dry density versus depth, respectively, for the tailings samples tested. The DRC considers that this item has been adequately addressed. 13. Section 4.4: In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM requests that there be additional discussion on how hydraulic conductivity values presented in this section will be used in future analysis. This comment is similar to that contained above in Part 3, Comment No. 5 of this Technical Memorandum. Please see the closing discussion provided by the DRC in Part 3, Comment No. 5, and on this basis the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. AECOM also requested additional information on the tested confining pressures that the hydraulic conductivity tests were performed at and how the tested confining pressures were selected. In response MWH added text to Section 4.4 of the TDAR regarding confining pressures used for the hydraulic conductivity tests. The DRC has assessed that the revisions included in the most recent TDAR have adequately addressed this issue. 14. Section 4.4, pp. 15-16 and Table 4-6: In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM requests that there be additional discussion comparing the estimated hydraulic conductivity values listed in Table 4-6 for sand tailings to previous estimates of tailings hydraulic conductivity as described in Comment No. 5 of DRC 2015b- ATM. AECOM requests that MWH describe how the different estimates were developed and provide a discussion of the reliability and representativeness of these estimates of in-situ conditions in the tailings as they relate to characterization of areas/locations within tailings Page 14 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 cells that may consist of more sandy material based on the current investigation and previous tailings testing results. Provide additional information regarding how the current and previous tailings testing data will be used to represent the potential variability in hydraulic conductivity values across the tailings management cells, especially with regard to sand tailings. This comment is similar to that contained above in Part 2 and 3, Comment No. 5 of this Technical Memorandum. The DRC has provided closing comments to this issue in Part 2, Comment No. 5. However, due to the importance of this issue the DRC has repeated those comments. The DRC understands that the tailings have high spatial variability and acknowledges the hydraulic conductivity testing indicates values lower than previously used for modeling. It is also noted that the geometric mean value for sand-slime in Table 3.2 is outside and below the range previously published for sand-slime tailings in Keshian and Rager, 1988 and as previously assessed by the DRC (see Comment No. 4 of DRC 2015a) that MWH had difficulty obtaining representative samples of the coarser tailings sand and therefore the tailings sands appear to have been under represented in the laboratory data analysis contained in the TDAR. Therefore, as stated in the introduction of this Technical Memorandum, the DRC will look closely at future geotechnical analyses to determine that there have been sufficient parametric analyses to identify the behaviors and parameters of most importance to the computed responses. And then in a final assessment has the licensee included a statement regarding what properties are most important to the performance of the tailings impoundments on a long term basis, and is the basis for selecting the values for those most important properties well documented and transparent. The licensee will need to evaluate if there is sensitivity to the range of kv rates, or to the relative percentages of material categories. And in order for the DRC to make an informed decision, have the final evaluations clearly documented how the licensee’s analyses have demonstrated that the key uncertainties have been accounted for and that additional information (from exploration or analysis) could reasonably be expected to change (or not) the outcome. On this basis the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 15. Section 4.5: In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM requests 1) that there be additional discussion on how the values of horizontal coefficient of consolidation will be used in future analysis; 2) and that there be additional discussion on how the vertical coefficient of consolidation (cv) values listed in Table 4-7 compare with estimates of cv that may be derived from horizontal coefficient of consolidation (ch) estimates/values (e.g., estimated ch values in Table 4-8) using published empirical methods (e.g., Robertson et al. 1992) and discuss implications, if any, of apparent differences. In response MWH revised the third paragraph of Section 4.5 of the TDAR. The DRC has assessed that the revisions included in the most recent TDAR have adequately addressed this issue. See also closing comments in Part 2, Comment No. 8 of this Technical Memorandum. Page 15 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 16. Direct Push Sampling: In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM requested additional comment as to the reason for the poor recovery and also indicate where (at what interval) the recovery was obtained. AECOM’s comment is similar to concerns raised by the DRC in Comment No. 2 of DRC 2015b. In response MWH clarified the logs and added additional narrative to Section 2.2 of the TDAR. The DRC has provided closing comments to these issues in Comment No. 2 of DRC 2015a as well as in Part 1, Comment No. 2 of this memorandum. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 17. Consolidation Test Sample Size: In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM points out that consolidation test samples were not sized according to the minimum specimen diameter of ASTM D2435 and requested clarification. AECOM’s comment is similar to concerns raised by the DRC in Comment No. 3 of DRC 2015b as well as in Comment No. 3 of DRC 2015a. In response MWH expanded the narrative of Section 3.0 and Section 4.5 of the TDAR to address these comments. The DRC has provided closing comments to these issues in Part 1, Comment No. 3 of this memorandum. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 18. Sampling Distribution In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM requested additional comment on the adequacy of the sampling distribution within each cell and spatial variation within each cell. MWH responded in MWH 2015b that the approved work plan (MWH, 2013) listed two direct push sampling locations per tailings cell (four total), which were to be selected during the field program based on the results of the CPT soundings. Direct push sampling was actually conducted at six sampling locations in Cell 2 and two sampling locations in Cell 3. The locations were selected to span the range of material responses (e.g. pore pressures, soil behavior types) measured during CPT testing, as well as to provide sufficient tailings samples for laboratory testing. Based on this response it can be inferred that MWH exceed the expected Work Plan goals. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 19. In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM noted that there were typographical errors on the drilling logs with respect to the permeability, cc, and cv values. MWH corrected the errors which were on several of the logs. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 20. In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM commented that on Figures E.2-1 through E.2-8 it would be helpful to show the pore pressure in feet associated with the static dissipation test and not only the elevation where the test was performed. In response MWH revised the figures to show pore pressure in feet along the right hand side of each of these figures. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. Page 16 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 21. In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM noted that there were discrepancies between values obtained from the laboratory testing and values reported in Table 4-7. MWH corrected the errors between the laboratory testing and Table 4-7. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 22. In DRC 2015b-ATM, AECOM noted that the sample recovery noted on boring logs is at a different interval than noted on the laboratory testing results. In preparing the TDAR dated March 2015 MWH reviewed the field logging procedures with regards to sample recovered and revised many of the sample identifications as well as the associated laboratory test result sheets and references thereto. For closing comments see also the 1st and 3rd paragraphs of Comment No. 2 of DRC 2015a. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. Page 17 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 References: ASTM Designation: D2435-11, Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading, American Society for Testing and Materials, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section Four, Construction, Vol. 04.08, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. 2013. www.astm.org. Denison Mines (USA) Corporation. (2011). Reclamation Plan, Revision 5.0, White Mesa Mill, Blanding, Utah. September 2011. Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc., (2012). Radioactive Materials License, Response to Utah Division of Radiation Control (“DRC”) Round 1 Interrogatory on Reclamation Plan Revision 5.0, Second Submittal. August 15, 2012. Keshian, B., and Rager, R.E. (1988). Geotechnical Properties of Hydraulically Placed Uranium Mill Tailings. In D.J.A. Van Zyl and S. Vick, Editors, Hydraulic Fill Structures, a Specialty Conference sponsored by the Geotechnical Engineering Division of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Geotechnical Special Publication No. 21, pgs. 227-254. Larson, N. B., and Mitchell, B. (1986). Cone Penetrometer Use on Uranium Mill Tailings. In Samuel P. Clemence, Editor, Use of In Situ Tests in Geotechnical Engineering: Proceedings on In Situ’86, a Specialty Conference sponsored by the Geotechnical Engineering Division of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Geotechnical Special Publication No. 6, pgs. 700- 713. Lunne, T., Robertson, P.K., and Powell, J.J.M., (1997). Cone Penetration Testing in Geotechnical Practice. Blackie Academic & Professional, reprinted E&FN Spon/Routledge, New York. MWH Americas, Inc. (2015a). Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc., White Mesa Mill, Tailings Data Analysis Report, April. MWH Americas, Inc. (2015b). Responses to Review Comments on Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc., White Mesa Mill Tailings Data Analysis Report (January and March 2015), and Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis Report (March 2015). April 24, 2015. MWH Americas, Inc. (2015c). Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc., White Mesa Mill, Tailings Data Analysis Report, March. MWH Americas, Inc. (2014). Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc., White Mesa Mill, Tailings Data Analysis Report, October. MWH Americas, Inc. (2013). Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc., White Mesa Mill Tailings Characterization and Analysis Work Plan, July. Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Radiation Control, (2015a), Geotechnical Review of Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc. White Mesa Mill, Tailings Data Analysis Report dated March 2015, and Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis Report dated March 2015,. RML# UT1900479, San Juan County, Utah. March 31, 2015. Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Radiation Control, (2015b), Geotechnical Review of Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc. White Mesa Mill, Tailings Data Analysis Page 18 Geotechnical Review of Tailing Data Analysis Report May 28, 2015 Report dated October 2014,Prepared by MWH Americas, Inc., RML# UT1900479, San Juan County, Utah. January 22, 2015. Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Radiation Control, (2013), Review of August 15, 2012 (and May 31, 2012) Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc. Response to Round 1 Interrogatories on Revision 5 Reclamation Plan Review, White Mesa Mill Site, Blanding, Utah, report dated September 2011. February 13, 2013. 195 North 1950 West • Salt Lake City, 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 www.deq.utah.gov Printed on 100% recycled paper State of Utah GARY R. HERBERT Governor SPENCER J. COX Lieutenant Governor Department of Environmental Quality Alan Matheson Executive Director DIVISION OF RADIATION CONTROL Rusty Lundberg Director T E C H N I C A L M E M O R A N D U M on P S H A Geotechnical Review of Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc., White Mesa Mill Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis Report dated April 2015, Prepared by MWH Americas, Inc., RML# UT1900479, San Juan County, Utah. May 28, 2015 Introduction This Technical Memorandum prepared by Division of Radiation Control (DRC) staff presents updated final geotechnical review comments on the subject Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis report (PSHA) prepared by MWH Americas, Inc. (MWH) for Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc., (EFRI). The subject report dated April 2015 (MWH 2015a) is a revision to the report previously dated March 2015 (MWH 2015c). This DRC Technical Memorandum is intended to document concluding resolution of AECOM’s (formerly URS) comments identified in the AECOM Technical Memorandum dated March 31, 2015 on the PSHA that were a part of DRC’s March 31, 2015 review package DRC 2015a (hereafter referred to as DRC 2015a-ATM). With regards to the updated PSHA report by MWH, it is noted that AECOM has pointed out in the initial paragraph of their March 2015 review that “The PSHA described in the report [MWH 2015a] represents the state-of-the-practice with two exceptions.” The following sections of this Technical Memorandum consider the specific AECOM review comments contained in the AECOM Technical Memorandum. The comments have been reduced to specific questions and narrative how or why DRC staff considered the review comments to be adequately addressed and therefore closed. Major Findings 1. Section 4.2.1: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM stated that it was not clear why a truncated exponential model was not used in calculating the recurrence for the Colorado Plateau and Intermountain Seismic Belt (ISB) and requested that the authors explain why? AECOM also illustrated that there is uncertainty in the recurrence parameters that could impact the hazard and that this uncertainty was not accounted for by MWH in their PSHA. AECOM suggested that MWH may want to evaluate its impact on their hazard results. In MWH 2015b, MWH responded that a truncated exponential model was used (see 3rd sentence, 2nd paragraph of Section 4.2.1) in the hazard Page 2 Geotechnical Review of Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis report May 28, 2015 code and provided the plots for the Colorado Plateau and Intermountain Seismic Zone in Figures 1 and 2. In response to the reviewers suggestion, MWH investigated the variation of the minimum magnitude (3.0 as compared to 3.5) used in the calculations. A test run was performed to evaluate if increasing the minimum magnitude would impact the hazard. Using a minimum magnitude of 3.5 to calculate the recurrence resulted in a decrease in the overall hazard from 0.19g to 0.17g. Therefore, this uncertainty in the recurrence parameters was evaluated and the results are not significant enough to revise the hazard calculations. No changes have been made to the report by MWH. On this basis the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 2. Section 4.2: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM commented that the background seismicity in the Colorado Plateau and the ISB is assumed to be uniformly distributed in the MWH study. Most state-of- the-practice PSHAs use Gaussian smoothing of the seismicity with or without uniform seismic source zones such as the USGS in the National Seismic Hazard Maps. AECOM indicated this probably does not have a significant impact on the hazard computed by MWH but they should acknowledge this fact in their report. MWH responded by revising Section 6.2.1 of the PSHA report to state that the analysis does not include Gaussian smoothing. On this basis the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. Minor/Editorial Findings 3. Section 1.1, 2nd paragraph, 1st sentence: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM commented that the subject sentence is awkward and needs to be reworded. AECOM suggested it should read something to the effect: “The PSHA was performed to estimate the probabilistic hazard at the site by characterizing potential seismic sources and assessing the likelihood of earthquakes of various magnitudes occurring on those sources and the likelihood of the earthquakes producing ground motions over a specified level.” MWH responded by revising Section 1.1 of the PSHA report and which now reads: “The PSHA was performed to estimate the seismic hazard at the project site within a probabilistic framework by characterizing potential seismic sources.” On this basis the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 4. Section 2.1, last sentence: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM noted that the northern Naciimiento fault is located in northwestern New Mexico, not northeastern New Mexico. MWH responded by correcting Section 2.1 of the PSHA report. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. Page 3 Geotechnical Review of Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis report May 28, 2015 5. Section 6.3, 1st paragraph: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM noted that the subject paragraph describes the PGA results but references Figure 9 which are the Uniform Hazard Spectra (UHS). AECOM requested that the paragraph be reworded to acknowledge that UHS were computed. In response MWH reworded Section 6.3 of the PSHA report to acknowledge that the UHS was computed. Figures 9 and 10 were switched such that Figure 9 shows the total hazard curve and Figure 10 shows the UHS. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 6. Section 7, last paragraph: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM pointed-out that the USGS National Seismic Hazard Map methodology is no different than the methodology used in the MWH report or any other PSHA. Hence the statement that the estimation of hazard at 10,000 years is “outside the intended use of the data and likely explain the differences in the PGA” is incorrect. There are probably legitimate reasons that the USGS PGA value is higher. One reason could be the smoothing window used by the USGS is generally 50 km, which tends to spread the hazard to greater distances. Hence for a particular site, the hazard will be higher due to contributions coming from a larger range of distances than the MWH study where smoothing was not performed. In response MWH revised Section 7 of the PSHA report. The DRC considers this item adequately addressed. 7. Figure 11: In DRC 2015a-ATM, AECOM comments that the subject figure indicates the controlling earthquake at the site for a return period of 10,000 years. Is this the mean or modal magnitude and distance? Since the PGA computed in the MWH study is to evaluate the liquefaction potential of the reclaimed tailings cells, there should be a short discussion in the report on the controlling earthquake. In response, MWH revised the last paragraph of Section 6.3 of the PSHA report to include discussion about the controlling earthquake. On this basis the DRC considers this item adequately addressed. In addition the DRC also notes that the earthquake maximum magnitude required for liquefaction potential studies is Mw 6.75 as described in Section 4.2.1 and Section 6.2.1 of the PSHA. Page 4 Geotechnical Review of Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis report May 28, 2015 References: Denison Mines (USA) Corporation. (2011). Reclamation Plan, Revision 5.0, White Mesa Mill, Blanding, Utah. September 2011. Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc., (2012). Radioactive Materials License, Response to Utah Division of Radiation Control (“DRC”) Round 1 Interrogatory on Reclamation Plan Revision 5.0, Second Submittal. August 15, 2012. MWH Americas, Inc. (2015a). Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc., White Mesa Mill, Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis, April. MWH Americas, Inc. (2015b). Responses to Review Comments on Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc., White Mesa Mill Tailings Data Analysis Report (January and March 2015), and Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis Report (March 2015). April 24, 2015. MWH Americas, Inc. (2015c). Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc., White Mesa Mill, Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis, March. Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Radiation Control, (2015a), Geotechnical Review of Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc. White Mesa Mill, Tailings Data Analysis Report dated March 2015, and Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis Report dated March 2015, RML# UT1900479, San Juan County, Utah. March 31, 2015. Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Radiation Control, (2015b), Geotechnical Review of Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc. White Mesa Mill, Tailings Data Analysis Report dated October 2014,Prepared by MWH Americas, Inc., RML# UT1900479, San Juan County, Utah. January 22, 2015. Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Radiation Control, (2013), Review of August 15, 2012 (and May 31, 2012) Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc. Response to Round 1 Interrogatories on Revision 5 Reclamation Plan Review, White Mesa Mill Site, Blanding, Utah, report dated September 2011. February 13, 2013.