HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRC-2011-006619 - 0901a068802462f0June 21, 2011
VIA E-MAIL AND OVERNIGHT DELIVERY
Mr. Rusty Lundberg
Utah Department of Environmental Quality
195 North 1950 West
P.O. Box 144850
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4850
Denison Mines (USA) Corp.
1050 17th Street, Suite 950
Denver, CO 80265
USA
Tel: 303 628-7798
Fax: 303 389-4125
www.denisonmines.com
Re: state of Utah Groundwater Discharge Permit ("GWDP") No. UGW370004
Transmittal of Revised Standard Operating Procedures ("SOPs") and Response to Division of
Radiation Control ("DRC") request for Information of June 2, 2011 Regarding Settlement Monitoring
Dear Mr. Lundberg:
This letter transmits Denison Mines (USA) Corp's proposed revisions to the Settlement Monitoring SOP. This
letter also responds to DRC's letter of June 2, 2011, which we received on June 6, 2011 providing DRC's
proposed redlines and comments on the subject SOP. We have attached an edited redline copy of the SOP
in which DRC's proposed changes remain in violet-red and Denison's modifications or additional language
are indicated in other colors.
We have provided, below, specific responses to each request in UDEQ's June 2, 2011 letter. The sections
and numbering of the remainder of this letter follow the DRC June 2, 2011 letter. Each DRC request is shown
in italics, below, followed by Denison's response.
DRC Comments and Responses
1. No further comment.
Denison Response: No response required.
2. No furttier comment.
Denison Response: No response required.
3. No furttier comment.
Denison Response: No response required.
4. Figure 1, a drawing titled Settlement Monitor Fabrication originally dated 09-14-96 and last revised 05-
11, was provided by DUSA to support ttie description of ttie design of ttie Settlement Monitors found in
Section 1.3 of the subject SOPs.
Denison Response: No response required.
N:\SOPs and Procedures\Settlement Monitor SOP and comments\Response to RFI and Settlement SOP to DRC
06.21.11\06.21.11 Response to DEQ 06.02.11 RFI SettlementSOP.doc
Letter to Mr. Rusty Lundberg
June 21, 2011
Page 2
5. No further comment.
Denison Response: No response required.
6. No further comment.
Denison Response: No response required.
7. No further comment.
Denison Response: No response required.
8. As previously stated and requested in our letter of April 4, 2011, Section 1.5.2 in the subject SOPs is
vague in its intent and needed clarifying. After some revision by DUSA, this section still seems rather
complex and unclear To help clarify the apparent intent of this section, some additional red-line strike-
out verbiage attached, is suggested for Section 1.5.2.
Denison Response: The change has been accepted as proposed.
9. No further comment.
Denison Response: No response required.
10. Per License Condition 11.7K, we requested that the subject SOPs, "Include a list of records that will be
prepared for documenting settlement data for each settlement monitoring device and related site
observations and activities..." In this regard, we request that the annual review of the Settlement
Monitors by a Utah Licensed Professional Engineer be added to the list of records of documents shown
in Section 1.5.1 of the subject SOPs.
Denison Response: The change has been made as requested. The review by the Utah-Licensed Professional
Engineer has been added to the list of documents in Section 1.5.1.
11. Per License Condition 11.7L, in our letter of April 4, 2011, we suggested verbiage for the subject SOPs
to provide that results and records of settlement monitoring be submitted annually as part ofthe ATER.
It appears the addition of the word "submit" to Section 1.6 is appropriate in this regard. This addition is
suggested as attached, in the red-line strike-out verbiage for Section 1.6, in the second to last
paragraph of that section.
Denison Response: The change has been accepted as proposed.
Please contact me if you have any questions or require any further information.
Yours very truly,
DENISON MINES (USA) CORP.
Jo Ann Tischler
Director, Compliance and Permitting
OENISO
MSNES
Letter to Mr. Rusty Lundberg
June 21, 2011
Page 3
cc: David C. Frydenlund
Harold R. Roberts
David E. Turk
K. Weinel
Central files
Attachment
DENISO
MINES
White Mesa Mill - Standard Operating Procedures Date: 04644/20110 Revision: DUSA-2-1-
Book #11: Environmentai Protection Manual, SOP Section 5.0 Page 1 of 5
SETTLEMENT MONITORING
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
\. SETTLEMENT MONITORING
1.1 Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) describes the vertical monitoring of the Settlement
Monitors that are placed within the tailings management cell areas. This SOP will also indicate
how and where to document the findings. All data collected for these purposes, as described
below, will be included in an Annual Technical Evaluation Report (ATER) to be submitted to the
Executive Secretary of the Utah Division of Radiation Control (the Executive Secretary)
pursuant to License Condition 12.3 of the Radioactive Materials License (RML).
1.2 Locations and Frequency of Monitoring
Settlement Monitors are located on covered tailings cells and shall be surveyed on a monthly
basis by the Environmental Department staff and annually by a Utah Licensed Professional Land
Surveyor.
For any new Settlement Monitor installed (after June, 2010)-, within 30 days of the installation, a
Utah Licensed Land Surveyor will survey the monument. The locations of new Settlement
Monitors will be pre-designated by the Mill Engineer on the latest DUSA Settlement Monitor
Points map (originallv dated 09/15/08). Settlement Monitors will be placed on the tailings cells
as the intermediate cover is advanced over tailings. New Settlement Monitors will be installed
within XX60 calendar days of completion of the intermediate cover at the designated locations.
The Settlement Monitor Points map will be updated as part of the installation of new monitors.
As stated above. Settlement Monitors will be placed on the tailing cells when temporary cover is
being advanced on the placed tailings. Settlement Monitors are also required on In-situ leach
(ISL) source disposal areas that have been closed to further disposal pursuant to RML condition
I0.5.A. Settlement monitors will be installed and surveyed by a Utah Licensed Land Surveyor
within 30 days of the completion of each ISL disposal area, and then annually after that point.
One Settlement Monitor will be required for approximately every 22,500 square feet or 5,000
cubic yards of ISL material. These monuments will be uniquely labeled to identify the specific
ISL material.
F:\WP\Division ofRadiation ControlVDenison Mines. DUSA\ATER Annual Tech Eval Reports\Movement & Setttemert
Monitors\Settlement Monitors\Prop Settlement Monit SOP Markup 03 2010.docC:\Users\itischler\Desktop\Section 5 0
Settlement Monitoring SOP.doc
White Mesa Mill - Standard Operating Procedures Date: 046-14/20UO Revision: DUSA-2+
Book #11: Environmental Protection Manual, SOP Section 5.0 Page 2 of 5
For ISL source disposal areas or trenches completed before April 1, 20110, the required
settlement stands will be placed and the initial elevation survey completed prior to June 1,
20110.
1.3 Design of Settlement Monitors
Each Settlement Monitor is built to be resistant to shifting due to frost heave, erosion, burrowing
animals and other environmental factors.
The design is a 2'x2' steel plate with a 1" steel pipe welded to the center of the plate. This steel
plate will be positioned by digging straight down in the desired location until tailing sands are
contacted. Upon contacting the sands, the steel plate and pipe are lowered and placed on top of
the sands. The hole will then be backfilled to within two feet of the ground surface. At this
point, a 3" steel outer casing will be placed over the 1" inner pipe. After this has been
completed, the last two feet of material will be backfilled. The top of the 3" casing will be
threaded to allow for a cap to be installed. The settlement monitors will have the threaded caps,
lubricated on an as needed basis, to allow the cap to be removed during the survey process. See
the attached Figure 1 detailing the construction of the Settlement Monitors.
In order to protect the settlement monitors from man-caused damage, each settlement will be
bounded on three sides. This bounding will prevent equipment from accidentally coming in
contact with the settlement monitor. These devices will consist of three 3" steel pipes that will
be cemented into the ground. The interior of the pipe will also be filled with concrete. The
barriers will then be painted red as a visual reminder.
If damage, by any source, has occurred, the informafion will be documented and immediately
tumed in to the RSO, or designee. The RSO, or designee, will make same dav notificafion to the
Corporate Compliance Director^ and a corrective action plan will be created for rReplacement
and/or repairs to the damaged Settlement Monitor and the surveying and documentation of those
changes due to the Settlement Monitor damage will be completed within within 30XX calendar
davs of the discovery of the damage to the Settlement Monitor.
L4 Monthly Surveying
(i) The monthly survey will be performed by the Mill's Radiation Safety
Officer or designee (the "Surveyor") with the assistance of another Mill
worker (the "Assistanf);
(ii) The survey will be performed using a survey instrument accurate to 0.1
feet, such as a Sokkai No. B21, or equivalent, together with a survey rod
having a visible scale in 0.1 foot increments;
(iii) The reference points are known points established by a professional
survey.
(iv) The surveyor will set up the survey instrument in a location where both
the applicable reference point and settlement monitor are visible.
F:\WP\Division ofRadiation ControlVDenison Mines. DUSAVATER Annual Tech Eval ReportoVMovement & Settlement
Monitors\Settlement MonitorsVProp Settlement Monit SOP Markup 03 2010.docC:\Users\itischler\Desktop\Section 5 0
Settlement Monitoring SOP.doc
White Mesa Mill - Standard Operating Procedures Date: 0464I-/2011Q Revision: DUSA-24-
Book #11: Environmental Protection Manual, SOP Section 5.0 Page 3 of 5
(v) Once in location, the surveyor will ensure that the survey instrument is
level by centering the bubble in the level gauge on the survey instrument;
(vi) The assistant will place the survey rod vertically on the reference point.
The assistant will ensure that the survey rod is vertical by genfiy rocking
the rod back and forth until the surveyor has established a level reading;
(vii) The surveyor will focus the cross hairs of the survey instrument on the
scale on the survey rod, and record the number (the "reference point
reading"), which represents the number of feet the survey instrument is
reading above the reference point;
(viii) The assistant will then move to a designated settlement monitor. Once at
the monitor, the assistant will remove the steel cap and place the survey
rod on top of the 1" inner pipe. A few of the original setfiement monitors
do not have an inner pipe. For original settlement monitors without a 1"
inner pipe, the assistant will place the survey rod on the lip of the
settlement monitor;
(ix) The assistant will hold the rod vertically and will ensure the survey rod is
vertical by gently rocking the rod back and forth until the Surveyor has
established a level reading;
(x) The surveyor will focus the cross hairs of the survey instrument on the
scale on the survey rod, and record the number (the "surface reading"),
which represents the number of feet the survey instrument is reading
above the settlement monitor.
The surveyor will calculate the elevation of the settlement monitor by adding the
reference point reading to the reference point elevation and then subtracting the surface
reading for the settlement monitor, and will record the number accurate to O.I feet. The
elevation information will be maintained within the Environmental Department records.
The monthly documentation of the readings will be recorded on the Monthly Tailings
Inspection Form. The form can be found in Section 3.1 ofthe Environmental Protecfion
Manual.
1.5 Monitoring and Maintenance of Settlement Monitors
1.5.1 Monitoring and Documentation of Condition of Devices
The Movement Settlement Monitors will be maintained so that the monuments remain in
reliable, good working condition. Conditions at and in the vicinity of the monitoring devices
will be inspected monthly by Environmental Department staff. Any observations will be
recorded on the monthly tailings inspection report form.
On an annual basis, each monument will be photographed to document conditions at the
monitoring areas. Addifionally, photographs will be taken following any instances of unusually
severe weather or incidents involving equipment if they result in physical damage or disturbance
to any settlement monitoring device, or significant changes to the ground areas adjacent to or
surrounding the settlement monitor.
F:\WPVDivision ofRadiation ControlVDenison Mines. DUSAATER Annual Tech Eval ReportsVMovement & Settlement
Monitors\Settlement MonitorsVProp Settlement Monit SOP Markup 03 2010.docC:\Users\itischler\Desktop\Section 5 0
Settlement Monitoring SOP.doc
White Mesa Mill - Standard Operating Procedures Date: 04644-/20110 Revision: DUSA-24
Book #11: Environmental Protection Manual, SOP Section 5.0 Page 4 of 5
The following records and documents will be maintained bv the Environmental Department
staff:
a) Monthly tailings inspection forms
h) Data files of monthly and annual survey information
c) Records of initial installation and survey data
d) Records of maintenance, damage, and/or replacement of settlement monitors
e) Annual photographs documenting site conditions at each settlement monitor
f) Annual Review of Settlement Monitors by Utah Licensed Professional Engineer
1.5.2 Maintenance of Monitors
If any settlement monitoring device is irreparably damaged as a result of environmental stresses
or man-caused contact, it will be promptly replaced with an identical or equivalent device.
Based on the last monthly survey, prior to the damage, t¥he replacement device will be placed as
near as practical at the same elevation and in the same location from which the damaged device
was removed. Data from the new device will be correlated to data from the removed damaged
device as follows:
1. When a new device is installed, a Utah-Licensed Land Surveyor will survey and map the
location of the new device as well as that of the two nearest (undamaged) devices
adjacent to on either side of the new device.
2. Ifthe survey indicates there has been less than 0.1 foot of vertical change since the last
monthly survev in the elevation location of the undamaged devices, no adjustment will be
made to the survey data of the new device.
3; If the survey indicated 0.1 foot or greater of vertical change to either of the undamaged
devices, the survey results for the new device will be adjusted by the average change
observed in the two adjacent devices. This adjustment will be documented in the Utah-
Licensed Land Surveyors report and in the annual ATER.
3T4J Also, based on the last monthly survey, prior to the damage, fif the elevafion of
the new device is greater than +/- 0.1 foot from that of the damaged devicse, then the
replacement devicse will be designated with a new number (such as "Cell 2W2-R". as the
replacement for damaged devicse "Cell 2W2"). Elevafion data for the new devicse, and
the date of installation of the new device, will be recorded in the data file adjacent to the
information from the damaged devicse. with a notation that this devicse is a replacement
for the damaged devicse.
F:\WP\Division ofRadiation ControlVDenison Mines. DUSA\ATER Annual Tech Eval ReportsVMovement & Settlement
Monitors\Settlement MonitorsVProp Settlement Monit SOP Markup 03 2010.docC:\Users\itischlor\Desktop\Section 5 0
Settlement Monitoring SOP.doc
White Mesa Mill - Standard Operating Procedures Date: 04644/20110 Revision: DUSA-24-
Book #11: Environmental Protection Manual, SOP Section 5.0 Page 5 of 5
1.6 Performance Criteria and Data Validation
When the monthly data has been collected, the information will be reviewed for any errors
and/or major changes in the vertical movement on the settlement monitors. If there is a
difference of 0.1 foot between two consecutive months, then an investigation and possible the
corrective acfions will be taken as follows:
1 Resurvey the settlement monitor that shows vertical movement of 0.1 foot or more,
within 7XX days of discovery of the problem.T
2 Document site conditions.
3 Prepare a document to the Corporate Compliance Director stating possible causes (i.e.
expected setfiement of the tailings sands, man-caused contact, environmental stresses, er
burrowing animals, etc.).
4 Report this information to the Executive Secretary within 30XX calendar davs for
approval a timely manner and include in that notification the investigation steps,
movement evaluation, and corrective acfions-steps taken, if needed. This report will be
also be maintained within the Environmental Department records and will be submitted
annually as part of the ATER as required by RML Condition 12.3.
On an annual basis, a Utah Licensed Professional Engineer shall review^ and-analyze. correct (as
needed), submit the data and then certify the annual data in writing—, including an explanation
of the methods and basis used for the review, analysis, and corrections including ongoing
graphical updates for the Setfiement Monitors. For movements attributed to expected settlement
ofthe tailings sands, the review will include comments on the graphical presentation of the data,
and an evaluafion of the previous, current and expected rates of ongoing settlement.
which This information will be maintained within the Environmental Department records and
will be submitted annually as part of the ATER as required by RML Condition 12.3.
F:VWPVDivision ofRadiation ControlVDenison Mines. DUSAATER Annual Tech Eval ReportsVMovement & Settlement
MonitorsVSenlement MonitorsVProp Settlement Monit SOP Markup 03-2010.docC:VUsersVitischlerVDosktopVSection 5 0
Settlement Monitoring SOP.doc
White Mesa Mill - Standard Operating Procedures Date: 06/2011 Revision: DUSA-2
Book #11: Environmental Protection Manual, SOP Section 5.0 Page 1 of 5
SETTLEMENT MONITORING
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
1. SETTLEMENT MONITORING
1.1 Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) describes the vertical monitoring of the Settlement
Monitors that are placed within the tailings management cell areas. This SOP will also indicate
how and where to document the findings. All data collected for these purposes, as described
below, will be included in an Annual Technical Evaluation Report (ATER) to be submitted to the
Executive Secretary of the Utah Division of Radiation Control (the Executive Secretary)
pursuant to License Condition 12.3 of the Radioactive Materials License (RML).
1.2 Locations and Frequency of Monitoring
Settlement Monitors are located on covered tailings cells and shall be surveyed on a monthly
basis by the Environmental Department staff and annually by a Utah Licensed Professional Land
Surveyor.
For any new Settlement Monitor installed (after June, 2010), within 30 days of the installation, a
Utah Licensed Land Surveyor will survey the monument. The locations of new Settlement
Monitors will be pre-designated by the Mill Engineer on the latest DUSA Settlement Monitor
Points map (originally dated 09/15/08). Settlement Monitors will be placed on the tailings cells
as the intermediate cover is advanced over tailings. New Settlement Monitors will be installed
within 60 calendar days of completion of the intermediate cover at the designated locations. The
Settlement Monitor Points map will be updated as part of the installation of new monitors.
Settlement Monitors are also required on In-situ leach (ISL) source disposal areas that have been
closed to further disposal pursuant to RML condition 10.5.A. Settlement monitors will be
installed and surveyed by a Utah Licensed Land Surveyor within 30 days of the completion of
each ISL disposal area, and then annually after that point. One Settlement Monitor will be
required for approximately every 22,500 square feet or 5,000 cubic yards of ISL material. These
monuments will be uniquely labeled to identify the specific ISL material.
For ISL source disposal areas or trenches completed before April 1, 2011, the required settlement
stands will be placed and the initial elevation survey completed prior to June 1, 2011.
White Mesa Mill - Standard Operating Procedures Date: 06/2011 Revision: DUSA-2
Book #11: Environmental Protection Manual, SOP Section 5.0 Page 2 of 5
1.3 Design of Settlement Monitors
Each Settlement Monitor is built to be resistant to shifting due to frost heave, erosion, burrowing
animals and other environmental factors.
The design is a 2'x2' steel plate with a 1" steel pipe welded to the center of the plate. This steel
plate will be positioned by digging straight down in the desired location until tailing sands are
contacted. Upon contacting the sands, the steel plate and pipe are lowered and placed on top of
the sands. The hole will then be backfilled to within two feet of the ground surface. At this
point, a 3" steel outer casing will be placed over the 1" inner pipe. After this has been
completed, the last two feet of material will be backfilled. The top of the 3" casing will be
threaded to allow for a cap to be installed. The settlement monitors will have the threaded caps,
lubricated on an as needed basis, to allow the cap to be removed during the survey process. See
the attached Figure 1 detailing the construction of the Settlement Monitors.
In order to protect the settlement monitors from man-caused damage, each settlement will be
bounded on three sides. This bounding will prevent equipment from accidentally coming in
contact with the settlement monitor. These devices will consist of three 3" steel pipes that will
be cemented into the ground. The interior of the pipe will also be filled with concrete. The
barriers will then be painted red as a visual reminder.
If damage, by any source, has occurred, the information will be documented and immediately
tumed in to the RSO, or designee. The RSO, or designee, will make same day notification to the
Corporate Compliance Director. Replacement and/or repairs to the damaged Settlement Monitor
and the surveying and documentation of changes due to the Settlement Monitor damage will be
completed within within 30 calendar days of the discovery of the damage to the Settlement
Monitor.
1.4 Monthly Surveying
(i) The monthly survey will be performed by the Mill's Radiation Safety
Officer or designee (the "Surveyor") with the assistance of another Mill
worker (the "Assistanf);
(ii) The survey will be performed using a survey instrument accurate to 0.1
feet, such as a Sokkai No. B21, or equivalent, together with a survey rod
having a visible scale in 0.1 foot increments;
(iii) The reference points are known points established by a professional
survey.
(iv) The surveyor will set up the survey instrument in a location where both
the applicable reference point and settlement monitor are visible.
(v) Once in location, the surveyor will ensure that the survey instrument is
level by centering the bubble in the level gauge on the survey instrument;
(vi) The assistant will place the survey rod vertically on the reference point.
The assistant will ensure that the survey rod is vertical by gently rocking
the rod back and forth until the surveyor has established a level reading;
White Mesa Mill - Standard Operating Procedures Date: 06/2011 Revision: DUSA-2
Book #11: Environmental Protection Manual, SOP Section 5.0 Page 3 of 5
(vii) The surveyor will focus the cross hairs of the survey instrument on the
scale on the survey rod, and record the number (the "reference point
reading"), which represents the number of feet the survey instrument is
reading above the reference point;
(viii) The assistant will then move to a designated settlement monitor. Once at
the monitor, the assistant will remove the steel cap and place the survey
rod on top of the 1" inner pipe. A few of the original settlement monitors
do not have an inner pipe. For original settlement monitors without a 1"
inner pipe, the assistant will place the survey rod on the lip of the
settlement monitor;
(ix) The assistant will hold the rod vertically and will ensure the survey rod is
vertical by gently rocking the rod back and forth until the Surveyor has
established a level reading;
(x) The surveyor will focus the cross hairs of the survey instrument on the
scale on the survey rod, and record the number (the "surface reading"),
which represents the number of feet the survey instrument is reading
above the settlement monitor.
The surveyor will calculate the elevation of the settlement monitor by adding the
reference point reading to the reference point elevation and then subtracting the surface
reading for the settlement monitor, and will record the number accurate to 0.1 feet. The
elevation information will be maintained within the Environmental Department records.
The monthly documentation of the readings will be recorded on the Monthly Tailings
Inspection Form. The form can be found in Section 3.1 of the Environmental Protection
Manual.
1.5 Monitoring and Maintenance of Settlement Monitors
1.5.1 Monitoring and Documentation of Condition of Devices
The Settlement Monitors will be maintained so that the monuments remain in reliable, good
working condition. Conditions at and in the vicinity of the monitoring devices will be inspected
monthly by Environmental Department staff Any observations will be recorded on the monthly
tailings inspection report form.
On an annual basis, each monument will be photographed to document conditions at the
monitoring areas. Additionally, photographs will be taken following any instances of unusually
severe weather or incidents involving equipment if they result in physical damage or disturbance
to any settlement monitoring device, or significant changes to the ground areas adjacent to or
surrounding the settlement monitor.
The following records and documents will be maintained by the Environmental Department
staff
a) Monthly tailings inspection forms
White Mesa Mill - Standard Operating Procedures Date: 06/2011 Revision: DUSA-2
Book #11: Environmental Protection Manual, SOP Section 5.0 Page 4 of 5
b) Data files of monthly and annual survey information
c) Records of initial installation and survey data
d) Records of maintenance, damage, and/or replacement of settlement monitors
e) Annual photographs documenting site conditions at each settlement monitor
f) Annual Review of Settlement Monitors by Utah Licensed Professional Engineer
1.5.2 Maintenance of Monitors
If any settlement monitoring device is irreparably damaged as a result of environmental stresses
or man-caused contact, it will be promptly replaced with an identical or equivalent device.
Based on the last monthly survey, prior to the damage, the replacement device will be placed as
near as practical at the same elevation and in the same location from which the damaged device
was removed. Data from the new device will be correlated to data from the removed damaged
device as follows:
1. When a new device is installed, a Utah-Licensed Land Surveyor will survey and map the
location of the new device as well as that of the two nearest (undamaged) devices
adjacent to the new device.
2. If the survey indicates there has been less than 0.1 foot of vertical change since the last
monthly survey in the elevation of the undamaged devices, no adjustment will be made to
the survey data of the new device.
3. If the survey indicated 0.1 foot or greater of vertical change to either ofthe undamaged
devices, the survey results for the new device will be adjusted by the average change
observed in the two adjacent devices. This adjustment will be documented in the Utah-
Licensed Land Surveyors report and in the annual ATER.
4. Also, based on the last monthly survey, prior to the damage, if the elevation ofthe new
device is greater than +/- 0.1 foot from that of the damaged device, then the replacement
device will be designated with a new number (such as "Cell 2W2-R", as the replacement
for damaged device "Cell 2W2"). Elevation data for the new device, and the date of
installation of the new device, will be recorded in the data file adjacent to the information
from the damaged device, with a notation that this device is a replacement for the
damaged device.
1.6 Performance Criteria and Data Validation
When the monthly data has been collected, the information will be reviewed for any errors
and/or major changes in the vertical movement on the settlement monitors. If there is a
difference of O.l foot between two consecutive months, then an investigation and possible
corrective actions will be taken as follows:
White Mesa Mill - Standard Operating Procedures Date: 06/2011 Revision: DUSA-2
Book #11: Environmental Protection Manual, SOP Section 5.0 Page 5 of 5
1. Resurvey the settlement monitor that shows vertical movement of 0.1 foot or more,
within 7 days of discovery of the problem.
2. Document site conditions.
3. Prepare a document to the Corporate Compliance Director stating possible causes (i.e.
expected settlement of the tailings sands, man-caused contact, environmental stresses,
burrowing animals, etc.).
4. Report this information to the Executive Secretary within 30 calendar days for approval
and include in that notification the investigation steps, movement evaluation, and
corrective actions taken, if needed. This report will also be maintained within the
Environmental Department records and will be submitted annually as part of the ATER
as required by RML Condition 12.3.
On an annual basis, a Utah Licensed Professional Engineer shall review, analyze, correct (as
needed), submit and certify the annual data in writing, including an explanation of the methods
and basis used for the review, analysis, and corrections including ongoing graphical updates for
the Settlement Monitors. For movements attributed to expected settlement of the tailings sands,
the review will include comments on the graphical presentation of the data, and an evaluation of
the previous, current and expected rates of ongoing settlement.
This information will be maintained within the Environmental Department records and will be
submitted annually as part of the ATER as required by RML Condition 12.3.