As water exits the mine, caustic is added to increase the pH, as the water then flows into a system of four treatment ponds flocculent is added. The treatment ponds provide retention time to allow the pH adjustment to settle the metals to the bottom of the retention ponds. One additional retention pond is being added to the treatment system to maintain efficiency as the crews are managing the sludge that has settled out to date.
This additional pond will allow the treatment system to maintain efficiency as the crews are managing the existing ponds. A commercial water treatment system will be implemented on site as part of short-term actions for water treatment. Planning is in place for a treatment solution that includes piping discharge to a lower mine site with a better location for water treatment to continue into the fall. Longer-term treatment needs and options are being evaluated.
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