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Texas in-situ leach uranium mines failed to restore ground water to premining condition

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission agendas from 1990s reveal that relaxing water cleanup standards is routine

Posted September 7, 2008

 

 

CONTESTED AGENDA

Wednesday, January 13, 1999
TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
9:30 a.m.
12100 Park 35 Circle
Room 201S, Bldg. E

Hearing Request
Item 1. Docket No. 98-1401-UIC. URI, Inc. for renewal and amendment of
Underground Injection Control (UIC) Permit No. WDW-250, which
authorizes disposal of waste from the Rosita in situ uranium mining
operation (Permit No. UR02880-001). The waste will include lixiviant
bleed stream, lab and production waste stream, reverse osmosis brine
stream, and restoration wastewater. The well is at the Rosita Uranium
Project in Duval County approximately 12 miles west of San Diego, north
of Highway 44. The Commission will consider the application and the
hearing requests filed on the application. (Patti Hershey/John Santos)

TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

December 18, 1998

ITEMS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SIGNATURE

Item 17. USX - Texas Uranium Operations (USX) for a production area
authorization (PAA) restoration table amendment (RTA) to Burns/Moser
Mine Production Area Number 2, Authorization Number UR01890-021, which
would change ground-water constituent concentrations that are to be met
by the permittee (USX) to achieve successful restoration of the site's
mined aquifer in PAA 2. The proposed amendment would change restoration
table concentration values for calcium, magnesium, potassium,
bicarbonate, sulfate, nitrate, alkalinity, manganese, molybdenum,
selenium, uranium, and ammonia. Furthermore, a restoration table
concentration value for radium has been added to complete the
restoration table in the original PAA issued for Production Area Number
2 on October 12, 1982. The concentrations of ground-water constituents
to be met by the permittee are defined in the PAA restoration table,
found in Attachment A of the PAA. The base permit for the Burns/Moser
Mine, UR01890-001, was issued to define the rules and procedures under
which the permittee was to conduct and conclude mining operations, and
to outline the area owned or under lease by the permittee, which may
include buffer areas, mine areas, and production areas. A PAA is a
document, issued by the TNRCC under the terms of an injection well
permit, approving the initiation of mining activities in a specified
production area within a permit area. Uranium mining took place at
Burns/Moser Mine Production Area Number 2 from May 1979 to June 1986,
after which ground-water restoration of the ore-bearing aquifer began.
Since restoration efforts were initiated, approximately 1.633 billion
gallons of aquifer water have been removed during the restoration
process. Under 30 Texas Administrative Code §331.107(f), the permittee
has the option to request an amendment to the PAA Restoration Table,
provided that, among other things, an appropriate effort has been made
to achieve the permit restoration table values. The Executive Director
has prepared a final draft PAA to address USX's RTA request. The
Burns/Moser Mine site lies in the south central portion of Live Oak
County, approximately ten miles southwest of George West, Texas
adjacent to U.S. Highway 59.

Item 18. USX - Texas Uranium Operations (USX) for a production area
authorization (PAA) restoration table amendment (RTA) to Burns/Moser
Mine Production Area Number 3, Authorization Number UR01890-031, which
would change ground-water constituent concentrations that are to be met
by the permittee (USX) to achieve successful restoration of the site's
mined aquifer in PAA 3. The proposed amendment would change restoration
table concentration values for calcium, magnesium, potassium,
bicarbonate, sulfate, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, arsenic,
iron, manganese, and uranium. The concentrations of ground-water
constituents to be met by the permittee are defined in the PAA
restoration table, found in Attachment A of the PAA. The base permit
for the Burns/Moser Mine, UR01890-001, was issued to define the rules
and procedures under which the permittee was to conduct and conclude
mining operations, and to outline the area owned or under lease by the
permittee, which may include buffer areas, mine areas, and production
areas. A PAA is a document, issued by the TNRCC under the terms of an
injection well permit, approving the initiation of mining activities in
a specified production area within a permit area. Uranium mining took
place at Burns/Moser Mine Production Area Number 3 from March 1980 to
June 1986, after which ground-water restoration of the ore-bearing
aquifer began. Since restoration efforts were initiated, approximately
409.85 million gallons of aquifer water have been removed during the
restoration process. Under 30 Texas Administrative Code §331.107(f),
the permittee has the option to request an amendment to the PAA
Restoration Table, provided that, among other things, an appropriate
effort has been made to achieve the permit restoration table values.
The Executive Director has prepared a final draft PAA to address USX's
RTA request. The Burns/Moser Mine site lies in the south central
portion of Live Oak County, approximately ten miles southwest of George
West,Texas adjacent to U.S. Highway 59.

SIGNED DECEMBER 18, 1998

TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

December 11, 1998

ITEMS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SIGNATURE

Item 23. USX Corporation - Texas Uranium Operations (USX) for
modification to Production Area Authorization (PAA) UR01890-011,
Burns/Moser mine. A PAA is issued as part of the base permit
(UR01890-001) to approve the initiation of mining activities. A PAA
application contains monitor well locations, water quality data based
on pre-mining conditions for use in establishing groundwater
restoration targets, and hydrologic test data that shows connection
between production wells and production zone monitor wells. The permit
and PAA 1 were issued and mining began in 1980. Mining continued until
1986. Restoration, using groundwater sweep and reverse osmosis, was
from 1981 to 1997. USX is requesting amendment of the restoration table
under 30 TAC §331.107(f)(2). The proposed amendment would change
restoration table values specifying groundwater constituent
concentrations for calcium, magnesium, potassium, bicarbonate, sulfate,
arsenic, iron, manganese, selenium, ammonia, molybdenum, radium-226,
uranium. These values are to be met by the permittee (USX) to achieve
successful restoration of the mined aquifer in PAA 1. The proposed
values will not change the use category of the water. The average water
quality present before mining exceeded the TNRCC and EPA primary
drinking water standard for radium-226. Before mining commenced, the
water in the production area was used for rural domestic, livestock,
and industrial purposes.The Burns/Moser site is in Live Oak County
approximately ten miles southwest of George West, west of U.S. Highway
59 in the Jacob Cook Survey 171, A-142 and Wesley Sellman Survey 60,
A-416. The facility is an in situ uranium mine in the Lower Oakville
Formation, 250 to 400 feet below the surface.

SIGNED DECEMBER 11, 1998

TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

December 4, 1998

ITEMS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SIGNATURE

Item 17. USX Corporation - Texas Uranium Operations (USX) for
modification to Production Area Authorization (PAA) UR01890-041,
Burns/Moser mine. A PAA is issued as part of the base permit
(UR01890-001) to approve the initiation of mining activities. A PAA
application contains monitor well locations, water quality data based
on pre- mining conditions for use in establishing groundwater
restoration targets, and hydrologic test data that shows connection
between production wells and production zone monitor wells. The permit
and PAA 4 were issued and mining began in 1986. Mining continued until
1987. Restoration, using groundwater sweep and reverse osmosis, was
from 1987 to 1997. USX is requesting amendment of the restoration table
under 30 TAC §331.107(f)(2). The proposed amendment would change
restoration table values specifying groundwater constituent
concentrations for arsenic, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium,
molybdenum, potassium, alkalinity, ammonia, chloride, conductivity,
sulfate, TDS, radium 226, uranium. These values are to be met by the
permittee (USX) to achieve successful restoration of the mined aquifer
in PAA 4. The proposed values will not change the use category of the
water. The average water quality present before mining exceeded the
TNRCC and EPA primary drinking water standard for radium-226. The
Burns/Moser site is in Live Oak County approximately ten miles
southwest of George West, west of U.S. Highway 59 in the Jacob Cook
Survey 171, A-142 and Wesley Sellman Survey 60, A-416. The facility is
an in situ uranium mine in the Lower Oakville Formation, 230 to 280
feet below the surface.

SIGNED DECEMBER 4, 1998

TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
November 6, 1998

ITEMS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SIGNATURE

HAZARDOUS WASTE PERMITS

Item 22. URI, Inc. for an Underground Injection Control (UIC) permit
(UR03055-001) for in situ uranium mining (solution mining); two waste
disposal well permits (WDW-336 and WDW-337) to dispose of nonhazardous
wastewater generated at the site; and a production area authorization
(PAA) (URO3055-011) to mine within production area one. The Executive
Director declared the area permit application/PAA application
administratively complete on October 31, 1996 and the WDW applications
administratively complete on February 5, 1997. Draft permits and a
draft PAA have been prepared. The proposed uranium mining operation,
called the Alta Mesa Project, is in Brooks County approximately 23
miles south-southwest of Falfurrias, and approximately 13 miles west of
the intersection of U.S. Highway 281 and Ranch to Market Road 755 in
the Rafael G. Salinas Survey, A-480.

SIGNED NOVMBER 6, 1998

TNRCC Items for Executive Director Signature 30 October 1998

TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
October 30, 1998

ITEMS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SIGNATURE
   
HAZARDOUS WASTE PERMITS

Item 30. COGEMA Mining, Inc. (COGEMA) for a restoration table amendment
of a Production Area Authorization (PAA) for Holiday Mine Production
Area 6 (also known as Grid 6), Permit Number UR02156-061 which would
change ground-water constituent concentrations that are to be met by
the permittee to achieve successful restoration of the site's mined
aquifer in PAA 6. The proposed amendment would change restoration table
concentration values for calcium, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulfate,
alkalinity, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, uranium, and radium-226.
The concentrations of ground-water constituents to be met by the
permittee are defined in the PAA restoration table, found in Attachment
A of said permit. The base permit for the O'Hern Mine, UR02156-001, was
issued to define the rules and procedures under which the permittee was
to conduct and conclude mining operations, and to outline the area
owned or under lease by the permittee, which may include buffer areas,
mine areas, and production areas. A PAA is a document, issued by the
TNRCC under the terms of an injection well permit, approving the
initiation of mining activities in a specified production area within a
permit area. The Holiday Mine 6 lies in Duval County, approximately 5
miles east of Bruni. Mining was begun in August 1992 and ended in
September 1995, after which ground-water restoration of the ore-bearing
aquifer began. Since restoration efforts were initiated, approximately
396 million gallons of aquifer water have been removed during the
restoration process. Under 30 Texas Administrative Code §331.107(f),
the permittee has the option to request an amendment to the PAA
Restoration Table, provided that, among other things, an appropriate
effort has been made to achieve the permit restoration table values.
The Executive Director has prepared a final draft PAA to address
Cogema's request.

Item 31. COGEMA Mining, Inc. (COGEMA) for a restoration table amendment
of a Production Area Authorization (PAA) for O'Hern Mine Production
Area 4 (also known as Grid 4), Permit Number UR01941-041 which would
change ground-water constituent concentrations that are to be met by
the permittee to achieve successful restoration of the site's mined and
shallow aquifers in PAA 4. The proposed amendment would change
restoration table concentration values for calcium, magnesium, sodium,
bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, TDS, manganese, molybdenum, selenium,
uranium, ammonia and boron. The concentrations of ground-water
constituents to be met by the permittee are defined in the PAA
restoration table, found in Attachment A of said permit. The base
permit for the O'Hern Mine, UR01941-001, was issued to define the rules
and procedures under which the permittee was to conduct and conclude
mining operations, and to outline the area owned or under lease by the
permittee, which may include buffer areas, mine areas, and production
areas. A PAA is a document, issued by the TNRCC under the terms of an
injection well permit, approving the initiation of mining activities in
a specified production area within a permit area.The O'Hern Mine 4 lies
in Webb County, approximately 4 miles east of Bruni. Mining was begun
in January 1979 and ended in February 1990, after which ground-water
restoration of the ore-bearing and shallow aquifers began. Since
restoration efforts were initiated, approximately 155 million gallons
of aquifer water have been removed during the restoration process.
Under 30 Texas Administrative Code §331.107(f), the permittee has the
option to request an amendment to the PAA Restoration Table, provided
that, among other things, an appropriate effort has been made to
achieve the permit restoration table values. The Executive Director has
prepared a final draft PAA to address Cogema's request.

SIGNED OCTOBER 30, 1998

TNRCC Items for Executive Director Signature 18 September 1998

TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
September 18, 1998

ITEMS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SIGNATURE

HAZARDOUS WASTE PERMITS

Item 23. USX Corporation - Texas Uranium Operations (USX) for a
modification to Production Area Authorization (PAA) UR02130-011, Clay
West mine. A PAA is issued as part of the base permit (UR02130-001) to
approve the initiation of mining activities in Production Area 1 within
the permit area. The PAA application contains monitor well locations,
water quality data based on pre-mining conditions for use in
establishing groundwater restoration targets, and hydrologic test data
that shows connection between production wells and production zone
monitor wells. The permit and PAA were issued and mining began in
December 1977. Mining continued until February 1984. Restoration, using
ground-water sweep and reverse osmosis, was from March 1981 to May
1997. USX is requesting amendment of the restoration table under 30 TAC
§331.107(f)(2). The proposed amendment would change restoration table
values specifying groundwater constituent concentrations for calcium,
magnesium, potassium, bicarbonate, sulfate, arsenic, iron, manganese,
selenium, ammonia, molybdenum, radium-226, and uranium, which are to be
met by the permittee (USX) to achieve successful restoration of this
site's mined aquifer in PAA 1. The proposed values will not change the
use category of the water. The average water quality present before
mining exceeded the TNRCC and EPA primary drinking water standard for
radium-226. Before mining commenced, the water in the production area
was used for rural domestic, livestock, and industrial purposes. The
Clay West site is in Live Oak County approximately eight miles
southwest of George West, west of U.S. Highway 59 in the J. Poitevent
Survey 67, H. and G.N. R.R. Survey 69, and H. and G.N. R.R. Survey 71.
The facility is an in situ uranium mine in the Lower Oakville
Formation, at 250 to 400 feet below the surface, undergoing groundwater
restoration.

SIGNED SEPTEMBER 18, 1998

TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

September 4, 1998

ITEMS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SIGNATURE

Item 27. COGEMA Mining, Incorporated (COMIN) for a production area
authorization (PAA) restoration table amendment (RTA) to O'Hern Mine
Production Area Number 1 (also known as Grid 1), Permit Number
UR01941-011, which would change ground-water constituent concentrations
that are to be met by the permittee (COMIN) to achieve successful
restoration of the site's mined aquifer in PAA 1. The proposed
amendment would change restoration table concentration values for
calcium, magnesium, carbonate, sulfate, molybdenum, and uranium. The
concentrations of ground-water constituents to be met by the permittee
are defined in the PAA restoration table, found in Attachment A of said
permit. The base permit for the O'Hern Mine, UR01941-001, was issued to
define the rules and procedures under which the permittee was to
conduct and conclude mining operations, and to outline the area owned
or under lease by the permittee, which may include buffer areas, mine
areas, and production areas. A PAA is a document, issued by the TNRCC
under the terms of an injection well permit, approving the initiation
of mining activities in a specified production area within a permit
area. Uranium mining took place at the O'Hern Mine Production Area
Number 1 from November 1975 to September 1990, after which ground-water
restoration of the ore-bearing aquifer began. Since restoration efforts
were initiated, approximately 129 million gallons of aquifer water have
been removed during the restoration process. Under 30 Texas
Administrative Code §331.107(f), the permittee has the option to
request an amendment to the PAA Restoration Table, provided that, among
other things, an appropriate effort has been made to achieve the permit
restoration table values. The Executive Director has prepared a final
draft PAA to address COMIN's RTA request. The O'Hern Project site lies
in both Duval and Webb counties, straddling the southern portion of the
common Duval/Webb county line, approximately 3 miles east of Bruni,
Webb County, approximately 10 miles northwest of Hebbronville, Jim Hogg
County, and approximately 45 miles east-southeast of Laredo, Webb
County. PAA Number 1 (Grid 1) lies entirely within Webb County.

SIGNED SEPTEMBER 4, 1998

Item 29. USX - Texas Uranium Operations (USX) for a production area
authorization (PAA) restoration table amendment (RTA) to Boots/Brown
Mine Production Area Number 1, Permit Number UR02154-011, which would
change ground-water constituent concentrations that are to be met by
the permittee (USX) to achieve successful restoration of the site's
mined aquifer in PAA 1. The proposed amendment would change restoration
table concentration values for calcium, magnesium, potassium,
bicarbonate, sulfate, fluoride, alkalinity, iron, selenium, ammonia,
molybdenum, and radium-226. The concentrations of ground-water
constituents to be met by the permittee are defined in the PAA
restoration table, found in Attachment A of said permit. The base
permit for the Boots/Brown Mine, UR02154-001, was issued to define the
rules and procedures under which the permittee was to conduct and
conclude mining operations, and to outline the area owned or under
lease by the permittee, which may include buffer areas, mine areas, and
production areas. A PAA is a document, issued by the TNRCC under the
terms of an injection well permit, approving the initiation of mining
activities in a specified production area within a permit area. Uranium
mining took place at Boots/Brown Mine Production Area Number 1 from May
1978 to July 1987, after which ground-water restoration of the
ore-bearing aquifer began. Since restoration efforts were initiated,
approximately 1.70 billion gallons of aquifer water have been removed
during the restoration process. Under 30 Texas Administrative Code
§331.107(f), the permittee has the option to request an amendment to
the PAA Restoration Table, provided that, among other things, an
appropriate effort has been made to achieve the permit restoration
table values. The Executive Director has prepared a final draft PAA to
address USX's RTA request. The Boots/Brown Mine site lies in the
western central portion of Live Oak County, approximately eight miles
southwest of George West,Texas on FM 889.

SIGNED SEPTEMBER 4, 1998

Wednesday, January 21, 1998
TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

9:30 a.m. Room 201S, Bldg E. 12100 Park 35 Circle

Item carried forward from Agenda of December 17, 1997.

Item 1. Docket NO. 97-1063-UIC. URI, INC. for a third production area
authorization for the Kingsville Dome Mine Site under existing Permit
No. UR02827-001. The proposed production area authorization number is
UR02827-031. The Kingsville Dome site is located adjacent to Farm Road
1118 in Kleberg County, Texas, approximately 8 miles southeast of
Kingsville and 5 miles east of Ricardo. The authorization would allow
injection into specified zones for the purpose of uranium production.
The production zone is the Goliad formation at a depth of 420 feet to
810 feet. The Commission will consider the application and the hearing
requests filed on the application. (Patti Hershey/Ben Knape)

Deny Motion for Oral Argument, BM/JB. Deny Hearing Request and Issue
the third Production Area Authorization, RM/JB. All Commissioners Agree

Wednesday, December 17, 1997
TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

9:30 a.m. Room 201S, Bldg E. 12100 Park 35 Circle

Item 2. Docket NO. 97-1063-UIC. URI, INC. for a third production area
authorization for the Kingsville Dome Mine Site under existing Permit
No. UR02827-001. The proposed production area authorization number is
UR02827-031. The Kingsville Dome site is located adjacent to Farm Road
1118 in Kleberg County, Texas, approximately 8 miles southeast of
Kingsville and 5 miles east of Ricardo. The authorization would allow
injection into specified zones for the purpose of uranium production.
The production zone is the Goliad formation at a depth of 420 feet to
810 feet. The Commission will consider the application and the hearing
requests filed on the application. (Patti Hershey/Ben Knape)


Continued to Jan 21, 1998, ADR convene a meeting to work with all
parties, BM/RM. All Commissioners Agree.

Wednesday, June 25, 1997
TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

9:30 a.m. Room 201S, Bldg E. 12100 N. Interstate 35

(Hearing Request)

Item 2. Docket No. 97-0396-UIC. URI, INC. for a Class III Underground
Injection Control Permit (Proposed Permit No. UR03050-001) to authorize
in situ uranium mining at its Vasquez Project. The permit area of this
site is 841.66 acres and contains one proposed production area of
approximately 454 acres. The production zone is approximately 45 to 70
feet thick in the Oakville Sandstone at a depth of 150 feet below land
surface and 480 feet below sea level. The mine is located in Duval
County on the north side of Highway 359, ten miles south-southeast of
Bruni and 50 miles east of Laredo. The Commission will consider the
application and the hearing requests that have been filed on the
application.

Remand to Alternative Dispute Resolution for 4 to 6 weeks, if mediation
fails forward to State Office Administrative Hearings, RM/BM. All
Commissioners Agree

Wednesday, February 19, 1997
TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

9:30 a.m. Room 201S, Bldg E. 12100 Park 35 Circle

Item 5. Docket No. 97-0012-IHW. INTERCONTINENTAL ENERGY CORPORATION
(IEC) for an amendment to Production Area Authorization No. 1 (Permit
No. UR02108-011) at the Zamzow Mine Site. The proposed amendment would
change restoration values for sodium, bicarbonate, pH, alkalinity,
arsenic, ammonia, uranium, molybdenum, and radium-226. Prior to mining,
the water in the production area was used for livestock. The water will
remain suitable for this use with the proposed values. The Zamzow
Project is located in Live Oak County, Texas, approximately eight miles
east of the Three Rivers and 65 miles northwest of Corpus Christi. The
production zone is in the Oakville sand at a depth of 35 to 225 feet or
approximately 65 to 130 feet below mean sea level. The Commission will
consider the application and hearing requests that have been filed on
the application. (Sharon Smith/John Clegg)

Grant Hearing Request and Remand to Alternative Dispute Resolution and
if Mediation fails forward to State Office Administrative Hearings,
BM/RM. All Commissioners Agree

TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

JUNE 21, 1996

ITEMS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SIGNATURE

Item 17. USX CORPORATION for an amendment to the production area
authorization for Production Area No. 011 under existing Permit No.
UR02368-011 (Pawlik Mine Site). The proposed amendment would revise
restoration values for calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, sulfate,
fluoride, alkalinity, lead, manganese, molybdenum, and uranium. Prior
to mining, the water in the production area was used for livestock. The
water will remain suitable for this use with the proposed values. The
Executive Director of the Commission has prepared a draft production
area authorization which, if approved, would revise the restoration
table as described above. USX Corporation has met the following
criteria set forth in 30 TAC 331.107(f)(2) for an amendment to
restoration table values: a) reasonable efforts have been taken by the
company to restore the aquifer; b) the formation water in the aquifer
is suitable for any use to which it was suitable prior to mining; and
c) further restoration efforts would consume energy, water, or other
natural resources of the state without providing a corresponding
benefit to the state. The Pawlik site is in Live Oak County, Texas,
five miles southwest of George West and approximately 50 miles
northwest of Corpus Christi. The production zone is the Lower Oakville
Formation at a depth range of approximately 225 to 475 feet.

TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

March 8, 1996

ITEMS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SIGNATURE

Item 6. EVEREST EXPLORATION, INC. for a minor amendment to Radioactive
Material License No. RW3626. The minor amendment would delete the
Gruy-7B (Site 002) and Las Palmas (Site 004) Mine Sites from License
No. RW3626. The authorized locations for these sites is on the
Duval-Jim Hogg county line on agricultural/ranch land near the Town of
Hebbronville, Texas.

SIGNED MARCH 8, 1996

Wednesday, February 28, 1996
TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

9:30 a.m. Room 201S, Bldg E. 12118 N. Interstate 35

Item carried forward from Agenda of January 17 and January 24, 1996 and
February 14, 1996.

Item 1. Docket No. 95-1550-IWD. The Commission will evaluate the motion
for rehearing filed concerning the application by Everest Exploration,
Inc. for renewal of wastewater discharge permit no. 02945. The permit
concerns the Mount Lucas Project, an in-situ uranium mining facility
which is currently in the post mining period. The facility is in Live
Oak County. On November 22, 1995, the Commission issued an order which
denied a request for hearing concerning the application, and approved
the draft permit prepared by the Executive Director.

Grant Motion for Rehearing and with agreement of all parties Issue
Permit as agreed, JB/BM

Wednesday, February 14, 1996
TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

9:30 a.m. Room 201S, Bldg E. 12118 N. Interstate 35

Item carried forward from Agenda of January 17 and January 24, 1996.

Item 2. Docket No. 95-1550-IWD. The Commission will evaluate the motion
for rehearing filed concerning the application by Everest Exploration,
Inc. for renewal of wastewater discharge permit no. 02945. The permit
concerns the Mount Lucas Project, an in-situ uranium mining facility
which is currently in the post mining period. The facility is in Live
Oak County. On November 22, 1995, the Commission issued an order which
denied a request for hearing concerning the application, and approved
the draft permit prepared by the Executive Director.

Continued to February 28, 1996

Wednesday, January 24, 1996
TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

9:30 a.m. Room 201S, Bldg E. 12118 N. Interstate 35

Item 6. Docket No. 95-1550-IWD. The Commission will evaluate the motion
for rehearing filed concerning the application by Everest Exploration,
Inc. for renewal of wastewater discharge permit no. 02945. The permit
concerns the Mount Lucas Project, an in-situ uranium mining facility
which is currently in the post mining period. The facility is in Live
Oak County. On November 22, 1995, the Commission issued an order which
denied a request for hearing concerning the application, and approved
the draft permit prepared by the Executive Director.

Remand to Administrative Dispute Resolution, JB/RM

Wednesday, January 17, 1996
TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

9:30 a.m. Room 201S, Bldg E. 12118 N. Interstate 35

Item 36. Docket No. 95-1550-IWD. The Commission will evaluate the
motion for rehearing filed concerning the application by Everest
Exploration, Inc. for renewal of wastewater discharge permit no. 02945.
The permit concerns the Mount Lucas Project, an in-situ uranium mining
facility which is currently in the post mining period. The facility is
in Live Oak County. On November 22, 1995, the Commission issued an
order which denied a request for hearing concerning the application,
and approved the draft permit prepared by the Executive Director.

Continued to January 24, 1996 and extend time for commission action
until February 16, 1996., BM/JB

Wednesday, December 6, 1995

TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

9:30 a.m. Room 201S, Bldg E. 12118 N. Interstate 35

Item carried forward from Agenda of November 16, 1995.

Item 7. Docket No. 95-1193-UIC. The Commission will consider motions
for rehearing filed on International Energy Corporation, Incorporated.
The commission issued amendment to the production area authorization
for Production Area No. 1 under existing Permit No. URO2108-01 at its
Zamzow insitu uranium mine site on the agenda of September 27, 1995.

Grant Motion for Rehearing and remand to SOAH but on a narrow and
limited basis as recommended by Chairman and that comments on taking is
not to be considered during hearing, BM/JB

Thursday, November 16, 1995

TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

9:30 a.m. Room 201S, Bldg E. 12118 N. Interstate 35

Item 8. Docket No. 95-1550-IWD. APPLICATION BY EVEREST EXPLORATION,
INC. for renewal of Permit No. 02945 which authorizes the disposal of
wastewater (restoration fluids) effluent at a volume not to exceed
288,000 gallons per day average. The effluent is disposed by spray
irrigation on 76 acre tract of 105 total acres of land. Application
rates for the irrigated land shall not exceed 1.8 acre-feet/acre/year.
No discharge of pollutants into the waters of the State is authorized
by this permit. The Mount Lucas Project is an in-situ uranium mining
facility. The facility which is currently in the post mining period is
required to restore the aquifer to defined conditions. The plant site
is approximately 3 miles south of the town of Dinero, Live Oak County,
Texas. The Commission will consider the application and requests for
hearing which have been filed on the application.

Deny Heairng Request and Issue Permit, JB/BM

CONTESTED (Motion For Rehearing)

Item 47. Docket No. 95-1193-UIC. The Commission will consider motions
for rehearing filed on International Energy Corporation, Incorporated.
The commission issued amendment to the production area authorization
for Production Area No. 1 under existing Permit No. URO2108-01 at its
Zamzow insitu uranium mine site on the agenda of September 27, 1995.

Continued to December 6, 1995 and extend comment period until Jan 2,
1996

Wednesday, September 27, 1995

TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

9:30 a.m. Room 201S, Bldg E. 12118 N. Interstate 35

Item carried forward from Agenda of August 23, 1995.

Item 2. Docket No. 95-1193-UIC. Consideration of an application by
INTERCONTINENTAL ENERGY CORPORATION for an amendment to the production
area authorization for Production Area No. 1 under existing Permit No.
UR02108-011 at its Zamzow in situ uranium mine site. The proposed
amendment would revise restoration values for sodium, carbonate,
bicarbonate, fluorite, pH, conductivity, alkalinity, arsenic, uranium,
molybdenum, ammonia and radium-226. The proposed values will not change
the use category of the water. Prior to mining, the water in the
production area was used for livestock. Intercontinental Energy
Corporation has met the following criteria set forth in 30 TAC
331.107(f)(2) for an amendment to restoration table values: a)
reasonable efforts have been taken by the company to restore the
aquifer; b) the formation water in the aquifer is suitable for any use
to which it was suitable prior to mining; and c) further restoration
efforts would consume energy, water, or other natural resources of the
state without providing a corresponding benefit to the state. The
Zamzow site is approximately eight (8) miles east of Three Rivers,
Texas in southern Live Oak County. The production zone is in the
Oakville Sand at a depth of 135 to 225 feet or approximately 65 to 130
feet below sea level. (John Santos)

Approve, BM/RM

Item carried forward from Agenda of August 30, 1995.

Item 3. Docket No. 95-1252-UIC. Consideration of an application by USX
CORPORATION for an amendment to the production area authorization for
Production Area No. 4 under existing Permit No. UR01890-041 at its
Moser in situ uranium mine site. The proposed amendment would revise
restoration values for arsenic, calcium, cadmium, iron, lead,
manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, uranium, TDS, alkalinity,
bicarbonate, fluoride, sulfate, and radium-226. The proposed values
will not change the use category of the water. Prior to mining, the
water in the production area was used for livestock. USX Corporation
has met the following criteria set forth in 30 TAC 331.107(f)(2) for an
amendment to restoration table values: a) reasonable efforts have been
taken by the company to restore the aquifer; b) the formation water in
the aquifer is suitable for any use to which it was suitable prior to
mining; and c) further restoration efforts would consume energy, water,
or other natural resources of the state without providing a
corresponding benefit to the state. The Moser site is in Live Oak
County approximately 10 miles southwest of George West, Texas and 50
miles northwest of Corpus Christi, Texas. The production zone is in the
Lower Oakville Formation at a depth of approximately 230 to 280 feet.
(John Santos)

Remand to Staff for 6 Months

Wednesday, August 23, 1995
TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

9:30 a.m. Room 201S, Bldg E. 12118 N. Interstate 35

UNCONTESTED (Underground Injection Control Permits)

Item 11. Docket No. 95-1191-UIC. Consideration of an application by
EVEREST EXPLORATION, INC. for an amendment to the production area
authorization for Production Area No. 6 under existing Permit No.
UR02381-061 at its Mt. Lucas in situ uranium mine site. The proposed
amendment would revise restoration values for calcium, magnesium,
potassium, bicarbonate, sulfate, fluorite, TDS, alkalinity, arsenic,
manganese, selenium, uranium, molybdenum and radium-226. The proposed
values will not change the use category of the water. Prior to mining,
the water in the production area was used for livestock. Everest
Exploration, Inc. has met the following criteria set forth in 30 TAC
331.107(f)(2) for an amendment to restoration table values: a)
reasonable efforts have been taken by the company to restore the
aquifer; b) the formation water in the aquifer is suitable for any use
to which it was suitable prior to mining; and c) further restoration
efforts would consume energy, water, or other natural resources of the
state without providing a corresponding benefit to the state. The Mt.
Lucas site is approximately 35 miles northwest of Corpus Christi, Texas
in southern Live Oak County. The production zone is in the Goliad
Formation at a depth of 540 to 640 feet or approximately 340 to 440
feet below mean sea level. (John Santos)

Continued to August 30, 95

Item 12. Docket No. 95-1192-UIC. Consideration of an application by
EVEREST EXPLORATION, INC. for an amendment to the production area
authorization for Production Area No. 8 under existing Permit No.
UR02381-081 at its Mt. Lucas in situ uranium mine site. The proposed
amendment would revise restoration values for calcium, magnesium,
potassium, bicarbonate, sulfate, fluorite, alkalinity, arsenic,
manganese, uranium, molybdenum and radium-226. The proposed values will
not change the use category of the water. Prior to mining, the water in
the production area was used for livestock. Everest Exploration, Inc.
has met the following criteria set forth in 30 TAC 331.107(f)(2) for an
amendment to restoration table values: a) reasonable efforts have been
taken by the company to restore the aquifer; b) the formation water in
the aquifer is suitable for any use to which it was suitable prior to
mining; and c) further restoration efforts would consume energy, water,
or other natural resources of the state without providing a
corresponding benefit to the state. The Mt. Lucas site is approximately
35 miles northwest of Corpus Christi, Texas in southern Live Oak
County. The production zone is in the Goliad Formation at a depth of
approximately 525 feet. (John Santos)

Continued to August 30, 95

Item 13. Docket No. 95-1193-UIC. Consideration of an application by
INTERCONTINENTAL ENERGY CORPORATION for an amendment to the production
area authorization for Production Area No. 1 under existing Permit No.
UR02108-011 at its Zamzow in situ uranium mine site. The proposed
amendment would revise restoration values for sodium, carbonate,
bicarbonate, fluorite, pH, conductivity, alkalinity, arsenic, uranium,
molybdenum, ammonia and radium-226. The proposed values will not change
the use category of the water. Prior to mining, the water in the
production area was used for livestock. Intercontinental Energy
Corporation has met the following criteria set forth in 30 TAC
331.107(f)(2) for an amendment to restoration table values: a)
reasonable efforts have been taken by the company to restore the
aquifer; b) the formation water in the aquifer is suitable for any use
to which it was suitable prior to mining; and c) further restoration
efforts would consume energy, water, or other natural resources of the
state without providing a corresponding benefit to the state. The
Zamzow site is approximately eight (8) miles east of Three Rivers,
Texas in southern Live Oak County. The production zone is in the
Oakville Sand at a depth of 135 to 225 feet or approximately 65 to 130
feet below sea level. (John Santos)

CONTESTED AGENDA
Wednesday, June 14, 1995

TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

9:30 a.m. Bldg E. Room 201S 12118 N. Interstate 35

UNCONTESTED (Underground Injection Control Permit)

Item 4. Docket No. 95-0877-UIC. Consideration of an application by
CHEVRON U.S.A., INC., DBA CHEVRON RESOURCES COMPANY for an amendment to
the production area authorization for Production Area No. 1 under
existing Permit No. UR02051-011 at its Palangana in situ uranium mine
site. The proposed amendment would revise restoration values for
conductivity, ammonia, molybdenum, radium-226 and alkalinity. The
proposed values will not change the use category of the water. Prior to
mining, the water in the production area was used for livestock.
Chevron Resources Company has met the following criteria set forth in
30 TAC 331.107(f)(2) for an amendment to restoration table values: a)
reasonable efforts have been taken by the company to restore the
aquifer; b) the formation water in the aquifer is suitable for any use
to which it was suitable prior to mining; and c) further restoration
efforts would consume energy, water, or other natural resources of the
state without providing a corresponding benefit to the state. The
Palangana site is approximately 5.4 miles north of Benavides, and .6
mile west of Farm Road 3196, in Duval County. Texas. The production
zone is in the Goliad Formation at a depth of 230 to 390 feet below
land surface. (Lisa Roberts)

Approved, PR/RM

 

After in-situ uranium leaching, ground water cannot be returned to the way it was - Nuclear Regulatory Commission official and uranium mining executive acknowledge restoration of aquifer to baseline is unachievable - Posted September 3, 2008

 

A recent example of an ISL uranium mine where aquifer restoration could not bring water quality back to baseline for all parameters, including selenium, uranium, and radium-226:

WELLFIELD RESTORATION REPORT - CHRISTENSEN RANCH PROJECT, WYOMING - March 5, 2008, Prepared by: COGEMA Mining, Inc. and Petrotek Engineering Corporation

 

Thirty-two Texas ISL mines that failed to restore aquifers to baseline for all parameters:

As uranium mines closed, state altered cleanup goals - Dan Kelley

Corpus-Christi Caller-Times - November 5, 2006

 

New Colorado law that requires ISL mines to "restore all affected ground water to its premining quality for all constituents" or to the most stringent Colorado ground water quality criteria:

Full text of HB-1161 - May 2, 2008