EPA raises questions about open-pit mine

Monday, Dec. 22, 1997 | 9:40 a.m.

A coalition of environmentalists, Indians and rural property owners earlier raised questions about Alta Gold Co.'s proposed Olinghouse mine project in the Pah Rah Range 33 miles east of Reno.

In a letter, EPA officials challenged the Bureau of Land Management's draft environmental impact statement on the project, saying it contained insufficient information.

The draft EIS predicts minimal effects on the environment, wildlife and recreation. The BLM is expected to issue a final EIS early next year.

Plans call for Alta Gold to use the cyanide heap-leach process to extract gold from ore at the 502-acre site. The project is expected to produce 600,000 ounces of gold over seven years, leaving 43.3 million tons of waste rock.

Among other things, EPA officials expressed concern over the mine's heap-leach facilities and ponds, saying they could contaminate groundwater or surface water with cyanide.

They contend a big enough storm could release cyanide into the nearby Truckee, harming endangered cui-ui fish and Lahontan cutthroat trout.

"We are concerned about possible significant impacts to endangered species habitat in the Truckee River due to cyanide exposure, should massive failure or flood-induced breaching occur," they wrote.

EPA officials noted the mine would be in a seismically-active and landslide-prone area.

"Any liner leaks caused by catastrophic failure could significantly impact groundwater resources," they wrote.

The EPA also expressed concerns over Alta Gold's proposed pumping of 357 gallons of water per minute or 580 acre-feet of water per year from the Dodge Flat area.

"We are still concerned about impacts to the Truckee River and related aquatic habitat during possible future droughts," the agency wrote.