HRS DOCUMENTATION RECORD REVIEW COVER SHEET
 

Name of Site: BLUE LEDGE MINE 

Contact Person: Karen Jurist, EPA Region 9 (415) 972-3219 

Site Investigation: Karen Jurist, EPA Region 9 (415) 972-3219 

Documentation Record: Amanda K.C. Reilly, Weston Solutions, Inc. (541) 593-3800 

Pathways, Components, or Threats Not Scored 

Ground Water Pathway 

The ground water pathway was evaluated, but not scored. There are no known uses of ground water on the 

Blue Ledge Mine facility. Residences in the Joe Bar community, located approximately 3 miles northnortheast ofthe facility, utilize ground water wells for drinking water. Existing analytical data indicate that 

arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc were detected in two residences' drinking water wells and one spring 

used for drinking water. Only detections of dissolved arsenic exceeded associated screening criteria with 

concentrations ranging from 0.22 micrograms per liter (ug/l) to 6.27 ug/l. Although arsenic was detected in all 

three ground water sources, there was no evidence that the levels were related to concentrations of arsenic 

detected in surface water adjacent to the Blue Ledge Mine facility, but rather to be due to high levels ofarsenic 

in local s()ils (Ref. 4, p. 20, 21). Based on the information at this time, evaluation ofthe ground water pathway 

would not affect the listing decision. 

Surface Water Pathway. 

The drinking water threat was evaluated, but not scored. Joe Creek and Elliott Creek are not used as a direct 

source ofdrinking water (Ref. 4, p. 20). The environmental threat was evaluated, but notscored. There are no 

known sensitive environments within the surface water pathway. In addition, the ground water to surface water 

migration component was not evaluated. Based on the information at this time, evaluation of the drinking 

water threat, environmental threat, and the ground water to surface water components of the surface water 

pathway would not affect the listing decision. 

Air Migration Pathway 

The air migration pathway was evaluated, but not scored. The Blue Ledge Mine facility is not paved, so 

potential exists for hazardous substances to become'airbome (Ref. 5, p. 1). 

Without analytical data, only potential to release can be scored for this pathway. Scoring potential to release 

does not affect the listing decision. 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 
IIRS DOCUMENTATION RECORD
 

Name of Site: BLUE LEDGE MINE 

EPA ID#: CAN000906063 

EPA Region: 9 

Date Prepared: March 2011 

Address of Site*: Sections 34, Township 48 North, Range 11 West 

County and State: Siskiyou County, California 

Zip:	 96086 

Topographic Maps: Dutch Creek USGS 7.5-minute Topographic Map Series, 1980. 

Latitude: 41 0 57' 35.86" North Longitude: 1230 06' 26.79" West* 

(Ref. 3; Ref. 6) 

Latitude/Longitude Reference Point:	 The approximate center ofthe waste rock pile WRP-l was 

determined using a scaled U.S. Geological Survey topographic map 

and GIS mapping software (Ref. 3; Ref. 6). 

* The coordinates and contaminant locations presented in this Hazard Ranking System (HRS) documentation 

record identifY the general site location. The infonnation represents one or more locations the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers part ofthe site based on screening infonnation EPA used to 

evaluate the site for National Priorities List (NPL) listing. EPA assigns national priorities from the known 

"releases or threatened releases~' ofhazardous substances; thus, the focus is on the release, and not on precisely 

delineated boundaries. A site is defined as an area where a hazardous substance has been "deposited, stored, 

placed, or otherwise have come to be located." Generally, HRS scoring and the subsequent listing ofa release 

represent the initial determination that a certain area may need to be addressed under the Comprehensive, 

Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Accordingly, EPA contemplates that 

the preliminary description ofsite boundaries at the time ofHRS scoring will be defined as more infonnation is 

developed on the locations of contamination. 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 
Air Pathway' 

Ground Water Pathway 

Soil Exposure Pathway 

Surface Water Pathway 

HRS SITE SCORE 

Not scored
 

Not scored
 

10.66 

100.00 

50.28 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

2 
HAZARD RANKING SYSTEM 

S~YSCORESHEETS

SITE NAME:__---'B'=<.l"-"'u~e_=L'_"'e.>::<dg=.:e"_'M~in..."e'___

CITY/COUNTY/STATE: Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Siskiyou County, California 

EPA ID #: __-,=C~A",-N=0=00"-,,9-,,,-0=60=6.=:..3 _ 

EVALUATOR: _--,A,-"m~an~d"",a,-",K-",.-,=,C,,-,.R~e~i~lIYJ-- _ DATE: January 25,2011 

LATITUDE: 41 0 57' 35.86" N LONGITUDE: 1230 06' 26.79" W 

S S2 

Ground Water Migration Pathway Score (SnY) Not scored Not scored 

Surface Water Migration Pathway Score (Ssw) 100.00 10,000.00 

Soil Exposure Pathway Score (Ss) 10.66 113.6356 

Air Migration Pathway Score (Sa) Not scored Not scored 

? ? ? ? S",y- +Ssw- + Ss- + Sa- XXXXXXX 10,113.6356 

(S",/ - +Ssw 2 + Ss-? + Sa 2) / 4 XXXXXXX 2,528.4089 

-Y 2 2 ? ? (SgW +Ssw + Ss- + Sa-) / 4 XXXXXXX 50.28 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

3 
HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

4 
SURFACE WATER OVERLAND/FLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT SCORESHEET - CONTINUED 

Maximum Assigned 

Value Value 

Drinking Water Threat Score 

13.	 Drinking Water Threat Score 

[(lines 5 x 8 x 12)/82,500 

subject to a maximum of 100] 100 NS 

Factor Categories and Factors 

HUMAN FOOD CHAIN THREAT 

Likelihood of Release 

14.	 Likelihood of Release 

(Same value of line 5) 550 550 

Waste Characteristics 

15.	 Toxicity/Persistence/ Bioaccumulation a 5x108 

16.	 Hazardous Waste Quantity a 10,000 

17.	 Waste Characteristics 

(Toxicity/Persistence/Bioaccumulation x Hazardous Waste 

quantity, then assign a 

value from Table 2-7) 1,000 1,000 

Targets 

18.	 Food Chain Individual 50 20 

19.	 Population 

19a. Level I Concentrations b 0 

19b. Level II Concentrations b .0 

19c. Potential Human Food Chain Contamination b 0.00306 

19d. Population 

(lines 19a + 19b + 19c)	 b 0.00306 

20.	 Targets (lines 18 + 19d) b 20.00306 

Human Food Chain Threat Score 

21.	 Human Food Chain Threat Score
 

[(lines 14 x 17 x 20)/82,500
 

subject to a maximum of 100] 100
 100 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

5
 
SURFACE WATER OVERLANDIFLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT SCORESHEET - CONTINUED 

Maximum Assigned 

Value Value 

Factor Categories and Factors 

ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT 

Likelihood ofRelease 

Likelihood of Release 

(Same value of line 5) 550 550 

Waste Characteristics 

23.	 Ecosystem Toxicity/Persistence Bioaccumulation a NS 

24.	 Hazardous Waste Quantity a NS 

25.	 Waste Characteristics 

(Ecosystem Tox./Persistence x Bioaccumulation x 

Hazardous Waste Quantity, then assign a 

value from Table 2-7) 1,000 NS 

Targets 

26.	 Sensitive Environments 

26a. Level I Concentrations b NS 

26b. Level II Concentrations b NS 

26c. Potential Contamination b NS 

26d. Sensitive Environments 

(lines 26a + 26b + 26c) b	 NS 

27.	 Targets (value from line 26d) b NS 

Environmental Threat Score 

28.	 Environmental Threat Score 

[(lines 22 x 25 x 27)/82,500 

subject to a maximum of 60] 60 NS 

SURFACE WATER OVERLANDIFLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT SCORE FOR A WATERSHED 

29.	 Watershed Score
 

[(Lines 13 + 21+ 28),
 

subject to a maximum of 100] 100 100
 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

6 
SURFACE WATER OVERLANDIFLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT SCORESHEET - CONTINUED 

SURFACE WATER OVERLANDIFLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT SCORE 

Maximum Assigned 

Value Value 

30.	 Component Score 

(Highest score from Line 29 

for all watersheds evaluated, 

subject to a maximum of 100) 100 100 

a Maximum value applies to waste characteristics category. 

b Maximum value not applicable. 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

7
 
HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

8 
REFERENCES
 

Reference 

Number Description of the Reference 

1 

Hazard Ranking System (HRS); Final Rule, 14 December 1990, Vol. 55, No. 241. 

(A complete copy ofthe HRS Final Rule is also available at 

http://www.epa.gove/superfund/sites/npl/hrsres/index.htm). 

2 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Superfund Chemical Data Matrix 

(SCDM) Methodology, January 2004. 47 p. (A complete copy ofthe SCDM is 

available at available at 

http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/hrsres/tools/scdm.htm.) 

3 U.s. Geological Survey, Dutch Creek, California 7.5 Minute quadrangle 1980. 1 p. 

4 URS, Site Inspection Rep0l1, Blue Ledge Mine, April 2009. 573 p. 

5 

Brian P. Reilly, Weston Solutions, Inc., Site Reconnaissance and Photographic 

Documentation, Blue Ledge Mine Site, June 8 and June 30 - July 1, 2010. 11 p. 

6 

Google Earth, 41 0 57' 35.86" N, 1230 06' 26.79" W, California, 

http://earth.google.com/, accessed August 2010. 1 p. 

7 

Weston Solutions, Inc., Preliminary Assessment/Site Inspection Report, Blue Ledge 

Mine, April 2004. 38 p. 

8 

URS, Removal Action, Engineering Evaluation & Cost Analysis, Blue Ledge Mine 

Site, April 26, 2010. 268 p. 

9 

Pete Jones, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Telephone 

Conversation recorded on Contact Report by Amanda K.C. Reilly, Weston 

Solutions, Inc., September 8, 2010. 1 p. 

10 

Environmental International Ltd., Preassessment Screen for the Blue Ledge Mine 

Site, October 28, 2002. 48 p. 

11 

Ecology and Environmental, Inc., Superfund Technical Assessment and Response 

Team, Blue Ledge Mine Removal Assessment, Final Report, September 2005. 137 

p. 

12 

Environmental Protection Agency, Envirofacts Warehouse CERCUS query results, 

http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/cerclis/cerclis_query.html, accessed May 6, 2010. 2 

p. 

13 

Bureau of Land Management, Survey Protocol for the Siskiyou Mountains 

Salamander (Plethodon stormi), undated. 6 p. 

14 

David Clayton, Forest Wildlife Biologist, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, 

Blue Ledge Mine Project, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Terrestrial 

Wildlife Biological Evaluation, October 1, 2009. 40 p. 

15 

Ian S. Reid, Fisheries Biologist, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Applegate 

Ranger District, Applegate Lake Fishery Assessment, 2003. 45 p. 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

9 
Reference 

Number Description of the Reference 

Weston Solutions, Inc., logbook, Blue Ledge Mine, EPA HRS Package Sampling, 

June 30,2010 through July 2,2010. 9 p. 

Weston Solutions, Inc., Blue Ledge Mine HRS Sampling, Sampling and Analysis 

Plan, June 2010.46 p. 

URS, Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation Report, Blue Ledge Mine, November 

2008. 60 p. 

California Emergency Management Agency, Hazardous Materials Spill Report, Blue 

Ledge Mine Site, August 18, 2010. 2 p. 

EPA, Office of Emergency Response, Establishing an Observed Release. Fact 

Sheet EPA/540/F-94/031. September 1995. 18 p. 

FishBase, Length-Weight Relationship for Pomoxis nigromaculatus, 

www.:fishbase.org, data extracted August 20, 2010. 1 p. 

FishBase, Length-Weight Relationship for Lepomis macrochirus, www.:fishbase.org, 

data extracted August 20,2010. 1 p. 

FishBase, Length-Weight Relationship for Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, 

www.:fishbase.org, data extracted August 20,2010. 1 p. 

FishBase, Length-Weight Relationship for Oncorhynchus mykiss, 

www.:fishbase.org, data extracted August 20, 2010. 1 p. 

FishBase, Length-Weight Relationship for Micropterus dolomieu, 

www.:fishbase.org, data extracted August 20, 2010. 1 p. 

Reference omitted. 

Ian Reid, Fisheries Biologist, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Applegate 

Ranger District, Telephone Conversation recorded on Contact Report by Amanda 

K.C. Reilly, Weston Soluti"ons, Inc., August 20,2010 and January 14,2011. 1 p. 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

Lindelof, Doug, ICF Consulting/Laboratory Data Consultants, Memorandum to 

Karen Jurist, EPA, Subject: Review of Analytical Data, Blue Ledge Mine, SDG 

No: MY6ZE3, August 9,2010. 11 p. 

Lindelof, Doug, ICF Consulting/Laboratory Data Consultants, Memorandum to 

Karen Jurist, EPA, Subject: Review of Analytical Data, Blue Ledge Mine, SDG 

No: MY6ZF4, August 13,2010. 13 p. 

Brenda Bettencourt, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Memorandum to Karen 

Jurist, Subject: Analytical Testing Results - Project R1 OSA2, Blue Ledge Mine, 

August 16,2010. 7 p. 

Carlson, Sam, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Subject: 

Non-Time-Critical Removal Action Memorandum, Blue Ledge Mine Site, May 13, 

2010. 22 p. 

SLY Analytical, Inc., SDG Narrative, Case No: 40296, SDG No: MY6ZE3, July 20, 

2010. 466 p. 

SLY Analytical, Inc., SDG Narrative, Case No: 40296, SDG No: MY6ZF4, July 16, 

2010. 969 p. 

Geddes, C. W., Notes on the Blue Ledge Mine, February 28, 1905. 12 p. 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

10 
Reference 

Nnmber Description of the Reference 

35 

Pete Jones, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, E-mail 

Correspondence recorded on Contact Report by Karen Jurist, USEPA November 17, 

2010. 1 p. 

36 

Western Regional Climate Center, Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary; 

Happy Camp Ranger Station, California, www.wrcc.dri.edu, data extracted January 

11,2011.1 p. 

37 

B.C. Adventure, Rainbow Trout and Steelhead, 

http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/angling!game_fish/rainbow.phtml, data 

extracted January 13,2011. 3 p. 

38 Columbia Analytical Services, Inc., Analytical Report for Service Request No: 

K0805944, Blue Ledge Mine, July 24, 2008. 110 p. 

39 

Pete Jones, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Telephone 

Conversation recorded on Contact Report by Amanda K.C. Reilly, Weston 

Solutions, Inc., January 13, 2011. 1 p. 

40 Reilly, Amanda K.C., Weston Solutions, Inc., Memorandum, Re: Sample 

Quantitation Limits, January 14, 2011. 5 p. 

41 

Switlaski, Gloria, Weston Solutions, Inc., Memorandum, Subject: Review and 

Validation - Metals in Soils Data, Laboratory Group: K0805944, January 21, 2011. 

6 p. 

42 Weston Solutions, EquipTrack, Calibrations of Water Quality Meter YSI 600XL, 

June 25t

h, 2010. 1 p. 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

11 
ACRONYM LIST
 

AMD 

bgs 

CERCLA 

CERCUS 

cfs 

CRDL 

EPA 

gpm 

HRS 

MCL 

mg/kg 

mg/I 

NPL 

PA 

PPE 

RSL 

SCDM 

SI 

SPLP 

SQL 

START. 

TDL 

TDS 

TSS 

USFS 

Jlg/I 

Acid Mine Drainage 

below ground surface 

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act 

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System 

cubic feet per second 

Contract Required Detection Limit 

United States Environmental Protection Agency 

gallons per minute 

Hazard Ranking System 

Maximum Contaminant Level
 

milligrams per kilogram
 

milligrams per liter
 

National Priorities List 

Preliminary Assessment
 

Probable Point ofEntry
 

Regional Screening Level 

Superfund Chemical Data Matrix
 

Site Inspection
 

Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure
 

Sample Quantitation Limit
 

Superfi.md Technical Assessment and Response Team
 

Target Distance Limit
 

Total Dissolved Solids
 

Total Suspended Solids
 

United States Department ofAgriculture, Forest Service 

micrograms per liter 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

12 
NOTES TO THE READER
 

1.	 Attachment A (A-I) contains the following maps: 

:Figure A-I: Blue Ledge Mine Site Location Map 

Figure A-2: Blue Ledge Mine Site Map .:. 

Figure A-3: 2008 USFS Sample Location Map 

Figure A-4: 2010 EPA HRS Sample Location Map 

Figure A-5: I5-mile Surface Water Target Distance Limit Map 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

13 
SITE DESCRIPTION 

The Blue Ledge Mine facility is located within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Siskiyou 

County, California, approximately 33 miles southwest of Jacksonville, Oregon (Ref. 3; Ref. 4, p. 6; Ref. 

10, p. 9). The facility is located on rural patented land approximately three miles south ofthe CaliforniaOregon border. The mine spans in elevation from approximately 4,000 to 4,800 feet above mean sea level. 

The mine is located near the upper headwaters ofthe Joe Creek Watershed, on a steep, generally north­

. facing hillslope, adjacent to Joe Creek. Joe Creek flows north to Elliott Creek, which is a tributary to the 

Middle Fork ofthe Applegate River. The Applegate River flows north across the California-Oregon 

border to Applegate Reservoir (Ref. 4, p. 6; Ref. 10, p. 9). A site location map is presented in Figure A-I. 

The Blue Ledge Mine was discovered by panners iIi approximately 1898. Inception, initial ownership and 

significant development ofthe mine occurred between 1902 and 1909. The mine experienced periods of 

activity and inactivity over the next 20 years. Extensive excavations were undertaken, and a substantial 

amount of waste rock was generated as mine workings were developed and ore was removed. Mining cars 

carried extracted materials from the interior of the mine to a mine adit atop the Blue Ledge Mine. The 

separated ore was trammed down the hillside via an overhead cable to a location close to Joe Creek. Ore 

was then trucked out ofthe state to Washington for further processing. No large scale mining activities 

have occurred since the 1930s. The facility has had at least 14 owners/leases/operators throughout its 

existence (Ref. 7, p. 6; Ref. 10,p. 5, 9,1415; Ref. 34, p. 1 through 11). 

The Waste Rock pile has been identified as a hazardous substance source on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. 

The Waste Rock pile is comprised of a majority of the waste rock on the facility. Previous investigations 

have separated the Waste Rock pile into four separate piles; WRP-I, WRP-2, WRP-3 and WRP-4 (Ref 8, 

p. 1-2,2-3). Figure A-2 presents the Waste Rock pile. 

The Waste Rock pile extends from multiple fonoerly productive adits. Two formerly productive adits, 

Adit IN and Adit IS, located in the central portion ofthe facility, produced waste rock in the WRP-I area. 

Two formerly productive adits, Adit 2A and Adit 2B, and two exploratory adits, Adit 2C and Adit 2D, 

located in the south-central portion ofthe facility, produced the waste rock in the WRP-2 area. One 

formerly productive adit, Adit 3A, located in the southern portion ofthe facility, produced the waste rock 

in the WRP-3 area. One productive adit, Adit 4A, and one exploratory adit, Adit 4B, located in the 

northern portion of the facility, produced the waste rock in the WRP-4 area (Ref. 8, p. 17; Figure A-2). An 

unnamed ephemeral tributary of Joe Creek flows along the western edge of WRP-l and is completely 

covered by the waste rock in the area near the log dam (Ref. 5, p. 9; Ref. 8, p. 78; Ref. 11, p. 5). 

Ground water discharging from Adit IN has been identified as a hazardous substance source on the Blue 

Ledge Mine facility. In 2008, groundwater from Adit IN was observed discharging from the adit and 

flowing over the WRP-l into Joe Creek (Ref. 4, p. 12). In June 2010, groundwater from Adit IN was 

observed discharging from the adit and flowing over WRP-I for approximately 100 feet before it 

percolated below the waste rock surface. Previous investigations have documented increased sulfate 

concentrations and acidity emerging from the Blue Ledge Mine adits (Ref. 4, p. 13). In July 201 0, the acid 

mine drainage (AMD) exhibited an acidic pH of2.6 (Ref. 16, p. 5). The sulfide deposits on the Blue 

Ledge Mine facility provide a continuing source of AMD. AMD is continually fonned by a weathering 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

14 
process that oxidizes sulfi.Ir-bearing minerals to sulfate and acidity. The AMD process is further expedited 

by oxidation of the reduced minerals by microbes. The production of acidity at the Blue Ledge Mine 

facility causes metals to leach from surrounding waste rock as water percolates through the scattered waste 

piles. During periods of higher precipitation, the AMD infiltrates through the waste rock and leaches 

metals. The finer the waste particle, the more surface area is available for the AMD to leach metals from 

(Ref. 10, p. 16). 

The Blue Ledge Mine facility was identified as a potential hazardous waste site and entered into the 

CERCUS on October 31, 2002 and assigned EPA Identification Number CAN000906063 (Ref. 12). 

In May 2005, EPA tasked the Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) to conduct 

a site screening sampling event followed by a removal assessment. Sample results from the screening 

sampling event were used to identify contaminants of concem. During the removal assessment, eight 

surface soil samples and eight subsurface samples were collected from the waste pile. All samples were 

analyzed for lead and arsenic. In addition, two of the subsurface samples were analyzed for cadmium, 

copper, iron, manganese, mercury and zinc. The sampling event demonstrated that metals concentrations 

significantly exceeded the Region 9 Preliminary Remediation Goals and background concentrations (Ref. 

4, p. 13; Ref. 11, p. 19). 

In 2006, remediation efforts by EPA included grading ofwaste rock piles below the lowermost adit, 

redirecting AMD into a marble-lined runoff channel and creating a settling pond above the log dam to 

capture sediment eroded from the waste piles. By May 2007, an approximate 90-cm thick deposit of 

sediment had accumulated in the pond, nearly filling its capacity. In June 2008 and June 20 I0, water was 

observed flowing over the log dam from the settling pond (Ref. 4, p. 13, 14; Ref. 5, p. 10). 

In 2009, the USFS completed an SIon the Facility. During the sampling event a continuous overland flow 

path for groundwater discharging from Adit IN (also referred to as adit AD-Ol) and seep SP-OI to Joe 

Creek was observed. Groundwater emerging from Adit 1N and seep SP:..O 1 flowed down the runoff 

channel to the settling pond behind the log dam, where it overtopped the dam and discharged into Joe 

Creek. The SI field work, which included the collection ofwaste rock, river sediment, and riparian soil, 

was conducted in June 2008 (Ref. 4, p. 536 through 573). In addition, water samples were collected from 

on-site seeps and adits, the log dam, tributaries to Joe Creek, Joe Creek, Elliott Creek, the Middle Fork 

Applegate River, and Applegate Reservoir. Analytical results exhibited elevated concentrations of metals 

in on-site waste rock, downstream surface water and downstream sediment (Ref. 4, p. 212 through 221, 

268 through 295, 367 through 407. 

In 2010, the USFS began to conduct a removal aGtion on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. The goal was to 

remove hazardous substances associated with the waste rock piles (Ref. 31, p. 10). Surface mine wastes 

were to be removed and contained in a repository to be constructed on nearby private land under the same 

ownership as the mine. Temporary roads were constructed to gain access to the waste rock piles. The 

repository site is located less than one mile from the mine. The repository was designed to be a fully 

enclosed system with a geosynthetic cover and liner. The design included provisions to neutralize and 

collect any leachate that may be generated (Ref. 31, p. 11). On August 18, 2010, while removing waste 

rock from the hillside of the Waste Rock pile, an excavator ruptured an unmapped adit. It was estimated 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

15 
that 50,000 to 75,000 gallons of water was released, however the exact volume was not known. The adit 

was sandbagged following the release, however ground water continues to be discharging from the 

unnamed adit at a rate of approximately two to five gpm. In addition, three adits and one shaft were 

discovered subsequent to the release. One of these adits has a pool of standing water but does not appear 

to be flowing. The other two adits and one shaft appeared to be dry (Ref. 9). 

In June and July 2010, EPA tasked WESTON to conduct sampling in order to investigate sediment and 

surface water contamination in the vicinity ofthe Blue Ledge Mine facility. To confirm if a release to the 

surface water pathway had occurred, sediment and surface water samples were collected from various 

locations along the surface water pathway extending downstream from the facility to Joe Creek. To 

demonstrate the presence of hazardous substances in the sources to surface water, samples were collected 

from the waste rock piles and adit AMD within the surface water pathway. All four of the Waste Rock 

Pile samples exhibited concentrations of metals for at least one of the following analytes: antimony, 

arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, selenium, silver, thallium, vanadium, and 

zinc. Sediment samples collected adjacent to and downstream ofthe facility exhibited elevated 

concentrations of metals for at least one ofthe following analytes: arsenic, cadmiitm, copper, lead, 

mercury, and zinc. All three downstream surface water samples exhibited elevated concentrations of 

metals for at least one ofthe following analytes: copper, manganese, and zinc (Ref. 29, p. 11, 12; Ref. 33, 

p.1l - 24, 65, 73). . 

In July and August 2010, removal activities occurred under USFS oversight on the Blue Ledge Mine 

facility. A total of 54,700 cubic yards of waste rock was removed from WRP-l and WRP-2. WRP-2 was 

removed in its entirety and approximately 95 percent of WRP-l was removed. In addition, 2,100 cubic 

yards ofwaste rock was removed from WRP-4, with an estimated 2,000 cubic yards remaining. There was 

no removal conducted on WRP-3. The USFS estimates that WRP-3 is approximately 11,600 cubic yards 

(Ref. 35). 

The surface water pathway was evaluated on an observed release to Joe Creek. Elliott Creek, the Middle 

Fork Applegate River, and the Applegate Reservoir are fisheries located within the l5-mile Target 

Distance Limit (TDL). Multiple fish species, known to be consumed by humans, are present within these 

fisheries (Ref. 9; Ref. 15, p. 2 through 42; Ref. 27). The soil exposure pathway was evaluated based on 

the presence of terrestrial sensitive environments. The Blue Ledge Mine facility lies in within the 

terrestrial sensitive environments ofthe Siskiyou Mountains salamander, the Black Salamander, the Bluegray taildropper, and the Traveling sideband snail (Ref. 13, p. 2; Ref. 14, p. 24 through 28). 

The surface water pathway was maximized at 100 and the soil exposure pathway scores 42.66, generating 

a site score of 54.35. The drinking water threat and environmental threats were not scored because scoring 

these would not significantly impact the overall site score. The ground water pathway was not scored due 

to the lack of targets. The air pathway was not scored since data is not available to establish an observed 

release to air. 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

16 
SD-Characterization and Containment 

Source 1: Waste Rock Pile 

SOURCE DESCRIPTION 

2.2 Source Characterization 

,~ . Name of Source: Waste Rock Pile 

Number of Source: Source 1 

Source Type: Pile 

The Blue Ledge Mine facility is located within the Condrey Mountain Schist in the east-central portion of 

the Klamath Mountains geomorphic province, which comprise a series ofnorth-south trending sedimentary 

and volcanic rocks containing massive sulfide deposits. Rocks underlying the Blue Ledge Mine facility are 

predominantly north-south striking, steeply west dipping, and metamorphosed sedimentary and volcanic 

rocks. A majority ofthe ore zone ofthe mine is localized within schist. Massive sulfide mineralization 

underlies the mine, with the main ore body consisting of lenses, stringers, and ,bands of primary copperzinc sulfides (Ref. 10, p. 11). 

The Blue Ledge Mine facility had a total of 27 claims, 16 claims were on a strike of a vein covering the 

length of approximately 4.5 miles, additional claims were on side lines, and three claims were on a parallel 

vain. . The main vein occurred as an extensive fissure in schist, conforming in a general way to the 

stratification. Mineralization extended into the wall rock, making the vein zone 50 to 300 feet in width. 

The ore occurreQ as shoots containing both massive and disseminated sulphides (Ref. 34. p. 1). 

In 1905, the adits and tunnels making up the Blue Ledge Mine property were evaluated. The following 

table presents the conclusions (Ref. 34, p. 9, 10, 11): 

AditlTunnel 

Number Dip Assayed 

Copper Additional Comments 

1 55 degrees 6 percent Starts in ore and continues in ore for 56 feet. 

2 10 degrees 6 percent 

On the dip ofthe vein, and runs ofthe ore body 

and into the hanging wall at a depth of40 feet. 

3 Cross cut 6 percent Cross cut hole and shows the ore for 19 feet. 

4 Unknown Unknown Starts in ore, but on account of its dip, looses the 

ore in 8 feet. 

5 Unknown Unknown Adit is down hole, both on its dip and the strike of 

the ore body. Runs out ofthe ore body at 20 feet. 

6 Unknown Unknown Continues the course ofthe west cross cut for 147 

feet. 

7 Unknown Unknown Attains a length of 172 feet without encountering 

anyore. 

8 Unknown 16 percent 

Has a total depth of212 feet. At the 128 foot 

mark it encounters the continuation ofthe ore 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

17 
I Adit/Tunnel 

Number Dip Assayed 

Copper Additional Comments 

exposed in the east cross cut oftunnel I. 

9 Unknown 16 percent 

Attains a length of289 feet. At the 256 foot mark, 

it encounters the east body ore. 

10 Unknown 5 to 6 

percent 

Adit is down hole from the surface and is 420 feet 

long. At the 159 feet mark, it encounters the east 

ore body (6 percent copper). At the 212 foot mark 

it shows 20 feet of copper and sulphide ore (5 

percent copper). 

Source 1 consists ofthe Waste Rock pile, and is comprised of a majority ofthe waste rock on the facility. 

Previous investigations have separated the Waste Rock pile into four separate piles; WRP-l, WRP-2, 

WRP-3 and WRP-4 (Ref. 8, p. 1-2, 2-3). Figure A-2 presents the Waste Rock pile. 

The Waste Rock pile extends from multiple formerly productive adits. Two formerly productive adits, 

Adit IN and Adit IS, located in the central portion of the facility, produced waste rock in the WRP-l area. 

Two formerly productive adits, Adit 2A and Adit 2B, and two exploratory adits, Adit 2C and Adit 2D, 

located in the south-central portion ofthe facility, produced the waste rock in the WRP-2 area. One 

formerly productive adit, Adit 3A, located in the southern portion of the facility, produced the waste rock 

in the WRP-3 area. One productive adit, Adit 4A, and one exploratory adit, Adit 4B, located in the 

northern portion ofthe facility, produced the waste rock in the WRP-4 area (Ref. 8, p. 17; Figure A-2). 

Although multiple adits exist on the Blue Ledge Mine facility, and previous investigations have considered 

the waste rock to be in four separate piles, the Waste Rock pile is considered to be one pile based on the 

geologic makeup ofthe site. In addition, Pete Jones, a geologist with the USFS, has made visual 

observations of piles WRP-I through WRP-4 and concluded that they are comprised .ofthe same material. 

He stated that all ofthe waste rock (WRP-I through WRP-4) on the Blue Ledge Mine property was a 

product of mining along the same ore body, and therefore the waste rock throughout the property is the 

same geologic makeup. Mining occurred along the same strike of mineralization. The mineralization zone 

mined was approximately 2,000 feet in length (Ref. 39). 

Waste rock was observed in direct contact with Joe Creek in June and July 2010 (Ref. 5, p. 1,,5,6). A log 

dam, constmcted during mining operations, is present at the base ofthe slope where the deepest deposits 

are located. An unnamed ephemeral tributary of Joe Creek flows along the western edge of the Waste 

Rock pile and is completely covered by the waste rock in the area near the log dam (Ref. 5, p. 9; Ref. 8,p. 

78; Ref. 11, p. 5). Over time, the waste rock has eroded and leached acidity and metals to Joe Creek. 

Previous investigations estimated up to 70,000 tons of sulfide-rich rock were discarded on the hillside 

below the adits (Ref. 8, p. 11, 12). 

Source Location 

The Waste Rock Pile is located on the Blue Ledge Mine facility (Ref. 5, p. 3; Ref. 8, p. 16, 78,). The pile 

can be observed from National Forest System Road 1060 and extends from an elevation of approximately 

4,100 feet to 4,800 feet (Ref. 5, p. 3; Ref. 11, p. 5). 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

18 
SD-Characterization and Containment 

Source 1: Waste Rock Pile 

Source Containment 

Release to surface water: 

In June and July 2010, the Waste Rock pile was observed to be in direct contact with Joe Creek. There 

was no engineered cover or retaining wall supporting the waste rock from coming into contact with surface 

water (Ref. 5, p. 5, 6). In addition, seasonal drainage gullies nm through the lower portions ofWRP-2 and 

WRP-3. Both gullies drain to Joe Creek. There has been no obvious drainage way observed within WRP4 (Ref. 8, p. 17). 

In September 2000, April 2001 and August 2001, the USFS conducted investigations on the Blue Ledge 

Mine facility and collected samples from the onsite run-off channel, Joe Creek, and Elliott Creek. 

Analytical results indicated that concentrations of cadmium, copper, iron, lead and zinc in Joe Creek 

increased significantly in surface water downstream ofthe Blue Ledge Mine facility (Ref. 4, p. 12). 

In 2008, water samples were collected from multiple locations within Joe Creek, Elliott Creek, the Middle 

Fork ofthe Applegate River, and Applegate Reservoir. Seven surface water samples were collected from 

Joe Creek downstream ofthe facility (JC-01 through JC-04, JC-07 through JC-09). In addition, seven 

surface water samples were collected from Elliott Creek (EC-O 1 through EC-07), two surface water 

samples were collected from Middle Fork Applegate River (AR-01 and AR-02), and one surface water 

sample was collected from the Applegate Reservoir (ARV-01). Six background surface water samples 

were collected in Joe Creek upstream ofthe facility (JC-1 0 through JC-15). All water samples were 

analyzed for dissolved metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, lead and zinc), sulfate, total suspended 

solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity and hardness (Ref. 4, p. 14 through 16, 53, 62 

through 64, 91, 536 through 573). 

Analytical results indicated that dissolved cadmium, iron, lead, and TSS were not detected in any 

background surface water samples. Dissolved copper and dissolved zinc were detected in all background 

surface water samples at concentrations ranging from 0.71 ugll to 0.84 ugll for copper and 0.49 ugll to 1.1 

ugll for zinc. Dissolved cadmium was detected in all downstream surface water samples at concentrations 

ranging from 0.012 ug/I in ARV-1 to 0.564 ugll in JC-01. Dissolved copper was detected in all 

downstream surface water samples, with the exception of AR-01, at concentrations ranging from 0.46 ugll 

in EC-07 to 62.8 ugll in JC-07. Zinc was detected in all downstream surface water samples, with the 

exception of AR-Ol, at concentrations ranging from 0.61 ugll in EC-07 to 88.5 ugll in JC-07. The 

Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for cadmium, copper, and zinc are 5.0 ugll, 1,300 ugll and 26,000 

ugll, respectively (Ref. 4, p. 23). 

To further evaluate the containment ofthe Waste Rock pile during the June and July 2010 HRS Sampling 

event, one selected sample was analyzed using a modified Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure 

(SPLP). The standard SPLP was modified to use the mine drainage instead ofthe synthetic precipitation in 

order to show that the mine drainage from the adit(s) is leaching hazardous substances from the waste rock 

and subsequently to Joe Creek (Ref. 17, p. 23). The waste rock sample was collected from sample location 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

19 
BLM-WR-3 and the mine drainage was collected from Adit IN. Both samples were collected on July 1, 

20 I0 (Ref 16, p. 5, 6; Ref. 30, p. 2). Waste rock sample BLM-WR-3 exhibited elevated concentrations of 

antimony (2.2 mg/kg), arsenic (102 mg/kg), cadmium (2.5 mg/kg), chromium (7.0 mg/kg), copper (314 

mg/kg), lead (201 mg/kg), manganese (146 mg/kg), mercury (1.2 mg/kg), silver (3.9 mg/kg), vanadium 

(40.5 mg/kg), and zinc (145 mg/kg) (Ref. 28, p. 9). The water sample BLM-SW-6 collected from Adit IN 

exhibited elevated concentrations of arsenic (18.1 ug/l), cadmium (887 ug/l), chromium (37.2 ug/l), cobalt 

(65.8 ug/l), copper (160,000 ug/l), lead (186 ug/l), manganese (3,180 ug/l), nickel (201 ug/l), selenium 

(5.1 ug/l), silver (4.0 ug/l), and zinc (236,000 ug/l) (Ref. 29, p. 11). 

The sample was analyzed for total metals using the modified SPLP EPA test method 1312 (Ref. 30, p. 1). 

Summarized below is analytical evidence of contamination in source sample BLM-WR-3 associated with 

the Waste Rock Pile located on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Concentration 

(mg/L) 

SQL 

(mglL) References 

Cadmium 

Chromium 

1.1 

0.049 

0.005 

0.01 

Ref. 30, p. 2 

Ref. 30, p. 2 

Copper 160 0.4 Ref. 30, p. 2 

Lead 0.31 0.03 Ref. 30, p. 2 

Silver 

Zinc 

0.028 

250 

0.01 

0.8 

Ref. 30, p. 2 

Ref. 30, p. 2 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

20 
Hazardous Substances 

Source 1: Waste Rock Pile 

2.4.1 Hazardous Substances 

As part ofthe June and July 2010 HRS sampling event on the Blue Ledge Mine facility, surface samples ;. 

were collected from four locations within WRP-l. Sample BLM-WR-l was collected from light brown 

silty sand located on the northern portion of WRP-l; sample BLM-WR-2 was collected from light 1:0 

medium brown silty sand with subangular gravel with clasts up to 0.5 inches in diameter located on the 

central eastern portion ofWRP-l; sample BLM-WR-3 was collected from reddish-brown clayey silt with 

little sub-angular gravel located on the central portion ofWRP-l; and sample BLM-WR-4 was collected 

from medium brown silty sand with subangular gravel located on the central western portion ofWRP-l. 

All four samples were collected using clean and dedicated plastic scoops at depths between 0.5 and 1 foot 

below ground surface (bgs) (Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 17, p. 22 through 23). Sample locations are presented in 

Figure A-4. 

The waste rock pile samples were submitted to a laboratory for definitive metals analysis. The samples 

were analyzed for total metals using EPA test method ILM05.4 (Ref. 28, p. 2). The data validation results 

are in Reference 28. 

All four ofthe WRP-lsamples exhibited concentrations ofmetals for at least one ofthe following analytes: 

antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, selenium, silver, thallium, 

vanadium, and zinc (Ref. 28, p. 9). 

Summarized below is analytical evidence of contamination in source samples associated with the Waste 

Rock Pile located on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. 

Source 1: 

Hazardous 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Sample ID 

(CLPID) 

Sample 

Date 

Substance 

Concentration 

SQL 

(mg/kg) References 

(mg/kg) 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 711110 18.2 JI.2 (9.19) 7.03 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 20, p. 8, 

18; Ref. 28, p. 4-6, 9; Ref. 32, 

p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 14,34,71 -

80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 7/1110 3.6 JI.2 (1.82) 6.73 

Antimony BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 71111 0 2.2 JI. 2 (1.11) 6.96 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 711110 2.6 JI.2 (1.31)' 7.01 

Arsenic 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 711110 301 1.17 Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref. 32, p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 

BLM-WR-2 14,34,71 - 80; Ref. 40, p. 2

(MY6ZE4) 711110 124 1.12 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

21 
Hazardous 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Sample 10 

(CLP 10) 

Sample 

Date 

Substance 

Concentration 

SQL 

(mg/kg) References 

(mg/kg) 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 7/1110 102 1.16 

.­ " BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 711/10 104 1.17 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 7/1110 3.9 0.59 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref 28, p. 9; 

Ref 32, p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 

14,34,71 - 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 7/1110 3.9 0.56 

Cadmium BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 7/1110 2.5 0.58 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 711110 2.6 0.59 

BLM-WR-l 

. (MY6ZE3) 7/1110 2.7 JI. 3 (2.09) 1.17 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref 20, p. 8, 

18; Ref, 28, p. 5-7, 9; Ref. 32, 

1,~ 11, 12, 13, 14,34,71­

80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 711110 9.8 J 

1

, 3 (7.6) 1.12 

Chromium BLM-WR-3 

CMY6ZE5) 7/1110 7.0 J 

1

, 3 (5.43) 1.16 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 7/1110 9.2 J 

1

, 3 (7.13) 1.17 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 711110 981 JI,3 (804.1) 2.93 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 20, p. 8, 

18; Ref. 28, p. 5-7, 9; Ref. 32, 

1,9,11,12,13,14,34,71 - 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

Copper 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 7/1110 

. 1,290 J 

1

, 3 

(1,057.4) 2,8 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 711110 . 314 JI. 3 (257.38) 2.9 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 711110 441 JI.3 (361.48) 2.93 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 7/1110 7,890 1.17 

Ref. 16, p, 6, 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref. 32, p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 

14,34,71 - 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

BLM-WR-2 609 1.12 

Lead (MY6ZE4) 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 

711/10 

7/1110 201 1.16 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 7/1110 227 1.17 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 7/1110 25.4 1.76 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref. 32, p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 

14,34,71 - 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

Manganese 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 7/1110 182 1.68 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 711110 146 1.74 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 7/111 0 162 1.76 

Mercury BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 7/1110 92.8 P 5.85 Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref 20, p. 8; 

Ref. 28, p. 5-6, 9; Ref 32, p. 

1,9, 11, 12, 13, 14,39,71 -

80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 711110 3.4 P 0.11 

BLM-WR-3 

CMY6ZE5) 711110 1.2P 0.12 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

22 
Hazardous 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Sample ill 

(CLP ID) 

Sample 

Date 

Substance 

Concentration 

SQL 

(mg/kg) References 

(mg/kg) 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 711110 0.89 J2 0.12 

BLM-WR-I 

(MY6ZE3) 711110 29.3 4.1 Ref 16, p. 7; Ref 28, p. 9; 

. Ref. 32, p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 

14,34,71 - 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

Selenium BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 7/1/10 9.1 3.92 

BLM-WR-I 

(MY6ZE3) 7/1/10 390 1.17 

Ref, 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref. 32, p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 

14, 34, 71 - 80; Ref 40, p. 2 

Silver 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 711110 18.3 1.12 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 7/1/10 3.9 1.16 

Thallium 

BLM-WR-I 

(MY6ZE3) 711110 6.9 2.93 

Ref 16, p. 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref 32, p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 

14,34, 71 - 80; Ref. 40, D. 2 

BLM-WR-I 

(MY6ZE3) 7/1110 49.3 5.9 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref 32, p.l, 9, 11, 12, 13, 

14,34, 71 - 80; Ref 40, p. 2 

Vanadium 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 711/10 39.6 5.6 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 711110 40.5 5.8 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 71111 0 49.9 5.9 

BLM-WR-I 

(MY6ZE3) 711/10 159 P 7.03 

Ref 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 20, p. 8; 

Ref 28, p. 5-6, 9; Ref. 32, p. 

1,9,11,12,13,14,34,71­

80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

Zinc 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 711110 193 J2 6.73 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 711110 145 P 6.96 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 711110 138 J2 7.01 

JI: The analyte was positively identified, however the reported value is an estimate due to ICP inter-element interference problems. The 

result was reported from undiluted analyses that contained iron concentrations above the level present in the interference check sample 

(ICS) solution, therefore the applied inter-element correction (IEC) factors may not sufficiently compensate. 

For chromium: the value reported may be biased low. However, the presence ofthe analyte in the sample is not in doubt. 

For antimony and copper the value reported may be biased high. However, the presence of the analyte in the sample is not in 

doubt. The adjusted value is presented in parentheses. 

J2 The analyte was positively identified, however the reported value is an estimate due to matrix spike recovery results being outside 

method quantitation control limits. The reported value may be bias low. However, the presence of the analyte in the sample is not in 

doubt. 

J3	 The analyte was positively identified, however.the reported value is an estimate due to the serial dilution percent differences being 

outside the method quantitation control limits. The value reported may be biased high. However, the presence of the analyte in the 

sample is not in doubt. The adjusted value is presented in parentheses. 

SQL:	 Sample Quantitation Limit. The SQLs provided in this table are CLP contract-required detection limits (CRDLs) for that analyte with 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

23 
any dilution factors, volume adjustments, or percent solids for that analysis taken into account. SSQLs were calculated as follows: 

SQL ( mg ) = CRDL (.ell) x x final volume IL x 1000 g x DF

kg dry wgt L 1000 Jlg sample weight (g wet wgt) X %S 1000 mL I kg 

Where: 

.Final volume (mL) is the final extract volume following sample preparation' 

Sample weight (g wet wgt) is the weight of the sample used for analysis 

% Sis % solids value divided by 100; % solids is determined as follows: (g dry weight of sample used for analysis)/(g wet weight of 

sample used for analysis)xlOO%' 

DF is the dilution factor for the instrumental analysis 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

24 
SD-Hazardous Waste Quantity 

Source 1: Waste Rock Pile 

2.4.2. Hazardous Waste Quantity 

Tier A: Hazardous Constituent Quantity 

The information available is not sufficient to meaningfully evaluate Tier A, hazardous constituent quantity; 

therefore it is not possible to adequately determine a hazardous constituent quantity for the Waste Rock 

Pile (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.1). Scoring proceeds to the evaluation of Tier B, hazardous wastestream 

quantity (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.2). 

Hazardous Constituent Quantity Value: NE 

Tier B: Hazardous Wastestream Quantity 

The infonnation available is not sufficient to accurately evaluate Tier B, hazardous wastestream quantity; 

therefore it is not possible to adequately detennine a hazardous wastestream quantity for the Waste Rock 

Pile (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.1). Scoring proceeds to the evaluation of Tier C, volume (Ref. 1, Section 

2.4.2.1.2). 

Hazardous Wastestream Quantity Value: NE 

Tier C: Volume 

In November 2008, a geotechnical investigation was conducted on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. During 

.the investigation, the volume ofwaste rock piles WRP-l through WRP-4 was calculated. WRP-l had an 

estimated volume of 20,000 cubic yards, WRP~2 had an estimated volume of 5,000 cubic yards, WRP-3 

had an estimated volume of 5,000 cubic yards, and WRP-4 had an estimated volume of 1,000 cubic yards 

(Ref. 18, p. 17,.51 through 53) The thicknesses were estimated by comparing local rock outcrop 

elevations with the undisturbed waste rock slope face. The investigation concluded that there may be 

considerable variability between the interpolated thicknesses and actual thickness due to bedrock surface 

irregularity (Ref. 18, p. 17). 

In July and August 2010, removal activities occurred under USFS oversight on the Blue Ledge Mine 

facility. A total of 54,700 cubic yards ofwaste rock was removed from WRP-l and WRP-2. WRP-2 was 

removed in its entirety and approximately 95 percent ofWRP-l was removed. In addition, 2,100 cubic 

yards of waste rock was removed from WRP-4, with an estimated 2,000 cubic yards remaining. There was 

no removal conducted on WRP-3. The USFS estimates that WRP-3 is approximately 11,600 cubic yards 

(Ref. 35). 

Utilizing conservative volume estimates, approximately 1,000 cubic yards remains in WRP-l, 5,000 cubic 

yards remains in WRP-3, and 1,000 cubic yards remains in WRP-4; totaling 7,000 cubic yards of waste 

rock (Ref. 18, p. 17; Ref. 35). 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

25 
The Waste Rock Pile is characterized as a Pile. This provides a Hazardous Waste Quantity Value of (Ref. 

I, Table 2-5): 

7,000 cubic yards/2.5 =2,800 

Volume Assigned Value: 2,800 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

26 
TierD: Area 

The volume was adequately determined for the Waste Rock Pile; therefore it is not necessary to determine 

an area for Source 1 (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.2). 

Area Assigned Value: NE 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

27
 
SD-Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value 

Source I: Waste Rock Pile 

Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value 

According to Section 2.4.2.1.5 ofthe HRS, the highest ofthe values assigned to the source for hazardous 

constituent quantity (Tier A), hazardous wastestream quantity (Tier B), Volume (Tier C), and Area (Tier 

D) should be assigned as the source hazardous waste quantity value (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.5). 

Tier Evaluated . Source 1 Values 

A NE 

B NE 

C 2,8001 

D 0 

Value selected for the source hazardous waste quantity according to the HRS. 

NE Not Evaluated. 

Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value: 2,800 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

28 
SD-Characterization and Containment 

Source 2: Adit IN Acid Mine Drainage 

SOURCE DESCRIPTION 

2.2 Source Characterization 

Name of Source: Adit IN Acid Mine Drainage 

Number of Source: Source 2 

Source Type: Other 

The Blue Ledge Mine was discovered by panners in approximately 1898. Inception, initial ownership, and 

significant development ofthe mine occurred between 1902 and 1909. The mine experienced periods of 

activity and inactivity over the next 20 years. Extensive excavations were undertaken, and a substantial 

amount of waste rock was generated as mine workings were developed and ore was removed. Mining cars 

carried extracted materials from the interior ofthe mine to mine adits atop the Blue Ledge Mine. The 

separated ore was trammed down the hillside via an overhead cable to a location close to Joe Creek (Ref. 7, 

p. 5, 6; Ref. 10, p. 9, 13). 

Ground water discharging from Adit IN has been identified as a hazardous substance source on the Blue 

Ledge Mine facility. In 2008, groundwater from Adit IN was observed discharging from the adit and 

flowing over the log waste rock dam into Joe Creek (Ref. 4, p. 12, 14,85). In June 2010, groundwater 

from Adit IN was observed discharging from the adit and flowing over the Waste Rock pile for 

approximately 100 feet before it percolated below the waste rock surface. Previous 'investigations have 

documented increased sulfate concentrations and acidity emerging from the Blue Ledge Mine adits (Ref. 4, 

p. 13). In July 2010, the AMD exhibited an acidic pH of2.6 (Ref. 16, p. 5). The sulfide deposits on the 

Blue Ledge Mine facility provide a continuing source of AMD. AMD is continually formed by a 

weathering process that oxidizes sulfhr-bearitig minerals to sulfate and acidity. The AMD process is 

further expedited by oxidation ofthe reduced minerals by microbes. The production of acidity at the Blue 

Ledge Mine facility causes metals to leach from surrounding waste rock as water percolates through the 

scattered waste piles. During periods of higher precipitation, the AMD infiltrates through the waste rock 

and leaches metals. The finer the waste patticle, the more surface area is available for the AMD to leach 

metals from (Ref. 10, p. 16). 

USFS personnel have observed ground water discharging from Adit IN throughout late spring to fall. Due 

to the elevation of the Blue Ledge Mine facility, access to the mine is limited during winter and early 

spring to snowmobiles. USFS personnel have not visited the site during these seasons, and therefore have 

not documented ground water discharging from the adit perennially (Ref. 39). 

The Waste Rock Pile is located on the Blue Ledge Mine facility, and is comprised of a majority of the 

waste rock on the facility (Ref. 8, p. 12, Figure 1-2). During investigations conducted in 2008 and 2010, 

ground water from Adit 1N was observed discharging from the adit and flowing over the Waste Rock pile 

towards Joe Creek (Ref. 5, p. 7, 8; Ref. 8, p. 78). In 2008, the ground water discharging from Adit IN 

flowed from the adit directly into Joe Creek (Ref. 4, p. 12). In June 2010, the ground water discharging 

from Adit 1N was observed flowing from the adit for approximately 100 feet before percolating into the 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

29 
SD-Characterization and Containment 

Source 2: Adit IN Acid Mine Drainage 

Waste Rock pile (Ref. 5, p. 7, 8). A log dam, constructed during mining operations, is present at the base 

ofthe slope where the deepest deposits are located (Ref. 5, p. 4; Ref. 8, p. 78; Ref. 11, p. 5, p. 25). 

Source Location 

The Acid Mine Drainage is ground water discharging from Adit IN (Ref. 5, p.7). Adit IN is located on 

the Waste Rock Pile, in the area referred to as WRP-I in previous reports (Ref. 8, p. 17, 78). 

Source Containment 

Release to surface water: 

In 2006, the WRP-I was terraced and regraded in an effort to redirect AMD to a channel-lined with marble 

boulders. A setline basin was constructed behind the log dam to trap sediment eroded from the waste rock 

piles. The goal was to stabilize the slope, reduce erosion, and provide passive treatment of acidic run-off. 

In 2007, it was observed that the marble boulders became coated with iron precipitates in approximately 

three weeks after construction and the sedimentation basin quickly filled with sediment. It was observed 

that run-off and AMD from higher on the slope flow in an undeveloped and unlined channel until directed 

into the settling pond by a marble berm. During periods of heavy precipitation, run-off overtops the log 

dam and drains into Joe Creek (Ref. 8, p. 14, 15,92 through 94). 

During investigations conducted in June 2008, ground water was observed discharging from Adit IN and 

flowing over the Waste Rock pile directly to Joe Creek. It was observed to be flowing down the run-off 

channel into the settling pond behind the log dam, where it overtopped the dam and discharged into Joe 

Creek (Ref. 4, p. 22; Ref. 8, p. 94). 

In June 2010, the ground water discharging from Adit IN was observed flowing from the adit for 

approximately 100 feet before percolating into the Waste Rock pile (Ref. 5, p. 7, 8). 

In April 1992, the USFS collected surface water samples from the mine drainage. Analytical results 

indicated that the mine drainage contained cadmium, copper and zinc at levels exceeding EPA freshwater 

criteria. In addition, the mine drainage sample exhibited an acidic pH 00.1 (Ref. 4, p. 12). 

In September 2000, April 2001 and August 2001, the USFS conducted investigations on the Blue Ledge 

Mine facility and collected samples from the onsite nm-off channel, Joe Creek, and Elliott Creek. 

Analytical results indicated that concentrations of cadmium, copper, iron, lead and zinc in Joe Creek 

increased significantly in surface water downstream of the Blue Ledge Mine facility (Ref. 4, p. 12). 

In June 2008, the USFS collected surface water samples from the onsite adits and seeps. Water sampled 

from Adit IN exhibited concentrations of cadmium (70.9 ug/l), copper (194,000 ug/l), lead (8:64 ug/l) and 

zinc (300,000 ug/l). In addition, drainage from Adit IN exhibited a pH of 2.4 (Ref. 4,53 and 538). 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

30 
SD-Hazardous Substances 

Source 2: Adit IN Acid Mine Drainage 

2.4.1 Hazardous Substances 

As part of the June and July 2010 HRS sampling event on the Blue Ledge Mine facility, ground water 

discharging from Adit IN was collected and sampled. The sample was collected adjacent to the discharge 

point and filtered prior to being capped (Ref. 16, p. 5; Ref. 17, p. 20). 

The Adit IN surface water samples were submitted to a laboratory for definitive metals analysis. The 

. samples were analyzed for total metals using EPA test method ILM05.4 (Ref. 29, p. 2). The data validation 

results are in Reference 29. 

Summarized below is analytical evidence of contamination in source samples associated with the Adit IN 

Acid Mine Drainage located on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. 

Source 2: 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Sample ID 

(CLP ID) 

Sample 

Date 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Concentration 

(ug/L) 

SQL 

(ug/L) References 

Arsenic 

BLM-SW-6 

(MY6ZF9) 711/10 18.1 JI 1.0 

Ref. 16, p. 5; Ref. 29, p. 6,11; 

Ref. 33, p. 11, 18, 34, 40, 43, 

67, 68, 73, 74, 75; Ref. 40, p. 

4 

Cadmium 

BLM-SW-6 

(MY6ZF9) 7/1110 887 1.0 

Chromium 

BLM-SW-6 

(MY6ZF9) 711/10 37.2 2.0 

Cobalt BLM-SW-6 

(MY6ZF9) 7/1110 65.8 1.0 

Copper 

BLM-SW-6 

(MY6ZF9) 7/111 0 160,000 400 

Lead 

BLM-SW-6 

(MY6ZF9) 711110 186 JI 2.0 

Manganese BLM-SW-6 

(MY6ZF9) 711110 3,180J 1 2.0 

Nickel BLM-SW-6 

(MY6ZF9) 711110 201 1.0 

Selenium 

BLM-SW-6 

(MY6ZF9) 7/1110 5.1 JI 5.0 

Silver 

BLM-SW-6 

(MY6ZF9) 711110 4.0 1.0 

Zinc BLM-SW-6 

(MY6ZF9) 711/10 236,000 800 

I': The analyte was positively identified, however the internal standard percent relative intensity results are outside the method control 

limit. Howeyer, the presence of the analyte is not in doubt. 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

31 
SQL:	 Sample Quantitation Limit. The SQLs provided in this table are CLP contract-required detection limits (CRDLs) for that analyte with 

any dilution factors, volume adjustments, or percent solids for that analysis taken into account. SSQLs were calculated as follows: 

SQL (pg / L)= CRDL (~) x final volume (mL) x DF
 

L initial volume (mL)
 

Where: 

Final volume (mL) is the final extract volume following sample preparation
 

Initial volume (mL) is the volume of sample used
 

DF is the dilution factor
 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge·Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

32 
SD-Hazardous Waste Quantity 

Source 2: Adit IN Acid Mine Drainage 

2.4.2. Hazardous Waste Quantity 

Tier A: Hazardous Constituent Quantity 

The information available IS not sufficient to meaningfully evaluate Tier A, hazardous constituent quantity; 

therefore it is not possible to adequately determine a hazardous constituent quantity for the Adit IN Acid 

Mine Drainage (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.1). Scoring proceeds to the evaluation ofTier B, hazardous 

wastestream quantity (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.2). 

Hazardous Constituent Quantity Value: NE 

Tier B: Hazardous Wastestream Quantity 

Numerous discharge measurements have been calculated for the ground water discharging from Adit IN. 

A majority ofthe measurements were collected dU'ring the dry season in the summer months. In the 

summers of2007 and 2008, a measurement of approximately 0.5 gallons per minute (gpm) was observed 

discharging from the adit. The discharge is reportedly higher during the wetter months ofthe year (Ref. 8, 

p. 17). 

Pete Jones, a geologist with the USPS, has been visiting the Blue Ledge Mine facility since 1995. Mr. 

Jones has observed ground water discharging from Adit IN every year for the last 15 years. He stated that 

the flow has been a consistent one to two gpm during the summer months and has a heavier flow oftwo to 

five gpm during the spring months (Ref. 9). 

Using a conservative flow rate estimate for the spring and summer seasons, the following hazardous 

wastestream quantity is calculated: 

Month 

Conservative 

Flow Rate Monthly Discharge Rate* Quantity** 

March 

(31 days) 2gpm 2 gallons/minute x 31 days = 

89,280 gallons 

892,800 pounds 

April 

(30 days) 2gpm 2 gallons/minute x 30 days = 

86,400 gallons 

864,000 pounds 

May 

(31 days) 2gpm 2 gallons/minute x 31 days = 

89,280 gallons 

892,800 pounds 

June 

(30 days) 

1 gpm 1 gallon/minute x 30 days = 

43,200 gallons 

432,000 pounds 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

33 
Month 

Conservative 

Flow Rate Monthly Discharge Rate* Quantity** 

July 

(31 days) 

1 gpm 1 gallon/minute x 31 days = 

44,640 gallons 

446,400 pounds 

August 

(31 days) 

1 gpm 1 gallon/minute x 31 days = 

44,640 gallons 

446,400 pounds 

Total: 3,974,400 pounds 

x 15 years 59,616,000 pounds 

*Calculated using 1 day = 24 hours = 1,440 minutes 

**200 gallons = 2,000 pounds (Ref. 1, Table 2-5) 

59,616,000 pounds / 5,000 = 11,923.2 

Hazardous Wastestream Quantity Value: 11,923.2 

Tier C: Volume 

The hazardous wastestream quantity was adequately determined for the Adit IN Acid Mine Drainage; 

therefore it is not necessary to determine a volume for the Adit IN Acid Mine Drainage (Ref. 1, Section 

2.4.2.1.2). 

Volume Assigned Value: NE 

TierD: Area 

The hazardous wastestream quantity was adequately determined for the Adit 1N Acid Mine Drainage; 

therefore it is not necessary to detennine an area for the Adit IN Acid Mine Drainage (Ref. 1, Section 

2.4.2.1.2). 

Area Assigned Value: NE 

SD-Source Hazardous Waste Qliantity Value 

Source 2: Adit IN Acid Mine Drainage 

Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value 

According to Section 2.4.2.1.5 ofthe HRS, the highest ofthe values assigned to the source for hazardous 

constituent quantity (Tier A), hazardous wastestream quantity (Tier B), Volume (Tier C), and Area (Tier 

D) should be assigned as the source hazardous waste quantity value (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.5). 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

34 
Tier Evaluated Source 2 Values 

A NE 

B 11,923.i 

c NE 

D NE 

Value selected for the source hazardouswaste quantity according to the HRS. 

NE Not Evaluated. 

Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value: 11,932.2 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

35 
SD-Summary 

SITE SUMMARY OF SOURCE DESCRIPTIONS 

Source Source Hazardous Coutainment 

Nfl. Waste Quantity· 

Value 

Ground 

Water 

Surface 

Water Gas 

..; ", 

Air Particulate 

1 2,800 NE 101 NE NE 

2 11,923.2 NE 101 NE NE 

II .lUTAL 14,723.2 -

Notes: 

I =Ref. 1, Table 4-2 

NE =Not Evaluated. 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

Mar-ch 2011 CAN000906063
 

36 
i 

POSSffiLESOURCESNOTSCORED 

•	 Unnamed adit on WRP-l. In August 2010, the USFS was conducting a removal ofthe waste rock 

from the Blue Ledge Mine facility. On August 18, 2010, while removing waste rock from the 

hillside ofWRP~I, an excavator uncovered wet soil, eventually rupturing an unmapped adit. 

Approximately 250 cubic yards of mine rock was eroded (Ref. 9; Ref. 19Y The exact volume of 

water released is unknqwn, but was estimated to be 50,000 gallons to 75,000 gallons. The adit 

was sandbagged following the release; however ground water continues to be discharging from the 

unnamed adit at a rate of approximately two to five gpm. In addition, three dry adits were 

uncovered prior to the August 2010 release. Subsequently, a dry shaft and another flowing adit 

were exposed during the waste rock removal. One ofthese adits has a pool of standing water but 

does not appear to be flowing (Ref. 9). 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

37 
3.0 GROUNDWATERPATHWAY 

The ground water pathway was not scored during this evaluation. There are no known uses ofground water on 

the Blue Ledge Mine facility. Residences in the Joe Bar community utilize wells and springs for drinking 

.water that are supplied by ground water beneath their property. Existing analytical data indicate that arsen"ic, 

cadmium, copper, lead and zinc were detected in two residences drinking water wells and one spring used for 

drinking water. Only qetections ofdissolved arsenic exceeded associated screening criteria with concentrations 

ranging from 0.22 micrograms per liter (ug/I) to 6.27 ug/l. Although arsenic was detected in all three ground 

water sources, there was no evidence that the levels were related to concentrations of arsenic detected in 

surface water adjacent to the Blue Ledge Mine facility, but rather to be due to high levels of arsenic in local 

soils (Ref. 4, p. 20, 21,54, 139; Ref. 8, p. 20, 21). 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

38 
4.0 SURFACE WATER MIGRATION PATHWAY
 

4.1 OVERLANDIFLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT 

4.1.1 General Considerations 

The Blue Ledge Mine facility is located within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Siskiyou 

County, California (Ref. 3). The facility is located on rural patented land approximately 3 miles; south of 

the California-Oregon border. The mine spans in elevation from about 4,000 to 4,800 feet above mean sea 

level (Ref. 3; Ref. 4, p. 6). A site location map is presented in Figure A-I. 

The target distance limit (TDL) for the surface water pathway, which defines the maximum distance over 

which targets are considered, is 15 miles. During the HRS Sampling conducted in June and July 2010, the 

most downstream probably point of entry (PPE) evaluated was located in Joe Creek at the base of WRP-l 

(See Figure A-2) (Ref. 5, p. 5, 6). The most upstream PPE evaluated was located in the drainage below 

WRP-3, which drains into an unnamed tributary and then into Joe Creek (See Figure A-2) (Ref. 8, p. 17). 

The mine lies at the upper headwaters ofthe Joe Creek Watershed, on a steep, generally north-facing 

hiIIslope. From the facility, Joe Creek flows north for approximately 3.4 miles to its confluence with 

Elliott Creek. From this confluence, Elliott Creek continues west and discharges to the Middle Fork 

Applegate River, just upstream ofthe Applegate Reservoir. The Applegate Reservoir is approximately 8 

miles downstream ofthe Blue Ledge Mine facility (Ref. 4, p. 6, 21). 

One-third ofthe Joe Creek watershed is located within the transient snow zone (above 4,000 feet) and can 

receive moisture as either rain or snow. Given that most ofthe precipitation occurs during winter months, 

rain-on-snow events are not uncommon and are the primary cause of flooding in the Upper Applegate 

watershed. Pulses of runoff occurring during these times create a high risk of mass wasting and surface 

erosion (Ref. 10, p. 24). 

The Western Regional Climate Center reports that the average total precipitation in the vicinity ofthe site 

is approximately 49.46 inches. This average is based on records that span between March 1914 and July 

2010 (Ref. 36). 

Waste rock and exposed minerals in abandoned underground workings, excavation, etc. are oxidized 

during all times of the year, except in cases when rock surfaces are submerged. Such processes are greatest 

during the dry period from July to November. High flow periods in the spring months offer the greatest 

opportunity to flush the metals that have accumulated from the oxidation ofthe summer months and 

transport them downstream (Ref. 10, p. 24, 25).. 

In June 2008, stream discharge measurements were collected from Joe Creek, Elliott Creek, and the 

Middle Fork Applegate River as part of an SI investigation. Discharge measurements were made using the 

Velocity-Area Procedure wherein the mean velocity and flow cross-sectional areas of many increments 

across a channel were measured using an impeller-style flow meter, from which subtotals ofthe stream 

discharge could be calculated. Joe Creek exhibited a stream discharge of8.0 cubic feet per second (cfs), 

above its confluence with Elliott Creek; Elliott Creek exhibited a stream discharge of 87 cfs above the 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

39
 
confluence with Joe Creek; Elliott Creek exhibited a stream discharge of266 cfs above the confluence 

with the Middle Fork Applegate River; and the Middle Fork Applegate River exhibited a stream discharge 

of286 cfs above the confluence with Elliott Creek (Ref. 4, p. 22). 

In 2000 and 2001, stream-dwelling amphibians were studied during the fall and spring. Various life stages 

oftailed frog (Ascaphus truei)and Pacific giant salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus)'were found 

upstream ofthe Blue Ledge Mine facility in both surveys. No amphibians were counted directly 

downstream of the mine and a maximum of only three were found further downstream (Ref. 10, p. 34). 

The watershed between the mine and Applegate Reservoir hosts resident rainbow trout and cutthroat trout 

populations; Pacific lamprey and reticulate sculpin may also inhabit the watershed. Elliott Creek contains 

approximately 20.4 miles of resident rainbow and cutthroat trout fish habitat (Ref. 10, p. 13). Historically, 

fish such as fall Chinook, Coho salmon, Pacific lamprey, and steelhead migrated to the watershed holding 

Joe and Elliott Creeks. Since the Applegate Dam was constructed in the late 1970s, these migrations have 

ceased. Currently, no fish reside in Joe Creek (Ref. 4, p. 12; Ref. 10, p. 13). 

Pete Jones ofthe USFS has been working on the Blue Ledge Mine facility since approximately 1995. Mr. 

Jones stated that he has observed people fishing in Elliott Creek, the Middle Fork Applegate River, and the 

Applegate Reservoir on numerous occasions (Ref. 9). In June and July 2010, during the HRS Sampling 

event, people were observed fishing in the Middle Fork Applegate River, downstream of its confluence 

with Elliott Creek, and in the Applegate Reservoir (Ref. 5, p. 11). 

The Applegate Reservoir, located approximately 8 miles downstream ofthe Blue Ledge Mine facility is an 

active fishery in southem Oregon (Ref. 4, p. 6, 21; Ref. 5, p. 11; Ref. 15, p. 2 through 42). The Applegate 

Reservoir, commonly referred to as Applegate Lake, was created in 1980 by impounding the Applegate 

River and several major tributaries including Carberry, Squaw and Elliott creeks. The reservoir is 

relatively deep, having a maximum depth of233 feet and a mean depth of 83 feet. The Applegate 

Reservoir is managed as a two-story recreational fishery with stocked coldwater species (rainbow and 

steelhead trout, and Chinook and Coho salmon) and naturally produced warmwater species (smallmouth 

and largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, and brown bullhead) (Ref. 15, p. 9,10). 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

40 
SWOF-Observed Release 

4.1.1.1 Definition of Hazardous Substance Migration Path for Overland/flood Component 

The hazardous substance migration path includes both the overland and the in-water segment that 

hazardous substances would take as they migrate away from sources at the facility (Ref. 1, Section 4.1.1.1). 

Hazardous substance migration path overland and in-water segments for the sources are described below. 

,I Overland Segments 

(I) Source 1 - Waste Rock Pile 

As described above, the "toe" ofWRP-l is bounded by Joe Creek. There is no overland 

migration pathway since hazardous substances migrating from the waste sources would enter 

directly into this surface water body. WRP-l extends from two formerly productive adits, Adit 

1Sand Adit IN, down to Joe Creek. Waste rock from WRP-l pile was observed in direct contact 

with Joe Creek in June and July 2010 (Ref. 5, p. 5, 6). A log darn, constructed during mining 

operations, is present at the base ofthe slope where the deepest deposits are located (Ref. 5, p. 

10). In addition, an unnamed ephemeral tributary of Joe Creek flows along the westem edge of 

WRP-l and is completely covered by the waste rock in the area near the log dam (Ref. 5, p. 9; 

Ref. 8, p. 78, Ref. 11, p. 5). 

A seasonal drainage gully runs through the lower portions ofWRP-3. The gully drains into an 

unnamed tributary, which then discharges to Joe Creek (Ref. 8, p. 17). 

(2) Source 2 - Adit IN Acid Mine Drainage 

The Waste Rock Pile is located on the Blue Ledge Mine facility, and is comprised of a majority of 

the waste rock on the facility. A portion of the Waste Rock pile extends from two formerly 

productive adits, Adit IS and Adit IN, to Joe Creek (Ref. 5" p. 3). During a 2008 investigations, 

ground water from Adit IN was observed discharging from the adit and flowing over the Waste 

Rock pile to Joe Creek (Ref. 8, p. 94). In June and July 2010, the flow from Adit IN was 

observed discharging from the adit and flowing over the Waste Rock pile towards Joe Creek until 

it seeped back into the pile approximately 100 feet downhill of the adit (Ref. 5, p. 7, 8). 

In 2006, the Waste Rock pile was terraced and re-graded in an effort to redirect AMD to a 

channel-lined with marble boulders. A setline basin was constructed behind the log dam to trap 

sediment eroded from the waste rock piles. The goal was to stabilize the slope, reduce erosion, 

and provide passive treatment of acidic run-off. In 2007 and 2008, it was observed that the marble 

boulders became coated with iron precipitates in approximately three weeks after construction and 

the sedimentation basin quickly filled with sediment (Ref. 8, p. 92 through 94). It was observed 

that run-off and AMD from higher on the slope flow in an undeveloped and unlined channel until 

directed into the settling pond by a marble berm. During periods of heavy precipitation, run-off 

overtops the log dam and drains into Joe Creek (Ref. 8, p. 14,15). In June 2010, run-off was 

observed overtopping the log dam and draining into Joe Creek (Ref. 5, p. 10). 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

41 
SWOF-Observed Release 

There does not appear to be adequate containment to prevent the migration of hazardous 

substances present in the Adit IN Acid Mine Drainage (Ref. 5, p. 1, 7). 

In-Water Segments 

The in-water segment begins at the PPE to an eligible surface water body as defined in the HRS final 

rule (Ref. I, Section 4.0.2). Eligible surface water bodies that have been determined to be part ofthe inwater segment for the Blue Ledge Mine include Joe Creek. Rationale for including these as eligible 

surface water bodies is provided below. 

The TDL for the surface water pathway, which defines the maximum distance over which targets are 

considered, is 15 miles. The TDL is defined as being 15 miles from the furthest downstream PPE in the 

in-water segment section. The I5-mile surface water flow path is presented in Figure A-5 and is described 

below. 

(l) Source 1 -Waste Rock Pile 

In June and July 2010, the "toe" or northeast boundary of WRP-I pile was observed to be iii direct 

contact with Joe Creek (Ref. 5, p~ 5, 6). Once hazardous substances have entered Joe Creek, they 

migrate downstream (Ref. 29, p. 11). From the facility, Joe Creek flows north for approximately 

3.4 miles to its confluence with Elliott Creek. From this confluence, Elliott Creek continues west 

and discharges to the Middle Fork Applegate River, just upstream ofthe Applegate Reservoir. 

The Applegate Reservoir is approximately 8 miles downstream ofthe Blue Ledge Mine facility 

(Ref. 4, p. 6,21; Figure A-5 ofthe documentation record). 

(2) Source 2 - Adit lN Acid Mine Drainage 

During investigations conducted in June 2008, groundwater was observed discharging from Adit 

IN and flowing over the Waste Rock pile to Joe Creek. It was observed to be flowing down the 

run-off channel into the settling pond behind the log dam, where it overtopped the dam and 

discharged into Joe Creek (Ref. 4, p. 22). Once hazardous substances have entered Joe Creek, 

they migrate downstream (Ref. 29, p. 11). From the facility, Joe Creek flows north for 

approximately 3.4 miles to its confluence with Elliott Creek. From this confltience, Elliott Creek 

continues west and discharges to the Middle Fork Applegate River, just upstream ofthe Applegate 

Reservoir. The Applegate Reservoir is approximately 8 miles downstream ofthe Blue Ledge 

Mine facility (Ref. 4, p. 6, 21; Figure A-5 ofthe documentation record). 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

42 
SWOF-Observed Release 

4.1.2.1 LIKELffiOOD OF RELEASE 

4.1.2.1.1 Observed Release 

Direct Observation 

- Basis for Direct Observation: 

Observed releases by direct observation are documented below. 

Source 1 - Direct Contact 

In June and July 2010, waste rock from Source 1 was observed to be in direct contact with Joe Creek (Ref. 

5, p. 5,6). An unnamed ephemeral tributary of Joe Creek flows along the western edge ofWRP-l and is 

completely covered by the waste rock in the area near the log dam (Ref. 5, p. 9; Ref. 8, p. 78; Ref. 11, p. 

5). 

Surface water sample BLM-SW-4, collected in Joe Creek directly adjacent to the direct contact, exhibited 

elevated concentrations of metals (Ref. 29, p. 11). This indicates that metals contamination associated 

with the Waste Rock Pile is in direct contact with surface water. 

All four ofthe Source 1 samples collected in July 2010 have elevated concentrations of metals for at least 

one ofthe following analytes: Antimony (Sb), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper 

(Cu), Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Mercury (Hg), Selenium (Se), Silver (Ag), Thallium (Tl), Vanadium 

(V), and Zinc (Zn) (Ref. 28, p. 9). 

- Hazardous Substances in the Release: 

Source l' 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Sample ID 

(CLP ID) 

Sample 

Date 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Concentration 

(mg/kg) 

SQL 

(mg/kg) References 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 7I11l0 18.2 JI.2 (9.19) 7.03 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 20, p. 8, 

18; Ref. 28, p. 4-6, 9; Ref. 32, 

p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 14,34,71 -

80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

Antimony 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 7/1/10 3.6 JI.2 (1.82) 6.73 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 7/1/10 2.2 JI. 2 (1.11) 6.96 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 7/1/10 2.6 JI.2 (1.31) 7.01 

Arsenic 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 711/10 301 1.17 Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref. 32, p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 

BLM-WR-2 14,34,71 - 80; Ref. 40, p. 2

(MY6ZE4) 7I11l0 124 1.12 

~T""~~ tH'. ,nA , ,,. ,-,,-,,n° ·n.-J "'V 'v~ .'v 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

43 
SWOF-Observed Release 

Hazardous 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Sample ID 

(CLP ID) 

Sample 

Date 

Substance 

Concentration 

SQL 

(mg/kg) References 

(mg/kg) 

IIV h/.~

BLM-WR-4 

fMY6ZE6) 7/1/10 104 1.17 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 7/1/10 3.9 0.59 

Cadmium 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 

7/1/10 

7/1/10 

3.9 

2.5 

0.56 

0.58 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref. 32, p. 1,9, II, 12, 13, 

14,34, 71 

- 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6)' 7/1/10 2.6 0.59 

BLM-WR-I 

(MY6ZE3) 7/1/10 2.7 

J

1,3 (2.09) 1.17 

Chromium 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5\ 

7/1/10 

7/1/10 

9.8 

J

1,3 (7.6) 

7.0 

J

1,3(5.43) 

1.12 

1.16 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 20, p. 8, 

18; Ref. 28, p. 5-7, 9; Ref. 32, 

p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 14,34,71 -

80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 7/1/10 9.2 J1. 

3(7.13) 1.17 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 7/1/10 981 J'.3 (804.1) 2.93 

Copper 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5\ 

7/1/10 

7/1/10 

1,290 

J

,

,3 

(1,057.4) 

314 JI. 

3(257.38) 

2.8 

2.9 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 20, p. 8, 

18; Ref. 28, p. 5-7, 9; Ref. 32, 

p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 14,34,71 -

80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 7/1/10 441 J1.3 (361.48) 2.93 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 7/1/10 7,890 1.17 

Lead 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 

7/1/10 

7/1/10 

609 

201 

1.12 

1.16 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref. 32, p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 

14,34,71 - 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

BLM-WR-4 

fMY6ZE6) 7/1/10 227 1.17 

BLM-WR-I 

(MY6ZE3) 7/1/10 25.4 1.76 

Manganese 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 

7/1/10 

7/1/10 

182 

146 

1.68 

1.74 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref. 32, p. 1,9,11,12,13, 

14,34,71 - 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 7/1/10 162 1.76 

Mercury 

BLM-WR-I 

(MY6ZE3) 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5\ 

7/1/10 

7/1/10 

7/1/10 

92.8P 

3.4P 

I.2P 

5.85 

0.11 

0.12 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 20, p. 8; 

Ref. 28, p. 5-6, 9; Ref. 32, p. 

1,9, 11, 12, 13, 14,39,71 -

80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

BLM-WR-4 7/1/10 0.89 J2 0.12 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

44 
SWOF-Observed Release 

Hazardous 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Sample ID 

(CLP ill) 

Sample 

Date 

Substance 

Concentration 

SQL 

(mg/kg) References 

(mg/kg) 

[!V! OL,r,C 

BLM-WR-1 

(MY6ZE3) 711/10 29.3 4.1 Ref. 16, p. 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref. 32, p. 1, 9, 11, 12, 13, 

14,34,71 - 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

Selenium BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 7/1110 9.1 3.92 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 711/10 390 1.17 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref.. 28, p. 9; 

Ref. 32, p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 

14,34,71 - 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

Silver 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 711/10 18.3 1.12 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 711110 3.9 1.16 

Thallium 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 711110 6.9 2.93 

Ref. 16, p. 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref. 32, p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 

14,34,71 - 80; Ref. 40, P. 2 

BLM-WR-1 

(MY6ZE3) 71111 0 49.3 5.9 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref. 32, p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 

14,34,71 - 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

Vanadium 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 711110 39.6 5.6 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 711/10 40.5 5.8 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 71111 0 49.9 5.9 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 7/1110 159P 7.03 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 20, p. 8; 

Ref. 28, p. 5-6, 9; Ref. 32, p. 

1,9, 11, 12, 13, 14,34,71 -

80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

Zinc 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 7/1110 193 P 6.73 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 711110 145 J2 6.96 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 7/111 0 138P 7.01 

JI: The analyte was positively identified, however the reported value is an estimate due to ICP inter-element interference problems. The 

result was reported from undiluted analyses that contained iron concentrations above the level present in the interference check sample 

(lCS) solution, therefore the applied inter-element correction (lEC) factors may not sufficiently compensate. 

For chromium: the value reported may be biased low. However, the presence of tile analyte in the sample is not in doubt 

For antimony and copper the value reported may be biased high. However, the presence of tile analyte in the sample is not in 

doubt The adjusted value is presented in parentlleses. 

J2 The analyte was positively identified, however the reported value is an estimate due to matrix spike recovery results being outside 

method quantitation control limits. The reported value may be bias low. However, tile presence of tile analyte in tile sample is not in 

doubt 

J3	 The analyte was positively identified, however the reported value is an estimate due to the serial dilution percent differences being 

outside tile method quantitation control limits. The value reported may be biased high. However, the presence of tile analyte in tile 

sample is not in doubt The adjusted value is presented in parentheses. 

SQL:	 Sample Quantitation Limit. The SQLs provided in this table are CLP contract-required detection limits (CRDLs) for that analyte Witll 

any dilution factors, volume adjustments, or percent solids for that analysis taken into account SSQLs were calculated as follows: 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March2011 CAN000906063 

45 
SWOF-Observed Release 

SQL ( mg 

kg dry wgt 

) = CRDL (~) x ~x final volume 

L 1000 J.Ig sample weight (g wet wgt) x %S 

lL 

1000 mL 

x 1000 g x OF 

I kg 

Where: 

Final volume (mL) is the final extract volume following sample preparation 

Sample weight (g wet wgt) is the weight of the sample used for analysis 

% Sis % solids value divided by 100; % solids is determined as follows: (g dry weight of sample used for analysis)/(g wet weight of 

sample used for analysis) xlOO% 

DF is the dilution factor for the instrumetitljl analysis 

Chemical Analysis 

In 2009, the USFS conducted an SI on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. During the sampling event, 

conducted in June 2008, a continuous overland flow path for ground water discharging from Adit IN (also 

referred to as adit AD-Ol) and seep SP-Ol to Joe Creek was observed. Ground water emerging from Adit 

1N and seep SP-O 1 flowed down the runoff channel to the settling pond behind the log dam, where it 

overtopped the dam and discharged into Joe Creek. The SI field work, which included the collection of 

waste rock, river sediment, and riparian soil, was conducted in June 2008. In addition, water samples were 

collected from onsite seeps and adits, the log dam, tributaries to Joe Creek, Joe Creek, Elliott Creek, the 

Middle Fork Applegate River, and Applegate Reservoir (Ref. 4, p. 12 through 14). A summary ofthe 

sampling event is presented below. . 

SUljace Water Sampling 

Water samples were collected from 32 locations. In addition, field duplicate samples were collected from 

sample locations EC-04 and JC-07 (Ref. 4, p. 560, 567). Surface water samples were collected using 

clean, disposable and dedicated bailers. Clean, disposable 0.45-micron filters were used to collect field 

filtered samples analyzed for dissolved metals. In-situ water quality measurements at each water sample. 

location included pH, temperature, and specific conductivity. Water samples from the seeps and the log 

dam could not be collected directly with a bailer. These samples were collected directly into lab-provided 

bottles and jars for analyses not requiring field filtering. Samples requirillg filtering were collected in an 

unpreserved I-liter bottle and transferred to a clean dedicated bailer with a clean, disposable 0.45-micron 

filter attached. to its outlet, from which sample containers were filled. Ofthe seven adits observed at the 

facility, only Adit IN and Adit 5 were discharging ground water during the field investigation. A water 

sample was collected from each ofthese adits (AD-Ol and AD-02). Two seeps were observed during the 

field investigation. One was on the hillside to the west ofWRP-l (seep #1) and one was near the former 

Eileen Town site (seep #2). Both seeps were sampled (SP-Ol and SP-02). Water was observed flowing 

over the log dam from the settling pond created as part ofthe 2006 EPA removal action. A single water 

sample, DAM-O 1, was collected from below the log dam (Ref. 4, p. 14). Seven surface water samples 

were collected from Joe Creek dowristream ofthe facility (JC-Ol through JC-04, JC-07 through JC-09). In 

addition, seven surface water samples were collected from Elliott Creek (EC-Ol through EC-07),.two 

surface water samples were collected from Middle"Fork Applegate River (AR-Ol and AR-02), and one 

surface water sample was collected from the Applegate Reservoir (ARV-Ol). Six background surface 

water samples were collected in Joe Creek upstream of the (JC-I0 through JC-15) (Ref. 4, p. 52). All 

water samples were analyzed for dissolved metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, lead and zinc), sulfate, 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

46 
SWOF-Observed Release 

total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity and hardness (Ref. 4, p. 194, 537 

through 573). 

Analytical results indicated that dissolved cadmium, iron, lead, and TSS were not detected in any 

background surface water samples (Ref. 4, p. 258, 269 through 293). The detection limit for cadmium was 

0.008 micrograms perliter (ug/I) (Ref. 4, p. 293). Dissolved copper and dissolved zinc were detected in;all 

background surface water samples at concentrations ranging from 0.71 ug/l to 0.84 ug/I for copper and 

0.49 ug/l to 1.1 ug/I for zinc. Dissolved cadmibm was detected in all downstream surface water samples at 

concentrations ranging from 0.012 ug/I in ARV-l to 0.564 ug/l in JC-Ol. Dissolved copper was detected 

in all downstream surface water samples, with the exception of AR-Ol, at concentrations ranging from 0.46 

ug/l in EC-07 to 62.8 ug/I in JC-07. Zinc was detected in all downstream surface water samples, with the 

exception of AR-Ol, at concentrations ranging from 0.61 ug/l in EC-07 to 88.5 ug/l in JC-07. The 

Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for cadmium, copper, and zinc are 5.0 ug/I, 1,300 ug/I and 26,000 

ug/I, respectively (Ref. 4, p. 194,213,236 through 238, 269 through 293). 

Analytical results for the adit and seep samples detected dissolved cadmium concentrations ranging from 

0.598 ug/l (AD-02) to 70.9 ug/l (AD-Ol), dissolved copper concentrations ranging from 4.77 (AD-02) to 

194,000 ug/I (AD-Ol), and dissolved zinc concentrations ranging from 132 ug/I (SP-Ol) to 300,000 ug/I 

(AD-OJ). The log dam sample, DAM-Ol, exhibited dissolved metal concentrations of33.7 ug/I cadmium, 

4,680 ug/I copper, and 6,180 ug/I zinc (Ref. 4, p. 216 through 220, 290). 

Sediment Sampling 

Sediment samples were collected from 24 locations in Joe Creek, Elliott Creek, the Middle Fork Applegate 

River, and the Applegate Reservoir. In addition, two field duplicates were collected from sample locations 

EC-04 and EC-05 (Ref. 4, p. 560, 563 through 573). Sediment samples were collected from stream 

channels using a shovel. Sediment that did not contact the shovel was then placed in sample jars manually 

while wearing clean, disposable nitrile gloves. Personnel stood downstream during sampling, and sediment 

sampling was performed after collection ofwater samples (Ref. 4, p. 15). Six background sediment 

samples were collected in Joe Creek upstream of the facility (JC-l 0 through JC-15). All sediment samples 

were analyzed for total metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, and zinc) (Ref. 4, ,po 52,315,316). 

Analytical results indicated that background concentrations for cadmium ranged from 0.097 milligrams per 

kilogram (mg/kg) to 0.214 mg/kg, concentrations for copper ranged from 34.4 mg/kg to 51.7 mg/kg, and 

concentrations for zinc ranged from 26.9 mg/kg to 55.6 mg/kg. Cadmium was detected in all downstream 

samples at concentrations ranging from 0.211 mg/kg (EC-04) to 2.8 mg/kg (JC-02). Copper 

concentrations ranged from 28.0 mg/kg (EC-07) to 558 mg/kg (JC-04). Zinc concentrations ranged from 

59.0 mg/kg (EC-07) to 533 mg/kg (JC-02) (Ref. 4, p. 313 through 316, 370 through 404). 

Sediment and surface water samples were collected at three locations during the 2010 HRS Sampling event 

(Ref. 17, Figure 3). Sample locations are depicted in Figure A-4. The selected samples were analyzed for 

metals using EPA CLPAS Method ILM05.4 (Ref. 28, p. 2; Ref. 29, p. 2). 

- Joe Creek Sediment Background Concentrations: 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

47
 
SWOF-Observed Release 

The surface water sediments were coIIected within the first six inches of sediment using a dedicated plastic 

scoop (Ref. 16,.p. I through 8; Ref. 17, p. 22, 23). The background samples were coIIeC(tedon the same 

day of coIIecting the release samples (Ref. 16, p. 8). The background sediment samplys, BLM-SD-l and 

BLM-SD-2, Were homogenized and dewater prior to being transferred to glass jars (R~f. 16, p.4). 

Hazardous 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Sample ID 

(CLP ID) 

Sample 

Date 

Substance 

Concentration 

SQL 

(mg/kg) References 

(mg/kg) 

BLM-SD-l 

(MY6ZE8) 6/30/1 0 44.2 JI 2.76 Ref. 16, p. 4; Ref. 20, p. 8; Ref. 28, p. 4-6, 9, 10; Ref. 32, 

p. 1,9, 16,17,34,71 - 80; 

Ref. 40, p. 3 

Copper BLM-SD-2 

(MY6ZE9) 6/30/10 44.1 JI 3.13 

BLM-SD-l 

(MY6ZE8) 6/30/1 0 1.4 JI 1.11 Ref. 16, p. 4; Ref. 20, p. 8; 

Ref. 28, p. 4-6, 9, 10; Ref. 32, 

p. 1,9,16,17, 34,71 - 80; 

Ref. 40, p. 3 

Lead BLM-SD-2 

(MY6ZE9) 6/30/10 1.2 JI 1.25 

Mercury 

BLM-SD-l 

(MY6ZE8) 6/30/10 0.045 P (0.082) 0.11 Ref. 16, p. 4; Ref. 20~ 8, 18; 

Ref. 28, p. 4-6, 9, 10, ef. 32, 

p.l, 9,16,17, 39,71 - 80; BLM-SD-2 Ref. 40, p. 3

(MY6ZE9) 6/30/1 0 0.081 J

2(0.148) 0.13 

Zinc· 

BLM-SD-l 

(MY6ZE8) 6/30/10 38.4 P (57.6) 6.66 Ref. 16, p. 4; Ref. 20, p. 8, 18; 

Ref. 28, p. 4-6, 9, 10; Ref. 32, 

p. 1,9,16,17, 34,71 - 80; 

Ref. 40, p. 3 

BLM-SD-2 

(MY6ZE9) 6/30/10 34.9 P (52.35) 7.5 

The analyte was positively identified, however the reported value is an estimate due to ICP inter-element interference problems. The 

result was reported from undiluted analyses that contained iron concentrations above the level present in the interference check sample 

(ICS) solution, therefore the applied inter-element correction (1EC) factors may not sufficiently compensate. 

For copper and lead: the value reported may be biased high. However, the presence of the analyte in the sample is not in doubt 

The analyte was positively identified, however the reported value is an estimate due to matrix spike recovery results being below the 

control limits. The reported value may be biased low. However, the presence of the analyte in tlle sample is not in doubt The 

adjusted value is presented in parentlleses. 

, SQL:	 Sample Quantitation Limit. The SQLs provided in this table are CLP contract-required detection limits (CRDLs) for that analyte Witll 

any dilution factors, volume adjustments, or percent solids for that analysis taken into account SSQLs were calculated as follows: 

SQL ( mg ) = CRDL (~) x ~x final volume (mL) x lL x 1000·g x OF 

kg dry wgt L 1000 l'g . sample weight (g wet wgi) x %S 1000 mL I kg 

Where: 

HRS Documentation Record	 BIue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

48 
SWOF-Observed Release 

Final volume (mL) is the final extract volume following sample preparation 

Sample weight (g wet wgt) is the weight of the sample used for analysis 

% S is % solids value divided by 100; % solids is determined as follows: (g dry weight of sample used for analysis)/(g wet weight of 

sample used for analysis) xlOO% 

DF is the dilution factor for the instrumental analysis 

- Joe,~reek Sediment Contaminated Samples: 

Sediment samples identified as "contaminated" are those that meet observed release criteria as defined by 

the HRS (Ref. 1, Table 2-3). Observed release criteria is met when the hazardous substance is attributable 

to on-site sources, its concentration exceeds the sample quantitation limit (SQL) (including the background 

SQL), and is at least three times greater than the background concentration for metals (Ref. 1, Table 2-3; 

Ref. 20, p. 4). 

Contaminated samples BLM-SD-3, BLM-SD-4 and BLM-SD-5 were collected using the same procedures 

as the background sediment samples (Ref. 16, p. 5 through 8). Sediment sample locations are presented in 

Figure A-4. 

Hazardous 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Sample ID 

(CLP ID) 

Sample 

Date 

Substance 

Concentration 

SQL 

(mg/kg) References 

(mg/kg) 

BLM-SD-4 

(MY6ZFI) 6/30/10 289 JI (236.89) 2.93 Ref. 16, p. 2, 3; Ref. 20, p. 8, 

18; Ref. 28, p. 4-6, 9, 10; Ref. 

32, p.l, 9, 19,20, 34, 71 -80; 

Ref. 40, p. 3 

Copper BLM-SD-5 

(MY6ZF2) 6/30/10 447 JI (366.39) 3.35 

BLM-SD-4 

(MY6ZFl) 6130/10 40.0 JI (27.78) 1.17 Ref. 16, p. 2, 3; Ref. 20, p. 8, . 

18; Ref. 28, p. 4-6, 9, 10; Ref. 

32, p. 1,9, 19,20,34,71 - 80; 

Ref. 40, p. 3 

Lead BLM-SD-5 

(MY6ZF2) 6/30/10 7.8 JI (5.42) 1.34 

Mercury BLM-SD-4 

(MY6ZFI) 6/30/10 0.46 J2 0.12 

Ref. 16, p. 3; Ref. 20, p. 8; 

Ref. 28, p. 4-6, 9, 10; Ref. 32, 

p. 1,9, 19,20,39,71 - 80; 

Ref. 40, p. 3 

Zinc 

BLM-SD-4 

(MY6ZFI) 6/30/10 321 P 7.02 Ref. 16, p. 2, 3; Ref. 20, p. 8; 

Ref. 28, p. 4-6, 9, 10; Ref. 32, 

p. 1,9, 19,20, 34,71 - 80; 

Ref. 40, p. 3 

BLM-SD-5 

(MY6ZF2) 6/30/10 176 J2 8.04 

JI;	 The analyte was positively identified, however the reported value is an estimate due to ICP inter-element interference problems. The 

result was reported from undiluted analyses that contained iron concentrations above the level present in the interference check sample 

(ICS) solution, therefore the applied inter-element correction (IEC) factors may not sufficiently compensate. 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

49 
SWOF-Observed Release 

For copper and lead: the value reported may be biased high. However, the presence of the analyte in the sample is not in doubt The 

adjusted value is presented in parentheses. 

f	 The analyte was positively identified, however the reported value is an estimate due to matrix spike recovery results being below the 

control limits. The reported value may be biased low. However, the presence of the analyte in the sample is not in doubt 

SQL:	 Sample Quantitation Limit. The SQLs provided in this table are CLP contract-required detection limits (CRDLs) for that analyte with 

any dilution factors, volume adjustments, or percent solids for that analysis taken into account. SSQLs were calculated as follows: 

SQL ( 109 ) = CRDL (lIg) x 1 109 x __...fi... lO... al_v......... olume--'(... m.;;,L)'--__x IL x 1000 g x DF


kg dry wgt L 1000 IIg . sample weight (g wet wgt) x %S 1000 mL 1 kg 

Where: 

Final volume (mL) is the final extract volume following sample preparation 

Sample weight (g wet wgt) is the weight of the sample used for analysis 

% S is % solids value divided by 100; % solids is determined as follows: (g dry weight of sample used for analysis)/(g wet weight of 

sample used for analysis) x100% 

DF is the dilution factor for the instrumental analysis 

- Surface Water Background Concentrations: 

The surface water samples were collected by immersing the sample container beneath the surface and 

opening the cap. Surface water samples were then filtered into a new sample container. Prior to capping 

the sample container, nitric acid was added as a preservative with a pH ofless than 2 (Ref. 16, p. 4). The 

background samples were collected on the same day of collecting the release samples (Ref. 16, p. 8). 

Contaminated samples BLM-SW-4 and BLM-SW-5 were collected using the same procedures as the 

background surface water samples (Ref. 16,5 through 8; Ref 17, p. 17; Ref. 42). Surface water sample 

locations are presented in Figure A-4. 

Hazardous 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Sample lD 

(CLP lD) 

Sample 

Date 

Substance 

Concentration 

SQL 

(mg/kg) References 

(mg/kg) 

BLM-SW-l 

(MY6ZF4) 6/30/10 1.0 Jl 2.0 Ref. 16, p. 4; Ref. 20, p. 8; 

Ref. 29, p. 4, 11; Ref. 33, p. 

11, 13, 14,40,67, 73; Ref. 

40,p.5 

Copper BLM-SW-2 

(MY6ZF5) 6/30/10 0.83 JI 2.0 

Manganese 

BLM-SW-l 

(MY6ZF4) 6/30110 1.7 1.0 Ref. 16, p. 4; Ref. 29, p. 4, 11; 

Ref. 33, p. 11, 13, 14,40,67, 

73; Ref. 40, p. 5 BLM-SW-2 

(MY6ZF5) 6/30110 1.6 1.0 

Zinc 

BLM-SW-I 

(MY6ZF4) 

BLM-SW-2 

6/30110 3.7 2.0 Ref. 16, p. 4; Ref. 29, p.4, 11; 

Ref. 33, p. II, 13, 14,40,67, 

73; Ref. 40, p. 5 (MY6ZF5) 6/30/10 2.0D 2.0 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

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SWOF-Observed Release 

11

: The analyte was positively identified, 'however the results are above the method detection limitbut below the contract required 

quantitation limit. 

U:	 The analyte was analyzed for, but was not detected above the level of the reportedsample quantitation limit. 

SQL:	 Sample Quantitation Limit. The SQLs provided in this table are CLP contract-required detection limits (CRDLs) for that analyte with 

any dilution factors, volume adjustments, or percent solids for that analysis taken into account SSQLs were calculated as follows: 

SQL (pg / L)= CRDL (~) x final volume (mL) x DF
 

L initial volume (mL)
 

Where: 

Final volume (mL) is the final extract volume following sample preparation
 

Initial volume (mL) is the volume ofsample used
 

DF is the dilution factor
 

- Surface Water Contaminated Samples: 

Smface water samples identified as "contaminated" are those that meet observed release criteria as defined 

by the HRS (Ref. 1, Table 2-3). Observed release criteria is met when the hazardous substance is 

attributable to on-site sources, its concentration exceeds the SQL (including the background SQL), and is 

at least three times greater than the background concentration when the background concentration equals 

or exceeds the SQL (Ref. 1, Table 2-3; Ref. 20, p. 4). 

Joe CreekContammatedSrf: u ace Water Sampes:

Hazardous 

Substance 

Copper 

Manganese 

Zinc 

Sample ID 

(CLP ID) 

BLM-SW-4 

(MY6ZF7) 

BLM-SW-5 

(MY6ZF8) 

BLM-SW-4 

(MY6ZF7) 

BLM-SW-5 

(MY6ZF8) 

BLM-SW-4 

(MY6ZF7) 

BLM-SW-5 

(MY6ZF8) 

Sample 

Date 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Concentration 

(mg/kg) 

SQL 

(mg/kg) References 

6/30/10 94.0 2.0 Ref 16, p. 2, 3; Ref. 29, p. 11; 

Ref. 33, p. 12, 16, 17,40,67, 

6/30110 62.2 2.0 73; Ref. 40, p. 5

6/30/10 8.6 1.0 Ref 16, p. 2, 3; Ref. 29,~. 11; 

Ref 33, p. 12, 16, 17,4 ,67, 

73; Ref. 40, p. 5 6/30110 6.4 1.0 

6/30110 179 2.0 Ref. 16, p. 2, 3; Ref 29, p. 11; 

Ref. 33, p. 12, 16, 17,40,67, 

73; Ref. 40, p. 5 6/30/10 111 2.0 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

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SWOF-Observed Release 

SQL:	 Sample Quantitation Limit. The SQLs provided in this table are CLP contract-required detection limits (CRDLs) for that analyte with 

any dilution factors, volume adjustments, or percent solids for that analysis taken into account. SSQLs were calculated as follows: 

SQL (pg I L)= CRDL .. (~) x final volume (mL) x'DF
 

L initial volume (mL)
 

Where: 

Final volume (mL) is the final extract volume following sample preparation
 

Initial volume (mL) is the volume of sample used
 

DF is the dilution factor
 

Attribution: 

The Blue Ledge Mine facility is located within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Siskiyou 

County, California, approximately 33 miles southwest of Jacksonville, Oregon (Ref. 3; Ref. 4, p. 6; Ref. 

10, p. 9). The facility is located on rural patented land approximately three miles south ofthe CaliforniaOregon border. The mine spans in elevatiori from approximately 4,000 to 4,800 feet above mean sea level. 

The mine lies at the upper headwaters ofthe Joe Creek Watershed, on a steep, generally north-facing 

hiIIslope, adjacent to Joe Creek. Joe Creek flows north to Elliott Creek, which is a tributary to the Middle 

Fork ofthe Applegate River. The Applegate River flows north across the California-Oregon border to 

Applegate Reservoir (Ref. 4, p. 6). A site location map is presented in Figure A-I. 

The Blue Ledge Mine was discovered by panners in approximately 1898. Inception, initial ownership and 

significant development ofthe mine occurred between 1902 and 1909. the mine experienced periods of 

activity and inactivity over the next 20 years. Extensive excavations were undertaken, and a substantial 

amount ofwaste rock was generated as mine workings were developed and ore was removed. Mining cars 

carried extracted materials from the interior ofthe mine to a mine adit atop the Blue Ledge Mine. The 

separated ore was trammed down the hillside via an overhead cable to a location close to Joe Creek. Ore 

was then trucked out ofthe state to Washington for further processing. No large scale mining activities 

have occurred since the 193Os. The facility has had at least 14 owners/leases/operators throughout its 

existence (Ref. 7, p. 6, Ref. 10, p. 5,9; Ref. 34, p. I through 11). 

Ground water discharging from Adit IN has been identified as a hazardous substance source on the Blue 

Ledge Mine facility. In 2008, groundwater from Adit IN was observed discharging from the adit and 

flowing over the Waste Rock pile into Joe Creek (Ref. 4, p. 12). In June 2010, ground water from Adit IN 

was observed discharging from the adit and flowing over the Waste Rock pile for approximately 100 feet 

before it percolated below the waste rock surface. Previous investigations have documented increased 

sulfate concentrations and acidity emerging from the Blue Ledge Mine adits (Ref. 4, p. 13). In July 2010, 

the AMD exhibited an acidic pH of2.6 (Ref. 16, p. 5). The sulfide deposits on the Blue Ledge Mine 

facility provide a continuing source of AMD. AMD is continually formed by a weathering process that 

oxidizes sulfur-bearing minerals to sulfate and acidity. The AMD process is further expedited by oxidation 

ofthe reduced minerals by microbes. the production of acidity at the Blue Ledge Mine facility causes 

metals to leach from surrounding waste rock as water percolates through the scattered waste piles. During 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

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52 
SWOF-Observed Release 

periods of higher precipitation, the AMD infiltrates through the waste rock and leaches metals. The finer 

the waste particle, the more surface area is available for the AMD to leach metals from (Ref. 10, p. 16). 

The Waste Rock pile extends from multiple formerly productive adits. Two formerly productive adits, 

Adit IN and Adit IS, located in the central portiOlJ ofthe facility, produced waste rock in the WRP-I area. 

Two formerly productive adits, Adit 2A and Adit 2B, and two exploratory adits, Adit 2C and Adit 2D, 

located in the south-central portion ofthe facility, produced the waste rock in the WRP-2 area. One 

formerly productive adit, Adit 3A, located in the southern portion ofthe facility, produced the waste rock 

in the WRP-3 area. One productive adit, Adit 4A, and one exploratory adit, Adit 4B, located in the 

northemportion ofthe facility, produced the waste rock in the WRP-4 area (Ref. 8, p. 17; Figure A-2). 

Although multiple adits exist on the Blue Ledge Mine facility, and previous investigations have considered 

the waste rock to be in four separate piles, the Waste Rock pile is considered to be one pile based on the 

geologic makeup ofthe site. In addition, Pete Jones, a geologist with theUSFS, has made visual 

observations of piles WRP-I through WRP-4 and concluded that they are comprised ofthe same material. 

He stated that all of the waste rock (WRP-I through WRP-4) on the Blue Ledge Mine property was a 

product of mining along the same ore body, and therefore the waste rock throughout the property is the 

same geologic makeup. Miningoccurred along the same strike of mineralization. The mineralization zone 

was approximately 3,000 feet (Ref. 39). 

Waste rock was observed in direct contact with Joe Creek in June and July 2010 (Ref. 5, p. 1,5,6). A log 

dam, constructed during mining operations, is present at the base ofthe slope when~ the deepest deposits 

are located. An unnamed ephemeral tributary of Joe Creek flows along the western edge ofthe Waste 

Rock pile and is completely covered by the waste rock in the area near the log dam (Ref. 5, p. 9; Ref. 8, p. 

78; Ref. 11, p. 5). Over time, the waste rock has eroded and leached acidity and metals to Joe Creek. 

Previous investigations estimated up to 70,000 tons of sulfide-rich rock were discarded on the hillside 

below the adits (Ref. 8, p. 11, 12).. 

There are no alternative non-site-related sources in the vicinity of the Blue Ledge Mine that could be 

contributing to the elevated concentrations of metals in Joe Creek. The Tin Cup Mine is located to the 

northeast ofthe site. The Blue Ledge Mine and Tin Cup Mine claim encompass a total of 540 acres (Ref. 

7, p. 31). USFS personnel have visited the Tin Cup Mine property. There is no waste rock present on the 

property. In addition, there is no evidence that historic or current production activities have occurred on 

the Tin Cup Mine (Ref. 39). 

Evidence of metals contamination associated with Sources 1 and 2 and associated drainages has been 

established based on chemical analyses of samples as described below. 

(1) Source I-Waste Rock Pile 

As part ofthe June and July 2010 HRS Sampling event on the Blue Ledge Mine facility, waste rock 

samples were collected from four locations on the Waste Rock Pile (Ref. 17, p. 37). The samples were 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

53 
SWOF-Observed Release 

submitted to a laboratory for definitive metals analysis (Ref. 28, p. 2). 

Samples collected from the Wast~ Rock pile exhibited concentrations of metals, specifically antimony, 

arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, selenium, silver, thallium, vanadium, and 

zinc. Maximum concentrations are as follows: 18.2 mg/kg antimony (BLM-WR-l), 301 mg/kg arsenic 

(BLM-WR-l), 3.9 mg/kg cadmium (BLM-WR-l and BLM-WR-2), 9.8 mg/kg chromium (BLM-WR-2), 

1,290 mg/kg copper (BLM-WR-2), 7,890 mg/kg lead (BLM-WR-l), 182 mg/kg manganese (BLM-WR-2), 

92.8 mg/kg mercury (BLM-WR-l), 29.3 mg/kg selenium (BLM-WR-l), 390 mg/kg silver (BLM-WR-l), 

6.9 mg/kg thallium (BLM-WR-l), 49.9 mg/kg vanadium (BLM-WR-4), and 193 mg/kg zinc (BLM-WR-2) 

(Ref. 28, p. 9; Figure A-4). 

All three surface water samples contained elevated concentrations of at least one ofthe following metals: 

copper, manganese and/or zinc. The maximum concentrations are as follows: 94.0 mg/kg copper, 8.6 

mg/kg manganese, and 179 mg/kg zinc. Surface water sample BLM-SW-4, located adjacent to the direct 

contact ofthe Waste Rock pile and Joe Creek exhibited the maximum concentrations for these metals (Ref. 

29, p. 11). 

Sediment samples collected adjacent to and downstream ofthe direct contact ofthe Waste Rock pile and 

Joe Creek exhibited elevated concentrations of metals. Mercury was detected in sample BLM-SD-4 at a 

concentration of 0.46 mg/kg. Copper, lead and zinc were detected in samples BLM-SD-4 and BLM-SD-5 

at maximum concentrations of 447 mg/kg copper (BLM-SD-5), 40 mg/kg lead (BLM-SD-4) and 321 

mg/kg zinc (BLM-SD-4) (Ref. 28, p. I:) and 10). 

Once hazardous substances have entered Joe Creek, they migrate downstream (Ref. 29, p. 11). From the 

facility, Joe Creek flows north for approximately 3.4 miles to its confluence with Elliott Creek. From this 

confluence, Elliott Creek continues west and discharges to the Middle Fork Applegate River, just upstream 

ofthe Applegate Reservoir. The Applegate Reservoir is approximately 8 miles downstream of the Blue 

Ledge Mine facility (Ref. 4, p. 6, 21). 

(2) Source 2 -Adit IN Acid Mine Drainage 

As part ofthe June and July 2010 HRS Sampling event on the Blue Ledge Mine facility, ground water 

discharging from Adit IN was sampled (Ref. 17, Figure 3). The sample was submitted to a laboratory for 

definitive metals analysis (Ref. 29, p. 2). 

Results indicated metals at elevated concentrations. The concentrations for detected metals are as follows: 

18.1 ug/I arsenic, 887 ug/l cadmium, 37.2 ug/l chromium, 65.8 ug/I cobalt, 160,000 ug/l copper, 186 ug/l 

lead, 3,180 ug/l manganese, 201 ug/l nickel, 5.1 ug/I selenium, 4.0 ug/I silver, and 236,000 ug/I zinc (Ref. 

29, p. 11). 

Once hazardous substances have entered Joe Creek, they migrate downstream (Ref. 29, p.ll). From the 

facility, Joe Creek flows north for approximately 3.4 miles to its confluence with Elliott Creek. From this 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

54 
SWOF-Observed Release 

confluence, Elliott Creek continues west and discharges to the Middle Fork Applegate River, just upstream 

of the Applegate Reservoir. The Applegate Reservoir is approximately 8 miles downstream ofthe Blue 

;Ledge Mine facility (Ref. 4, p. 6, 21). 

Analyses of surface water and sediment samples collected from Joe Creek during. the EPA 2010 HRS 

Sampling event indicate that concentrations of metals are significantly above surface water and sediment 

background levels. Contaminated samples had metals concentrations at levels three times their respective 

designated background concentration. In addition, an observed release by direct observation has been 

established as described under section 4.1.2.1.1 (Observed Release Direct Observation). 

According to the HRS, if an observed release can be established for the watershed, an observed release 

factor value of 550 is assigned (Ref. 1, Section 4.1.2.1.1). 

Surface Water Observed Release Factor Value: 550 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

55 
4.1.2.1.2 POTENTIAL TO RELEASE - Not Evaluated (NE) 

Potential to release by overland flow was not evaluated because an observed release was established (Ref. 

I, Section 4.1.2.1.1). 

Potential to Release Factor Value: NE 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

56 
SWOF-Drinking Water Threat 

4.1.2.2 DRINKING WATER THREAT WASTE CHARACTERISTICS 

There are no known uses of ground water on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. Residences in the Joe Bar 

community, located approximately 3 miles north-northeast of the facility, utilize ground water wells for 

drinking water. Existing analytical data indicate that arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc were detected in 

two residences drinking water wells and one spring used for drinking water. Only detections of dissolved 

arsenic exceeded associated screening criteria with concentrations ranging from 0.22 micrograms per liter 

(ug/I) to 6.27 ug/l. Although arsenic was detected in all three ground water sources, there was no evidence that 

the levels were related to concentrations ofarsenic detected in surface water adjacent to the Blue Ledge Mine 

facility, but rather to be due to high levels ofnaturally-occurring arsenic in local soils (Ref. 4, p. 20, 21, 34, 54, 

139; Ref. 8, p. 20,21). Therefore, the drinking water threat was not evaluated. 

Drinking Water Threat Factor Value: NE 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

57 
SWOF/Food Chain-Toxicity/Persistence/Bioaccumulation 

4.1.3.2 Human Food Chain Threat Waste Characteristics 

Evidence of contamination associated with the Waste Rock Pile (Source I) and the AditlN Acid Mine 

Drainage (Source 2) has been established based on chemical analyses of samples collected from these 

sources (refer to the Attribution section and Section 2.2 for each source). 

4.1.3.2.1 Toxicity/Persistence/Bioaccumulation 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Source 

No. 

Toxicity 

Factor 

Value 

Persistence 

Factor 

Valuel 

Bioaccumulation 

Value2 

Toxicity/ 

Persistence/ 

Bioaccumulation 

Factor Value 

(Table 4-16) 

Reference 

Antimony 1 10,000 1 5 50,000 

Ref. 1, 

Tables 4-12 

and 4-16; 

Ref. 2, p. 1 

Arsenic 1,2 10,000 1 5 50,000 

Ref. 1, 

Tables 4-12 

and 4-16; 

Ref. 2, p. 1 

Cadmium 1,2 10,000 1 5,000 50,000,000 

Ref. 1, 

Tables 4-12 

and 4-16; 

Ref. 2, p. 2 

Chromium 1,2 10,000 1 500 5,000,000 

Ref. 1, 

Tables 4-12 

and 4-16; 

Ref. 2, p. 3 

Cobalt 2 10 1 5,000 50,000 

Ref. 1, 

Tables 4-12 

and 4-16; 

Ref. 2, p. 3 

Copper 1,2 0 1 500 0 

Ref. 1, 

Tables 4-12 

and 4-16; 

Ref. 2, p. 3 

Lead 1,2 10,000 1 5 50,000 

Ref. 1, 

Tables 4-12 

and 4-16; 

Ref. 2, p. 8 

Manganese 1,2 10,000 1 50,000 500,000,000 

Ref. 1, 

Tables 4-12 

and 4-16; 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

58 
Toxicity Persistence Hazardous Source Factor Substance No. Value 

:~, ! 

Mercury 1 10,000

Nickel 2 10,000

Selenium 1,2 100 

Silver 1,2 100

Thallium 1 100

Vanadium 1 100 

Zinc 1,2 10

Factor
 

Valuel
 

.. .. 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

Bioaccumulation 

Valu~

Toxicity/ 

Persistence/ 

Bioaccumulation 

Factor Value 

(Table 4-16) 

Reference 

,; Ref. 2, p. 8 

50,000 

.... 

500,000,000 

Ref. 1, 

Tables 4-12 

and 4-16; 

Ref. 2, p. 8 

0.5 5,000 

Ref. 1, 

Tables 4-12 

and 4-16; 

Ref. 2, p. 9 

50 5,000 

Ref. 1, 

Tables 4-12 

and 4-16; 

Ref. 2, p. 10 

50 5,000 

Ref. 1, 

Tables 4-12 

and 4-16; 

Ref. 2, p. 10 

500 50,000 

Ref. 1, 

Tables 4-12 

and 4-16; 

Ref. 2, p. 11 

500 50,000 

Ref. 1, 

Tables 4-12 

and 4-16; 

Ref. 2, p. 11 

5 50 

Ref. 1, 

Tables 4-12 

and 4-16; 

Ref. 2, p. 12 

1 The surface water category that includes rivers, oceans, coastal tidal waters, and great lakes was utilized 

to assign the hazardous substances persistence factor value (Ref 1, Sect. 4.1.2.2.1.2). A persistence value 

of 1 was assigned (Ref. 2, p. 6). 

2 Bioaccumulation factor values are assigned for the type of water body "Fresh Water", in which the 

fisheries are located (Ref. 1, Sect. 4.1.3.2.1.3; Ref 2; Ref 15, p. 9). 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

59 
ToxicitylPersistencelBioaccumulation Factor Value: 500,000,000 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

60 
SWOF/Food Chain-Hazardous Waste Quantity 

4.1.3.2.2 Hazardous Waste Quantity 

,. 

Source No. Source Type Source Hazardous Waste 

Quantity 

1 Pile 2,800 

2 Other 11,923.2 

Sum ofValues: 14,723.2 

Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value: 10,000 

(Ref. 1, Table 2-6) 

4.1.3.2.3 Waste Characteristics Factor Category Value 

ToxicitylPersistence Factor Value: 10,000 

Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value: 10,000 

Bioaccumulation Potential Factor Value: 50,000 

(ToxicitylPersistence Factor Value) x 

(Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value) = 1 x 108 

Subject to a maximum of 1 x 108 (Ref. 1, Section 3.2.3) 

(Toxicity/Persistence Factor Value x Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value) x 

(Bioaccumulation Potential Factor Value) = 5 x 1012 

Ahazardous waste quantity factor of 10,000 is assigned from Reference 1, Table 2-6 for a source 

hazardous waste quantity value of 14,723.2. From Reference 2 and Table 4-12 ofthe HRS, manganese 

and mercury have a toxicity/persistence value of 10,000 and a bioaccumulation potential factor of 50,000. 

The waste characteristics factor category value from Reference 1, Table 2-7 for a waste characteristics 

product of 5 x 1012 (subject to a maximum product of! x 1012) is 1,000. 

Hazardous Waste Quantity Assigned Value: 10,000 

Waste Characteristics Factor Category Value: 1,000 

(Ref. 1, Tables 2-6 and 2-7) 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

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61 
SWOF/Food Chain-Targets 

4.1.3.3 HUMAN FOOD CHAIN THREAT-TARGETS 

Level I and Level II concentrations for the human food chain threat can be established based on aqueous 

samples, sediment samples, or tissue samples which meet the criteria for actual contamination but are less 

than specific health-based benchmarks (or ifhealth-based benchmarks do not exist) (Ref. 1; Sect. 4.1.3.3). 

According to the HRS, actlml contamination begins either at the point of direct observation or at or 

between the PPE and the most distant sampling point establishing the observed release (Ref. 1, Sect. 

4.1.3.3). 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

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62 
SWOF/Food Chain-Food Chain Individual 

4.1.3.3.1 Food Chain Individual 

Pete Jones ofthe USFS has been working on the Blue Ledge Mine facility since approximately 1995. Mr. 

Jones stated that he has observed'people fishing inElliott Creek, the Middle Fork Applegate River, and the 

Applegate Reservoir on numerous occasions (Ref. 9). In June and July 2010, during the HRS Sampling 

event, people were observed fishing in the Middle Fork Applegate River, downstream of its confluence 

with Elliott Creek, and in the Applegate Reservoir (Ref. 5, p. 11). 

The Applegate Reservoir, located approximately 8 miles downstream of the Blue Ledge Mine facility is an 

active fishery in southern Oregon (Ref. 4, p. 6,21; Ref. 5, p. 11). The Applegate Reservoir, commonly 

referred to as Applegate Lake, was created in 1980 by impounding the Applegate River and several major 

tributaries including Carberry, Squaw and Elliott creeks. The reservoir is relatively deep, having a 

maximum depth of233 feet and a mean depth of 83 feet (Ref. 15, p. 9). The Applegate Reservoir is 

managed as a two-story recreational fishery with stocked coldwater species (rainbow and steelhead trout, 

and Chinook and Coho salmon) and naturally produced wannwater species (smallmouth and largemouth 

bass, bluegill, black crappie, and brown bullhead) (Ref. 15, p. 9). 

Although the Rainbow Trout and Steelhead trout are designated as the same species, the two forms do 

have differences. The average length of a Rainbow Trout is 12 to 18 inches, whereas the Steelhead is 20 

to 30 inches. The major difference between the two is that the Steelhead is a sea-going fish and the 

Rainbow Trout inhabits fresh water (Ref. 37, p. 1). 

In 2003, Ian Reid, a Fisheries Biologist with the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, conducted a 

fishery assessment for the Applegate Reservoir. During the study period, anglers caught an estimated 

40,728 trout (30,933 rainbow, 9,635 chinook, 156 brook, and 156 steelhead); 9,791 bass (9,518 

smallmouth and 273 largemouth); and 3,199 sunfish (2,067 black crappie and 1,131 bluegill). Harvest 

rates for all combined size classes ranged from 64% for chinook salmon to 0% for largemouth bass and 

brook trout (Ref. 15, p. 29 and 31). Mr. Reid stated that it is his assumption that a majority ofthe fish 

harvested from the Applegate Reservoir are used for human consumption (Ref. 27). In addition, the 2003 

fishery assessment noted that approximately 59 percent of survey respondents used a fish-cleaning station 

located adjacent to the Applegate Reservoir, implying that the fish would be used for human consumption 

(Ref. 15, p. 38). 

The fisheries are not within the zone of contamination, but within the TDL. A release of hazardous 

substances has been attributable to the Blue Ledge Mine, a value of20 is assigned to food chain individual 

(Ref. 1; Sect. 4.1.3.3 .1). 

Dilution Weight 

Type of Surface (Ref. 1, 

Identity of Fishery Water Body Table 4-13) Refs. 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

63 
Identity of Fishery 

Type of Surface 

Water Body 

Dilution Weight 

(Ref. 1, 

Table 4-13) Refs. 

Elliott Creek Moderate Stream - 0.01 Ref. 4, p. 22 

Middle Fork Applegate River . .' ,,' Moderate Stream ' ..; 

0.01 Ref. 4, p. 22 

Applegate Reservoir Lake 0.01 Ref. 4, p. 22 

Food Chain Individual Factor Value: 20 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

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64 
SWOF/Food Chain-Level I Human Food Chain Contamination 

4.1.3.3.2 Population 

4.1.3.3.2.1 Level I Concentrations 

.Levell concentrations have not been established. Therefore, the Level I:concentrations factor value 

receives an assigned value of O. 

Level I Concentrations Factor Value: 0 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

65 
SWOFlFood Chain-Level II Human Food Chain Contamination 

4.1.3.3.2.2 Level n Concentrations 

Level II concentrations have not been established. Therefore, the Level II concentrations factor value 

receives an assigned value of O. 

Level II Concentrations Factor Value: 0 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

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66 
SWOF/Food Chain-Potential Human Food Chain Contamination 

4.1.3.3.2.3 Potential Human Food Chain Contamination 

Pete Jones ofthe USFS has been working on the Blue Ledge Mine facility since approximately 1995. Mr. 

Jones stated that he ,has observed people fishing in EIliott Creek, the Middle Fork Appl~gate River, and the 

Applegate Reservoir onnumerous occasions (Ref. 9). In June and July 2010, during the HRS Sampling 

event, people were observed fishing in the Middle Fork Applegate River, downstream of its confluence 

with Elliott Creek, and in the Applegate Reservoir (Ref. 5, p. 11). 

The Applegate Reservoir, located approximately 8 miles downstream of the Blue Ledge Mine facility, is an 

active fishery in southern Oregon (Ref. 4, p. 6, 21; Ref. 5, p. 11). The Applegate, Reservoir, commonly 

referred to as Applegate Lake, was created in 1980 by impounding the Applegate River and several major 

tributaries including Carberry, Squaw and Elliott creeks. The reservoir is relatively deep, having a 

maximum depth of233 feet and a mean depth of 83 feet (Ref. 15, p.9). The Applegate Reservoir is 

managed as a two-story recreational fishery with stocked coldwater species (rainbow and steelhead trout, 

and Chinook and Coho salmon) and naturally produced warmwater species (smallmouthand largemouth 

bass, bluegill, black crappie, and brown bullhead) (Ref. 15, p. 9). 

In 2003, Ian Reid, a Fisheries Biologist with the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, conducted a 

fishery assessment for the Applegate Reservoir. During the study period, anglers caught an estimated 

40,728 trout (30,933 rainbow, 9,635 chinook, 156 brook, and 156 steelhead); 9,791 bass (9,518 

smallmouth and 273 largemouth); and 3,199 sunfish (2,067 black crappie and 1,131 bluegill). Harvest 

rates for all combined size classes ranged from 64% for chinook salmon to 0% for largemouth bass and 

brook trout (Ref. 15, p. 29 and 31). Mr. Reid stated that it is his assumption that a majority ofthe fish 

harvested from the Applegate Reservoir are used for human consumption (Ref. 27). In addition, the 2003 

fishery assessment noted that approximately 59 percent of survey respondents used a fish-cleaning station 

located adjacent to the Applegate Reservoir, implying that the fish would be used for human consumption 

(Ref. 15, p. 38). 

Using these data, the estimated amount offish caught within the Applegate Reservoir fishery can be
 

calculated:
 

Fish Species Number 

Caught Harvest Rate Number 

Harvested 

Average, 

weight* 

Total weight 

harvested 

Chinook Salmon 9,635 64% 6,166.4 0.351 pounds 2,164.41 

Rainbow Trout 30,933 59% 18,250.47 0.048 pounds 876.02 

Bluegill 1,131 38% 429.78 0.489 pounds 210.16 

Black Crappie 2,067 34% 702.78 0.362 pounds 254.41 

Steelhead 156 25% 39 0.048 pounds 1.87 

Smallmouth Bass 9,518 11% 1,046.98 0.250 pounds 261.75 

Largemouth Bass 273 0% 0 Not applicable 0 

Brook Trout 156 0% 0 Not applicable 0 

Total fish harvested in 2006 3,768.62 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

67 
*Average weight was determined by calculating the weight based on fish length size (Ref. 21; Ref. 22; 

Ref. 23; Ref. 24; Ref. 25; Ref. 27). Although the study indicated a large range offish lengths were 

harvested, a conservative estimate ofthe average smallest legal limit (8 to 10 inches) was used for the 

calculation (Ref. 15, p. 32 and 33). The following table presents the measurements and calculations. 

, . Fish Species Smallest average 

lel!allenl!th Weight ' , Referenc~

Chinook Salmon 9 inches = 22.86 

cm 

159.24 grams = 0.351 pounds Ref. 23; Ref. 27 

Rainbow Trout 9 inches = 22.86 

cm 

21.62 grams = 0.048 pounds Ref. 24; Ref. 27 

Bluegill 9 inches = 22.86 

cm 

221.8 grams = 0.489 pounds Ref. 22; Ref. 27 

Black Crappie 9 inches = 22.86 

cm 

164.18 grams = 0.362 pounds Ref. 21; Ref. 27 

Steelhead 9 inches = 22.86 

cm 

21.62 grams = 0.048 pounds Ref. 24; Ref. 27 

Smallmouth 

Bass 

9 inches = 22.86 

cm 

133.19 grams = 0.250 pounds Ref. 25; Ref. 27 

Although the Rainbow Trout and Steelhead trout are designated as the same species, the two forms do 

have differences. The average length of a Rainbow Trout is 12 to 18 inches, whereas the Steelhead is 20 

to 30 inches. The major difference between the two is that the Steelhead is a sea-going fish and the 

Rainbow Trout inhabits fresh water (Ref. 37, p. 1). 

The three fisheries within the target distance limit are Elliott Creek, Middle Fork Applegate River, and the 

Applegate Reservoir. In June 2008, stream discharge measurements were collected from Elliott Creek and 

the Middle Fork Applegate River. Discharge measurements were made using the Velocity-Area Procedure 

wherein the mean velocity and flow cross-sectional areas of many increments across a channel were 

measured using an impeller-style flow meter, from which subtotals ofthe stream discharge could be 

calculated. Elliott Creek exhibited' a stream discharge of266 cfs above the confluence with the Middle 

Fork Applegate River; and the Middle Fork Applegate River exhibited a stream discharge of286 cfs above 

the confluence with Elliott Creek (Ref. 4, p. 22). 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

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68
 
Potential Population Targets 

Population Dilution 

Identity 'of 

Fishery 

Annual 

Productio 

n (pounds) 

Type of 

Surface 

Water Body 

Average 

Annual 

Flow (cfs) Refs. 

Value (Pj) 

(Ref. 1, 

Table 4-18) 

Weight(Dj) 

(Ref. 1, 

Table 4-13) PjxDj 

Elliott 

Creek >0 Moderate 

Stream 266 Ref. 4, 

p.22 

0.03 0.01 0.0003 

Middle 

Fork 

Applegate 

River 

>0 Moderate 

Strea'11 286 Ref. 4, 

p.22 

0.03 0.01 0.0003 

Applegate 

Reservoir 3,768.62 Moderate Stream 286 Ref. 4, 

p.22 

3 0.01 0.03 

Sum ofPjx Dj : 0.0306 

(Sum ofPj x Dj)110: 0.00306 

Potential Human Food Chain Contamination Factor Value: 0.00306 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

69 
4.1.4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT WASTE CHARACTERISTICS 

There are no known sensitive environments in the surface water pathway. ~n 2000 and 2001, streamdwelling amphibians were studied during the fall and spring. Various life stages oftailed frog (Ascaphus 

truei) and Pacific giant salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) were found upstream ofthe Blue Ledge 

Mine facility in both surveys. No amphibians were counted directly downstream of the mine and a 

maximum ofonly three were found at further downstream (Ref. 10, 'p. 34). The tailed frog and the Pacific 

giant salamander are not considered sensitive environments; therefore the environmental threat was not 

scored. ' 

Environmental Threat Factor Value: NS 

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70
 
5.0 SOIL EXPOSURE PATHWAY
 

5.0.1 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 

The Blue Ledge Mine facility is located within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National ,Forest in Siskiyou 

County, California, approximately 33 miles southwest of Jacksonville, Oregon (Ref. 3). The facility is 

located on rural patented land approximately three miles south ofthe 'California-Oregon border. Themine 

spans in elevation from approximately 4,000 to 4,800 feet above mean sea level. The mine lies at the 

upper headwaters ofthe Joe Creek Watershed, on a steep, generally north-facing hillslope, adjacent to Joe 

Creek. Joe Creek flows north to Elliott Creek, which is a tributary to the Middle Fork ofthe Applegate 

River. The Applegate River flows north across the California-Oregon border to Applegate Reservoir (Ref. 

4, p. 6). A site location map is presented in Figure A-I. 

The Blue Ledge Mine was discovered by palmers in approximately 1'898. Inception, initial ownership and 

significant development ofthe mine occurred between 1902 and 1909. The mine experienced periods of 

activity and inactivity over the next 20 years. Extensive excavations were undertaken, and a substantial 

amount ofwaste rock was generated as mine workings were developed and ore was removed. Mining cars 

carried extracted materials from the interior ofthe mine to a mine adit atop the Blue Ledge Mine. The 

separated ore was trammed down the hillside via an overhead cable to a location close to Joe Creek. Ore 

was then trucked out ofthe state to Washington for further processing. No large scale mining activities 

have occurred since the 1930s. The facility has had at least 14 owners/leases/operators throughout its 

existence (Ref. 7, p. 6; Ref. 10, p. 14, 15). 

Source 1 consists ofthe Waste Rock pile, and is comprised of a majority of the waste rock on the facility. 

Previous investigations have separated the Waste Rock pile into four separate piles; WRP-l, WRP-2, 

WRP-3 and WRP-4 (Ref 8, p. 1-2,2-3). Figure A-2 presents the Waste Rock pile. 

Although multiple adits exist on the Blue Ledge Mine facility, and previous investigations have considered 

the waste rock to be in four separate piles, the Waste Rock pile is considered to be one pile based on the 

geologic makeup ofthe site. In addition, Pete Jones, a geologist with the USFS, has made visual 

observations of piles WRP-l through WRP-4 and concluded that they are comprised of the same material. 

He stated that all ofthe waste rock (WRP-l through WRP-4) on the Blue Ledge Mjne property was a 

product of mining along the same ore body, and therefore the waste rock throughout the property is the 

same geologic makeup. Mining occurred along the same strike of mineralization. The mineralization zone 

mined was approximately 2,000 feet in length (Ref. 39). 

The Blue Ledge Mine facility lies in within the terrestrial sensitive environments ofthe Siskiyou 

Mountains salamander, the Black Salamander, the Blue-gray taildropper, and the Traveling sideband snail 

(Ref. 13, p. 2; Ref. 14, p. 24 through 28). 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

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71 
Area of Observed Contamination: Waste Rock Pile 

Location of area: The Waste Rock pile extends from multiple formerly productive adits. Two formerly 

productive adits, Adit IN and Adit IS, located in the central portion ofthe facility, produced waste rock in 

the WRP-l area. Two formerly productive adits, Adit 2A and Adit 2B, and two exploratory adits, Adit 2C 

and Adit 2D, located in the south-central portion of the facility, produced the waste rock in the WRP-2 

area. One formerly productive adit, Adit 3A, located in the southern portion ofthe facility, produced the 

waste rock in the WRP-3 area. One productive adit, Adit 4A, and one exploratory adit, Adit 4B, located in 

the northern portion ofthe facility, produCed the waste rock in the WRP-4 area (Ref. 8, p. 17; Figure A-2). 

The pile can be observed from National Forest System Road 1060 and extends from an elevation of 

approximately 4,100 feet to 4,800 feet (Ref. 11, p. 5). 

Observed Release 

Soil samples identified as "contaminated" are those that meet observed release criteria as defined by the 

HRS final rule (Ref. 1, Table 2-3). Observed release criteria is met when the hazardous substance is 

attributable to on-site sources, its concentration exceeds the sample quantitation limit (SQL) (including the 

background SQL), and is at least three times greater than the background concentration, when the 

background concentration equals or exceeds the SQL (Ref. 1, Table 2-3). 

In 2009, the USFS conducted an SI on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. Duringthe sampling event, 

conducted in June 2008, two background riparian soil samples were collected adjacent to Joe Creek from 

two locations upstream ofthe Blue Ledge Mine facility (Ref. 4, Figure 5). The riparian soil samples were 

collected from above the normal high water line alongside Joe Creek. The samples were collected from the 

top 12 inches of soil after the removal of organic debris present on the ground surface. A stainless steel 

shovel was used to perfonn in-situ homogenization prior to placing the material into a l~boratory provided 

container. This was performed manually while wearing clean, disposable nitrile gloves (Ref. 4, p. 15). 

The waste rock pile samples were submitted to a laboratory for definitive metals analysis. The samples 

were analyzed for total metals using EPA test method 60 1OB/6020 (Ref. 38, p. 93, 96; Ref. 41, p. 1 

through 6). The data validation results are provided in Reference 41. 

Background Soil Samples: 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Sample ill 

(CLP ill) 

Sample 

Date 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Concentration 

(mg/kg) 

MDL 

(mg/kg) References 

JC-12-RS-080627-URS 6/27/08 3.16 0.05 Ref 4, p. 570, 571; Ref 

38, p. 11,93,96; Ref. 41, 

p. 3 through 6 

Arsenic 

JC-14-RS-080627-URS 6/27/08 1.24 0.05 

JC-12-RS-080627-URS 6/27/08 0.166 0.004 Ref 4, p. 570, 571; Ref 

38, p. 11,93,96; Ref. 41, 

p. 3 through 6 

Cadmium 

JC-14-RS-080627-URS 6/27/08 0.092 0.004 

Copper JC-12-RS-080627-URS 6/27/08 67.1 2.1 Ref. 4, p. 570, 571; Ref 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

72 
Hazardous 

Substance 

Sample ID 

(CLP ID) 

Sample 

Date 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Concentration 

(mg/I{g) 

MDL 

(mg/kg) References 

JC-14-RS-080627-URS 6/27/08 45.2 2.0 38, p. 11,93,96; Ref. 41, 

p. 3 through 6 .... 

JC-12-RS-080627-URS 6/27/08 5.29 0.02 Ref. 4, p. 570, 571; Ref.· 

38, p. 11,93,96; Ref. 41, 

p. 3 through 6 

Lead 

JC-14-RS-080627-URS 6/27/08 1.83 0.02 

MDL Method detection limit. (Ref. 39, p. 2, 3. 93, 96) 

As part ofthe June and July 2010 HRS sampling event on the Blue Ledge Mine facility, surface samples 

were collected from four locations within the Waste Rock Pile. Sample BLM-WR-l was collected from 

light brown silty sand located on the northern portion of WRP-l, sample BLM-WR-2 was collected from 

light to medium brown silty sand with subangular gravel with clasts up to 0.5 inches in diameter located on 

the central eastern portion ofWRP-l; sample BLM-WR-3 was collected from reddish-brown clayey silt 

with little sub-angular gravel located on the central portion of WRP-l; and sample BLM-WR-4 was 

collected from medium brown silty sand with subangular gravel located on the central western portion of 

WRP-l. All four samples were collected using clean and dedicated plastic scoops at depths between 0.5 

and 1 foot bgs (Ref. 16 p. 6, 7; Ref. 17, p. 23). Sample locations are presented in Figure A-4. 

The waste rock pile samples were submitted to a laboratory for definitive metals analysis. The samples 

were analyzed for total metals using EPA test method ILM05.4 (Ref. 28, p. 2). The data validation results 

are in Reference 28. 

All four ofthe Waste Rock Pile samples exhibited concentrations of metals for at least one ofthe following 

analytes: arsenic, cadmium, copper, and lead (Ref. 28, p. 9). 

Summarized below is analytical evidence of contamination in source samples associated with the Waste 

Rock Pile located on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. 

Area of Observed Contamination - Waste Rock Pile 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Sample ID 

(CLP ID) 

Sample 

Date 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Concentration 

(mg/kg) 

SQL 

(mg/kg) References 

BLM-WR-I 

(MY6ZE3) 7/1/10 301 1.17 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref. 32, p. I, II, 12, 13, 14, 

34,71 - 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 7/1/10 124 1.12 

Arsenic BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 7/1/10 102 1.16 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 7/1/10 104 1.17 

Cadmium 

BLM-WR-I 

(MY6ZE3) 7/1/10 3.9 0.59 Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref. 32, p. I, 9, II, 12, 13, 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

73 
Hazardous 

Hazardous 

Substance 

Sample ID 

(CLP ID) 

Sample 

Date 

Substance 

Concentration 

SQL 

(mg/I{g) References 

(mg/kg) 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 7/1110 3.9 0.56 14,34, 71 - 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 7/1/10 2.5 0.58 

~-WR-4 6ZE6) 7/1/10 2.6 0.59 \,\ 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 7/1110 981 J 1.2 (804.1) 2.93 

Copper 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 

7/1/10 

7/1/10 

1,290 JI.2 

(1,057.4) 

314 JI. 2 (257.38) 

2.8 

2.9 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 20, p. 8, 

18; Ref. 28, p. 5-7, 9; Ref. 32, 

p. 1,9, 11, 12,13,14,34,71 -

80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 71111 0 441./ 1

• 

2 (361.48) 2.93 

BLM-WR-l 

(MY6ZE3) 71111 0 7,890 1.17 

Lead 

BLM-WR-2 

(MY6ZE4) 

BLM-WR-3 

(MY6ZE5) 

7/1110 

7/1110 

609 

201 

1.12 

1.16 

Ref. 16, p. 6, 7; Ref. 28, p. 9; 

Ref. 32, p. 1,9, 11, 12, 13, 

14,34,71 - 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 

BLM-WR-4 

(MY6ZE6) 7/111 0 227 1.17 

JI:	 The analyte was positively identified, however the reported value is an estimate due to ICP inter-element interference problems. The 

result was reported from undiluted analyses that contained iron concentrations above the level present in the interference check sample 

(ICS) solution, therefore the applied inter-element correction (1EC) factors may not sufficiently compensate. 

For copper the value reported may be biased high. However, the presence of the analyte in the sample is not in doubt The 

adjusted value is presented in parentheses. 

J2	 The analyte was positively identified, however the reported value is an estimate due to the serial dilution percent differences being 

outside the method quantitation control limits. The value reported may be biased high. However, the presence of the analyte in the 

sample is not in doubt The adjusted· value is presented in parentheses. 

SQL:	 Sample Quantitation Limit. The SQLs provided in this table are CLP contract-required detection limits (CRDLs) for that analyte with 

any dilution factors, volume adjustments, or percent solids for that analysis taken into account SSQLs were calculated as follows: 

SQL ( mg ) = CRDL (l':!L) x x final volume lL x 1000 g x OF

kg dry wgt L 1000 fIg sample weight (g wet wgt) x %S 1000 mL I kg 

Where:. 

Final volume (mL) is the final extract volume following sample preparation 

Sample weight (g wet wgt) is the weight of the sample used for analysis 

% S is % solids value divided by 100; % solids is determined as follows: (g dry weight of sample used for analysis)/(g wet weight of 

sample used for analysis) xlOO% 

DF is the dilution factor for the instrumental analysis 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

74
 
Attribution 

The Blue Ledge Mine facility is located within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Siskiyou 

County, California, approximately 33 miles southwest of Jacksonville, Oregon (Ref. 3). The facility is 

located primarily on rural patented land approximately three miles south ofthe California-Oregon border. 

The mine spans in elevation from approximately 4,000 to 4,800 feet above mean sea level. The j]line lies 

at the upper headwaters ofthe Joe Creek Watershed, on a steep, generally north-facing hillslope, adjacent 

to Joe Creek. Joe "creek flows north to Elliott Creek, which is a tributary to the Middle Fork ofthe 

Applegate River. The Applegate River flows north across the California-Oregon border to Applegate 

Reservoir (Ref. 4, p. 6). A site location map is presented in Figure A-I. 

The Blue Ledge Mine was discovered by panners in approximately 1898. Inception, initial ownership and 

significant development ofthe mine occurred between 1902 and 1909. The mine experienced periods of 

activity and inactivity over the next 20 years. Extensive excavations were undertaken, and a substantial 

amount ofwaste rock was generated as mine workings were developed and ore was removed. Mining cars 

carried extracted materials from the interior of the mine to a mine adit atop the Blue Ledge Mine. The 

separated ore was trammed down the hillside via an overhead cable to a location close to Joe Creek. Ore 

was then trucked out ofthe state to Washington for further processing. No large scale mining activities 

have occurred since the 1930s. The facility has had at least 14 owners/leases/operators throughout its 

existence (Ref. 7, p. 6; Ref. 10, p. 5, 9, 14, 15). 

Source 1 consists ofthe Waste Rock pile, and is comprised of a majority ofthe waste rock on the facility. 

Previous investigations have separated the Waste Rock pile into four separate piles; WRP-l, WRP-2, 

WRP-3 and WRP-4 (Ref 8, p. 1-2,2-3). Figure A-2 presents the Waste Rock pile. 

The Waste Rock pile extends from multiple formerly productive adits. Two formerly productive adits, 

Adit IN and Adit IS, located in the central portion ofthe facility, produced waste rock in the WRP-l area. 

Two formerly productive adits, Adit 2A and Adit 2B, and two exploratory adits, Adit 2C and Adit 2D, 

located in the south-central portion of the facility, produced the waste rock in the WRP-2 area. One 

formerly productive adit, Adit 3A, located in the southern portion ofthe facility, produced the waste rock 

in the WRP-3 area. One productive adit, Adit 4A, and one exploratory adit, Adit 4B, located in the 

northern portion ofthe facility, produced the waste rock in the WRP-4 area (Ref. 8, p. 17; Figure A-2). 

Although multiple adits exist on the Blue Ledge Mine facility, and previous investigations have considered 

the waste rock to be in four separate piles, the Waste Rock pile is considered to be one pile based on the 

geologic makeup ofthe site. In addition, Pete Jones, a geologist with the USFS, has made visual 

observations of piles WRP-l through WRP-4 and concluded that they are comprised ofthe same material. 

He stated that all ofthe waste rock (WRP-l through WRP-4) on the Blue Ledge Mine property was a 

product of mining along the same ore body, and therefore the waste rock throughout the property is the 

same geologic makeup. Mining occurred along the same strike of mineralization. The mineralization zone 

mined was approximately 2,000 feet in length (Ref. 39). 

The Joe Creek area lies in what is approximately the center ofthe known range fr~m the Siskiyou 

Mountains salamander (Plethodon stormi), a California State Threatened species (Ref. 13, p. 2; Ref. 14, p. 

24). The species have been observed within the watershed and in the area ofthe Blue Ledge Mine itself 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

75 
(Ref. 14, p. 24, 25). Field visits conducted in 2009 documented that the area in the immediate vicinity of 

the Waste Rock Pile consisted of large areas of bedrock outcrops and cliffs with small area of associated 

talus that is suitable for the species (Ref. 14, p. 25). In addition, the Blue Ledge Mine facility lies in within 

the terrestrial sensitive environments ofthe Black Salamander (Aneidesflavipunctatus), the Blue-gray 

taiklropper slug (Prophysaon coeruleum), and the Traveling sideband snail (Monadeniafidelis celeuthia) 

(ReL14, p. 26 through 28). These species are considered USFS sensitive species(Ref. 14, p. 5,6). , .',:', 

There are no alternative non-site-related sources in the vicinity ofthe Blue Ledge Mine that could be 

contributing to the elevated concentrations ofmetals in Joe Creek. The Tin Cup Mine,is located to the 

northeast of the site. The Blue Ledge Mine and Tin Cup Mine claim encompass a total of 540 acres (Ref. 

7, App. C). USFS personnel have visited the Tin Cup Mine property. There is no waste rock present on 

the property. In addition, there is no evidence that historic or current production activities have occurred 

on the Tin Cup Mine (Ref. 39). 

Evidence of metals contamination associated with the Waste Rock pile has been established based on 

chemical analyses of samples. In June and July 2010, EPA tasked WESTON to conduct sampling in order 

to investigate contamination in the vicinity ofthe Blue Ledge Mine facility. To demonstrate the presence 

ofa hazardous substances source, samples were collected from the waste rock. All four ofthe Waste Rock 

Pile samples exhibited concentrations of metals for at least one ofthe following analytes: arsenic, 

cadmium, copper, and lead (Ref. 29, p. 9). 

Based on the sampling conducted during the HRS Sampling event conducted in June and July 2010, 

contaminants from the Blue Ledge Mine facility have migrated to areas known to be used by endangered 

species. Samples collected from the Waste Rock pile exhibited concentrations of metals. Maximum 

concentrations are as follows: 301 mg/kg arsenic (BLM-WR-1), 3.9 mg/kg cadmium (BLM-WR-1 and 

BLM-WR-2), 1,290 mg/kg copper (BLM-WR-2), and 7,890 mg/kg lead (BLM-WR-1) (Ref. 29, p. 9; 

Figure A-4). 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

76
 
5.0.2 Hazardous Waste Quantity 

Tier A: Hazardous Constituent Quantity - Not Evaluated (NE) 

The information available is not sufficient to meaningfully evaluate Tier A, hazardous constituent quantity; 

therefore it is not possible to adequately detennine a hazardous constituent quantity for the Waste Rock 

Pile (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.1). Scoring proceeds to the evaluation hazardouswastestream quantity (Ref. 

1, Section 2.4.2.1.2). . 

Hazardous Constituent Quantity Assigned Value: NE 

Tier B - Hazardous Wastestream Quantity 

The information available is' not sufficient to meaningfully evaluate Tier B, hazardous constituent quantity; 

therefore it is not possible to adequately determine a hazardous constituent quantity for the Waste Rock 

Pile (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.1). Scoring proceeds to the evaluation ofTier C (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.2). 

Hazardous Wastestream Qnantity Assigned Value: NE 

Tier C: Volume 

The Waste Rock Pile is characterized as a Pile. Table 5-2 ofthe HRS directs for the soil exposure pathway 

to evaluate volume measure only for surface impoundments. (Ref. 1, Table 5-2): 

Volume Assigned Value: NE 

TierD: Area 

In November 2008, a geotechnical investigation.was conducted on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. During 

the investigation, the area of waste rock piles WRP-l through WRP-4 was calculated. WRP-l was 

estimated to have an area of 5.4 acres, WRP-2 was estimated to have an area of 1.3 acres, WRP-3 was 

estimated to have an area of 0.8 acres, and WRP-4 was estimated to have an area of 0.6 acres (Ref. 8, p. 

16). 

In July and August 2010, removal activities occurred under USFS oversight on the Blue Ledge Mine 

facility. A total of 54,700 cubic yards of waste rock was removed from WRP-l and WRP-2. WRP-2 was 

removed in its entirety and approximately 95 percent of WRP-l was removed. In addition, 2,100 cubic 

yards ofwaste rock was removed from WRP-4, with an estimated 2,000 cubic yards remaining. There was 

no removal conducted on WRP-3. The USFS estimates that WRP-3 is approximately 11,600 cubic yards 

(Ref. 35). 

HRS Documentation Record BlueLedge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

77 
The table below summarizes the area of the remaining Waste Rock Pile: 

Waste 

Rock 

Pile 

Original 

Area 

Percentage 

removed in 

2010 

Remaining 

Area (acres) 

WRP-l 5.4 acres 95 ercent 0.27 

WRP-2 1.3 acres 100 ercent 0 0 

WRP-3 0.8 acre 0 ercent 0.8 34,848 

WRP-4 0.6 acre 48. 0.31 13,503.6 

* 1 acre = 43,560 square feet
 

A total of60,112.8 square feet of waste rock remains on the Blue Ledge Mine site.
 

The Waste Rock Pile is characterized as a Pile. This provides a Hazardous Waste Quantity Value of (Ref.
 

1, Table 5-2): 

60,112.8 square feet / 34 = 1,768.02 

Area: 60,112.8 square feet 

Area Assigned Value: 1,768.02 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

78 
Hazardous Waste Quantity Value 

Area of Observed Contamination: Waste Rock Pile 

Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value 

According to Section 2.4.2.1.5 ofthe HRS,the highest ofthevalues assigned to the source for hazardous 

constituent quantity (Tier A), hazardous wastestream quantity (Tier B), Volume (Tier C), and Area (Tier 

D) should be assigned as the source hazardous waste quantity value (Ref. 1, Sections 2.4.2.1.5 and 

5.1.2.2). 

Tier Evaluated Source 1 Vaiues 

A NE 

B NE 

C NE 

D 1,768.02' 

Value selected for the area of observed contamination hazardous waste quantity according to the 

HRS. 

NE Not Evaluated. 

Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value: 1,768.02 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

79
 
5.1 RESIDENT POPULATION THREAT 

5.1.1 LIKELIHOOD OF EXPOSURE 

SampleID 

BLM-WR-1 

BLM-WR-2 

BLM-WR-3 

BLM-WR-4 

Distance of 

PopulationlResource 

from Area of Observed 

Contamination I' 

> 0 feet 

> 0 feet 

> 0 feet 

> 0 feet 

Reference 

Ref. 14, p. 24 and 25 

Ref. 14, p. 24 and 25 

Ref. 14, p. 24 and 25 

Ref. 14, p. 24 and 25 

Resident Population Threat Likelihood of Exposure Factor Category Value: 550 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

80
 
5.1.2 WASTE CHARACTERISTICS 

5.1.2.1 Toxicity 

Hazardous Substance Toxi~ity Factor Value Reference 

J ,:",;. 

Arsenic ,,' ,. 

10,000 Ref. 2, p. 1 

Cadmium 

,', 

10,000 Ref. 2, p. 2 

Copper 0 Ref. 2,p. 3 

Lead 10,000 Ref. 2, p. 8 

Toxicity Factor Value: 10,000 

5.1.2.2 Hazardous Waste Quantity 

Area Source Type Area Hazardous Waste Quantity

IWaste Rock Pile IPile \1,768.02 I
 

Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value: 100 

(Table 2-6) 

5.1.2.3 Calculation of Waste Characteristics Factor Category Value 

Toxicity Factor Value: 10,000 

Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value: 100 

Toxicity Factor Value x Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value: 1,000,000 

Waste Characteristics Factor Category Value: 32 

(Table 2-7) 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine
 

March 2011 CAN000906063
 

81 
5.1.3 TARGETS 

5.1.3.1 Resident Individual 

There is no Resident Individual on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. The Resident Individual Factor Value is 

O. ,,.,~.

Resident Individual Factor Value: 0 

5.1.3.2 Resident Population 

There are no residents occupying the Blue Ledge Mine facility. The Resident Population was not 

evaluated. 

5.1.3.3 Workers 

The Blue Ledge Mine has been inactive since the 1930s (Ref. 7, p. 6). There are no workers on the Blue 

Ledge Mine facility. 

Workers Factor Value: 0 

(Table 5-4) 

5.1.3.4 Resources 

There is no evidence of commercial agriculture, commercial silviculture, or commercial livestock 

production of commercial livestock grazing on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. 

Resources Factor Value: 0 

5.1.3.5 Terrestrial Sensitive Environments 

The Joe Creek area lies in what is approximately the center ofthe known range from the Siskiyou 

Mountains salamander (Plethodon stormi), a California State Threatened species (Ref. 13, p. 2; Ref. 14, p. 

6,24). The species have been observed within the watershed and in the area ofthe Blue Ledge Mine itself 

(Ref. 14, p. 24). Field visits conducted in 2009 documented that the area in the immediate vicinity ofthe 

Waste Rock Pile consisted oflarge areas of bedrock outcrops and cliffs with small area of associated talus 

that is suitable for the species (Ref. 14, p. 25). In addition, the Blue Ledge Mine facility lies in within the 

terrestrial sensitive environments ofthe Black Salamander (Aneidesflavipunctatus), the Blue-gray 

taildropper slug (Prophysaon coeruleum), and the Traveling sideband snail (Monadeniafidelis celeuthia) 

(Ref. 14, p. 26 through 28). These species are considered USFS sensitive species (Ref. 14, p. 5, 6). 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

82
 
 

Terrestrial Sensitive Environment 

Assigned Value 

(Table 5-5) References 

Siskiyou Mountains salamander 

(Plethodon stormi), 

50 Ref. 13, p. 2; Ref. 14, 

p. 5, 6, 24 and 25 

The soil pathway is based solely on terrestrial sensitive environments. Based on this, the terrestrial 

sensitive environment factor value is calculated as follows (Ref. 1, Section 5.1.3.5): 

(LE x WC x ES)/82,500 

Where: 

LE = Resident population threat for likelihood of exposure 

WC = Waste characteristics 

ES = Value for terrestrial sensitive environments 

(550 x 32 x 50)/82,500 = 10.667 

Terrestrial Sensitive Environments Factor Value: 10.66 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

83 
 

5.2 NEARBY POPULATION THREAT 

The nearby population threat was evaluated, but not scored. The nearby population threat would not 

significantly impact the overall site score. 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

84 
 

6.0 AIR MIGRATION PATHWAY
 

The air migration pathway was evaluated, but not scored. The Blue Ledge Mine facility is not paved, so 

potential exists for hazardous substances to become airborne (Ref. 5, p. 1). 

Without analytical data, only potential to release can be scored for this pathway. Scoring potential to release 

will not affect the listing decision. 

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine 

March 2011 CAN000906063 

85 
Figure 

0 0.5 A-1 

Miles 

Site Location Map 

Blue Ledge Mine 

Rogue River National Forest 

Siskiyou County, California 

ih

Site 

Location 

Map Source: USGS Dutch Creek, Calif 15' Quadrangle, 1980 
 

 

 

O

O

O

O

Figure 

A-2 

0 400 

Feet 

Site Layout Map 

Blue Ledge Mine 

Rogue River National Forest 

Siskiyou County, California 

Legend 

O Adit 

Stream 

USFS Road 1060 

Waste Rock Pile 

WRP-4 

WRP-1 

WRP-2 

WRP-3 

Adit 1S 

Adit 2 

Adit 1N 

Adit 5 

Joe Creek 

Joe Creek 

Un-named

Tributary 

PPE 

PPE 

Base Map: National Agriculture Imagery 

Program, USDA Farm Service Agency 2005. 

Map Features: URS Removal Action, 

Engineering Evaluation & Cost Analysis, 

Blue Ledge Mine Site, April 26, 2010. 
 

!.

!. !. !.

po

!H

po

!H po!H

po

!H

po

!H po

!H po

!H

po

po

po

po

po

po

po

po

po

Figure 

A-3 

0 400 

Feet 

2008 USFS Sample Location Map 

Blue Ledge Mine 

Rogue River National Forest 

Siskiyou County, California 

Legend 

po Water Sample 

po

!H Sediment and Water Sample 

!. Waste Rock Sample 

Stream 

DAM-01 

SP-01 

AD-01 

TJ4C-01 

WRS-4 

AD-02 

WRS-1 

WRS-2 

WRS-3 

TJ4C-02 

JC-07 

SP-02 

JC-08 

JC-09 

JC-10 

JC-11 

JC-12 

JC-13 

JC-14 

JC-15 

Joe Creek 

Base Map: National Agriculture Imagery 

Program, USDA Farm Service Agency 2005. 

Map Features: URS Site Inspection Report, 

Blue Ledge Mine Site, April 2009. 
!.

!. .

 

 

!.

!

po

po

!H po

!H

po

!H

po

!H

po

!H

Figure 

A-4 

0 400 

Feet 

2010 EPA HRS Sample Location Map 

Blue Ledge Mine 

Rogue River National Forest 

Siskiyou County, California 

Legend 

po Water Sample 

po

!H Sediment and Water Sample 

!. Waste Rock Sample 

Stream 

BLM-WR-1 

BLM-WR-2 

BLM-WR-3 

BLM-WR-4 

BLM-SW-6 

BLM-SW-5 

BLM-SD-5 

BLM-SW-4 

BLM-SD-4 

BLM-SW-3 

BLM-SD-3 

BLM-SW-2 

BLM-SD-2 

BLM-SW-1 

BLM-SD-1 

Joe Creek 

Base Map: National Agriculture Imagery 

Program, USDA Farm Service Agency 2005. 

Map Features: Weston Solutions, Inc., logbook, 

Blue Ledge Mine, EPA HRS Package Sampling, 

June 30, 2010 through July 2, 2010. 
Figure 

A-5 

0 1 

Miles 

15-Mile Surface Water Flow Path 

Blue Ledge Mine 

Rogue River National Forest 

Siskiyou County, California 

Legend 

Surface Water Flow Path 

Waste Rock Pile 

Applegate 

Reservoir 

Intake 

Waste 

Rock Pile 

End of 

15-Mile 

Flow Path 

Applegate River 

Applegate River 

Elliott Creek 

Jo

e

Creek 

Base Map: National Geographic TOPO! 2009.