### HRS DOCUMENTATIONRECORD REVIEW COVER SHEET

Name ofSite: 

### BLUE LEDGE MINE

Contact Person: Karen Jurist, EPA Region 9 (415) 972-3219 SiteInvestigation: Karen Jurist, EPA Region 9 (415) 972-3219 Documentation Record: AmandaK.C. Reilly, Weston Solutions, Inc. (541) 593-3800 Pathways, Components, or ThreatsNot Scored 

### Ground WaterPathway The ground water pathway was evaluated, but not scored. There are no known uses ofground wateron 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 indicatethat arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and zincwere detected in two residences' drinkingwaterwellsand one spring used for drinking water. Only detections ofdissolved arsenic exceeded associated screening criteria with concentrationsrangingfrom 0.22 microgramsperliter (ug/l)to6.27 ug/l. Although arsenicwas detected in all three ground water sources, there was no evidence that the levels were related to concentrations ofarsenic detected in surfacewater adjacentto the BlueLedgeMine facility, butratherto bedueto high levels ofarsenic in local s()ils (Ref.4, p. 20, 21). Based onthe information atthistime, evaluation oftheground waterpathway would not affect the listing decision. 

### SurfaceWaterPathway. The drinkingwaterthreatwas evaluated, butnot scored. Joe Creek and ElliottCreek are notused as a direct source ofdrinkingwater(Ref. 4, p. 20). The environmental threatwas evaluated, butnot scored. There are no known sensitive environmentswithinthesurfacewaterpathway. In addition,thegroundwaterto surfacewater migration component was not evaluated. Based on the information at thistime, evaluation ofthe drinking water threat, environmental threat, and the ground water to surface water components ofthe surface water pathwaywould not affect the listing decision. 

### AirMigration Pathway The air migration pathway was evaluated, but not scored. The Blue Ledge Mine facility is not paved, so potential exists for hazardous substancesto become'airbome (Ref. 5, p. 1). Without analytical data, onlypotentialtorelease can be scored for thispathway. Scoringpotential torelease does not affect the listing decision.

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063IIRS DOCUMENTATION RECORD

Name ofSite: BLUE LEDGE MINE EPA ID#: CAN000906063 EPA Region: 9 Date Prepared: March 2011 Address ofSite*: Sections 34, Township 48 North, Range 11 West Countyand State: Siskiyou County, California Zip: 96086 Topographic Maps: Dutch CreekUSGS 7.5-minute Topographic Map Series, 1980.

Latitude: 41 0 57' 35.86" North Longitude: 123 0 06' 26.79" West* (Ref. 3; Ref. 6) Latitude/LongitudeReference Point: The approximate center ofthe waste rockpileWRP-l was determined using a scaled U.S. Geological Surveytopographic map and GIS mapping software (Ref. 3; Ref. 6). *Thecoordinates and contaminantlocationspresented in thisHazard Ranking System (HRS) documentation record identifY the general site location. The infonnation represents one or more locations the U.S. EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)considerspartofthe sitebased on screeninginfonnationEPAusedto evaluate the site forNational Priorities List (NPL) listing. EPA assigns national priorities from the known "releasesorthreatened**releases~'** ofhazardous substances;thus,thefocus is ontherelease, and notonprecisely delineated boundaries. A siteis defined as an areawhere a hazardous substancehas been "deposited, stored, placed, orotherwise have cometo be located." Generally, HRS scoring and the subsequent listingofarelease represent the initial determination that a certain area may need to be addressed under the Comprehensive, EnvironmentalResponse, Compensation, andLiabilityAct (CERCLA). Accordingly,EPAcontemplatesthat thepreliminarydescription ofsite boundaries atthe time ofHRS scoringwill be defined as more infonnation is developed on the locations ofcontamination.

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063Air Pathway' Ground WaterPathway Soil Exposure Pathway Surface WaterPathway

HRS SITE SCORE Not scored Not scored 10.66 100.00

50.28

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 2HAZARD 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: 

### 123 0 

### 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 AirMigration Pathway Score (Sa) Not scored Not scored

? ? ? ? 

### S",y- +Ssw- + Ss- + Sa- XXXXXXX 

### 10,113.6356 (S",/ 2 ? 

### 2

- +Ssw + Ss- + Sa ) / 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 3HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 4SURFACE WATER OVERLAND/FLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT SCORESHEET - CONTINUED Maximum Assigned Value Value Drinking WaterThreat Score 13. Drinking Water Threat Score [(lines 5 x 8 x 12)/82,500 subjectto a maximum of 100] 100 NS Factor Categories and Factors HUMAN FOOD CHAIN THREAT Likelihood ofRelease 14. Likelihood ofRelease (Same value ofline 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 ThreatScore 21. Human Food Chain Threat Score [(lines 14 x 17 x 20)/82,500 subjectto a maximum of 100] 100 100

HRS Documentation Record BlueLedge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 5SURFACE WATER OVERLANDIFLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT SCORESHEET - CONTINUED Maximum Assigned Value Value Factor Categories and Factors ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT Likelihood ofRelease Likelihood ofRelease (Same value ofline 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 subjectto a maximum of60] 60 NS SURFACE WATER OVERLANDIFLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT SCORE FOR A WATERSHED 29. Watershed Score [(Lines 13 

### + 21+ 28), subjectto a maximum of 100] 100 100

HRS Documentation Record Blue LedgeMine March 2011 CAN000906063 6SURFACE 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, subjectto 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 7HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 8

### REFERENCES
Reference Number Description ofthe Reference
1 Hazard Ranking System (HRS); Final Rule, 14 December 1990, Vol. 55, No. 241. (A complete copy oftheHRS 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 DataMatrix (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, SiteInspection Rep0l1, BlueLedge Mine, April 2009. 573 p. 5 Brian P. Reilly, Weston Solutions, Inc., Site Reconnaissance and Photographic Documentation, BlueLedge Mine Site, June 8 and June 30

- July 1, 2010. 11 p. 6 Google Earth, 41 0 57' 35.86" N, 123 0 06' 26.79" W, California, http://earth.google.com/, accessed August 2010. 1 p. 7 Weston Solutions, Inc., Preliminary Assessment/SiteInspection Report, BlueLedge Mine, April 2004. 38 p. 8 URS, Removal Action, EngineeringEvaluation 

### & CostAnalysis, BlueLedge Mine Site, April 26, 2010. 268 p. 9 Pete Jones, United States Department ofAgriculture, Forest Service, Telephone Conversation recorded on ContactReport byAmandaK.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, September2005. 137 p.
12 Environmental Protection Agency, Envirofacts Warehouse CERCUS queryresults, http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/cerclis/cerclis_ query.html, accessed May 6, 2010. 2 p. 13 Bureau ofLand Management, SurveyProtocol for the Siskiyou Mountains Salamander (Plethodon stormi), undated. 6 p. 14 David Clayton, Forest Wildlife Biologist, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, BlueLedge 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 9Reference Number Description ofthe Reference Weston Solutions, Inc., logbook, Blue Ledge Mine, EPA HRS Package Sampling, June 30,2010through 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, BlueLedge Mine, November 2008. 60 p. California EmergencyManagement Agency, Hazardous Materials Spill Report, Blue Ledge Mine Site, August 18, 2010. 2 p. EPA, Office ofEmergencyResponse, Establishing an ObservedRelease. Fact SheetEPA/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 byAmanda K.C. Reilly, Weston Soluti"ons, Inc., August 20,2010 and January 14,2011. 1p. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27

28 Lindelof, Doug, ICF Consulting/LaboratoryData Consultants, Memorandum to Karen Jurist, EPA, Subject: Review ofAnalytical Data, BlueLedge Mine, SDG No: MY6ZE3, August 9,2010. 11 p. Lindelof, Doug, ICF Consulting/LaboratoryData Consultants, Memorandum to Karen Jurist, EPA, Subject: Review ofAnalytical Data, BlueLedge Mine, SDG No: MY6ZF4, August 13,2010. 13 p. BrendaBettencourt, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Memorandum to Karen Jurist, Subject: Analytical TestingResults

- Project R1 OSA2, Blue Ledge Mine, August 16,2010. 7 p. Carlson, Sam, United States Department ofAgriculture, 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, July20, 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 10Reference Nnmber Description ofthe Reference 35 Pete Jones, United States Department ofAgriculture, Forest Service, E-mail Correspondence recorded on Contact Report by Karen Jurist, USEPANovember 17, 2010. 1 p. 36 Western Regional Climate Center, Period ofRecord MonthlyClimate 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 ColumbiaAnalytical Services, Inc., Analytical Report for Service RequestNo: K0805944, BlueLedge Mine, July 24, 2008. 110 p. 39 Pete Jones, United States Department ofAgriculture, Forest Service, Telephone Conversation recorded on Contact Report byAmanda 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 SoilsData, Laboratory Group: K0805944, January 21, 2011. 6 p. 42 Weston Solutions, EquipTrack, Calibrations ofWater QualityMeterYSI 600XL, June 25 t

## h, 2010. 1p.

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 11ACRONYM 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 ComprehensiveEnvironmental Response, Compensation, and LiabilityAct ComprehensiveEnvironmental Response, Compensation, and LiabilityInformation System cubic feet per second Contract Required Detection Limit United States Environmental Protection Agency gallons perminute Hazard Ranking System Maximum ContaminantLevel milligrams perkilogram milligrams per liter National Priorities List Preliminary Assessment Probable Point ofEntry Regional ScreeningLevel Superfund Chemical DataMatrix Site Inspection SyntheticPrecipitation LeachingProcedure Sample Quantitation Limit Superfi.md Technical Assessment and Response Team TargetDistance 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. AttachmentA (A-I) contains the following maps: :Figure A-I: BlueLedge Mine SiteLocation Map Figure A-2: BlueLedge 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 WaterTarget Distance Limit Map

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 13SITE DESCRIPTION The Blue Ledge Mine facility is located within theRogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Siskiyou County, California, approximately 33 miles southwest ofJacksonville, Oregon (Ref. 3; Ref. 4, p. 6; Ref. 10, p. 9). The facility is located on rural patented land approximatelythree miles south oftheCaliforniaOregon border. The mine spans in elevation from approximately4,000 to4,800 feet above mean sea level. The mine is located nearthe upper headwaters ofthe Joe Creek Watershed, on a steep, generallynorth­

. facing hillslope, adjacent to Joe Creek. Joe Creek flows north toElliott Creek, which is a tributarytothe

Middle Fork ofthe ApplegateRiver. The Applegate River flows north across the California-Oregon borderto Applegate Reservoir (Ref. 4, p. 6; Ref. 10, p. 9). A site location map is presented in Figure A-I. The BlueLedgeMine was discovered bypanners iIi approximately 1898. Inception, initial ownership and significant development ofthe mine occurred between 1902 and 1909. The mine experienced periods of activity and inactivity overthe 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 BlueLedge 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 facilityhas had at least 14 owners/leases/operatorsthroughout its existence (Ref. 7, p. 6; Ref. 10,p. 5, 9,1415; Ref. 34, p. 1through 11). The Waste Rock pile has been identified as a hazardous substance source on the BlueLedge Mine facility. The Waste Rock pile is comprised ofa majorityofthe waste rock on the facility. Previous investigations have separated the Waste Rock pile intofour separate piles; WRP-I, WRP-2, WRP-3 and WRP-4 (Ref8, p. 1-2,2-3). Figure A-2 presentsthe Waste Rock pile. The Waste Rock pile extends from multiplefonoerly 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 theWRP-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, Adit4B, located in the northern portion ofthe facility, produced the waste rock in the WRP-4 area (Ref. 8, p. 17; Figure A-2). An unnamed ephemeral tributary ofJoe Creek flows along the western edge ofWRP-l and is completely covered bythe 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 theBlue Ledge Mine facility. In 2008, groundwaterfrom Adit IN was observed discharging from the adit and flowing overthe 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 belowthewaste rock surface. Previous investigations have documented increased sulfate concentrations and acidity emergingfrom the Blue Ledge Mine adits (Ref. 4, p. 13). In July201 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 ofAMD. AMD is continuallyfonned by a weathering

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 14process that oxidizes sulfi.Ir-bearing minerals to sulfate and acidity. TheAMD process is further expedited by oxidation ofthe reduced minerals bymicrobes. The production ofacidity at the BlueLedge Mine facility causes metals to leach from surrounding waste rock as waterpercolates through the scattered waste piles. During periods ofhigherprecipitation, 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 BlueLedge Mine facilitywas identified as a potential hazardous waste site and entered intothe CERCUS on October 31, 2002 and assigned EPA Identification Number CAN000906063 (Ref. 12). In May 2005, EPAtasked the Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START)to conduct 

### a site screening sampling event followed bya removal assessment. Sample results from the screening sampling event were used to identify contaminants ofconcem. Duringthe 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 ofthe subsurface samples were analyzed for cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury and zinc. The samplingevent demonstrated that metals concentrations significantlyexceeded the Region 9 PreliminaryRemediation 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 runoffchannel and creating a settlingpond above the log dam to capture sediment eroded from thewaste piles. ByMay 2007, an approximate 90-cm thick deposit of sediment had accumulated in the pond, nearly filling its capacity. In June 2008 and June 20I0, water was observed flowing overthe log dam from the settlingpond (Ref. 4, p. 13, 14; Ref. 5, p. 10). In 2009, the USFS completed an SIonthe Facility. Duringthe 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 1flowed down the runoff channel tothe settlingpond 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, theMiddle Fork Applegate River, and ApplegateReservoir. Analytical results exhibited elevated concentrations ofmetals 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 underthe same ownership as the mine. Temporaryroads 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 removingwaste rock from the hillside ofthe Waste Rock pile, an excavator ruptured an unmapped adit. Itwas estimated

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 15that 50,000 to 75,000 gallons ofwater was released, however the exactvolume was not known. The adit was sandbagged following the release, however ground water continues to be discharging from the unnamed adit at a rate ofapproximately two to five gpm. In addition, three adits and one shaft were discovered subsequenttothe release. One ofthese adits has a pool ofstandingwater but does not appear to be flowing. The othertwo adits and one shaft appeared to be dry (Ref. 9). In June and July 2010, EPA taskedWESTON to conduct sampling in orderto investigate sediment and surface water contamination in thevicinityofthe BlueLedge Minefacility. To confirm ifa release tothe surface water pathwayhad occurred, sediment and surface water samples were collected from various locations along the surface water pathway extending downstream from the facilityto Joe Creek. To demonstrate thepresence ofhazardous substances in the sources to surface water, samples were collected from the waste rock piles and adit AMD within the surface waterpathway. All four ofthe Waste Rock Pile samples exhibited concentrations ofmetals for at least one ofthe 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 ofmetals 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 underUSFS oversight on the BlueLedge Mine facility. A total of54,700 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 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 pathwaywas evaluated on an observed release to Joe Creek. Elliott Creek, the Middle ForkApplegate River, and the Applegate Reservoir are fisheries located within the l5-mile Target Distance Limit (TDL). Multiplefish species, known to be consumed byhumans, 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 ofterrestrial sensitive environments. The BlueLedge Mine facility lies in within the terrestrial sensitive environments ofthe Siskiyou Mountains salamander, the Black Salamander, the Bluegraytaildropper, 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 of54.35. The drinking waterthreat and environmental threats were not scored because scoring these would not significantlyimpactthe overall site score. The ground water pathway was not scored due to the lack oftargets. 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 16SD-Characterization and Containment Source 1: Waste Rock Pile SOURCE DESCRIPTION 2.2 Source Characterization**,~** . Name ofSource: WasteRockPile NumberofSource: Source 

### 1 SourceType: Pile The BlueLedge Mine facility is located within the CondreyMountain Schist in theeast-central portion of the Klamath Mountains geomorphic province, which comprise a series ofnorth-south trending sedimentary and volcanic rocks containingmassive sulfide deposits. Rocks underlyingthe BlueLedge Mine facility are predominantlynorth-south striking, steeplywest dipping, and metamorphosed sedimentary and volcanic rocks. A majority ofthe ore zone ofthe mine is localized within schist. Massive sulfide mineralization underliesthe mine, with themain ore body consisting oflenses, stringers, and ,bands ofprimarycopperzinc sulfides (Ref. 10, p. 11). The BlueLedge Mine facility had a total of27 claims, 16 claims were on a strike ofa vein coveringthe length ofapproximately4.5 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 tothe stratification. Mineralization extended into the wall rock, making thevein zone 50 to 300 feet in width. The ore occurreQ as shoots containingboth massive and disseminated sulphides (Ref. 34. p. 1). In 1905, the adits and tunnels makingup the Blue Ledge Mine propertywere 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 cuthole and shows the ore for 19 feet. 4 Unknown Unknown Starts in ore, but on account ofits 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 ofthewest 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 17I 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. Atthe 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). Atthe 212 foot mark it shows 20 feet ofcopper and sulphide ore (5 percent copper). Source 1consists ofthe Waste Rock pile, and is comprised ofa 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 WasteRock pile. The Waste Rock pile extends from multipleformerly 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 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 ofthe facility, produced the waste rock in the WRP-4 area (Ref. 8, p. 17; Figure A-2). Although multiple adits exist on the BlueLedgeMine facility, and previous investigations have considered the waste rocktobe 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 ofpiles WRP-I through WRP-4 and concluded that they are comprised .ofthe same material. He stated that all ofthewaste rock (WRP-I through WRP-4) on the Blue Ledge Mine propertywas a product ofmining along the same ore body, and therefore the waste rock throughout theproperty is the same geologic makeup. Mining occurred along the same strike ofmineralization. The mineralization zone mined was approximately2,000 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 ofJoe Creek flows along the western edge ofthe Waste Rock pile and is completely covered bythe waste rock in the area near the log dam (Ref. 5, p. 9; Ref. 8,p. 78; Ref. 11, p. 5). Overtime, the waste rock has eroded and leached acidityand metals to Joe Creek. Previous investigations estimated up to 70,000 tons ofsulfide-rich rock were discarded on the hillside belowthe adits (Ref. 8, p. 11, 12). SourceLocation The Waste Rock Pile is located on the BlueLedge 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 ofapproximately 4,100 feet to 4,800 feet (Ref. 5, p. 3; Ref. 11, p. 5).
HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 18SD-Characterization and Containment Source 1: Waste RockPile 

### Source Containment Release to surfacewater: In June and July 2010, the Waste Rock pile was observed to be in direct contact with Joe Creek. There was no engineered cover orretainingwall supportingthe waste rock from coming into contact with surface water (Ref. 5, p. 5, 6). In addition, seasonal drainage gullies nm through the lowerportions ofWRP-2 and WRP-3. Both gullies drain toJoe Creek. There has been no obvious drainage way observed within WRP4 (Ref. 8, p. 17). In September2000, April 2001 and August 2001, the USFS conducted investigations on the BlueLedge Mine facility and collected samples from the onsite run-offchannel, Joe Creek, and Elliott Creek. Analytical results indicated that concentrations ofcadmium, copper, iron, lead and zinc in Joe Creek increased significantly in surface water downstream ofthe BlueLedge 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 1through EC-07), two surface water samples were collected from MiddleForkApplegate River (AR-01 and AR-02), and one surface water sample was collected from theApplegate Reservoir (ARV-01). Six backgroundsurface water samples were collected in Joe Creek upstream ofthe facility (JC-10 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), alkalinityand 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 copperwas detected in all downstream surface water samples, with the exception ofAR-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 ofAR-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). Tofurther evaluatethe containment ofthe Waste Rock pile duringthe June and July 2010 HRS Sampling event, one selected sample was analyzed using a modified SyntheticPrecipitation LeachingProcedure (SPLP). The standard SPLP was modified to use the mine drainage instead ofthe synthetic precipitation in orderto show that the mine drainage from the adit(s) is leaching hazardous substances from the waste rock and subsequentlyto Joe Creek (Ref. 17, p. 23). The waste rock sample was collected from sample location

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 19BLM-WR-3 and the mine drainage was collected from Adit IN. Both samples were collected on July 1, 20I0 (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 ofarsenic (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 metalsusingthe modified SPLP EPA test method 1312 (Ref. 30, p. 1). Summarized below is analytical evidence ofcontamination in source sample BLM-WR-3 associated with the Waste RockPile located on the BlueLedge 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 20Hazardous Substances Source 1: Waste Rock Pile 

### 2.4.1 Hazardous Substances As part ofthe June and July 2010 HRS samplingevent on the BlueLedge 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 ofWRP-l; sample BLM-WR-2 was collected from light1:0 medium brown siltysand 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 siltysand 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 1foot 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 datavalidation 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 ofcontamination in source samples associated with the Waste Rock Pile located on the BlueLedge 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) 711110 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, 14,34,71

- 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 BLM-WR-2 (MY6ZE4) 711110 124 1.12

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 21Hazardous 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) 7/1110 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 22Hazardous 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) 711110 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-elementcorrection (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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 23any dilution factors, volume adjustments, or percent solids for that analysis taken into account. SSQLs were calculated as follows: SQL ( mg ) = CRDL x final volume IL x 1000 g x DF 

# (.ell) x kg dry wgt L 1000 Jlg sample weight (g wet wgt) X %S 1000 mL I kg
Where:

.Final volume (mL) is the final extractvolume following sample preparation' Sample weight (g wet wgt) is the weight ofthe sample used for analysis % Sis % solids value divided by 100; % solids is determined as follows: (g dry weight ofsample used for analysis)/(g wetweight of sample used for analysis) xlOO%' DF is the dilution factor for the instrumental analysis

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 24SD-Hazardous Waste Quantity Source 1: Waste Rock Pile 

### 2.4.2. HazardousWaste Quantity TierA: Hazardous Constituent Quantity The information available is not sufficient to meaningfully evaluate TierA, hazardous constituent quantity; therefore it is not possibleto adequately determine a hazardous constituent quantityfor the Waste Rock Pile (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.1). Scoring proceeds tothe evaluation ofTierB, hazardous wastestream quantity (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.2). 

### Hazardous Constituent QuantityValue: NE TierB: HazardousWastestream Quantity The infonnation available is not sufficientto accurately evaluate TierB, hazardous wastestream quantity; therefore it is not possibleto adequately detennine a hazardous wastestream quantityfor the Waste Rock Pile (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.1). Scoring proceeds tothe evaluation ofTierC, volume (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.2). 

### HazardousWastestream Quantity Value: NE Tier C: Volume In November 2008, a geotechnical investigation was conducted on the BlueLedge Mine facility. During

.the investigation, the volume ofwaste rock piles WRP-l through WRP-4 was calculated. WRP-l had an estimated volume of20,000 cubic yards,**WRP~2** had an estimated volume of5,000 cubic yards, WRP-3 had an estimated volume of5,000 cubicyards, and WRP-4 had an estimated volume of 1,000 cubicyards (Ref. 18, p. 17,.51 through 53) The thicknesses were estimated bycomparing local rock outcrop elevations with theundisturbed waste rock slope face. The investigation concluded that there may be considerable variabilitybetween the interpolated thicknesses and actual thickness due to bedrock surface irregularity (Ref. 18, p. 17). In July and August 2010, removal activities occurred underUSFS oversight on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. A total of54,700 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 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). Utilizing conservative volume estimates, approximately 1,000 cubicyards 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 ofwaste rock (Ref. 18, p. 17; Ref. 35).

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 25The Waste Rock Pile is characterized as a Pile. This provides a Hazardous Waste QuantityValue 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 forthe Waste Rock Pile; therefore it is notnecessaryto 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 

### 27SD-Source Hazardous Waste QuantityValue 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(TierA), hazardous wastestream quantity (TierB), Volume (Tier 

### C), and Area (Tier D) should be assigned as the source hazardous waste quantityvalue (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.5).
Tier Evaluated
. Source 1 Values A NE B NE C 2,800 1 D 0

Value selected for the source hazardous waste quantity accordingto the HRS. NE NotEvaluated.
Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value: 2,800

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 28SD-Characterization and Containment Source 2: Adit IN Acid Mine Drainage 

### SOURCE DESCRIPTION 2.2 Source Characterization Name ofSource: Adit INAcid MineDrainage Number ofSource: Source 2 Source Type: Other The Blue Ledge Mine was discovered bypanners in approximately 1898. Inception, initial ownership, and significant development ofthe mine occurred between 1902 and 1909. The mine experienced periods of activity and inactivity overthe 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 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, groundwaterfrom Adit IN was observed discharging from the adit and flowing overthe log waste rock dam intoJoe Creek (Ref. 4, p. 12, 14,85). In June 2010, groundwater from Adit IN was observed discharging from the adit and flowing overthe Waste Rock pile for approximately 100 feet before it percolated belowthe waste rock surface. Previous'investigations have documented increased sulfate concentrations and acidityemerging from the BlueLedge 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 ofAMD. AMD is continuallyformed by a weathering process that oxidizes sulfhr-bearitig minerals to sulfate and acidity. The AMD process is further expedited by oxidation ofthe reduced minerals bymicrobes. The production ofacidityattheBlue Ledge Mine facility causes metals to leach from surrounding waste rock as water percolates through the scattered waste piles. During periods ofhigherprecipitation, 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 INthroughout late springto fall. Due to the elevation ofthe BlueLedge Mine facility, access tothe mine is limited duringwinter and early springto 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 BlueLedge Mine facility, and is comprised ofa majority ofthe waste rock on the facility (Ref. 8, p. 12, Figure 1-2). During investigations conducted in 2008 and 2010, ground waterfrom Adit 1N was observed discharging from the adit and flowing overthe 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 29SD-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 atthebase ofthe slope where the deepest deposits are located (Ref. 5, p. 4; Ref. 8, p. 78; Ref. 11, p. 5, p. 25). SourceLocation 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 surfacewater: In 2006, the WRP-I was terraced and regraded in an effortto redirect AMD to a channel-lined with marble boulders. A setline basin was constructed behind the log dam totrap sediment eroded from the waste rock piles. The goal was to stabilize the slope, reduce erosion, and provide passive treatment ofacidic run-off. In 2007, it was observed thatthe marble boulders became coated with iron precipitates in approximately three weeks after construction andthe sedimentation basin quickly filled with sediment. Itwas observed that run-offand AMD from higher on the slope flow in an undeveloped and unlined channel until directed intothe settlingpond by a marble berm. During periods ofheavyprecipitation, run-offovertops the log dam and drains intoJoe Creek (Ref. 8, p. 14, 15,92through 94). During investigations conducted in June 2008, ground water was observed discharging from Adit IN and flowing overthe Waste Rock pile directlyto Joe Creek. Itwas observed to be flowing down the run-off channel into the settlingpond 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 thatthe mine drainage contained cadmium, copper and zinc at levels exceedingEPA 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, theUSFS conducted investigations on the BlueLedge Mine facility and collected samples from the onsite nm-offchannel, Joe Creek, and Elliott Creek. Analytical results indicated that concentrations ofcadmium, copper, iron, lead and zinc in Joe Creek increased significantly in surface water downstream ofthe BlueLedge Mine facility (Ref. 4, p. 12). In June 2008, theUSFS collected surface water samples from the onsite adits and seeps. Water sampled from Adit IN exhibited concentrations ofcadmium (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 of2.4 (Ref. 4,53 and 538).

HRS Documentation Record BlueLedge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 30SD-Hazardous Substances Source 2: Adit INAcid Mine Drainage 

### 2.4.1 Hazardous Substances As part ofthe June and July2010 HRS samplingevent on the BlueLedge Mine facility, ground water discharging from Adit INwas collected and sampled. The sample was collected adjacentto the discharge point and filtered priorto 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 datavalidation

results are in Reference 29. Summarized below is analytical evidence ofcontamination 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 percentrelative intensity results are outside the method control limit. Howeyer, the presence ofthe analyte is not in doubt.

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 31SQL: 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 extractvolume following sample preparation Initial volume (mL) is the volume ofsample used DF is the dilution factor

HRS Documentation Record BlueLedge·Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 32SD-Hazardous Waste Quantity Source 2: Adit IN Acid Mine Drainage 2.4.2. HazardousWaste Quantity Tier

### A: Hazardous Constituent Quantity The information available

## IS not sufficientto meaningfullyevaluate TierA, hazardous constituent quantity; therefore it is not possibleto adequatelydetermine a hazardous constituent quantityfor the Adit INAcid Mine Drainage (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.1). Scoringproceeds to the evaluation ofTierB, hazardous wastestream quantity(Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.2). Hazardous Constituent QuantityValue: 

### NE Tier B: HazardousWastestream Quantity Numerous discharge measurements have been calculated for the ground water discharging from Adit IN. A majority ofthe measurementswere collected dU'ring the dry season in the summermonths. In the summers of2007 and 2008, a measurement ofapproximately0.5 gallons per minute (gpm) wasobserved dischargingfrom the adit. The discharge is reportedlyhigher duringthe wetter months ofthe year (Ref. 8, p. 17). PeteJones, a geologist with theUSPS, has been visitingthe Blue Ledge Minefacility since 1995. Mr. Jones has observed ground water dischargingfrom Adit IN everyyear for the last 15 years. He stated that the flow has been a consistent one totwo gpm duringthe summer months and has a heavier flow oftwo to five gpm duringthe spring months (Ref. 9). Using a conservative flow rate estimate for the spring and summer seasons, the following hazardous wastestream quantityis calculated:

Month Conservative FlowRate MonthlyDischarge Rate* Quantity** March (31 days) 2gpm 2 gallons/minutex 31 days 

### = 89,280 gallons 892,800 pounds April (30 days) 2gpm 2 gallons/minutex 30 days

### = 86,400 gallons 864,000 pounds May (31 days) 2gpm 2 gallons/minutex 31 days 

### = 89,280 gallons 892,800 pounds June (30 days) 1 gpm 1 gallon/minutex 30 days 

### = 43,200 gallons 432,000 pounds

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 33Month Conservative FlowRate MonthlyDischargeRate* Quantity** July (31 days) 1 gpm 1 gallon/minutex 31 days

## = 44,640 gallons 446,400 pounds August (31 days) 1 gpm 1 gallon/minutex 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 QuantityValue: 11,923.2 Tier 

### C: Volume The hazardous wastestream quantitywas adequatelydetermined for the Adit INAcid Mine Drainage; therefore it is not necessaryto 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 quantitywas adequately determined for the Adit 1N Acid Mine Drainage; therefore it is not necessaryto detennine an area for the Adit INAcid Mine Drainage (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.2). Area Assigned Value: NE SD-Source Hazardous Waste QliantityValue Source 2: Adit IN Acid Mine Drainage SourceHazardousWaste QuantityValue Accordingto Section 2.4.2.1.5 ofthe HRS, the highest of thevalues assigned tothe source for hazardous constituent quantity(TierA), hazardous wastestream quantity(TierB), Volume (Tier C), and Area (Tier D) should be assigned as the source hazardous waste quantityvalue (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.5).

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 34

### TierEvaluated Source2 Values A 

### NE B 

### 11,923.i 

# c NE D 

### NE

Value selected for the source hazardouswaste quantity accordingtothe HRS. NE Not Evaluated.
SourceHazardousWaste QuantityValue: 11,932.2

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 35SD-Summary SITE SUMMARY OF SOURCE DESCRIPTIONS
Source Source Hazardous Coutainment

Nfl. Waste Quantity· Value Ground Water Surface Water Gas ..; ", AirParticulate 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

### =NotEvaluated.

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine Mar-ch 2011 CAN000906063 36i 

### POSSffiLESOURCESNOTSCORED

• Unnamed adit on WRP-l. In August 2010, theUSFS was conducting a removal ofthewaste rock from the BlueLedge Mine facility. On August 18, 2010, while removing waste rock from the hillside**ofWRP~I,** an excavator uncovered wet soil, eventuallyrupturing an unmapped adit. Approximately250 cubic yards ofmine rock was eroded (Ref. 9; Ref. 19Y The exactvolume of water released is unknqwn, but was estimated tobe 50,000 gallons to 75,000 gallons. The adit was sandbagged following the release; however ground water continues to be dischargingfrom the unnamed adit at a rate ofapproximatelytwo to five gpm. In addition, three dry adits were uncovered priortothe August 2010 release. Subsequently, a dry shaft and anotherflowing adit were exposed duringthe waste rock removal. One ofthese adits has a pool ofstandingwater but does not appeartobe flowing (Ref. 9).

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 37

### 3.0 GROUNDWATERPATHWAY The ground waterpathwaywas not scored duringthis evaluation. There are no known uses ofground wateron the Blue Ledge Mine facility. Residences in the Joe Bar community utilize wells and springs for drinking

.waterthatare supplied byground waterbeneaththeirproperty. Existing analytical dataindicatethatarsen"ic, cadmium, copper, leadand zinc were detected in two residences drinkingwaterwellsand one springused for drinking water. Onlyqetectionsofdissolved arsenic exceeded associated screening criteriawith concentrations rangingfrom 0.22 microgramsper liter (ug/I)to 6.27 ug/l. Although arsenicwas 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 BlueLedge Mine facility, butrathertobe due to high levels ofarsenic in local soils (Ref. 4, p. 20, 21,54, 139; Ref. 8, p. 20, 21).

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 384.0 

### SURFACE WATERMIGRATIONPATHWAY 4.1 OVERLANDIFLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT 4.1.1 General Considerations The BlueLedge Mine facility is located within theRogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Siskiyou County, California (Ref. 3). Thefacility is located on rural patented land approximately 3 miles; south of the California-Oregon border. The mine spans in elevation from about 4,000 to4,800 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. Duringthe HRS Sampling conducted in June and July2010, the most downstream probablypoint ofentry (PPE) evaluatedwas located in Joe Creek atthe base ofWRP-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, generallynorth-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 tothe Middle Fork Applegate River,justupstream 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 Creekwatershed is located within thetransient 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 primarycause offlooding in theUpperApplegate watershed. Pulses ofrunoffoccurring during these times create a high risk ofmass wasting and surface erosion (Ref. 10, p. 24). The Western Regional Climate Centerreports that the average total precipitation in the vicinity ofthe site is approximately49.46 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 ofthe year, except in cases when rock surfaces are submerged. Such processes are greatest duringthe dry period from July to November. High flow periods in the spring months offerthe greatest opportunityto 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 ofan SI investigation. Discharge measurements were made using the Velocity-AreaProcedure wherein the mean velocity and flow cross-sectional areas ofmany 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 of87 cfs above the
HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 39confluence with Joe Creek; Elliott Creek exhibited a stream discharge of266 cfs abovethe confluence with theMiddle Fork Applegate River; and the MiddleFork 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 duringthe fall and spring. Various life stages oftailed frog (Ascaphus truei)and Pacific giant salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus)'were found upstream oftheBlueLedge Mine facility in both surveys. No amphibians were counted directly downstream ofthe mine and a maximum ofonlythree were found further downstream(Ref. 10, p. 34). The watershed between the mine and ApplegateReservoirhosts resident rainbow trout and cutthroattrout populations; Pacific lamprey and reticulate sculpin may also inhabitthe watershed. Elliott Creek contains approximately20.4 miles ofresident rainbow and cutthroat trout fish habitat (Ref. 10, p. 13). Historically, fish such as fall Chinook, Coho salmon, Pacific lamprey, and steelhead migrated tothe 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 oftheUSFS has been working on the BlueLedge 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, duringthe HRS Sampling event, people were observed fishing in theMiddle ForkApplegate River, downstream ofits 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, commonlyreferred to as Applegate Lake, was created in 1980 byimpoundingtheApplegate 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 of83 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 naturallyproduced 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 40SWOF-Observed Release 

### 4.1.1.1 Definition ofHazardous SubstanceMigrationPath for Overland/flood Component The hazardous substance migration path includes both the overland and the in-water segmentthat hazardous substances would take asthey migrate away from sources atthe 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 - WasteRockPile

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 waterbody. WRP-l extends from two formerly productive adits, Adit 1Sand Adit IN, down to Joe Creek. Waste rock from WRP-l pilewas 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 ofJoe Creek flows alongthewestem edge of WRP-l and is completelycovered bythe waste rock in the area nearthe log dam (Ref. 5, p. 9; Ref. 8, p. 78, Ref. 11, p. 5). A seasonal drainage gullyruns through the lowerportions ofWRP-3. The gully drains into an unnamed tributary, which then discharges to Joe Creek (Ref. 8, p. 17). 

### (2) Source2 - Adit INAcid MineDrainage The Waste Rock Pile is located on the BlueLedge Mine facility, and is comprised ofa majority of thewaste rock on thefacility. A portion ofthe 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 waterfrom Adit INwas observed discharging from the adit and flowing overthe Waste Rock pileto Joe Creek (Ref. 8, p. 94). In June and July 2010, the flow from Adit INwas observed discharging from the adit and flowing over the Waste Rock piletowards Joe Creek until it seeped back into the pile approximately 100 feet downhill ofthe 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 setlinebasin was constructed behind the log dam totrap sediment eroded from the waste rock piles. The goal was to stabilizethe slope, reduce erosion, and provide passive treatment ofacidic run-off. In 2007 and 2008, it was observed that themarble boulders became coated with iron precipitates in approximatelythree weeks after construction and the sedimentation basin quickly filled with sediment (Ref. 8, p. 92 through 94). It was observed that run-offand AMD from higher on the slope flow in an undeveloped and unlined channel until directed into the settlingpond by a marble berm. Duringperiods ofheavyprecipitation, run-off overtops the log dam and drains into Joe Creek (Ref. 8, p. 14,15). In June 2010, run-offwas observed overtoppingthe log dam and draining into Joe Creek (Ref. 5, p. 10).

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 41SWOF-Observed Release There does not appear to be adequate containmentto preventthe migration ofhazardous substancespresent in theAdit IN Acid Mine Drainage (Ref. 5, p. 1, 7). In-Water Segments The in-water segment begins atthePPE to an eligible surface waterbody as defined in theHRS final rule (Ref. I, Section 4.0.2). Eligible surface waterbodies that have been determined to be part ofthe inwater segmentfor the BlueLedge Mine include Joe Creek. Rationale for includingthese as eligible surface water bodies is provided below. The TDLfor the surface waterpathway, which defines the maximum distance overwhich 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-WasteRockPile In June and July 2010, the "toe" ornortheast boundary ofWRP-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 Creekflows north for approximately 3.4 miles to its confluence with Elliott Creek. From this confluence, Elliott Creek continues west and discharges to the MiddleForkApplegate River,justupstream ofthe Applegate Reservoir. The Applegate Reservoir is approximately 8 miles downstream oftheBlue Ledge Mine facility (Ref. 4, p. 6,21; Figure A-5 ofthe documentation record). (2) Source 2 - Adit lNAcid Mine Drainage During investigations conducted in June 2008, groundwater was observed discharging from Adit IN and flowing overthe Waste Rock pileto Joe Creek. Itwas observed to be flowing down the run-offchannel intothe settlingpond 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 tothe MiddleFork Applegate River,justupstream ofthe Applegate Reservoir. The Applegate Reservoir is approximately 8 miles downstream ofthe BlueLedge Mine facility (Ref. 4, p. 6, 21; Figure A-5 ofthe documentation record).

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 42SWOF-Observed Release 

### 4.1.2.1 LIKELffiOOD OFRELEASE 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 1was observed to be in direct contact with Joe Creek (Ref. 5, p. 5,6). An unnamed ephemeral tributary ofJoe Creek flows alongthewestern edge ofWRP-l and is completelycovered bythewaste rock in the areanearthe log dam (Ref. 5, p. 9; Ref. 8, p. 78; Ref. 11, p. 5). Surface water sampleBLM-SW-4, collected in Joe Creek directly adjacenttothe direct contact, exhibited elevated concentrations ofmetals (Ref. 29, p. 11). This indicatesthat metals contamination associated with the Waste Rock Pile is in direct contact with surface water. All four ofthe Source 1 samples collected in July2010 have elevated concentrations ofmetals 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 theRelease: 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, 14,34,71

- 80; Ref. 40, p. 2 BLM-WR-2 (MY6ZE4) 7I11l0 124 1.12**~T""~~** tH'. ,nA , ,,. ·n.-J**'v~** "'V ,-,,-,,n° .'v HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 43SWOF-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 J1 ,3 (2.09) 1.17

Chromium BLM-WR-2 (MY6ZE4) BLM-WR-3 (MY6ZE5\ 7/1/10 7/1/10 9.8 J1 ,3(7.6) 7.0 J1 ,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 44SWOF-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) 711110 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) 711110 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 oftile analyte in the sample is not in doubt For antimony and copper the value reported may be biased high. However, the presence oftile 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 oftile 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 oftile 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 45SWOF-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 ofthe sample used for analysis %Sis % solids value divided by 100; % solids is determined as follows: (g dry weightofsample 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, theUSFS conducted an SI on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. Duringthe 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 Creekwas observed. Ground water emergingfrom Adit 1N and seep SP-O 1flowed down the runoffchannel tothe settlingpond 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 MiddleFork Applegate River, and Applegate Reservoir (Ref. 4, p. 12 through 14). A summary ofthe samplingevent is presented below.
. 

### SUljace WaterSampling 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 qualitymeasurements at each water sample. location included pH, temperature, and specific conductivity. Water samples from the seeps and the log dam could not be collected directlywith abailer. These samples were collected directlyinto lab-provided bottlesandjars for analyses not requiring field filtering. Samples requirillg filtering were collected in an unpreserved I-liter bottle and transferred to a clean dedicated bailerwith a clean, disposable 0.45-micron filter attached. to its outlet, from which sample containers were filled. Ofthe seven adits observed atthe facility, onlyAdit IN and Adit 5 were discharging ground water duringthe 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 onthe hillside tothe west ofWRP-l (seep #1) and one wasnearthe former Eileen Town site (seep #2). Both seeps were sampled (SP-Ol and SP-02). Water was observed flowing overthe log dam from the settlingpond created as part ofthe 2006 EPA removal action. A single water sample, DAM-O 1, was collected frombelowthe 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). Sixbackground surface water samples were collected in Joe Creekupstream ofthe (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 46SWOF-Observed Release

total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinityand 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 copperwas detected in all downstream surface water samples, with the exception ofAR-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 ofAR-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. 194,213,236through 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. Sedimentthat did not contactthe shovel was then placed in samplejars manually while wearing clean, disposable nitrile gloves. Personnel stood downstream during sampling, and sediment samplingwas performed after collection ofwater samples (Ref. 4, p. 15). Six background sediment samples were collected in Joe Creek upstream ofthe facility (JC-l0through 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 duringthe 2010 HRS Samplingevent (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 SedimentBackground Concentrations: HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 

### 47SWOF-Observed Release

The surface water sediments were coIIected within the first six inches ofsediment 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 ofcoIIectingthe release samples (Ref. 16, p. 8). The background sediment samplys, BLM-SD-l and BLM-SD-2, Were homogenized and dewater priorto beingtransferred to glassjars**(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; Ref. 40, p. 3 BLM-SD-2 (MY6ZE9) 6/30/1 0 0.081 J2(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-elementcorrection (1EC) factors may not sufficiently compensate. For copper and lead: the value reported may be biased high. However, the presence ofthe analyte in the sample is not in doubt The analyte was positively identified, howeverthe 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 ofthe 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 48SWOF-Observed Release

Final volume (mL) is the final extractvolume following sample preparation Sample weight (g wet wgt) is the weight ofthe sample used for analysis % S is % solids value divided by 100; % solids is determined as follows: (g dry weight ofsample used for analysis)/(g wet weight of sample used for analysis) xlOO% DF is the dilution factor for the instrumental analysis



### -**Joe,~reek** 

### SedimentContaminated 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) (includingthe background SQL), and is at least three times greaterthan 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 usingthe same procedures as the background sediment samples (Ref. 16, p. 5through 8). Sediment sample locations are presented in Figure A-4.

Hazardous Hazardous Substance SampleID (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-elementinterference 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-elementcorrection (IEC) factors may not sufficiently compensate.
HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 49SWOF-Observed Release

For copper and lead: the value reported may be biased high. However, the presence ofthe 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 ofthe 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, orpercent solids for that analysis taken into account. SSQLs were calculated as follows: SQL ( 109 ) = CRDL (lIg) x 1 109 x fi lO

... .........e--'(
... x IL x 1000 g x DF

__......al_volum m.;;,L)'--

__ kg dry wgt 

### L 1000 IIg
. sample weight (g wet wgt) x %S 1000 mL 1kg Where: Final volume (mL) is the final extractvolume following sample preparation Sample weight (g wet wgt) is the weight ofthe sample used for analysis % S is % solids value divided by 100; % solids is determined as follows: (g dry weight ofsample used for analysis)/(g wet weight of sample used for analysis) x100% DF is the dilution factor for the instrumental analysis

- Surface WaterBackground Concentrations: The surface water samples were collected by immersingthe sample container beneath the surface and openingthe cap. Surface water samples were then filtered into a new sample container. Priorto capping the sample container, nitric acid was added as a preservative with a pH oflessthan 2 (Ref. 16, p. 4). The background samples were collected on the same day ofcollectingthe 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 March 2011 CAN000906063 50SWOF-Observed Release

1 1: The analyte was positively identified,'howeverthe results are above the method detection limitbutbelow the contractrequired quantitation limit. U: The analyte was analyzed for, butwas not detected above the level ofthe 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 extractvolume 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 bythe HRS (Ref. 1, Table 2-3). Observed release criteria is met whenthehazardous substance is attributable to on-site sources, its concentration exceedsthe SQL (includingthe background SQL), and is at least three times greaterthan the background concentration when the background concentration equals or exceeds the SQL (Ref. 1, Table 2-3; Ref. 20, p. 4). Joe CreekContammatedSrf: Water Sampes: u ace
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, 73; Ref. 40, p. 5 6/30110 62.2 2.0 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 March 2011 CAN000906063 51SWOF-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 extractvolume following sample preparation Initial volume (mL) is the volume ofsample used DF is the dilution factor
Attribution: The BlueLedge Mine facility is located within theRogue River-SiskiyouNational Forest in Siskiyou County, California, approximately 33 miles southwest ofJacksonville, Oregon (Ref. 3; Ref. 4, p. 6; Ref. 10, p. 9). The facility is located on rural patented land approximatelythree miles south ofthe CaliforniaOregon border. The mine spans in elevatiori from approximately4,000 to 4,800 feet above mean sea level. The mine lies at the upper headwaters oftheJoe Creek Watershed, on a steep, generally north-facing hiIIslope, adjacent toJoe Creek. Joe Creek flows north toElliott Creek, which is a tributaryto the Middle Fork ofthe Applegate River. TheApplegate River flows north across the California-Oregon borderto Applegate Reservoir (Ref. 4, p. 6). A site location map is presented in Figure A-I. The BlueLedge 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 overthe 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 ofthemine to a mine adit atop the Blue Ledge Mine. The separated ore was trammed down thehillside via an overhead cable to a location close to Joe Creek. Ore wasthen trucked out ofthe state toWashington for further processing. No large scale mining activities have occurred since the 193Os. The facilityhas 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 INwas observed discharging from the adit and flowing over the Waste Rockpile into Joe Creek (Ref. 4, p. 12). In June 2010, ground waterfrom Adit IN was observed discharging from the adit and flowing overthe Waste Rock pilefor approximately 100 feet before it percolated belowthe waste rock surface. Previous investigations have documented increased sulfate concentrations and acidityemerging 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 facilityprovide a continuing source ofAMD. AMD is continuallyformed 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 ofacidity at the Blue Ledge Mine facility causes metalsto leach from surroundingwaste rock as waterpercolatesthrough the scattered waste piles. During HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011
. CAN000906063 52SWOF-Observed Release

periods ofhigher precipitation, the AMD infiltrates through the waste rock and leaches metals. The finer thewaste particle, the more surface area is available for the AMD to leach metals from (Ref. 10, p. 16). The Waste Rockpile extends from multipleformerly 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. Twoformerly productiveadits, 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 BlueLedge Mine facility, and previous investigations have considered thewaste rock to be in four separate piles, the Waste Rock pile is considered to be one pile based onthe geologic makeup ofthe site. In addition, Pete Jones, a geologist with theUSFS, has made visual observations ofpiles WRP-I through WRP-4 and concludedthatthey are comprised ofthe same material. He statedthat all ofthe waste rock (WRP-I through WRP-4) on the BlueLedge Mine propertywas a product ofmining along the same ore body, and therefore the waste rock throughoutthe property is the same geologic makeup. Miningoccurred along the same strike ofmineralization. The mineralization zone was approximately 3,000 feet (Ref. 39). Waste rock was observed in direct contact with Joe Creek in June and July2010 (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 ofJoe Creek flows along the western edge ofthe Waste Rockpile and is completelycovered bythe waste rock in the area nearthe log dam (Ref. 5, p. 9; Ref. 8, p. 78; Ref. 11, p. 5). Overtime, the waste rock has eroded and leached acidityand metals to Joe Creek. Previous investigations estimated up to 70,000 tons ofsulfide-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 vicinityofthe BlueLedge Minethat could be contributingtothe elevated concentrations ofmetals in Joe Creek. The Tin Cup Mine is located tothe northeast ofthe site. The BlueLedge Mine and Tin Cup Mine claim encompass a total of540 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 ofmetals contamination associated with Sources 1 and 2 and associated drainages has been established based on chemical analyses ofsamples as described below. 

### (1) 

### Source I-WasteRockPile As part ofthe June and July 2010 HRS Sampling event on theBlueLedge 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 53SWOF-Observed Release

submitted to a laboratory for definitive metals analysis (Ref. 28, p. 2). Samples collected from the**Wast~** Rock pile exhibited concentrations ofmetals, specificallyantimony, 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 ofat least one ofthe following metals: copper, manganese and/or zinc. Themaximum 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 tothe direct contact ofthe Waste Rockpile and Joe Creek exhibited the maximum concentrations for these metals (Ref. 29, p. 11). Sediment samples collected adjacent to and downstream ofthe direct contact oftheWaste Rock pile and Joe Creek exhibited elevated concentrations ofmetals. Mercurywas detected in sample BLM-SD-4 at a concentration of0.46 mg/kg. Copper, lead and zinc were detected in samples BLM-SD-4 and BLM-SD-5 at maximum concentrations of447 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, theymigrate 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 tothe Middle Fork Applegate River,justupstream ofthe Applegate Reservoir. The Applegate Reservoir is approximately 8 miles downstream ofthe Blue Ledge Mine facility (Ref. 4, p. 6, 21). 

### (2) Source 2 -AditINAcid MineDrainage As part ofthe June and July2010 HRS Sampling event on the BlueLedge Mine facility, ground water discharging from Adit 

### INwas 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 54SWOF-Observed Release

confluence, Elliott Creek continues west and discharges to the Middle Fork Applegate River,justupstream ofthe Applegate Reservoir. The Applegate Reservoir is approximately 8 miles downstream oftheBlue ;Ledge Mine facility (Ref. 4, p. 6, 21). Analyses ofsurface water and sediment samples collected from Joe Creek during.theEPA 2010 HRS Samplingevent indicatethat concentrations ofmetals are significantly above surface water and sediment background levels. Contaminated samples had metals concentrations at levels three times theirrespective 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 totheHRS, ifan observed release can be established for the watershed, an observed release factor value of550 is assigned (Ref. 1, Section 4.1.2.1.1).

Surface Water Observed Release FactorValue: 550

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 554.1.2.1.2 POTENTIAL TO RELEASE - NotEvaluated (NE) Potential to release byoverland flow was not evaluated because an observed release was established (Ref. I, Section 4.1.2.1.1).

Potential toRelease FactorValue: NE

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 56SWOF-DrinkingWater 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 ofthe facility, utilize ground water wells for drinkingwater. Existinganalytical dataindicatethatarsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and zincwere detected in two residences drinking water wells and one spring used for drinking water. Only detections ofdissolved arsenic exceeded associated screening criteria with concentrations ranging from 0.22 micrograms per liter (ug/I)to6.27ug/l. Although arsenicwas detected in all three ground watersources,therewasno evidencethat the levels were related to concentrations ofarsenic detected in surface water adjacentto the BlueLedge Mine facility, butratherto be dueto high levels ofnaturally-occurring arsenic in local soils (Ref. 4, p. 20, 21, 34, 54, 139; Ref. 8, p. 20,21). Therefore, the drinking waterthreat was not evaluated.

DrinkingWater ThreatFactorValue: NE

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 57SWOF/Food Chain-Toxicity/Persistence/Bioaccumulation
4.1.3.2 Human Food Chain ThreatWaste Characteristics Evidence ofcontamination associated with the WasteRock Pile (Source I) and the AditlNAcid Mine Drainage (Source 2) has been established based on chemical analyses ofsamples collectedfrom these sources (refertothe 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

FactorValue (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 58Persistence Toxicity Source Hazardous Factor No. Substance Value**:~,** !
1 10,000

Mercury

2 10,000 Nickel

1,2 Selenium 100

1,2 100 Silver

1 100 Thallium

1 Vanadium 100

1,2 10 Zinc Factor Valuel



### .. .. 1

1

1

1

1

1

1 Bioaccumulation**Valu~** Toxicity/ Persistence/ Bioaccumulation

FactorValue (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

1The surface water categorythat 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 1was assigned (Ref. 2, p. 6).

2 Bioaccumulation factor values are assigned for the type ofwater 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 59ToxicitylPersistencelBioaccumulation FactorValue: 500,000,000

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 60SWOF/Food Chain-Hazardous Waste Quantity
4.1.3.2.2 Hazardous Waste Quantity

,. SourceNo. Source Type Source Hazardous Waste Quantity 1 Pile 2,800 2 Other 11,923.2 Sum ofValues: 14,723.2 Hazardous Waste QuantityFactorValue: 10,000 (Ref. 1, Table 2-6)
4.1.3.2.3 Waste Characteristics Factor CategoryValue ToxicitylPersistence FactorValue: 10,000 HazardousWaste QuantityFactorValue: 10,000 Bioaccumulation Potential FactorValue: 50,000 (ToxicitylPersistence FactorValue) x (Hazardous Waste QuantityFactorValue) 

### = 1 x 108 Subjectto a maximum of 1 x 108(Ref. 1, Section 3.2.3) (Toxicity/Persistence FactorValue x Hazardous Waste QuantityFactorValue) x (Bioaccumulation Potential FactorValue) = 5 x 1012 

## Ahazardous waste quantityfactor of 10,000 is assigned from Reference 1, Table 2-6 for a source hazardous waste quantityvalue 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 of50,000. The waste characteristics factor category value from Reference 1, Table 2-7 for a waste characteristics product of5 x 1012 (subjectto a maximum product of! x 1012) is 1,000.

Hazardous Waste QuantityAssigned Value: 10,000 Waste Characteristics Factor CategoryValue: 1,000 (Ref. 1, Tables 2-6 and 2-7)

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 61SWOF/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, ortissue samples which meet the criteriafor actual contamination butare less than specific health-based benchmarks (or ifhealth-based benchmarks do not exist) (Ref. 1; Sect. 4.1.3.3). According totheHRS, actlml contamination begins either at thepoint ofdirect observation or at or between the PPE and the most distant samplingpoint establishingthe observed release (Ref. 1, Sect. 4.1.3.3).

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 62SWOF/Food Chain-Food Chain Individual 4.1.3.3.1 Food Chain Individual Pete Jones ofthe USFS has been working on the BlueLedge Mine facility since approximately 1995. 

### Mr. Jones stated that he has observed'people fishing inElliottCreek, theMiddle ForkApplegate River, and the Applegate Reservoir on numerous occasions (Ref. 9). 

### In June and July 2010, duringthe HRS Sampling event, people were observed fishing in theMiddle Fork Applegate River, downstream ofits confluence with Elliott Creek, and in theApplegate Reservoir (Ref. 5, p. 11). The Applegate Reservoir, located approximately 8 miles downstream ofthe BlueLedge Mine facilityis 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 byimpoundingtheApplegateRiver and several major tributaries including Carberry, Squaw and Elliott creeks. Thereservoir is relatively deep, having a maximum depth of233 feet and a mean depth of83 feet (Ref. 15, p. 9). TheApplegate Reservoir is managed as a two-storyrecreational fishery with stocked coldwater species (rainbow and steelhead trout, and Chinook and Coho salmon) and naturallyproduced 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, thetwo forms do have differences. The average length ofa Rainbow Trout is 12 to 18 inches, whereasthe 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 Biologistwith the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, conducted a fishery assessment for the Applegate Reservoir. Duringthe studyperiod, 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 ofsurvey respondents used a fish-cleaning station located adjacent tothe ApplegateReservoir, implying thatthe fish would be used for human consumption (Ref. 15, p. 38). The fisheries are not within the zone ofcontamination, but within theTDL. A release ofhazardous substances has been attributable tothe Blue Ledge Mine, a value of20 is assigned to food chain individual (Ref. 1; Sect. 4.1.3.3.1).

Dilution Weight Type ofSurface (Ref. 1, Identity ofFishery Water Body Table 4-13) Refs.

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 63Identity ofFishery Type ofSurface WaterBody Dilution Weight (Ref. 1, Table 4-13) Refs. Elliott Creek Moderate Stream



### - 0.01 Ref. 4, p. 22 Middle ForkApplegate River

. .' ,,' Moderate Stream '

.. ; 0.01 Ref. 4, p. 22 Applegate Reservoir Lake 0.01 Ref. 4, p. 22

Food Chain Individual FactorValue: 20

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 64SWOF/Food Chain-Level I Human Food Chain Contamination 

### 4.1.3.3.2 Population 4.1.3.3.2.1 Level I Concentrations

.Levellconcentrations have not been established. Therefore, the Level I:concentrations factor value receives an assigned value of

### O.

Level I Concentrations FactorValue: 0

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 65SWOFlFood 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 FactorValue: 0

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 66SWOF/Food Chain-Potential Human Food Chain Contamination 4.1.3.3.2.3 PotentialHuman Food Chain Contamination Pete Jones oftheUSFS has been working on theBlueLedge Mine facility since approximately 1995. Mr. Jones stated that he ,has observed people fishing in EIliott Creek, the MiddleFork**Appl~gate** River, and the Applegate Reservoir onnumerous occasions (Ref. 9). In June and July2010, duringtheHRS Sampling event, people were observed fishing in the MiddleFork Applegate River, downstream ofits confluence with Elliott Creek, and in theApplegate Reservoir (Ref. 5, p. 11). The Applegate Reservoir, located approximately 8 miles downstream ofthe BlueLedge 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 ApplegateLake, was created in 1980 by impoundingthe 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 of83 feet (Ref. 15, p.9). The Applegate Reservoir is managed as a two-storyrecreational fishery with stocked coldwater species (rainbow and steelhead trout, and Chinook and Coho salmon) and naturallyproduced warmwater species (smallmouthand largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, and brown bullhead) (Ref. 15, p. 9). In 2003, Ian Reid, a Fisheries Biologist with theRogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, conducted a fishery assessment for the Applegate Reservoir. Duringthe 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 brooktrout (Ref. 15, p. 29 and 31). Mr. Reid stated that it is his assumption that a majority ofthe fish harvested from the ApplegateReservoir are used for human consumption (Ref. 27). In addition, the 2003 fishery assessment noted that approximately 59 percent ofsurvey respondents used a fish-cleaning station located adjacent to the ApplegateReservoir, implying thatthe fish would be used for human consumption (Ref. 15, p. 38). Usingthese data, the estimated amount offish caught within theApplegate Reservoir fishery can be calculated:
Fish Species Number Caught HarvestRate Number Harvested Average, weight* Totalweight 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 BrookTrout 156 0% 0 Not applicable 0 Total fish harvested in 2006 3,768.62

HRS Documentation Record BlueLedge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 67

## * Average weight was determined by calculatingthe 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 

### =0.362pounds 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 ofa Rainbow Trout is 12 to 18 inches, whereas the Steelhead is 20 to 30 inches. The major difference between the two is thatthe Steelhead is a sea-going fish and the Rainbow Trout inhabits fresh water (Ref. 37, p. 1). The three fisheries within thetarget 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-AreaProcedure wherein the mean velocity and flow cross-sectional areas ofmany 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 theMiddle Fork Applegate River; and the MiddleFork Applegate River exhibited a stream discharge of286 cfs above the confluence with Elliott Creek (Ref. 4, p. 22).

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 

### 68

### Potential Population Targets Population Dilution Identity'of

Fishery Annual Productio n (pounds) Type of Surface WaterBody Average Annual Flow (cfs) Refs. Value (Pj) (Ref. 1, Table4-18) Weight(Dj) (Ref. 1, Table4-13) 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 FactorValue: 0.00306

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 69

### 4.1.4.2 ENVIRONMENTALTHREATWASTE CHARACTERISTICS There are no known sensitive environments in the surface waterpathway.**~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) werefound upstream ofthe BlueLedge Mine facility in both surveys. No amphibians were counted directly downstream ofthe mine and a maximum ofonlythree 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 FactorValue: NS

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 201.1 CAN000906063 

### 70

### 5.0 SOILEXPOSURE PATHWAY 5.0.1 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS The BlueLedge Mine facility is located within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National,Forest in Siskiyou County, California, approximately 33 miles southwest ofJacksonville, Oregon (Ref. 3). The facility is located on rural patented land approximatelythree miles south ofthe'California-Oregon border. Themine spans in elevation from approximately4,000 to 4,800 feet above mean sea level. Themine lies at the upperheadwaters ofthe Joe Creek Watershed, on a steep, generallynorth-facinghillslope, adjacent to Joe Creek. Joe Creek flows north to Elliott Creek, which is a tributary tothe MiddleFork oftheApplegate River. TheApplegate River flows north across the California-Oregon borderto ApplegateReservoir (Ref. 4, p. 6). A site location map is presented in Figure A-I. The BlueLedge Minewas 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 overthe next 20 years. Extensive excavations were undertaken, and a substantial amount ofwaste rock was generated as mine workings were developed and ore was removed. Miningcars carried extracted materials from the interior ofthe mine to a mine adit atop theBlueLedgeMine. The separated ore was trammed down the hillside via an overhead cableto a location close to Joe Creek. Ore was then trucked out ofthe stateto Washington for further processing. No large scale mining activities have occurred sincethe 1930s. The facilityhas had at least 14 owners/leases/operators throughout its existence (Ref. 7, p. 6; Ref. 10, p. 14, 15). Source 1consists ofthe Waste Rock pile, and is comprised ofa majorityofthe 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 (Ref8, 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 thewaste rock to be in four separate piles, theWaste Rock pile is considered to be one pilebased on the geologic makeup ofthe site. In addition, Pete Jones, a geologist with theUSFS, has made visual observations ofpiles WRP-l through WRP-4 and concluded that they are comprised ofthe same material. He stated that all ofthewaste rock (WRP-l through WRP-4) on the BlueLedge Mjne propertywas a product ofmining along the same ore body, and therefore the waste rockthroughoutthe property is the same geologic makeup. Mining occurred along the same strike ofmineralization. The mineralization zone mined was approximately 2,000 feet in length (Ref. 39). The BlueLedge Mine facility lies in within theterrestrial sensitive environments ofthe Siskiyou Mountains salamander, the Black Salamander, the Blue-graytaildropper, and the Traveling sideband snail (Ref. 13, p. 2; Ref. 14, p. 24 through 28).

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 71Area ofObserved Contamination: Waste Rock Pile Location ofarea: The Waste Rock pile extends from multipleformerly 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 ofthe facility, produced the waste rock in theWRP-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, Adit4A, and one exploratory adit, Adit 4B, located in the northern portion ofthefacility, produCed thewaste 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 approximately4,100 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 bythe 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 exceedsthe sample quantitation limit (SQL) (includingthe background SQL), and is at leastthree times greater than the background concentration, when the background concentration equals orexceeds the SQL (Ref. 1, Table 2-3). In 2009, theUSFS conducted an SI on the Blue Ledge Mine facility. Duringthe samplingevent, conducted in June 2008, two background riparian soil samples were collected adjacentto Joe Creek from two locations upstream ofthe BlueLedge 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 ofsoil afterthe removal oforganic debris present on the ground surface. A stainless steel shovel was used to perfonn in-situ homogenization priorto placingthe material into a

### l~boratory provided container. This was performed manuallywhile wearing clean, disposable nitrile gloves (Ref. 4, p. 15). The waste rock pile samples were submitted to a laboratoryfor definitive metals analysis. The samples were analyzed for total metals using EPA test method 60 1

### OB/6020 (Ref. 38, p. 93, 96; Ref. 41, p. 1 through 6). The datavalidation 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 72Hazardous 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 samplingevent on the BlueLedge 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 ofWRP-l, sampleBLM-WR-2 was collected from light to medium brown silty sand with subangular gravel with clasts upto 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 of WRP-l. All four samples were collected using clean and dedicated plastic scoops at depths between 0.5 and 1foot 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 datavalidation results are in Reference 28. All four ofthe Waste Rock Pile samples exhibited concentrations ofmetals for at least one ofthe following analytes: arsenic, cadmium, copper, and lead (Ref. 28, p. 9). Summarized below is analytical evidence ofcontamination in source samples associated with theWaste Rock Pile located on the BlueLedge Mine facility. 

### Area ofObserved Contamination

- WasteRockPile

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 73Hazardous 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) 7/1110 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-elementcorrection (1EC) factors may not sufficiently compensate. For copper the value reported may be biased high. However, the presence ofthe 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 ofthe 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 x final volume lL x 1000 g x OF 

# (l':!L) x 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 ofthe sample used for analysis % S is % solids value divided by 100; % solids is determined as follows: (g dry weight ofsample 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 

### 74Attribution The Blue Ledge Mine facility is located within theRogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Siskiyou County, California, approximately 33 miles southwest ofJacksonville, Oregon (Ref. 3). The facility is located primarily on rural patented land approximatelythree miles south ofthe California-Oregon border. The mine spans in elevation from approximately4,000 to 4,800 feet above mean sea level. Thej]line lies attheupperheadwaters ofthe Joe CreekWatershed, on a steep, generallynorth-facing hillslope, adjacent to Joe Creek. Joe "creekflows north toElliott Creek, which is a tributarytotheMiddleFork ofthe Applegate River. The Applegate Riverflows north across the California-Oregon borderto Applegate Reservoir (Ref. 4, p. 6). A site location map is presented in Figure A-I. The BlueLedge 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 activityand inactivityoverthe 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 theBlueLedge Mine. The separated ore was trammed down the hillside via an overhead cableto 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 1consists ofthe Waste Rock pile, and is comprised ofa majorityofthe 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 (Ref8, p. 1-2,2-3). Figure A-2 presentsthe Waste Rock pile. The Waste Rock pile extends from multipleformerly 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 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 theWRP-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 BlueLedge Mine facility, and previous investigations have considered thewaste 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 ofpiles WRP-l through WRP-4 and concluded thatthey are comprised ofthe same material. He stated that all ofthewaste rock (WRP-l through WRP-4) on theBlueLedge Mine property was a product ofmining along the same ore body, and therefore the waste rockthroughout the property is the same geologic makeup. Miningoccurred along the same strike ofmineralization. The mineralization zone mined was approximately 2,000 feet in length (Ref. 39). The Joe Creek area lies in what is approximatelythe 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 thewatershed and in the area ofthe BlueLedge Mine itself

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 75(Ref. 14, p. 24, 25). Field visits conducted in 2009 documented thatthe area in the immediatevicinityof the Waste Rock Pile consisted oflarge areas ofbedrock outcrops and cliffs with small area ofassociated talus that is suitable for the species (Ref. 14, p. 25). In addition, the Blue Ledge Minefacility lies in within theterrestrial sensitive environments ofthe Black Salamander 

### (Aneidesflavipunctatus), theBlue-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 thevicinityofthe BlueLedge Mine that could be contributingtothe elevated concentrations ofmetals in Joe Creek. The Tin Cup Mine,is located tothe northeast ofthe site. The BlueLedge Mine and Tin Cup Mine claim encompass a total of540 acres (Ref. 7, App. C). USFS personnel have visited theTin Cup Mine property. There is no wasterock 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 ofmetals contamination associated with theWaste Rock pilehas been established based on chemical analyses ofsamples. In June and July2010, EPA tasked WESTON to conduct sampling in order to investigate contamination in the vicinity ofthe BlueLedge Mine facility. To demonstrate the presence ofahazardous substances source, samples were collected from the waste rock. All four ofthe Waste Rock Pile samples exhibited concentrations ofmetals for at least one ofthe following analytes: arsenic, cadmium, copper, and lead (Ref. 29, p. 9). Based on the samplingconducted duringthe HRS Sampling event conducted in June and July 2010, contaminants from the BlueLedge Mine facilityhave migrated to areas known tobeused by endangered species. Samples collected from the Waste Rock pile exhibited concentrations ofmetals. 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 HazardousWaste Quantity TierA: Hazardous Constituent Quantity

- NotEvaluated (NE) The information available is not sufficient to meaningfullyevaluate TierA, hazardous constituent quantity; therefore it is notpossibleto adequately detennine a hazardous constituent quantityfor the Waste Rock Pile (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.1). Scoring proceedsto the evaluation hazardouswastestream quantity(Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.2).
. 

### Hazardous Constituent QuantityAssigned Value: NE

TierB - HazardousWastestream Quantity The information available is'not sufficient to meaningfully evaluate TierB, hazardous constituent quantity; therefore it is not possibleto 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). 

### HazardousWastestream 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 onlyfor 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 ofwaste rock piles WRP-l through WRP-4 was calculated. WRP-l was estimated to have an area of5.4 acres, WRP-2 was estimated to have an area of 1.3 acres, WRP-3 was estimated to have an area of0.8 acres, and WRP-4 was estimated to have an area of0.6 acres (Ref. 8, p. 16). In July and August 2010, removal activities occurred under USFS oversight on the BlueLedge Mine facility. A total of54,700 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 ofwaste rock was removed from WRP-4, with an estimated 2,000 cubicyards 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 77Thetable below summarizes the area ofthe remainingWaste 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 ofwaste rock remains on theBlueLedge Mine site. The Waste Rock Pile is characterized as a Pile. This provides a Hazardous Waste QuantityValue 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 78Hazardous Waste QuantityValue Area ofObserved Contamination: Waste Rock Pile SourceHazardous Waste Quantity Value Accordingto Section 2.4.2.1.5 oftheHRS,thehighest ofthevalues assignedtothe source for hazardous constituent quantity (TierA), hazardous wastestream quantity (TierB), Volume (TierC), and Area (Tier D) should be assigned as the source hazardous waste quantityvalue (Ref. 1, Sections 2.4.2.1.5 and 5.1.2.2).
TierEvaluated Source 1 Vaiues A NE B NE C NE D 1,768.02'

Value selected for the area ofobserved contamination hazardous waste quantityaccording to the HRS. NE NotEvaluated.
Source Hazardous Waste QuantityValue: 1,768.02

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 

### 795.1 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 ofObserved 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 ofExposure Factor CategoryValue: 550

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063 805.1.2 WASTE CHARACTERISTICS 5.1.2.1 Toxicity
Hazardous Substance**Toxi~ity** FactorValue 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 ToxicityFactorValue: 10,000
5.1.2.2 HazardousWaste Quantity

Area Source Type AreaHazardousWaste Quantity 

# IWaste Rock Pile 

# IPile \1,768.02 

# I

Hazardous Waste QuantityFactorValue: 100 (Table 2-6)
5.1.2.3 Calculation ofWaste CharacteristicsFactorCategoryValue ToxicityFactorValue: 10,000 Hazardous Waste QuantityFactorValue: 100 ToxicityFactorValue x Hazardous Waste QuantityFactorValue: 1,000,000 Waste Characteristics Factor CategoryValue: 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 BlueLedge Mine facility. The Resident Individual FactorValue is 

### O.

,**,.,~.** Resident Individual FactorValue: 0 

### 5.1.3.2 Resident Population There are no residents occupyingthe BlueLedge Mine facility. The Resident Population was not evaluated.


### 5.1.3.3 Workers The BlueLedge Mine has been inactive since the 1930s (Ref. 7, p. 6). There are no workers on the Blue Ledge Mine facility.

Workers FactorValue: 0 (Table 5-4) 

### 5.1.3.4 Resources There is no evidence ofcommercial agriculture, commercial silviculture, or commercial livestock production ofcommercial livestock grazing on theBlueLedge Mine facility.

Resources FactorValue: 0


### 5.1.3.5 Terrestrial Sensitive Environments The Joe Creek area lies in what is approximatelythe 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 thewatershed and in the area ofthe Blue Ledge Mine itself (Ref. 14, p. 24). Field visits conducted in 2009 documented thatthe area in the immediate vicinityofthe Waste Rock Pile consisted oflarge areas ofbedrock outcrops and cliffs with small area ofassociated talus that is suitable for the species (Ref. 14, p. 25). In addition, the BlueLedge Mine facility lies in within the terrestrial sensitive environments oftheBlack 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 bescored for this pathway. Scoring potential to release will not affect the listing decision.

HRS Documentation Record Blue Ledge Mine March 2011 CAN000906063
85Figure A-1 00.5 Miles 

### Site Location Map

Blue Ledge Mine Rogue River National Forest Siskiyou County, California i h

Site Location

Map Source: USGS Dutch Creek, Calif 15' Quadrangle, 1980

## OO 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 J o e

C

r e e k

J o

eC r e

e k

U n - n a m e d T r i b u t a r y 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.! . ! . ! . ! . 

# p o ! H 

# p o ! H

# p

o ! H 

# p o ! H 

# p o ! H

# p

o ! H 

# p o ! H



# p o p o p o p o p o p o p o

p o p o

Figure A-3 0 400 Feet



### 2008 USFS Sample Location Map Blue Ledge Mine Rogue River National Forest Siskiyou County, California Legend 

# p o Water Sample 

# p o ! H Sediment and Water Sample ! . Waste Rock Sample Stream

DAM-01

SP-01

AD-01

TJ4C-01 WRS-4AD-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 J o e

C

r e e k

Base Map: National Agriculture Imagery Program, USDA Farm Service Agency 2005. Map Features: URS Site Inspection Report, Blue Ledge Mine Site, April 2009.! .

! . . ! . ! 

# p o 

# p o ! H 

# p o ! H 

# p o ! H 

# p o ! H 

# p o ! H

Figure A-4 0 400 Feet



### 2010 EPA HRS Sample Location Map Blue Ledge Mine Rogue River National Forest Siskiyou County, California Legend



# p o Water Sample 

# p o ! 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 J o e

C

r e e k 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 1Miles



### 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

A p p

l e g a t e R i v e r A p p l e g a te

R

i v e r

E

l l i o

t t C r

e

e

k

J o e C r ee k Base Map: National Geographic TOPO! 2009.