letter from cameco resources to wdeq re: sampling analysis ... · the trigger level provided for in...

CamecoCAMECO RESOURCESSmith Ranch-HighlandOperationMail:P.O. Box 1210Glenrock, WY82637 USA

Tel: (307) 358-6541Fax: (307) 358-4533www.cameco. com

November 24, 2009

Mr. Lowell Spackman, District 1 SupervisorLand Quality DivisionWyoming Department of Environmental QualityHerschler Building122 West 2 5th StreetCheyenne, WY 82002

RE: Permit to Mine No. 603, Sampling Analysis of Treated Water Release - Wellfield E

Dear Mr. Spackman:

As reported to Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Land Quality Division(WDEQ/LQD), on September 24, 2009 Power Resources, Inc. d/b/a Cameco Resources (CR) hada release of treated process water out to Bellhole No. 21 E near Header House 1 in Mine Unit E.Water and soil samples were collected from the release site and analyzed for arsenic, iron,uranium, selenium and radium-226.

Two water samples were collected from the area, one sample was analyzed on-site and'other sentto Energy Laboratories for analysis. Two sets of soil samples were also collected and submittedto Energy Laboratories for analysis. The first soil sample was taken from 0-6 inches. The secondsample was taken at 0-2 inches at the request of WDEQ. Analytical results are provided in theattached report.

If you have questions please contact Dawn Kolkman at (307) 358-6541 ext. 435.

Sincerely,

Angelo KallasManager, Environment, Health and Safety

Attachment: Sample Analysis Summary, Map, Laboratory Analytical Reports

cc: T. Cannon T. Young D. KolkmanS. Miller K. Siebken File HUP 4.3.3.1Doug Mandeville - NRC Project Manager (2 copies)

M. WhatleyFile HUP 4.6.4.4

NUCLEAR. The Clean Air Energy.

SAMPLE ANALYSIS SUMMARY

RELEASE OF TREATED WATER - E-WELLFIELD

PERMIT 603, CAMECO RESOURCES, INC.

Introduction

On September 24, 2009 Cameco Resources reported a release of treated water to the WyomingDepartment of Environmental Quality/Land Quality Division (WDEQ/LQD). Approximately90,600 gallons of treated water were released with 22,000 gallons recovered from Bellhole No.21 E near Header House 1 in Mine Unit E. The release resulted from an open, unused three-inchclean-out line connected to the Selenium Treatment Plant. The released water from the SeleniumTreatment Plant had undergone processing and treatment including, ion exchange for uraniumremoval, barium chloride treatment for radium removal and the ion exchange sand filters forselenium removal. Both water and soil samples were obtained at the release site and submittedfor laboratory analysis. The following report provides a discussion of the sample analysis withrecommendations.

Summary

Water samples collected September 24, 2009 were submitted to both the on-site laboratory andEnergy Laboratories for analysis. The water sample sent to the on-site laboratory was analyzedfor uranium and selenium concentrations, and the water sample sent to Energy Laboratories wasanalyzed for arsenic, iron, selenium, uranium and radium-226. A preliminary analytical reportfrom Energy Laboratories, of the water sample, was sent to WDEQ electronically on October 13,2009. A copy of Energy Laboratories final analytical report is attached for review.

Two sets of soil samples were taken from four locations at the release site including, 1background sample and 3 samples from locations within the release area. The sample locationsand results are illustrated on the attached map. Soil samples (0-6 inches) were collectedSeptember 24, 2009 and sent to Energy Laboratories for analysis of uranium, iron, radium-226,arsenic, and selenium. The second soil sample set (0-2 inches) was collected October 7, 2009, asrequested by the WDEQ, and submitted to the outside laboratory for analysis of the sameanalytes. Table 1 tabulates the analytical data results and copies of Energy Laboratoriesanalytical reports are attached for review.

Results for arsenic and selenium were compared to background and to WDEQ guidelines.Analytical results of uranium and radium-226 were compared to background and EPA triggerlevels provided in the Memorandum of Understanding between the EPA and the NRC,Consultation and Finality on Decommissioning and Decontamination of Contaminated Sites. Asummary of the sample analysis is presented here.

I

Table 1. Wellfield E Release - Soil Sample DataRadium-

Sample Sample Sample Depth Arsenic Iron Uranium 226 SeleniumLocation Date (inches) (mg/kg) (mg/kg) (mg/kg) (pCi/g) (mg/kg)

#2 9/24/2009 0-6 2.6 13500 3.2 1.3 0.014

10/7/2009 0-2 2.5 16400 4.4 2.3 0.012

#5 9/24/2009 0-6 3.9 15800 3.7 0.6 0.032

10/7/2009 0-2 3.2 22800 19.2 2.8 0.026

#8 9/24/2009 0-6 3.4 17800 14.7 1.2 0.038

10/7/2009 0-2 3.6 19800 12.2 1.6 0.016

#11 Bkg 9/24/2009 0-6 6.9 17700 1.9 1.5 0.014

10/7/2009 0-2 3.1 12000 1.4 1 0.019

Arsenic

The water sample sent to Energy Laboratories indicated non-detectable arsenic.

Results of arsenic from the background soil sample was 6.9 mg/kg at 0-6 inches and 3.1 mg/kg at0-2 inches. Results of the 3 sample locations ranged from 2.6 mg/kg to 3.9 mg/kg at 0-6 inches,and 2.5 mg/kg to 3.6 mg/kg from 0-2 inches. Comparison of both sets of soil sample resultsindicates arsenic is indistinguishable from background analysis.

Iron

Results of the water sample analyzed at Energy Laboratories indicated iron at 0.06 mg/L whichis below the EPA drinking water standard of 0.3 mg/L. The EPA regulates iron under theSecondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) standard. Although this characterization isnot to drinking water standards, using the standard provides a comparison between the levels.

Background iron soil sample results were 17700 mg/kg at 0-6 inches and 12000 mg/kg at 0-2inches. Results of the 3 sample locations ranged from 13500 mg/kg to 17800 mg/kg at 0-6inches and 16400 mg/kg to 22800 mg/kg at 0-2 inches. It is worth noting that a geologicoutcropping of oxidized iron sandstone occurs in the area of the release making sample contentindistinguishable from background content.

Selenium

2

Results of the on-site water sample analysis indicated selenium was 0.034 mg/L (equivalent to0.034 ppm) and the water sample analyzed at Energy Laboratories showed non-detectable levels.

The background selenium from the soil sample was 0.014 mg/kg at 0-6 inches, and 0.019 mg/kgat 0-2 inches. Results of the other 3 sample locations ranged from 0.014 mg/kg to 0.038 mg/kg(0.014 to 0.038 ppm) at 0-6 inches, and 0.012 mg/kg to 0.026 mg/kg (0.012 to 0.026 ppm) at 0-2inches. The results were compared to WDEQ/LQD Guideline No. 1: Topsoil and Overburdenand found to be well below the suitable selenium level of<0.3 ppm.

Uranium

The on-site water sample analysis indicated uranium was 0.01 mg/L and the sample submitted toEnergy Laboratory showed 0.0494 mg/L.

Results of the background soil sample indicated 1.9 mg/kg at 0-6 inches and 1.4 mg/kg at 0-2inches. Sample results of the other 3 sample locations ranged from 3.2 mg/kg to 14.7 mg/kg at0-6 inches, and 4.4 mg/kg to 19.2 mg/kg at 0-2 inches. The soil samples were compared to thetrigger levels provided in the Memorandum of Understanding between the EPA and the NRC,Consultation and Finality on Decommissioning and Decontamination of Contaminated Siteswhich are 1,230 mg/kg for an industrial/commercial site and 47 mg/kg for residential soilconcentrations. The comparison indicates that sampling results did not exceed eitherconcentration value.

(Note: Samples taken at 0-2 inches are not applicable to NRC guidance as outlined in NRCNUREG/CR-6733, A Baseline Risk-Informed, Performance-Based Approach for In-Situ LeachUranium Extraction Licenses.)

Radium

Energy Laboratories water sample for radium-226 was 11 pCi/L. Background radium-226 was1.5 pCi/g at 0-6 inches, and 1.0 pCi/g at 0-2 inches. Results from the 3 sample locations rangedfrom 0.6 pCi/g to 2.8 pCi/g at 0-6 inches, and 1.6 pCi/g to 2.8 pCi/g from 0-2 inches. The triggerlevel provided for in the Memorandum of Understanding between the EPA and the NRC forradium-226 is 5 pCi/g for residential and industrial scenarios. These soil sample results are wellbelow that trigger level.

(Note: Samples taken at 0-2 inches are not applicable to NRC guidance as outlined in NRCNUREG/CR-6733, A Baseline Risk-Informed, Performance-Based Approach for In-Situ LeachUranium Extraction Licenses.)

Recommendation

The results of the water sampling and soil sampling indicate that concentrations are withinacceptable parameters for all analytes. CR would therefore recommend that no furtherassessment is required to characterize this release.

3

References

Memorandum of Understanding Between the EPA and the NRC, Consultation andFinality on Decommissioning and Decontamination of Contaminated Sites, 2002

WDEQ/LQD Guideline No. 1, Topsoil and Overburden, Aug 1994, as amended

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (online). Drinking Water Contaminants. Last updatedNovember 26, 2002<http://www.epa.gov/safewater/hfacts.html

4

CM-28D,-27

Units of MeosureAs = mg/kgFe = mg/kgUr = mg/kg

Rod = pci/g-drySe = mg/kg

0-6" 0-2'6.9 3.1

17700 1200019 1t415 1.0

0 014 0.019 * SOIL SAMPLE

0-6, 0-2"As 3.9 3.2Fe 15800 2280MUr 3 7 19.2Rod 06 2,8Se 0.032 0.026

0 SCAN POINTE-9t

o WELL FIELDWELLS

- PIPELINE

77 SPILL

PA TTERN

FENCE

0-111

SCALE IN FEET

1ý I0 50 100 20 I0 ZAs 2.6

Fe 13500Ur ,32Rod 1.3Se 0014

tI18" CO/P

CUL VER T

HEADER HOUSE 1 BELL HOLE09-29-09 SPILL LOCATION

I un W.~

P DwG

fu V 1...u, -l e.n iiL~, v. L. , OdIl (,I/&IA rtv/yflWdV (OdOUlI * -U. tu . Jzod - &,aspet, wr Ybr.IvTollFree 88823505•15 307235.0515 Fair 307230 1639 - caspet ,Penergyatb.com wwwenv1/qy/ab.com

LABORATORY ANALYTICAL REPORT

Client: Power Resources dba Cameco ResourcesProject: SR-HUPLab ID: C09090983-001Client Sample ID: HH-E-1, Bellhole

Report Date: 10/09/09Collection Date: 09/23/09 16:00

DateReceived: 09/24/09

Matrix: Aqueous

MCUQCL MethodAnalyses Result Units Qualifier RL Analysis Date I By

METALS - DISSOLVEDArsenicIronSeleniumUranium

ND

0.06

ND0.0494

110.770.26

mg/Lmg/Lmg/Lmg/L

pCi/LpCi/LpCi/L

0.0010.030.0010.0003

E200.8E200.8E200.8E200.8

E903.0E903.0E903.0

09/26/09 05:21 / sml

09/26/09 05:21 / sml09/26/09 05:21 / sml09/26/09 05:21 I sml

10/05/09 23:31 / trs10/05/09 23:31 / trs10/05/09 23:31 / trs

RADIONUCLIDES - DISSOLVEDRadium 226Radium 226 precision (+)Radium 226 MDC

Report RL - Analyte reporting limit. MCL - Maximum contaminant level.Definitions: QCL - Quality control limit. ND - Not detected at the reporting limit.

MDC - Minimum detectable concentration

l - ENERGqYLABORATORIES, INC. -2393 Salt Creek Highway (82601). P. Box 3258 -Casper, WY 82602Tol/ Free 838.2350515 ' 307235.0515 -Fax 307234.1639 • [email protected] www energy/ab.com

PrABORATORIES


Client:Project:Lab ID:Client Sample ID:

Power Resources dba Cameco Resources

SR-HUP M.U.E. Soil Samples

C09091045-002MUE #2 [0-6]

Report Date: 10/17/09

Collection Date: 09/24/09 14:00DateReceived: 09/25/09

Matrix: Soil

MCLI

Analyses Result Units Qualifiers RL QCL Method Analysis Date I By

METALS - ABDTPA EXTRACTABLESelenium 0.014 mg/kg-dry

METALS - TOTALArsenicIronUranium

B 0.002

0.5D 20

0.5

SW7742 10/02/09 10:57 / Jp

2.613500

3.2

mg/kg-drymg/kg-drymg/kg-dry

pCI/g-drypCI/g-drypCI/g-dry

SW6020SW6020SW6020

E903.0E903.0E903.0

10/06/09 20:55 / smi10/06/09 20:55 / smi,10/06/09 20:551 sml

10/14/09 09:39 Jah10/14/09 09:391 jah10/14/09 09:39 / Jah

RADIONUCLIDES - TOTALRadium 226Radium 226 precision (t)Radium 226 MDC

1.30.20.2

Report RL - Analyte reporting limit.Definitions: QCL - Quality control limit.


D - RL increased due to sample matrix interference.

MCL - Maximum contaminant level.

ND - Not detected at the reporting limit.

B - The analyte was detected in the method blank,

ENERG YLABORA TORIES, INC. 2393 Salt Creek Hiqhway (82601) PO. Box 3258 -Casper WY82602roll Free 888.235. 0515 • 307235. 0515 Fax 307234. 1639 • casper@energy/ab.com www energy/ab. corn


Client:Project:Lab ID:

Client Sample ID:

Power Resources dba Cameco ResourcesSR-HUP M.U.E. Soil Samples

C09091045-003MUE #5 [0-6]

Report Date: 10/17/09Collection Date: 09/24/09 14:00

DateReceived: 09/25/09Matrix: Soil

MCI)Analyses Result Units Qualifiers RL QCL Method Analysis Date I By



B 0.002

0.5D 10

0.5

SW7742 10/02/09 10:59 / jp

3.915800

3.7


pCi/g-drypCl/g-drypCilg-dry

SW6020SW6020SW6020

E903.0

E903.0

E903.0

10/06/09 21:00 / sml10/06/09 21:00 / sml10/06/09 21:00 1 smi

10/14/09 09:39 / Jah

10/14109 09:39 / jah

10/14/09 09:39 / jah

RADIONUCLIDES - TOTALRadium 226Radium 226 precision (±)Radium 226 MDC

0.60.20.2



D - RL Increased due to sample matrix interference.

MCL - Maximum contaminant level.NO - Not detected at the reporting limit.B -The analyte was detected in the method blank.

- ENERGY LABORATORIES, INC. •2393 Salt Creek Highway (82601) P0. Box 3258 -Casper WY 82602Tol/ Free 888.235.05159 307235.0515 -Fax 307234 1639 ' casper@energy/ab. comr www energy/ab.com

ZAROýý


Client:Project:

Lab ID:Client Sample ID:



C09091045-004MUE #8 (0-6]


Collection Date: 09/24/09 14:00


MCL/Analyses Result Units Qualifiers RL QCL Method Analysis Date I By

METALS - ABDTPA EXTRACTABLESelenium 0.038 mg/kg-dry 0.002 SW7742 10/02/09 11:01/ jp



3.41780014.7


0.5D 10

0.5

SW6020SW6020SW6020

E903.0E903.0E903.0

10/06/09 21:05 / sml

10/06/09 21:05 / sml10/06/09 21:05 / sml

10/14/09 09:39 / jah10/14/09 09:39 / jah10/14109 09:39 /jah

1.2 pCI/g-dry0.2 pCl/g-dry0.2 pCI/g-dry

Report RL - Analyte reporting limit.Report RL - Analyte reporting limit.Definitions: QCL - Quality control limit.


MCL - Maximum contaminant level.ND - Not detected at the reporting limit.D - RL increased due to sample matrix interference.

L - ENERG YLABORA TORIES, INC. •2393 Salt Creek Highway (82601), P. Box 3258 • Casper, WY82602To//Free 888.2350515 • 307235.0515 -Fax 307234.1639 - [email protected] , www.energy/ab.com

FZAB61?.4 -rORIESA


Client:Project:Lab ID:Client Sample ID:



C09091045-001MUE BKG #11 [0-6]


Collection Date: 09/24/09 14:00


Matrix: Soil

MCL/Analyses Result Units Qualifiers RL QCL Method Analysis Date I By



B 0.002

0.5D 10

0.5

SW7742 10/02/09 10:52/ jp

6.9,17700

1.9


pCi/g-drypCi/g-drypCI/g-dry

SW6020SW6020SW6020

E903.0E903.0E903.0

RADIONUCLIDES - TOTALRadium 226Radium 226 precision (t)Radium 226 MDC

10/06/09 20:45 / sml10/06/09 20:45 / smi10/06/09 20:45 / sml

10/14/09 09:39 / Jah10/14/09 09:39 / Jah10/14/09 09:39 / Jah

1.50.30.2


MDC - Minimum detectable concentrationD - RL increased due to sample matrix interference.

MCL - Maximum contaminant level.ND - Not detected at the reporting limit.B -The analyte was detected In the method blank.

*crV,-nu i -LAaLrn.1 vL'n , Iiv,, • -aYJ ,a>1 Lreer r71n•igwy (OCOll- i- L/. OoX Zi -o U•spe, k'Vr oDOUzrTol Free 888.2350515 , 3072350515, Fax 307234.1639 • casper@energy/ab.com, wwwenergy/ab com

ULABORATORIESA


() Client:Project:



MU-E

C09100303-001#2 (0-2]

Report Date: 11/03/09Collection Date: 10/07/09

DateRecelved: 10/08/09Matrix: Soil

MCUAnalyses Result Units Qualifiers RL QCL Method Analysis Date I By

METALS - ABDTPA EXTRACTABLESelenium 0.012 mg/kg-dry 0.002 SW7742 10/21/09 16:21 /jp


2.516400

4.4


pCi/g-drypCi/g-drypCl/g-dry

0.50.50.5

SW6020SW60108SW6020

E903.0E903.0E903.0

10/15/09 21:40 / ts10/30/09 18:38 / cp

10/15/09 21:40 /ts

10/27/09 05:59/ jah

10/27/09 05:59 / jah

10/27/09 05:59 /jah


2.30.3.

0.2

(1)

RefportDefinitions:

RL - Analyte reporting limit.

QCL - Quality control limit.




/VIN r" LAbURA W1RIES, INC. •2393 Salt Creek Highway (82601) •P0. Box 3258 C asper WY 82602To//Free 888,235.0515 - 307235.0515 Fax 307234.1639 , casper@energy/ab.com - wwwenergv/ab.com

:9 a~-IE•~e#1


() Client:Project:


Power Resources dba Cameco ResourcesMU-E

C09100303-002

#5 [0-2]


Collection Date: 10/07/09


Matrix: Soil

MCLUAnalyses Result Units Qualifiers RL QCL Method Analysis Date I By

METALS - ABDTPA EXTRACTABLESelenium 0.026 mg/kg-dry 0.002 SW7742 10/21/09 16:23 lip


3.22280019.2


0.50.50.5

SW6020SW6O010SW6020

10/15/09 21:45 / ts10/30/09 18:42 / cp10/15/09 21:45 / ts

10/27/09 05:59 /jah10/27/09 05:59 /Jah10/27/09 05:59 / jah

RADIONUCLIDES- TOTALRadium 226Radium 226 precision (+)Radium 226 MDC

2.8 pCI/g-dry0.3 pCI/g-dry0.2 pC/g-dry

E903.0E903.0E903.0

J-eport RL - Analyte reporting limit.QCL - Quality control limit.MDC - Minimum detectable concentration

MCL - Maximum contaminant level.ND - Not detected at the reporting limit.

&Nk&Hi T LAUUtfA I UtfI=a, ING. - oall . , eel fli/gway (ozou// • .I. OUX 0400 • Ua.-JU. vvr. ,'OvzTo/I Free 888.235.0515 - 307235.0575' Fax 307234.1639 • casperd-&aenergy/ab com - www energv/ab. com

FZABoRA roR/FTý


( Client: Power Resources dba Cameco Resources

Project: MU-E

Lab ID: C09100303-003Client Sample ID: #8 [0-2]


Collection Date: 10/07/09


Matrix: Soil

MCL/

Analyses Result Units Qualifiers RL QCL Method Analysis Date I By



0.002

0.50.50.5

SW7742 10/21/09 16:25 /jp

3.61980012.2


pCI/g-dry

pCl/g-dry

pCl/g-dry

SW6020SW601 09SW6020

10/15/09 21:50/ ts10/30/09 18:46 / cp

10/15/09 21:50 /ts

10/27/09 05:59 / Jah

10/27/09 05:59 / jah

10/27/09 05:59 / Jah

RADIONUCLIDES - TOTALRadium 226Radium 226 precision (:)Radium 226 MDC

1.60.30.2

E903.0E903.0E903.0

(Al

*t=liI,

iv'Reor.Deflnitions:






frNiH(ir LA JUHAAI UNfI5.. IIV, - ZJYd' bait G/eOK t-lgnway (ddbuiI /). - oxa" -o casper v'v r dz'vu'zToll Free 888.235. 0515 - 307.235.0515, Fax 307234.1639 • [email protected] www.energyab. com


0 Client:Project:Lab ID:Client Sample ID:

Power Resources dba Cameco ResourcesMU-EC09100303-004#11 BKG [0-2]

Report Date: 11/03/09Collection Date: 10/07/09


MCU -Analyses Result Units Qualifiers RL QCL Method Analysis Date I By

METALS - ABDTPA EXTRACTABLESelenium 0.019 mg/kg-dry 0.002 SW7742 10/21/09 16:27 /Jp

METALS - TOTALArsenicIron

Uranium

3.112000

1.4


pCi/g-drypCIig-drypCI/g-dry

0.50.50.5

SW6020SW60108SW6020

10/15/09 21:56 / ts10/30/09 18:50 / cp10/15/09 21:56 / ts

10/27/09 05:59 / jah

10/27/09 05:59/ jah

10/27/09 05:59 /jah


10.20.2

E903.0E903.0E903.0

I e

( DReportDefinitions:




MCL - Maximum contaminant level.ND - Not detected at the reporting limit.

letter from cameco resources to wdeq re: sampling analysis ... · the trigger level provided for in...

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