There is no disasreement that 



conditions in Swift Gulch on the 



north side of the Landusky mine pit 



merit additional research and 



attention. 



Much effort, research, and funding has 

 been applied to these mines in an effort 

 to produce and innplement an 

 environmentally sound reclamation plan 

 in the absence of a mine operator. That 

 task may not be complete given the 

 continuing challenges involving discharge 

 permits, water quality violations, 



diversions of water, and other issues that have been raised in pending litigation. 

 There is no disagreement that conditions in Swift Gulch on the north side of the 

 Landusky mine pit merit additional research and attention. With land reclamation 

 efforts nearing completion, emphasis may need to be focused on implementing the 

 surface and ground water monitoring plan in an effort to determine how successful 

 the reclamation efforts have been. There will be a time lag between the completion 

 of reclamation, the establishment of vegetation, and any noticeable changes in water 

 quantity and quality at the mine site. There may be a need for additional 

 reengineering and design. There may be a need for additional source isolation and 

 reclamation. With the Pegasus bankruptcy proceedings now complete and with the 

 imminent expenditure of the last of the reclamation bonds, any additional land 

 reclamation funds must come from other sources. Meanwhile, water capture and 

 treatment will be required at these mines for the indefinite future. Unless costs can 

 be reduced, there are immediate and future needs for adequately funding these 

 water treatment efforts. 



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