United States        Region 4
            Environmental Protection    345 Courtland Street NE
            Agency           Atlanta. GA 30365
                                    £pR QQA /
&EPA     Environmental             Draft
            Impact Statement
            CF Mining Corporation
            Hardee Phosphate Complex II
            Hardee County, Florida
            Primary Document

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  (ft)
         UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY


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                                  -2-

The hearing record will remain open and additional written comments
may be submitted through August 5, 1988.  Such additional comments
will be considered as if they had been presented at the public
hearing.

Recipients of this document should be aware that EPA will not reprint
the material contained in the DEIS for the Final EIS.  The Final EIS
will consist of the Agency's statement of findings, any pertinent
additional information or evaluations developed since publication of
the Draft EIS, comments on the project and the Agency responses, and
the transcript of the public hearing.

Please bring this notice to the attention of all persons who may be
interested in this matter.

Sincerely yours,
   —^
    /..
Greer C. Tidwell
Regional Administrator

Enclosure:  DEIS

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                                 ERRATUM









For the purposes of this document references to CF Industries, Inc. in






the text refer to CF Mining Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of





CF Industries, Inc.

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                              DRAFT
                  ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

                               for

            Proposed Issuance of a New Source National
          Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit

                                to

                       CF Mining Corporation
                   Hardee Phosphate Complex II
                      Hardee County, Florida

                           prepared by:

               U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
                Region IV, Atlanta, Georgia  30365

                       in cooperation with

                   U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
                      Jacksonville District
                   Jacksonville, Florida  32201
CF Industries, Inc. has proposed an open pit phosphate mine and
benet'iciation plant on a 14,994 acre site in Hardee County,
Florida.  Mining would involve 14,647 acres, all of which would
be reclaimed, and would produce 94 million tons of phosphate
products over a 27-year period.  The EIS examines alternatives,
impacts and mitigative measures related to air, geology, radiation,
groundwater, ecology and other natural and cultural systems.

Comments or inquiries should be directed to:

         Robert B. Howard, Chief, NEPA Compliance Section
         U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region IV
                    345 Courtland Street, N.E.
                     Atlanta, Georgia  30365
                          (404) 347-3776

                           approved by:


                                                      3 TSS3
Lee A. DeHihns, III                            Date
Acting Regional Administrator

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            SUMMARY SHEET FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
                          CF Industries, Inc.
                      Hardee Phosphate Complex II
                         Hardee County, Florida
(X) Draft
( ) Final
            U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region  IV
                       345 Courtland Street, N.E.
                        Atlanta, Georgia  30365

1.  Type of Action;  Administrative (X)  Legislative (  )

2.  Description of CF Industries' Proposed Action;
CF Industries, Inc. (CF), is proposing  to construct and operate  a
phosphate mine and beneficiation plant  in Hardee County,  Florida.   The
EPA Region IV Administrator has declared the proposed  facilities  to  be  a
new source as defined in Section 306 of the Federal Clean Water  Act  of
1977.

In compliance with its responsibility under the National  Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, EPA Region IV has determined that  the
issuance of a new source National Pollutant Discharge  Elimination  System
(NPDES) permit to the proposed mining and beneficiation facility would
constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of
the human environment.  Therefore, this Environmental  Impact  Statement
has been prepared in accordance with the requirements  of  NEPA and  EPA
regulations at 40 CFR Part 6.

CF's proposed mine operation  is planned to  produce  2 million  tons per
year of wet phosphate rock for the first 7  years of mining and 4 million
tons per year during the  following 20 years of the  27-year mine life.
During mining, all of the rock mined from the  project  site will  be
shipped to fertilizer plants  for conversion to finished  fertilizer,  with
100 percent of the tonnage going to CF's existing phosphate fertilizer
manufacturing facilities  at Plant City  and  Bartow.  To accomplish these
operational objectives, CF proposes to  mine approximately 14,647 acres
                                     -1-

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(99 percent) of the 14,994-acre  site.   A beneficiation  plant  and
temporary rock storage  facility  would  also  be  constructed  onsite.   The
initial phase of the proposed  action  includes  land clearing  and  open
burning in advance of the mine.   This  cleared  acreage in front of  the
mining Operation will average  approximately 80 acres.   The mining
operation will employ a single 55-cubic-yard dragline supplemented,
beginning in Mine Year  8, with a second  similar  dragline.  The mined
matrix will be slurrified and  transported via  pipeline  to  the benefilia-
tion plant for washing.  This  would  separate pebble  product,  clay, and
fines and facilitate additional  product  recovery via flotation.   The wet
rock will be stored temporarily  at  the  plant.   CF plans to construct an
access railroad, spur linking  the plant  with the Seaboard Systems
Railroad that presently bisects  the  property.   CF will  rail  ship the wet
rock product to the receiving  phosphate  fertilizer plants.

The waste disposal method proposed  by  CF is sand/clay mixing.  Sand/clay
mixing refers to a process  in  which sand and clay components, separated
during mining and beneficiation, are  recombined  into a  suitable  mix for
disposal in a previously mined area.   In the proposed CF process,  the
waste clay generated from the  beneficiation processes is routed  to a
containment area for interim  storage and subsequent  consolidation to
higher percent solids.   The sand/clay mixture  is then pumped  from the
mix tank to a designated disposal site.   Disposal areas are  designed to
receive sand/clay mix over mined lands to final fill elevations  that
consolidate to within approximately 2 to 3  feet above  the average
pre-miaing elevation by the end  of the reclamation period.  To complete
this waste disposal cycle,  an aboveground settling area is necessary to
receive diluted clay slurries  for storage and  consolidation  to use in
sand-clay mixing.  To satisfy this requirement, CF plans one aboveground
settling area subdivided into  three compartments.  During  the last
3 years of mining,  this aboveground settling area will also be mined and
reclaimed.
                                   -2-

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 Water is important in CF's proposed phosphate mining operations.   Water
 is used as a medium in which  to  transport  ore  from  the mine  site  to the
 plant, to transport the feeds and products through  the plant,  to  process
 the product, and to transport the waste products  away  from  the plant  to
 disposal sites.  These processes require large quantities of water.   In
 the proposed project,  93.5 million gallons per day  (MGD)  (more than
 90 percent)  of the water to be used will be supplied from the
 recirculation system,  and an average 7.85 MGD will  come  from ground
 water sources (primarily to meet flotation process demands).

 The mine water recirculation system consists of the settling area,
 beneficiation plant,  active and  mined-out pits, active sand/clay mix
 storage  areas, and water return ditches.  The settling area, tailings
 storag°.  area, and  return water ditches act as a water clarification
 system,  returning  decanted water to the beneficiation plant.   Recycled
 water returns to  the recirculation system several times  to be  reused,
 while a  portion is continually being lost by entrainment  in sand  and
 clay and being  replenished to  some degree by rainfall.   However,  since
 rainfall varies seasonally and is approximately equal to evaporation,
 some  outside  source of  water  (either surface  or ground  water)  will be
 required.

 Due to seasonal variables, an alternate source of water  (i.e., ground
 water) must  still  be available during  periods of water  deficit for  the
 operation of the  flotation process and as makeup during  the dry season.
 Conversely,  discharges may be  necessary during the rainy season if
 storage  capacity  in the  system is exceeded.  In the proposed project,
 the  water discharge would  be  to  surface waters (Doe Branch and/or
 Shirttail Branch)  directly or, as required, to Payne Creek via sheetflow
 through  adjacent wetlands.

 The  proposed  reclamation plan  is based upon the use of waste sand/clay
mix material  as backfill over  most  of  the mined area.   The proposed plan
                                                   *
 is  designed  to  return  the  site to a land form and use compatible with
                                      -3-

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the surrounding  area,  which  is  primarily  agricultural.   The  reclaimed
site will  consist  primarily  of  improved  pasture,  forested  uplands,
restored marshes,  lakes,  and  areas  to be  preserved  by  CF.  With
reclamation,  the acreage  of  improved  pasture,  forested  uplands,
freshwater marsh,  freshwater  swamp, and  lakes  will  increase.   The
acreage of palmetto  prairie,  field  and row crops,  and  citrus  will
decrease.

3.  Alternatives Considered;
CF has developed an  integrated  plan  for  the mining  and  processing of
phosphate rock at  their Hardee  Phosphate  Complex  II mine.  This plan is
comprised of  a number  of  individual components linked  to provide a total
project capable  of meeting CF's goals.  The identifiable components
included in the  project are  as  follows:
     • Mining,
     • Matrix transport,
     • Matrix processing,
     • Waste  sand  and  clay disposal,
     • Process water source,
     • Water management plan,
     • Reclamation, and
     • Wetlands  preservation.

Various methods  (i.e., alternatives) are  available  to  satisfy the
objectives of each of  these  components.   These are  summarized below:
      Component               Objective          Alternatives Considered
Mining                 Remove overburden  and   Dragline  Mining,  Dredge
                       deliver matrix to  a     Mining, and  Bucketwheel
                       transport  system        Mining
Matrix Transport       Transport matrix from   Slurry Matrix Transport,
                       the mine to the         Conveyor  Transport, and
                       beneficiation plant     Truck Transport
Matrix Processing      Process  the matrix to   Conventional Matrix Pro-
                       separate the            ceasing and  Dry Matrix
                       phosphate  rock          Processing
                       produce  from the
                       waste  sand and clay
                                    -4-

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       Component

Waste  Sand  and  Clay
 Disposal
Process  Water  Source
Water Management Plan
Reclamation
Wetlands Preservation
       Objective

Dispose of the waste
sand and clay
generated by matrix
processing

Provide a continuous
source of fresh water
for use in matrix
processing and as
make-up for losses to
the recirculating
system

Provide a means to
reduce the amount of
water  in the
recirculating system

Return the mined site
to useful
productivity
Provide for the pro-
tection of wetland
functions
 Alternatives Considered

Sand/Clay Mixing and
Conventional Sand and Clay
Disposal
Ground Water Withdrawal
and Surface Water
Impoundment
Discharge to Surface
Waters and Use of
Connector Wells
CF's Reclamation Plan,
Conventional Reclamation,
and Natural Mine Cut
Reclamation

CF's Plan Includes Mining
and Restoration of All
Category I-C, I-D, II, and
III Wetlands Onsite;
Preservation of All
Category I-A Wetlands; and
the EPA Alternative of
Preserving All Category I
Wetlands.
A brief description of each of  the  alternatives  listed  as  well  as  the

no-action alternative  is presented  in  the  following paragraphs.



Mining

Dragline Mining—CF proposes  to use  a  single  large  (55  cubic  yards)

dragline to move overburden and mine matrix during  the  first  7  years  of

operation.  In Mine Year 8, a second similar  55-cubic-yard dragline

would be added to supplement  the first unit.   Other than the  fact  that

CF proposes to initially mine with  a single large dragline (rather than

two units), the proposed mining method is  as  conventionally practiced in

the Florida phosphate  industry.



Dredge Mining—The three most common dredge types are  the  bucket  line,

cutter head, and bucketwheel.  Each  is basically a  large,  barge-mounted

machine consisting of  a continuous  digging apparatus mounted  on a  long
                                      -5-

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boom extending below the water surface.  The bucket line's chain-carried
buckets continuously transfer material  up to the barge, while  the other
two units pump material from beneath the water to the  surface  via a
suction' pipe.

Bucketwheel Mining—Bucketwheel excavators  are large continuous mining
machines which excavate material with a series of buckets mounted on  the
periphery rotating wheel and drop  it onto a conveyor belt system.
Overburden would be routed  for disposal in  previously  mined  areas, while
matrix would be sent to the beneficiation plant.

Matrix Transport
Slurry Matrix Transport—Slurry matrix  transport is used at  most
existing Florida phosphate mines.  Matrix would be placed into a pit
and mixed with recycled water (11,000 gpm)  from high pressure  nozzles,
breaking down the clay and  sand matrix  into a slurry (35- to 40-percent
solids) which would then be transported via pipeline to the
beneficiation plant by a series of large pumps operating at
approximately 15,700 gallons per minute (gpm).

Conveyor Matrix Transport—Conveyor matrix  transport would require that
matrix be placed onto a belt conveyor at the mine for  transport to the
beneficiation plant.  To minimize the number of transfer points and
still maintain mobility of  the conveyor sections, such a conveyor belt
system would most likely include belt sections of up to 2,000  feet in
length.

Truck^Matrix Transport—A dragline would load the trucks, which would
then transport the matrix via haul roads to the beneficiation  plant.  At
the plant, matrix would be dumped  and/or washed out of the trucks.

Matrix Processing
Conventional Matrix Processing—Conventional matrix processing involves
the separation of phosphate rock from waste sand and clay using a series
of wet-process operations.  These  consist of washing,  feed preparation,
                                   -6-

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and flotation.  This is the only method of matrix  processing  in
operation in the Florida phosphate  industry  today.

Dry Matrix Processing—The general  concept of dry  processing  involves
the production of usable phosphate  product from matrix  directly
following its excavation and drying.  The method used would probably
involve both air separation and electrostatic separation.  There  are no
such plants in operation in the Florida phosphate  industry today.

Waste Sand and Clay Disposal
Sand/Clay Mixing—Sand/clay mixing  involves  the recombining of  the  waste
sand and clay removed from the phosphate matrix during  separate
processing steps in areas surrounded by dikes 40 feet above existing
grade.  In the CF mix process, the  waste clay generated from  the
benefication processes is routed to a containment  area  for storage  and
subsequent consolidation to higher  percent solids.  When clay
consolidation reaches the 12- to 18-percent  range,  it is removed  by
dredge and pumped to a mix tank, where mixing with dewatered  sand
tailings from the beneficiation plant takes  place.  The sand/clay
mixture is then pumped from the mix tank to  a designated disposal site.
Disposal areas are designed to receive sand/clay mix  over rained  lands  to
final fill elevations that consolidate to within approximately  2  to
3 feet above the original average pre-mining elevation  by the end of  the
reclamation period.

Conventional Sand and Clay Disposal—Conventional  methods for disposing
of the waste sand and clay removed  from the  phosphate matrix  during
processing involve their impoundment in separate areas  surrounded by
high dikes.  For the proposed mine, as much  as half of  the area  to  be
mined would be covered with waste clays impounded  above-grade and
surrounded by such dikes.
                                    -7-

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Process Water Sources
Ground Water Withdrawal--The major  source of  fresh water  used  ac  the
mine would be two onsite deep  (1,200-foot) wells.  The mine  field would
likely consist of a primary production well,  a  standby production well,
and two potable water wells.   The production  wells would  have  a capacity
of 10.57 MGD, with an average  daily pumping rate of  about 7.85 MGD.

Surface Water Impoundment —The most readily available fresh  water source
which could be utilized by CF  would be surface  water  from nearby  creeks
and rivers.  Since the creeks  on the site typically  exhibit  low flows,
or even intermittent flows, the quantity available for use as  process
water could best be provided by impoundment within a  reservoir system
constructed on the site.

Water Management Plan
Discharge to Surface Waters—Seasonal changes in rainfall and  evapora-
tion rates will affect the active water volume  of the recirculating
water system.  When heavy rainfall  occurs, the  system may become
overloaded, forcing a discharge to  an existing  natural drainage (either
Doe Branch or Shirttail Branch) through a control structure.   An
alternative discharge to Payne Creek by sheetflow into wetlands is also
proposed.

Use of Connector Wells—Connector wells would serve  to reduce  the amount
of water in the recirculating  system by dewatering the surficial  aquifer
(a source of water inflow to the system) in the vicinity  of  the active
mine pit.  This water would be pumped downward  through wells  into a
deeper aquifer and serve as a  source of recharge to  that  aquifer.

Reclamation Plan
CF's Proposed Reclamation Plan—CF's proposed reclamation plan consists
of five general types of restoration.  The land capabilities  and
reclamation plans for the mined areas are closely related to  the  types
of landforms created by the waste disposal plan.  The acreages of the
landforms remaining after mining and waste disposal  are as follows:
                                     -8-

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               Land form                    Acreage
          Sand/Clay Mix Areas               9,083
          Sand Tailings Fill Areas          2,213
            with Overburden Cap
          Mined Out Areas for               2,399
            Land and Lakes
          Overburden Fill Areas  and         1,230
            Disturbed Natural Ground

Reclamation will proceed  from the  third  year  of mine  operation,  with the
final areas rained being reclaimed  in  the  35th  year  after  operation
begins.

Conventional Reclamation—Conventional  reclamation  is reclamation
associated with the separate disposal of  sand  and clay wastes
(i.e., conventional sand  and clay  waste  disposal).   Reclamation would
consist of allowing a crust to  form  over  impounded  clays, seeding these
areas with forage  species,  and  creating  extensive  land and lakes land
forms in those areas of the site not  covered  with  impounded clays.  The
revegetation of these areas would  likely consist of forage species
plantings on most  land areas, with forest tree plantings  along the edges
of the lakes.

Natural Mine Cut Reclamation—Natural mine cut reclamation would amount
to leaving mined-out areas  in windrows,  with  sand-clay mix deposited
between windrows.   Mined  areas  would be allowed to revegetate naturally,
as has been the case  in many of the older central Florida mines.  The
resultint  use  of  the mined-out  land would be largely  for  fish and
wildlife habitat,  with  some pastureland.

Wetlands Preservation
CF proposes to preserve  from mining approximately 69  acres,  which
account for all but 2  acres of  wetlands designated  as Category I-A
(mainstem  stream wetlands)  on  the project site.  The  2 acres  proposed
                                     -9-

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for disturbance  would be  required  for  the  dragline crossing of Horse
Creek.  There  are  approximately  695  acres  of wetlands onsite designated
Category  I-C and I-D (headwater  and  special  concern wetlands EPA also
considers worthy of  preservation and protection)  which CF has included
in its mining  and  waste disposal plans.

EPA opposes mining of any Category I wetland.   CF is currently proposing
to preserve only those designated  Category I-A,  and has included the
Category  I-C and I-D wetlands  in their mine  plan and waste disposal
plan.  However,  CF has acknowledged  EPA's  opposition to any such mining,
and has agreed that  mining will  not  be scheduled in those areas unless
and until EPA  reconsiders,  based upon  proven re-creation of functional
hardwood  swamp communities  and large wetland systems, its oresent
Category  I designation.

TheNo-Act ion _A11ernatiye
The no-action  alternative by EPA would be  the  denial of an NPDES permit
for the proposed project.   The effect  of permit  denial would be to
precipitate one  of three  possible  reactions  on the part of CF:
1) termination of  their proposed project;  2) indefinite postponement of
the proposed project; or  3) restructuring  of the project to achieve zero
discharge, for which no NPDES  permit would be  required.

Termination of the planned  project would allow the existing environment
to remain undisturbed and the  gradual  socioeconomic and environmental
trends to continue as at  present.

If EPA were to deny  CF Industries' NPDES permit  application, the project
might be postponed for an indefinite period  of time and then success-
fully pursued by either this applicant or  another mining company.  This
could be expected  to occur  when  high grade phosphate reserves become
depleted  and the resource retained on  the  proposed site becomes valuable
strategically as well as  economically.

Also, CF  Industries  could still  execute a  mining  project provided the
project could be performed  with  zero discharge to surface waters.  Under
zero discharge conditions,  neither an  NPDES  permit nor an Environmental
Impact Statement would be  required.
                                   -10-

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4.  Mitigation Measures;
Mitigation measures which would serve  to  reduce  the  impacts  of  the
project on the surrounding environment were developed  from inputs
received from the preparers of  the various  sections  of the Environmental
Impact Statement.  These are described below:
     • Pile overburden such that  the volume available  for belowground
       waste disposal is maximized.
     • Use "toe spoiling" to reduce the radioactivity  of reclaimed
       surface soils.
     • Cover reclaimed sand-clay mix disposal  areas  with low activity
       soil to reduce gamma radiation  levels.
     • Cover reclaimed sand tailings diposal  areas with low  activity
       soil to reduce gamma radiation  levels.
     • Use recirculated mine water, rather  than  surficial  aquifer  water,
       for pump seal lubrication.
     • Restrict mining along the  preserved  portion of  Horse  Creek  to
       only one side of the stream channel  at  a  given  time.
     • Monitor both the surface and ground  water quality to  assess  the
       efforts of mining and reclamation.
     • Protect upstream wetland areas  and use  as a seed source  to
       recolonize the disturbed downstream  unit  after  mining of a  stream
       segment is complete and  restoration  begins.
     • Use best available scientific information to  reestablish the
       desired surficial zone  in  restoration  areas and habitat-specific
       topsoil and root mass to the extent  feasible.
     • Design a productive littoral zone  in newly created  lakes systems
       to enhance habitat values  and water  quality.
     • No mining of Category I  wetlands.  CF  has acknowledged EPA's
       opposition to any such mining and  has  agreed  that mining will not
       be scheduled in those areas unless or  until EPA reconsiders  its
       present Category I designation.
     • Implement a program to  reduce  impacts  on  the  eastern  indigo
       snake, a threatened species which  occurs  on the site.
     • Control of fugitive emissions by reducing premine land clearing
       during the dry season and  utilization  of  approved dust control
       techniques on internal  access  roadways.
                                  -11-

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5.  EPA's Preferred Alternatives  and  Recommended  Mitigating  Measures:
The alternatives evaluation  for  the  proposed  project  is  presented  in
Section  2.13 of the EIS.   Based on analyses described  in  this  section,
EPA1s  preferred alternative  for  each  of the  project  components is  as
follows;
     Project Component                EPA Preferred Alternative
     Mining                           Dragline Mining
     Matrix Transport                 Slurry Matrix Transport
     Matrix Processing                Conventional Matrix  Processing
     Waste Sand and Clay Disposal     Sand-Clay  Mixing
     Process Water Source             Ground Water Withdrawal
     Water Management Plan           Discharge  to Surface Waters
     Reclamation                      CF's Proposed Reclamation Plan
     Wetlands Preservation           Preservation of  Category  I Wetlands

As indicated above, EPA's  preferred alternatives  for  the  various project
components are in agreement  with CF's  proposed  action, with  the
exception of mining in Category I-C or  I-D wetlands.  EPA's  preferred
project action involves the  preservation of all Category  I-C or I-D
wetlands.  CF will not be  allowed to mine Category I-C or I-D  wetlands
until such time they can provide documented evidence  to EPA's  satisfac-
tion that these forested wetlands can be successfully restored.
Implementation of most of  the mitigation measures described  in the
previous section is proposed as a condition of  the NPDES  permit for  the
project.  The measures excluded  as conditions of  the  permit  are the
capping of all waste disposal areas with low  activity overburden and the
use of recirculated mine water to meet  pump  seal  requirements. While
environmental impacts might  be reduced  by these two actions, forced
implementation is considered to be impractical  on the  scale  of the
proposed mine—both for economic and  technical  reasons.

All other mitigation measures listed  in Section 4 above  are  proposed as
conditions of the NPDES permit for the  CF project.
                                  -12-

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6.  Summary of the Environmental Impacts of the Alternatives;
A summary of the environmental  impacts of  the  alternatives  is  provided
in Table 1.  The impacts of CF  Industries' proposed action, EPA's
preferred alternatives and mitigating measures, and the  no  action
alternative can be evaluated comparatively.

7.  EPA's Proposed Action;
Pursuant to provisions of the Clean Water Act  of  1977, EPA  proposes  to
issue a NPDES permit to CF Industries for their proposed Hardee  County,
Florida, phosphate mine.  EPA's proposed action will  impose as permit
conditions the performance of all mitigating measures  identified in  CF's
proposed action as well as those additional mitigating measures
developed by EPA which were recommended  for implementation.
                                   -13-

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Table 1.  Comparison of Che Environmental  Impacts of the Alternatives


Discipline
Air Quality,
Meteorology,
and Noise





EPA's Preferred Alternatives
CF's Proposed Action and Mitigating Measures
Minor increases in fugitive Sane as CF's proposed action.
dust emissions and emissions
from internal combustion
engines; minor enissions of
volatile reagents; increased
noise levels in the vicinity of
operating equipment .
The No Action Alternative

Te rminat ion Post poneroent
tt> change in meteo- Sana as CF's proposed
rology & noise levels action.
present; possible air
quality changes from
other sources.



Achieve Zero
Discharge
Sane as CF's proposed
action.





Geology and        Disruptions  of  the  surface
Soils              soils  and  overburden  strata
                   over the mine site; depletion
                   of 97  million short tons of
                   phosphate  rock  resources;
                   creation of  a reclaimed soil
                   material which  should be
                   superior to  existing  soils.

Radiation         Disruption of the natural
                   distribution of radioactive
                   material within the overburden
                   and phosphate matrix; increased
                   radiation levels from reclaimed
                   surfaces.

Ground Water      Withdrawal of ground  water at
                   an average rate of 7.85 mgd;
                   lowering of surficial aquifer
                   in the vicinity; possible local
                   contaninat ion of surficial
                   aquifer adjacent to sand-clay
                   mix disposal areas.
Sane as CF's proposed action.
hb change in geology;
no change in site
soils (i.e., increased
productivity); preser-
vation of 97 million
short tons of phos-
phate rock reserves.
Ibssible increased
phosphate recovery and
more effective sand-
clay mix disposal,
reclamation, and wet-
lands restoration.
Increased dike heights,
and water storage capa-
city; probable infrirge-
ment on preserved areas;
less desirable reclana-
tion plan.
Sane as CF.'s proposed action,
except that reclaimed surfaie
soils would contain less radio-
active material because of toe
spoiling.
Sane as CF's  proposed action.
bfo change in radiation  Same as CF's proposed    Probable increase in area
characteristics of the
site.
Na change  in existing
ground water quantity
and quality.
action.
Possible reduction in
ground water with-
drawals because of nore
effective dewatering of
waste materials.
covered with waste
clays—the reclaimed
material having the
highest radioactivity
levels.

Sane as CF's proposed
action.

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      Table 1.  Campari son of the Environmental Impacts of the Alternatives (Continued, Page 2 of 2)
Discipline

EPA1 s Preferred Alternatives
CF's Proposed Action and Mitigating Maasures Termination
The No Action Alternative
Achieve Zero
Postponement Discharge
      Surface Water
      Aquatic Ecology
Ln
I
      Terrestrial
      Ecology
      Socioecononics
                                  Same as CF's proposed action.
Disruption of surface water
flows from tiie mine site; minor
reduction in flous following
reclamation; degradation of
water quality die to discharges
from the mine water system.
Destruction of aquatic habitats   Bare  as  CF's  proposed action.
on  the mine site; aquatic
habitat modifications due  to
reduced surface water flous and
addition of contaminants to
creeks flowing fron the site.
Destruction of terrestrial
habitats and loss of indivi-
duals of sane species on the
mine site; creation of modified
habitats following
reclamation.

Generation of jobs with
comparatively high incomes; ad
valoren and sales tax revenue
for Hardee (bunty; severence
tax revenue for the state, Land
Reclamation Trust Fund, and
Florida Institute of Phosphate
Research; sane population
influx to Hardee County;
increased demands for housing,
transportation, fire protec-
tion, police, and medical
services.
                                 Sane as CF's proposed action,
                                 accept that the wildlife habitat
                                 on the reclaimed mine site will
                                 be more extensive (both marsh and
                                 forest).
                                 Same as CF's proposed action.
tb change in surface
water  quantity; sur-
face water quality
would  be dependent
upon future land uses
in the site area.

bb change in existing
aquatic ecology.
fb change in existing
terrestrial ecology.
ND increase in enploy-
ment; no increase in
tax revenues; less
demand for transporta-
tion, housing, fire
protection, police and
medical services; con-
tinuation of phosphate
rock market uncertain-
ties for CF and a loss
of their investment.
Sane as CF's proposed
action.
                                                                                            Sate as CF's proposed
                                                                                            action.
Possibly nore effective
reclamation and wet-
lands restoration.
Continuation of phos-
phate rock market.
uncertainties for CF
and potential increased
project costs; possible
improvement in supply/
danand for housing in
Hardee Couity.
Elimination of surface
water quality impacts
resulting fron discharge
frcra mine water systen;
increased probability of
dike failure impacts.

Elimination of habitat
modification resulting
fie on discharge fron mine
water systen; increased
probability of dike
failure impacts.

Probable creation of
increased reclaimed land
areas of limited use
(e.g., pasture).
Sane as CF's proposed
action.

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                          CF INDUSTRIES, INC.
                  DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
                           TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section                                                            Page

  1.0     PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION                              1-1

  2.0     ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION               2-1

          2.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CF INDUSTRIES'               2-1
               PROPOSED ACTION
          2.2  MINING                                              2-34

               2.2.1  DRAGLINE MINING (CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED     2-34
                      ACTION)

                      2.2.1.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION                 2-34
                      2.2.1.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS        2-34
                      2.2.1.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS            2-35

               2.2.2  OTHER ALTERNATIVES                           2-36
               2.2.3  SUMMARY COMPARISON - MINING                  2-37

          2.3  MATRIX TRANSPORT                                    2-38

               2.3.1  SLURRY MATRIX TRANSPORT (CF INDUSTRIES'      2-38
                      PROPOSED ACTION)

                      2.3.1.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION                 2-38
                      2.3.1.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS        2-39
                      2.3.1.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS            2-40

               2.3.2  OTHER ALTERNATIVES                           2-40
               2.3.3  SUMMARY COMPARISON - MATRIX TRANSPORT        2-43

          2.4  MATRIX PROCESSING                                   2-44

               2.4.1  CONVENTIONAL MATRIX PROCESSING (CF           2-44
                      INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED ACTION)

                      2.4.1.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION                 2-44
                      2.4.1.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS        2-48
                      2.4.1.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS            2-48

               2.4.2  OTHER ALTERNATIVES                           2-49
               2.4.3  SUMMARY COMPARISON - MATRIX PROCESSING       2-50

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                          CF INDUSTRIES, INC.
                  DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
                            TABLE OF CONTENTS
                       (Continued, Page 2 of 8)

Section                                                            page

          2.5  PLANT SITING                                        2-52

               2.5.1  CF INDUSTRIES'  PROPOSED PLANT LOCATION       2-52

          2.6  WATER MANAGEMENT                                    2-56

               2.6.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION                          2-56
               2.6.2  PROCESS WATER SOURCES                        2-58

                      2.6.2.1  GROUND WATER WITHDRAWAL (CF         2-59
                               INDUSTRIES'  PROPOSED ACTION)
                      2.6.2.2  SURFACE WATER                       2-60

               2.6.3  DISCHARGE                                    2-62

                      2.6.3.1  DISCHARGE INTO SURFACE WATERS (CF   2-64
                               INDUSTRIES'  PROPOSED ACTION)
                      2.6.3.2  DISCHARGE TO SURFACE WATERS VIA     2-65
                               WETLANDS  (CF INDUSTRIES'  ALTERNATE
                               PROPOSED  ACTION)
                      2.6.3.3  CONNECTOR WELLS                      2-66
                      2.6.3.4  ZERO DISCHARGE                      2-68

               2.6.4  OTHER ALTERNATIVES                           2-69
               2.6.5  SUMMARY COMPARISON -  WATER MANAGEMENT        2-69

          2.7   WASTE SAND  AND CLAY DISPOSAL                        2-71

               2.7.1  SAND-CLAY MIXING (CF  INDUSTRIES'  PROPOSED    2-72
                      ACTION)

                      2.7.1.1   GENERAL DESCRIPTION                 2-72
                      2.7.1.2   ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS        2-72
                      2.7.1.3   TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS            2-73

               2.7.2  CONVENTIONAL SAND  AND CLAY DISPOSAL          2-74

                      2.7.2.1   GENERAL DESCRIPTION                 2-74
                      2.7.2.2   ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS        2-75
                      2.7.2.3   TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS            2-76

               2.7.3  SAND-CLAY CAP                                2-76

                      2.7.3.1   GENERAL DESCRIPTION                 2-76
                      2.7.3.2   ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS        2-77
                      2.7.3.3   TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS            2-77
                                  ii

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                          CF INDUSTRIES, INC.
                  DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
                            TABLE OF CONTENTS
                       (Continued, Page 3 of 8)

Section                                                            Page

               2.7.4  OTHER ALTERNATIVES                           2-78

                      2.7.4.1  SAND SPRAY                          2-78
                      2.7.4.2  BELOW GROUND SLIME DISPOSAL         2-79
                      2.7.4.3  FLOCCULATION                        2-80

               2.7.5  SUMMARY COMPARISON - WASTE DISPOSAL          2-81

          2.8  RECLAMATION                                         2-83

               2.8.1  CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED RECLAMATION PLAN     2-83

                      2.8.1.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION                 2-83
                      2.8.1.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS        2-96
                      2.8.1.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS            2-100

               2.8.2  CONVENTIONAL RECLAMATION/CLAY SETTLING       2-100

                      2.8.2.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION                 2-100
                      2.8.2.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS        2-101
                      2.8.2.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS            2-101

               2.8.3  SAND-CLAY CAP                                2-101

                      2.8.3.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION                 2-101
                      2.8.3.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS        2-102
                      2.8.3.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS            2-103

               2.8.4  SUMMARY COMPARISON - RECLAMATION             2-103

          2.9  WETLANDS PRESERVATION                               2-105

               2.9.1  PRESERVATION  PLAN  (CF  INDUSTRIES'  PROPOSED  2-105
                      PLAN)

                      2.9.1.1  GENERAL  DESCRIPTION                 2-105
                      2.9.1.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS        2-106
                      2.9.1.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS            2-106

               2.9.2  CATEGORY I  PRESERVATION                      2-107

                      2.9.2.1  GENERAL  DESCRIPTION                 2-107
                      2.9.2.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS        2-107
                      2.9.2.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS            2-107

         2.10  PRODUCT TRANSPORT                                   2-108
                                   ill

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                          CF INDUSTRIES, INC.
                  DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
                            TABLE OF CONTENTS
                       (Continued, Page 4 of 9)

Section                                                            Page

               2.10.1  RAIL PRODUCT TRANSPORT (CF INDUSTRIES'      2-108
                       PROPOSED ACTION)

                      2.10.1.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION                2-108
                      2.10.1.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS       2-108
                      2.10.1.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS           2-108

               2.10.2  TRUCK PRODUCT TRANSPORT                     2-108

                      2.10.2.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION                2-108
                      2.10.2.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS       2-108
                      2.10.2.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS           2-109

               2.10.3  SUMMARY COMPARISON - PRODUCT TRANSPORT      2-109

          2.11 MITIGATION MEASURES                                 2-110

               2.11.1 GEOLOGY AND SOILS                            2-110
               2.11.2 RADIATION                                    2-110
               2.11.3 HYDROLOGY                                    2-110
               2.11.4 WATER QUALITY                                2-111
               2.11.5 TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY                          2-111
               2.11.6 AQUATIC ECOLOGY                              2-114
               2.11.7 SOCIOECONOMICS                               2-116

          2.12 THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE                           2-118

               2.12.1 TERMINATION OF THE PROJECT                   2-118
               2.12.2 POSTPONEMENT OF THE PROJECT                  2-121
               2.12.3 ACHIEVING A ZERO DISCHARGE                   2-121

          2.13 EPA'S PREFERRED ALTERNATIVES,  MITIGATING MEASURES,   2-123
               AND RECOMMENDED ACTION
          2.14 REFERENCES                                          2-129

  3.0      THE  AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES   3-1
          OF THE  ALTERNATIVES

          3.1   AIR QUALITY,  METEOROLOGY, AND  NOISE                  3-1

               3.1.1   THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT                     3-1

                      3.1.1.1  METEOROLOGY                         3-1
                      3.1.1.2'  AIR QUALITY                         3-4
                      3.1.1.3  NOISE                               3-6

               3.1.2   ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF  THE            3-7
                      ALTERNATIVES
                                     iv

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                          CF INDUSTRIES, INC.
                  DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
                            TABLE OF CONTENTS
                       (Continued, Page 5 of 8)

Section                                                            Page

                      3.1.2.1  THE ACTION ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING  3-7
                               CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED ACTION
                      3.1.2.2  THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE           3-12

          3.2  GEOLOGY AND SOILS                                   3-13

               3.2.1  THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT                     3-13

                      3.2.1.1  GEOLOGY                             3-13
                      3.2.1.2  SOILS                               3-18

               3.2.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE            3-23
                      ALTERNATIVES

                      3.2.2.1  THE ACTION ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING  3-23
                               CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED ACTION
                      3.2.2.2  THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE           3-32

          3.3  RADIATION                                           3-33

               3.3.1  THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT                     3-33

                      3.3.1.1  URANIUM EQUILIBRIUM                 3-34
                      3.3.1.2  RADIOISOTOPES AND PHOSPHATE         3-36
                               DEPOSITS
                      3.3.1.3  BACKGROUND RADIATION                3-38

               3.3.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE            3-49
                      ALTERNATIVES

                      3.3.2.1  THE ACTION ALTERNATIVES,  INCLUDING  3-49
                               CF INDUSTRIES'  PROPOSED ACTION
                      3.3.2.2  THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE           3-58

          3.4  GROUND WATER                                        3-59

               3.4.1  THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT                    3-59

                      3.4.1.1  GROUND WATER  QUANTITY               3-59
                      3.4.1.2  GROUND WATER  QUALITY                3-72

               3.4.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE            3-85
                      ALTERNATIVES

                      3.4.2.1  THE ACTION ALTERNATIVES,  INCLUDING  3-85
                               CF INDUSTRIES'  PROPOSED ACTION
                      3.4.2.2  THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE           3-103

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                          CF INDUSTRIES, INC.
                  DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
                            TABLE OF CONTENTS
                       (Continued, Page 6 of 8)

Section                                                            Page

          3.5  SURFACE WATER                                       3-105

               3.5.1  THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT                     3-105

                      3.5.1.1  SURFACE WATER QUANTITY              3-105
                      3.5.1.2  SURFACE WATER QUALITY               3-111

               3.5.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE            3-129
                      ALTERNATIVES

                      3.5.2.1  THE ACTION ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING  3-129
                               CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED ACTION
                      3.5.2.2  THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE           3-150

          3.6  AQUATIC ECOLOGY                                     3-151

               3.6.1  THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT                     3-151

                      3.6.1.1  AQUATIC BIOTA                       3-152
                      3.6.1.2  ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES   3-166

               3.6.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE            3-166
                      ALTERNATIVES

                      3.6.2.1  THE ACTION ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING  3-166
                               CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED ACTION
                      3.6.2.2  THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE           3-179

          3.7  TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY                                 3-181

               3.7.1  THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT                     3-181

                      3.7.1.1  VEGETATION TYPES                    3-181
                      3.7.1.2  PRINCIPAL WILDLIFE HABITATS         3-181
                      3.7.1.3  GAME AND COMMERCIAL FURBEARING      3-185
                               SPECIES
                      3.7.1.4  ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES   3-186
                               - FEDERAL
                      3.7.1.5  ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES   3-188
                               AND SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN -
                               STATE

               3.7.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE            3-190
                      ALTERNATIVES

                      3.7.2.1  THE ACTION ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING  3-190
                               CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED ACTION
                      3.7.2.2  THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE           3-215
                                    vi

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                          CF INDUSTRIES, INC.
                  DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
                            TABLE OF CONTENTS
                       (Continued, Page 7 of 8)

Section                                                            Page

          3.8  SOCIOECONOMICS                                      3-217

               3.8.1  THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT                     3-217

                      3.8.1.1  POPULATION, INCOME, AND EMPLOYMENT  3-217
                      3.8.1.2  LAND USE                            3-220
                      3.8.1.3  TRANSPORTATION                      3-224
                      3.8.1.4  COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES   3-227
                      3.8.1.5  PUBLIC FINANCE                      3-230
                      3.8.1.6  CULTURAL RESOURCES                  3-232
                      3.8.1.7  VISUAL RESOURCES                    3-233

               3.8.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE            3-234
                      ALTERNATIVES

                      3.8.2.1  THE ACTION ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING  3-234
                               CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED ACTION
                      3.8.2.2  THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE           3-268

          3.9  REFERENCES                                          3-269

  4.0     SHORT-TERM USE VERSUS LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY             4-1

          4.1  METEOROLOGY, AIR QUALITY AND NOISE                  4-1

               4.1.1  SHORT-TERM                                   4-1
               4.1.2  LONG-TERM                                    4-1

          4.2  GEOLOGY AND  SOILS                                   4-2

               4.2.1  SHORT-TERM                                   4-2
               4.2.2  LONG-TERM                                    4-2

          4.3  RADIATION                                           4-2

               4.3.1  SHORT-TERM                                   4-2
               4.3.2  LONG-TERM                                    4-2

          4.4  GROUND WATER                                       4-2

               4.4.1  SHORT-TERM                                   4-2
               4.4.2  LONG-TERM                                    4-3

          4.5  SURFACE WATER                                       4-3

               4.5.1  SHORT-TERM                                   4-3
               4.5.2  LONG-TERM                                    4-3
                                     vii

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                          CF INDUSTRIES,  INC.
                  DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
                            TABLE OF CONTENTS
                       (Continued, Page 8 of 9)

Section                                                            Page

          4.6  BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT                              4-4

               4.6.1   SHORT-TERM                                   4-4
               4.6.2   LONG-TERM                                    4-4

          4.7  SOCIOECONOMICS                                      4-5

               4.7.1   SHORT-TERM                                   4-5
               4.7.2   LONG-TERM                                    4-5

  5.0     IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES   5-1

          5.1  DEPLETION OF MINERAL RESOURCES                      5-1
          5.2  LANDFORM CHANGES                                    5-2
          5.3  COMMITMENT OF WATER RESOURCES                       5-2
          5.4  ENERGY                                              5-3
          5.5  AESTHETICS                                          5-3
          5.6  FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT                           5-3
          5.7  HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL VALUES                5-5
          5.8  REFERENCES                                          5-5

  6.0     COMPARISON  OF PROPOSED ACTIVITY WITH AREAWIDE EIS        6-1
          RECOMMENDATIONS

          6.1  MINING AND BENEFICIATION REQUIREMENTS               6-1
          6.2  REFERENCES                                          6-11

  7.0     COORDINATION                                             7-1

          7.1  DRAFT  ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT COORDINATION   7-1
               LIST

               7.1.1   FEDERAL AGENCIES                             7-1
               7.1.2   MEMBERS OF CONGRESS                          7-1
               7.1.3   STATE                                        7-1
               7.1.4   LOCAL AND REGIONAL                           7-2
               7.1.5   INTEREST GROUPS                              7-2

          7.2  PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND SCOPING                    7-2
          7.3  CONSULTATION WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR   7-3
          7.4  CONSULTATION WITH THE STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION   7-4
               OFFICER
                                      viii

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                          CF INDUSTRIES, INC.
                  DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
                            TABLE OF CONTENTS
                       (Continued, Page 9 of 9)

Section                                                            Page

          7.5  COORDINATION WITH THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS  7-5
          7.6  REFERENCES                                          7-5

  8.0     LIST OF PREPARERS                                        8-1

  9.0     INDEX                                                    9-1

APPENDIX A—DRAFT NPDES PERMIT FOR THE  CF INDUSTRIES, INC.
            HARDEE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROJECT
                                     ix

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                    1.0  PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION

CF Industries, Inc. (CF) currently owns  and operates  phosphate  raining
and benefication facilities in northwest Hardee  County,  Florida.   This
operation is known as Hardee Phosphate Complex I.   Mining  on  this  site
began operation in 1978.  Currently, CF  is proposing  to  expand  its
mining operations  into  a 14,994-acre area south  of  its  existing mine
called Hardee Phosphate Complex II.  Plans call  for the  proposed mining
operations on this site to begin  in  1989.  The expanded  facility will be
designed to produce approximately  2 million tons of phosphate  rock per
year during the first 7 years  of mining  and 4 million tons per  year
during the remainder of the planned  27-year mining  period.
Figure 1.1.1-1 shows the general  location of  CF's existing mine site  and
the planned mine expansion.

This new operation, which will  include mining  and beneficiation facili-
ties, will allow CF to  maintain a  continuous  supply of phosphate ferti-
lizer for its cooperative member  organization.   The annual production of
the proposed  facility at full  capacity would be  4 million  tons  of phos-
phate rock.   The ultimate development will  result in the disturbance of
approximately 14,925 acres, or 99  percent of  the site.   The proposed
mine will produce  approximately 16.2 million  cubic yards of phosphate
matrix per year during  its 27-year planned  mine  life.

The phosphate rock resulting  from this  initial expansion will be
utilized by CF's Plant  City and Bartow  phosphate complexes to replace
existing rock supply contracts.   The rock supply resulting from the
second expansion will be utilized  by CF's  two phosphate complexes to
replace  rock  from  contracts  from  other  mining companies and the rock
supply currently provided by  the  Hardee  Complex I operation.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  has determined that the
phosphate mining operations proposed by  CF  will  constitute a "new
source"  discharge  facility  under  the Federal  Water Pollution Control Act
                               1-1

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                        CENTRAL FLORID* LAND-PEBBLE
                        PHOSI"HATE DISTRICT
                                               EXISTING NORTH MINE
                                               HARDEE PHOSPHATE COMPLEX I
Figure 1.1.1-1
GENERAL LOCATION OF CENTRAL FLORIDA-PHOSPHATE
DISTRICT AND THE CF INDUSTRIES EXISTING MINE
AND PLANNED  MINE EXPANSION
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
          CF INDUSTRIES
   Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
of 1972, as amended (FWPCA).  As a new source, the proposed operations
will be subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) new source effluent limitations and permit requirements.   The
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) requires  that all
federal agencies prepare a detailed Environmental Impact Statement  (EIS)
on proposed major federal actions significantly affecting  the quality of
the human environment.  EPA has determined that issuance of NPDES
permits for the Hardee Phosphate Complex II phosphate mining operations
represents a major federal action significantly a fjfee ting  the quality of
the human environment.  Therefore, EPA is required by NEPA to prepare a
detailed EIS on the proposed CF phosphate mining operations in Hardee
County, Florida.  This draft EIS has been prepared by a  third party
contractor under the direction and review of EPA Region  IV.
                                     1-3

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            2.0  ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION
       2.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED ACTION

CF Industries, Inc. has developed a comprehensive program for mining  and
processing phosphate rock for its proposed Hardee Phosphate Complex  II
mine expansion.  This plan, hereafter referred to as CF's proposed
action, is comprised of a number of project subsystems  that, when
combined, provide a total system capable of meeting CF's production
objectives.  The mining subsystems necessary  for the Hardee Phosphate
Complex II operation are:
     • Mining,
     • Matrix Transport,
     • Matrix Processing,
     • Plant Siting,
     • Water Management,
     • Waste Sand  and Clay Disposal,
     • Reclamation,
     • Wetlands Preservation,
     • Product Transport, and
     • Mitigation Measures.

CF proposes to mine  the Hardee Phosphate Complex II  tract  utilizing  two
large "walking" draglines.  The mining  operation has  been  designed to
produce  approximately 4 million  tons  annually and  will  be  implemented in
two phases.

Phase I of the CF  Hardee Phosphate  Complex II project would initially
employ a  single dragline with bucket  capacity of 55  cubic  yards.  In
mining year 8, Phase II  will  add  a  second  dragline of similar capacity
to provide additional  excavation  capabilities to support an expanded
beneficiation facility.

Prior  to  mining,  land  clearing  will be  required  for  construction of  the
initial  clay  settling  areas,  the  initial raining  areas,  and the powerline
                                 2-1

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and pipeline  rights-of-way.   Land  clearing for the initial settling
areas will  begin  as  near  to  the start of construction as possible.  Two
hundred  thirty-two  (232)  acres  are planned for the first year of mining;
however,  CF expects  to  clear only  80 acres initially, most of which will
be completed  prior  to construction of the initial settling areas
(Figure  2.1.1-1).

As mining progresses, acreage will gradually be cleared ahead of the
actual mining operation.

Typical  dragline  operations  include the development of a series of
mining cuts,  with the overburden from the initial cut being placed on
adjacent mine land.  As successive cuts are made, each varying from
250 to 300  feet wide and  50  to  70  feet deep, overburden material is
placed in adjacent  cuts previously mined.  Leach zone material would be
placed near'the base of the  mining cut, then covered with overburden to
minimize  any  naturally  occurring radiation from uranium concentrations.
The ore  is  placed in a matrix well,  where it is slurrified for transport
to the beneficiation plant.   As the mining operation proceeds, the
matrix well and ore  transport equipment are advanced along the direction
of mining with  the  dragline.

The proposed  mining  operations  would result in an average annual excava-
tion of  approximately 12.3 million cubic yards of overburden and 16.2
million  cubic yards  of  phosphate matrix when two draglines are in
operation.  During  the  planned  mine  life of 27 years, the proposed mine
operation would disturb approximately 14,925 acres or 99 percent of the
site.

The planned sequence of mining  is  illustrated in Figure 2.1.1-2.
Existing  land use patterns would continue on reserve land until those
lands are scheduled  for mining. Approximately 69 acres would remain
undisturbed.  CF's mining sequence has been developed through the use of
                                      2-2

-------
                                                                    XL
                                                            U-V.V-  '
                                                                       ALTERNATE
                                                                       NVDKS OUTFALL
                                                                           WK1K
           NPDES
    OUTFALL WEIR
                                             OUTFALL
                                             CONTROL-^,
                                            STRUCTURE!.
  INITIAL
 SETTLING
   AREA
COMPARTMENT 1
                                                               NPDES
                                                        OOTFALL WEIR
                        IKTERIOR DAM
     SAND TAILINGS
     STORAGE AREA
                         COMPARTMENT 2
      TAILINGS WATER
                                                      INITIAL MINING AREA
                                                         (FIRST YEAR)
                      .SPILLWAY    SPILLWAY

                       WATER RETURN DITCH
      SCALE _
      p^Jy=J^~' , ...... «
      0     1UJU    2000 FEET
Figure 2.1.1-1
INITIAL START-UP AREAS FOR PLANT
CONSTRUCTION, WASTE DISPOSAL AND
MINING
                                    2-3
                    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                         Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                              CF INDUSTRIES
                       Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
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A - Dragline I
B - Dragline I
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1-4 - Mining Years
dPs|p - Preserved Areas
SOURCE:
CF Industries






Figure 2.1.1-2
DRAGLINE MININft RFOIIFNir.F








U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
CF INDUSTRIES
Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
a computer model which simulates  the  mining  and  processing of the entire
mineable deposit on an annual  basis.   The  base data for this program
came from the prospect drilling results  and  the  preliminary design of
the mining and processing equipment.   The  dragline would follow a
sequence which balances  production  and grade requirements  and facili-
tates water recirculation,  waste  disposal  and reclamation activities.
If production and sales  requirements  change, the length of the mine
operation may also be changed,

CF's plans for transporting matrix  involve the matrix slurry transport
system, which is illustrated in Figure 2.1.1-3.   In this system, the
matrix is placed into the matrix  well and  is mixed with water sprayed
under "high pressure."   Approximately 11,000 gallons/minute of water is
required to break down the  clay and sand matrix into a slurry which can
then be pumped.  The source of this water  will be clarified and recycled
water from the water recirculation  ditch which receives water from the
initial settling area (ISA),  pit  dewatering, and area drainage.

Proper planning  should minimize the need for numerous crossings of
wetland areas with pipelines as mining proceeds  throughout the tract.
Where crossings  are required,  the possibility of leaks or environmental
damage is minimized by the  use of preventive maintenance practices such
as pipeline inspection and  rotation along with the implementation of
certain safeguard systems.   These systems  would include double-walled
pipes and a low  pressure shutoff  system.  Cutoff valves, installed at
both sides of the pipeline  stream crossing,  will assist in controlling a
pipeline leak at these points.

At the Horse Creek crossing (see  Figure 2.1.1-4A and 2.1.1-4B),  the
matrix pipeline  will also be underlain by temporary  fill across  the
stream channel which will have grassed berms on both edges of  the
corridor.  This  will help prevent erosion and turbid runoff  into the
creek should a  leak or heavy rains  occur.
                                  2-5

-------
     Cfl HPCII 42/1
hJ

ON
               r
                  MATRIX
        2038 STPH (SOLIDS)
        1445 GPM (WATER)
(HIGH PRESSURE)
11237 GPM  I WATER FROM CLARIFICATION
AT 200 psl  I & RECIRCULATION SYSTEM
                                                PIPELINE (APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES)
                                                       MATRIX SLURRY AT 39.7% SOLIDS (WT.%)
                                                       15.700 GPM
                                                                                                        WASHER PLANT
                                                            NOTE:  APPROXIMATELY 300 GPM OF SEAL WATER WILL ALSO BE
                                                                  ADDED TO THE PUMPS AND WILL GENERALLY BE ADDITIVE
                                                                  TO THE ABOVE FLOW. THIS WATER WILL COME FROM THE
                                                                  HIGH PRESSURE WATER LINE AND FROM ADJACENT
                                                                  RECIRCULATION WATER CANALS.
         Source: Zellars-Williams. Inc.
      Figure 2.1.1-3
      SCHEMATIC FLOW DIAGRAM FOR
      SLURRIED MATRIX TRANSPORT
                                             U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                                 Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                        CF INDUSTRIES
                                                Hardee Phosphate Complex  II

-------
                                                                    B1
             DRAGLINE CROSSING
            TEMPORARY FILL AREA
 20' DOUBLE-WALLED
  MATRIX PIPELINE
                              24' HYDRAULIC
                             WATER PIPELINE
                                                              PLAN
 GRASSED BERM
                          20' DOUBLE-WALLED MATRIX PIPELINE
                          24' HYDRAULIC WATER PIPELINE
DRAGLINE CROSSING
                             TEMPORARY FILL
                              DRAINAGE PIPE
             STREAM BED
                                                         SECTION A-A'
           TEMPORARY FILL
                FOR
          DRAGLINE CROSSING
                                                    NATURAL GROUND,
          HORIZ. SCALE I
Zellars-Williams. Inc.
                                                         SECTION B-B'
Figure 2.1.1-4A
CONCEPTUAL DRAGLINE CROSSING
AT HORSE CREEK SECTION 32,
T33S, R23E
         U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
            Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                  CF INDUSTRIES
           Hardee Phosphate Complex
                                    2-7

-------
       L_
         DRAGLINE CROSSING

      20' DOUBLE-WALLED
         MATRIX PIPELINE
                    lull f
                    OH
                    
-------
CF proposes to use processing  procedures  now  common  to  the Florida
Phosphate Industry. Therefore,  Figure  2.1.1-5,  which depicts the general
layout of the plant, is characteristic  of Florida  phosphate beneficia-
tion plants.  The matrix will  be  slurried and pumped from the mine to
the beneficiation plant.  There the matrix will undergo the conventional
beneficiation process, consisting  of  separating the  clays and fines from
the pebble-sized product in  the washer  and feed preparation areas before
being transferred to the flotation plant  for  processing to recover the
final phosphate concentrate.

CF's facilities are planned  to have  a  nominal capacity  of 2,000,000
short tons per year of phosphate  rock  product.   Wet  phosphate rock will
be stored according to product classification in a storage area with a
1,000,000 short ton capacity.   Product  load-out facilities and a rail-
road marshalling yard will be  located  nearby.  On-site  water will be
provided by facilities located in  the  plant hydraulic station.

Miscellaneous operation support facilities, including the office,
laboratory, and parking area,  will be .located within the plant site
area.

In mining year 8 (as currently scheduled), a  second  dragline will be
added and the beneficiation  plant  will  be expanded at the proposed plant
location.  This expansion will be  identical in process  to the proposed
plant.

The CF Industries, Inc. beneficiation  plant and support facilities will
occupy approximately 60 acres. This  site (Section 30,  Township 33
South, Range 24 East) is located  1/2-mile south of the  town of Ft. Green
Springs, in Hardee County, Florida.   The  particular  location for this
phosphate beneficiation plant  was  selected by CF since  it was close to
the centroid of ore and waste  disposal; close to rail and power facili-
ties; nad favorable topography; could  minimize impact to environmentally
sensitive areas, and would minimize  phosphate reserve loss.
                                  2-9

-------
KJ
I
     Figure 2.1.1-5
     GENERAL PLANT LAYOUT
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                                CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                         Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
Proper water management is an  essential  ingredient  in  many phosphate
mining operations.  Figure 2.1.1-6  presents  the key water uses for the
mine as planned by CF, including  the  respective sources  and final
disposition of the water.  Recyled  water is  used extensively as a medium
in many processes to reduce  the overall  consumptive use  of water.
Matrix transport  and process water  is used as follows:
     • Ore Transportation -  Recycled  water is required to slurry the
       matrix as  a medium for  transporting the matrix to the
       beneficiation plant.
     • Washer and Sizing Sections - Recycled water is used in the
       washing process to separate  pebble, sand, and clay size
       fractions.
     • Rougher Flotation - Recycled water is used in the rougher
       flotation  circuit  to  dilute  the float feed in the rougher
       flotation  machines.
     • Amine Flotation - Deepwell water is used in the amine  flotation
       circuit for  feed dilution.  Recycled water may be used as an
       alternative  based upon  water quality and flotation
       considerations.
     • Waste Disposal - Recycled water and water from the  flotation
       circuit is used as a  medium for transporting waste  clays  and  sand
       tailing from the beneficiation plant to disposal  area.

CF  plans  to recycle  water  to the greatest extent possible  for use  in
plant operations.  The mine  water recirculation system  proposed  (Figure
2.1.1-7)  would recycle 93.5  mgd,  which is projected to  be  adequate for
the required uses.   Since  mining and beneficiation processes  operate
with a fixed water  usage  to  production rate ratio, demand  is  fairly
constant.  Therefore,  no  significant fluctuations  in  water usage are
expected.

Seasonal  variation  in rainfall and evaporation  rates  can affect  the
recirculation  system's  water supply.  A seasonal deficit can  result  if
                                     2-11

-------
N>

t->
N>
WATER SOURCES
FUNCTION/SOURCE VOLUME, MGD

Rainfall 12. 40 r_l_
1


(Non-Supply) h


h— -
Mine Cut Seepage 0.14 "~*

Deep Well CO 4.96 __r_
F 1 ota t i on

h-

—

Potable Well Water 0 01 -

u.
Total 21.73
Source: Ardaman & Associates
Figure 2.1.1-6
MINE WATER BALANCE
(DAILY AVERAGE)



MINE


WASHER


FEED
PREPARATION


FLOTATION

SAND DISPOSAL

CLAY DISPOSAL

SUPPORT
FACILITIES
RECYCLE WATER
93.5 MGD
i

WATER DISPOSITION
VOLUME, MGD DISPOSITION

-__. 10. 94 Evaporation


	 1


, ^_ 0.17 Prnrlurt
	 	 1


^-H

	 [ 	 	 7.22 Sand/Clay Mix
i

--H

I . . •» 079 ^^^^lh^or>nJ'^^^r>
-~i
i
| 	 	 2.48 Discharge
21.73 Total
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Region IV
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
CF INDUSTRIES
Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
                                                                       ALTERNATE
                                                                       NPDES OUTFALL
                                                                            WEIR
            KPDES
    OUTFALL WEIR
                                             OUTFALL
                                             CONTROL^
                                            STRUCTURED
                          INITIAL
                         SETTLING
                           AREA
                        COMPARTMENT
                    NPDEii
            OOT7ALL WEIR
                         INTERIOR DAM
     SAND TAILINGS
     STORAGE AREA

                         COMPARTMENT 2
       TAILINGS WATER
                                                      INITIAL MINING  AREA
                                                         (FIRST YEAR)
                        WATER RETURN DITC1J
            luxi   20OO FEET
 Figure 2.1.1-7
CONCEPTUAL WASTE DISPOSAL AND
WATER RECIRCULAT1ON PLAN FOR
 INITIAL START-UP
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
          CF INDUSTRIES
  Hardee Phosptiate Complex II
                                    2-13

-------
 the reservoir's  capacity  is  insufficient to collect enough rainfall
 during  the  wet  season  to  counter-balance shortages during the dry
 season; or  if the  catchment  area  is  insufficient to offset the loss
 between rainfall and evaporation  rates.   During the dry season, this
 deficit due  to evaporation can  increase  system losses.  As planned, the
 system's surge capacity should  aid in eliminating these seasonal
 changes.  If necessary, well  water can be drawn as make-up during the
 dry season.  Conversely,  during the  rainy season, when the accumulation
 of rainfall  and  runoff in the system exceed the storage capacity,
 discharges  become  necessary.

Current plans indicate a  need for ground water withdrawal to provide a
 primary source of  clean water for the amine flotation circuit, to offset
water losses from  the  recirculation  system, for initial pre-filling of
 the ISA, potable construction water,  and to supply other domestic and
 potable water needs.

CF proposes  to provide potable  water by  drilling two 24-inch production
wells (designated  Well No. D  and  E)  to a depth of approximately 1,200
 feet into the Avon Park Limestone (Figure 2.1.1-8).  In addition, two
 smaller wells (designated Wells No.  F and G)  will be developed to supply
the operation's  domestic  and  potable water needs.

Wells permitted  for Hardee Complex II are described below:
     Well No. D:   24-inch diameter,  1,200 foot depth—to be used as the
                   main production well for ground water supply to the
                   flotation  plant.
     Well No. E:   24-inch diameter,  1,200 foot depth—to be used for
                   fresh water dilution in mixing reagents.  Casing sized
                   to accommodate  production well pump in the event of a
                   production  well failure.
     Well No. F:   8-inch  diameter, 1,200 foot depth—to be used as
                   domestic water  well.
                                   2-14

-------
Cfl HPCH 4271
  •> 30
                    RIGHT ANGLE
                      DISCHARGE HEAD
                •UPPER CLASTICS
 Figure 2.1.1-8
 TYPICAL PRODUCTION WELL
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                  CF INDUSTRIES
                                           Hardee Phosphate Complex
                                     2-15

-------
      Well No.  G:   4-inch diameter, 500 foot depth—proposed  to be used
                   as a potable water supply during construction.

 CF's  objective to achieve a balanced wastewater disposal program can be
 realized by minimizing the frequency and volume of wastewater  discharged
 while maintaining its quality and the water quality of the receiving
 waters.

 To minimize the frequency and volume of discharge, CF plans  to recycle/
 recirculate as much water stored in the interconnecting ditches and
 ponds as possible.   As a result of these efforts, discharges of treated
 process  wastewater  should typically occur during the rainy season at
 times when accumulated rainfall and runoff exceed the storage  capacity
 of the settling ponds and recirculating water system.  This  should occur
 primarily during  the months of June, July, August, and September.

 Major inputs  to the recirculating water system will include  clarified
 water from the settling areas, water from mine-cut dewatering, and
 stormwater from in  and around the plant complex.  As water inputs to the
 recirculating  water system exceed that amount required for matrix pump-
 ing and  plant  operations, occasional intermittent discharges will result.

 When  a discharge  from the recirculating water system is required during
 the initial few years of mining,  the primary point of discharge will be
 from  the  recirculating water  ditch  into Shirttail Branch and/or Doe
 Branch.   As the mining continues, Shirttail and Doe Branches would be
 used  interchangeably as the operation requires and is permitted by
 receiving water characteristics.   CF's alternate discharge is expected
 to be  via pipe and  open ditch into  wetlands by sheet  flow into Payne
 Creek.

The proposed water  balance (Figure  2.1.1-6) specifies that an average of
2.48 million gallons  is  expected  to  be  discharged  on  a daily basis.
Reduction of this rate  depends on how successful or  unsuccessful CF is
in the utilization  of other water conservation efforts.   Success with
any experimental water  use practice  is  highly dependent  on site-specific
                                   2-16

-------
conditions including matrix composition,  clay  settling,  plant  design,
and material utilization.

Disposing of sand and clay wastes  for  use as  backfill  and  reclamation
materials for mined and disturbed  lands  is  one of  the  primary  objectives
of the CF waste disposal plan.  The  waste disposal method  proposed by CF
is sand/clay mixing.  Several  factors  were  considered  in reaching a
decision on the method of waste disposal  to be employed  at the
Complex II mine.  From a materials handling perspective,  the mix reduces
the equipment, energy, and manpower  requirements when  compared with
traditional practices of handling  sand and  clay separately.   Also,
higher total percent solids and increased consolidation  rates  have been
observed from tests using the  sand/clay mix technique  (Ardaman &
Associates, 1982).  Both features  offer positive  incentives  to the
operator to pursue sand/clay mixing  as the  primary waste disposal
method.  Sand/clay mix also offers enhanced potential  for  reclamation
over conventional clay settling areas.  The increased  dewatering
potential of the sand/clay mix also  allows  for lower dams  than typically
constructed in conventional disposal systems.

The present land use of CF  Industries' Complex II  mine site is primarily
palmetto prairie, freshwater marsh,  and hardwood  forest  (Table 2.1.1-1).
All of the mine site is designated as  mining in Hardee County's
Comprehensive Plan (Adley and  Associates, Inc., 1980).  Approximately
14,925 acres of the site will  be  disturbed by mining and related
activities (Table 2.1.1-2).  The  areas proposed for preservation by CF
consist of U.S. EPA Category I-A  wetlands.

Specific objectives of the  reclamation plan are to restore the disturbed
lands to beneficial uses that  are  compatible with  adjacent land uses and
consistent with future land use plans; enhance or  restore as nearly as
practicable the natural  functions  of the existing  important habitats,
water and lands on the site; eliminate safety hazards; minimize erosion
                                   2-17

-------
Table 2.1.1-1.  Existing and Post-Reclamation Land Use
Proposed Post-
Land Use Existing Disturbance Reclamation
Code*
211
212
213

231
321

411

422

520
621

641


Type Acres % Acres % Acres
Row Crops 13.1 0.09 13.1 0.09
Field Crops 44.1 0.29 44.1 0.30
Improved 1310.3 8.74 1310.3 8.78 6659
Pasture
Orange Grove 2.6 0.02 2.6 0.02
Palmetto 6957.2 46.40 6957.2 46.61
Prairie
Pine 732.7 4.89 732.7 4.91 1500.
Flatwoods
Other 2354.0 15.70 235^.0 15.77 1900
Hardwoods
Lakes -- — — — 1055
Freshwater 1240.4 8.27 1195.3 8.01 1410
Swamp
Freshwater 2339.6 15.60 2315.7 15.52 2470
Marsh
TOTAL 14994.0 100.00 14925.0 100.01 14,994
%
—
—
44.41

—
__.

10.00

12.67

7.04
9.40

16.47

99.99
* Based on Florida Land Use and Cover Classificaton System (Florida
  Department of Administration, 1976).

Source:  CF Industries, 1984.
                                 2-18

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Table 2.1.1-2.  Acreage to be Disturbed and Preserved


Description                                                  Acres


Areas to be Disturbed

   Mining Operations                                         14,647
   Plant Site                                                    60
   Set Backs  from Roads and Property Line*                      218

                                                 Subtotal     14,925

Areas to be Preservedt

   Category I-A Wetlands Contiguous with                         69
     Horse Creek
                                                 Subtotal         69

AREA OF MINE  SITE                                TOTAL        14,994
* The set backs may be disturbed  by  access  roads,  utility corridors,
  temporary storage of overburden,  perimeter  ditching  and related mining
  activities.
t This acreage does not  include strips  around preserved wetlands or
  oddly shaped areas that may not be  accessible  with  the dragline.  Two
  acres of Category I-A  wetlands  will be  disturbed by  a dragline
  crossing.

Source:  CF Industries,  1984.
                               2-19

-------
and siltation effects of water  leaving  the  property;  and  eliminate  the
visual impacts of mining.  To  achieve  these goals,  all  of the disturbed
wetland and forest acreage will be  replaced,  and  the  majority of the
remaining disturbed lands will  be reclaimed to  improved pasture.  CF's
sand/ciay waste disposal technique  is  an  important  aspect of  the
reclamation program.  This methodology  reduces  the  amount of
conventional clay settling areas required,  allows reclamation to near
original grade, and produces reclaimed  soils  that are suitable for
future agricultural uses.

The land use capabilities and  reclamation plans for the mined areas are
closely related to the types of landforms created by  the  waste disposal
plan.  The acreage of each landform remaining after mining and waste
disposal is delineated in Table 2.1.1-3  and is  summarized below:

              Landform                        Acreage
          Sand/Clay Mix Areas                  9,083
          Sand Tailings Fill Areas             2,213
            with Overburden Cap
          Mined Out Areas for                  2,399
            Land-and-Lakes
          Overburden Fill Areas and           1,230
            Disturbed Natural  Ground

An objective of the reclamation plan is  to restore  the  land surface
elevations to approximate the  original  grade  to the greatest  extent
practical.  All of the site is  planned  to be  reclaimed  within 2 to
3 feet of the original grade,  with  the  exception  of the mined-out areas
to be reclaimed as lakes.

The post-reclamation drainage  area  boundaries will  vary slightly from
existing boundaries because of  the  location of  the  sand/clay mix areas
(Figures 2.1.1-9 and 2.1.1-10).  However, total acreage of each drainage
                              2-20

-------
Table 2.1.1-3.  Land forms Remaining After Mining


                                                     Percentage
Landfonns*                     Acres                  of  Sitet


Sand/Clay Mix Areas

       E-l                     187
       E-2                     308
       E-3                     426
       E-4                     292
       E-5                     220
       E-6                     330
       E-7                     330
       E-8                     350
       E-9                     329
       E-10                    366
       E-ll                    240
       E-12                    324
       E-13                    421
       E-14                    276
       E-15                    680
       W-l                     356
       W-2                      223
       W-3                      343
       W-4                      191
       W-5                      307
       W-6                      326
       W-7                      381
       W-8                      550
       W-9                      450
       W-10                     467
       W-ll                     410

                Subtotal      9,083                      60.9

 Mined Out Areas for Land-and-Lakes
       MOA-1                    44
       MOA-2                    44
       MOA-3                   922
       MOA-4                   684
       MOA-5                   705

               Subtotal       2,399                      16.1

 Sand Tailings Fill Areas
  With Overburden Cap         2,213                      14.8

 Overburden Fill Areas and
  Disturbed Natural Ground

         TOTAL DISTURBANCE
 * See Figures 2.4-1A and 2.4-IB  for  location.
 t Total site area is 14,994 acres.

 Source:  CF Industries, 1984.
                                         2-21

-------
CFI IIPCll 4271

                                                                                                HOG BRANCH
                                                                                         AY ^ -
                                                               PLUNDER BRANC H
                        TROUBLESOME CREEK
                                    5-FOOT CONTOUfl INTERVAL
                                    LAKES. INCLUDING LITTORAL ZONE

                                	DRAINAGE BOUNDARY

                                	  DIRECTION OF SURFACE D«Aimct
 Figure 2.1.1-9
 POST-RECLAMATION TOPOGRAPHY:
 COMPLEX II, EASTERN SECTION
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
          CF INDUSTRIES
   Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
Cfl HPCII *
                                  l»«ES. INCLUOIHO LIT 1OH»l ZONE

                               	DRAINAGE BOUNDARY

                               	 DIRECTION OF SUtlFACE DRAINAGE
 Figure 2.1.1-10
 POST-RECLAMATION TOPOGRAPHY:
 COMPLEX II, WESTERN SECTION
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
          CF INDUSTRIES
   Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
basin will be approximately equal  to  pre-mining  conditions
(Table 2.1.1-4).

Agriculture will be  the predominant  land  use  of  the  reclaimed  site,
occupying approximately 6,700  acres  or 44 percent  of the  total  property
(Table 2.1.1-1 and Figures 2.1.1-11  and 2.1.1-12).   This  economic use is
compatible with adjacent properties  and is  consistent  with  the  goals  and
policies of the Hardee County  Comprehensive Plan.

The remainder of the reclaimed  site  will  consist  primarily  of  forest
lands and wetlands (Table 2.1.1-1  and Figures  2.1.1-11  and  2.1.1-12).
These vegetation types currently occupy approximately 45  percent  of  the
site and provide valuable environmental functions,  such as  maintaining
water quality of downstream waters and providing  habitat  for a  variety
of wildlife.

The areas to be preserved from mining occupy  approximately  69  acres  and
consist of all but 2 acres of  the  wetlands  designated  as  EPA
Category I-A.  These proposed  preserved wetlands  are located in the  far
western portion of the site and  are  contiguous with  Horse Creek
(Figure 2.1.1-13).  The 2 acres  of Category I-A  wetlands  to be  disturbed
will be needed for the proposed  dragline  crossing.   Category I-A
wetlands are mainstem stream wetlands that  are considered by EPA to
provide important environmental  functions and  which  should  be  preserved
and protected from mining.

In addition to Category I-A wetlands, there are  approximately 695 acres
of Category I-C and  I-D wetlands on  the site.   These are  headwater and
special concern wetlands that  are  also considered by EPA  as worthy of
preservation and protection.   However, EPA recognizes  the possibility
that reclamation technology may proceed to  the extent that  fully
functional wetlands may be restored.  The Florida phosphate industry,
including CF, is currently working on approximately  35 wetland  reclama-
tion projects (Florida Institute of  Phosphate Research, 1983a).  CF
                                2-24

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Table 2,1.1-4.  Existing and Post-Reclamation Drainage Areas
Drainage Area
Doe Branch
Plunder Branch
Coon's Bay Branch
Troublesome Creek
Hog Branch
Shirttail Branch
Lettis Creek
Brushy Creek
Horse Creek
Gum Swamp Branch
TOTAL ACREAGE OF SITE

Existing
4,679
2,374
259
552
23
1,562
1,203
3,429
795
118
14,994
Acres
Post-Reclamation
4,708
2,266
188
840
11
1,378
1,182
3,636
728
57
14,994
 Source:  ESE,  1983.
                                2-25

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Cfl HPCII '?!>
                                    ?i3 iwnnovEO
                                    4i i PINE FL AT WOODS
                                      OTHER HARDWOODS
                                    5?0 IAKES
                                    671 FRESllYVATEn SWAMPS
                                    941 .TUSHWATCR MAHSH
 Figure 2.1.1-1 1
 POST-RECLAMATION LAND USE:
 COMPLEX II, EASTERN SECTION
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
           CF INDUSTRIES
    Hardee Phosphate Complex  II

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     Cfl HPCII
•~
 :
•-
                                                                                                             (21
                                                                                                              i;
        SOUK* Ci.ii I Afciot . me
Z13 MM1OVED PASTURE

4 11 PINE FLAT WOODS

  OTHER HARDWOODS

5JO LAKES

  FRtSHWATER SWAMP

«< I fRESKWATER MARSH
      Figure 2.1.1-12
      POST-RECLAMATION LAND USE:
      COMPLEX II, WESTERN SECTION
                                      U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                          Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                 OF INDUSTRIES
                                          Hardee Phosphate Complex !i

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  r
• -
• _-
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                                        OVB -
                      fos,

                                  SCW-11
                                                       SCW-3
                                                       SCVY-4
   o^M —
    fit
    i  k-;r-.
to* i« V   *-' MtNEO-OUT AREA  III
                                                        SCW-10
                                                        SC W-9
                                                               4_
                                                                         sdw-i
                                                                         SCW-2
                                                                         sqw-8
                                                                         SCW-7
                                                                                           SC W-6
                                                                                           SCW-5
                                                                                                       M.MtD
                                      	pnOPERTt LIN€

                                       SCW SAHO-CLAV SEIUING AREAS (Wesi Ii»cO

                                       OST SAND TA1UNGS mi OV8 C»P AREAS

                                       OVB OVEReunDEN FILL AREAS

                                       |T~1 PHESCBVfD AREAS

                                      MO A MINED-OUT AREA
      Figure 2.1.1-13
      CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED PRESERVATION AREAS
      (CATEGORY  I-A WETLANDS)
                                                                      U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                                                           Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                                   CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                           Hardee Phosphate Complex

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believes that these ongoing projects,  together  with  CF's  proposed
experimental revegetation program  on  an  existing  sand/clay mix disposal
area, will demonstrate that important  functional  roles  of wetlands can
be replaced by reclamation.

Therefore, CF has included Category I-C  and  I-D wetlands  within the area
to be disturbed by mining activities.  Although the  mine  plan and waste
disposal plan were developed  to  include  all  Category I-C  and I-D
wetlands, CF understands EPA's position  on  the  mining of  these wetlands.
Mining will not be allowed within  the  boundaries  of  any of the Category
I wetlands unless and until EPA  reconsiders  the categorization or value
of these wetlands based upon  the proven  recreation of functional
hardwood swamp communities and large  wetland systems.  CF believes that
it can successfully demonstrate  a  viable,  functional restoration program
sufficient to receive EPA approval to  mine  these  areas  in the future.

Category I-A wetlands that are to  be  preserved  will  also be protected
from the indirect effects of  mining.   A  perimeter ditch will be
constructed around all preserved wetlands  when  adjacent lands are being
mined.  The water level in this  ditch  will  be maintained at or above the
average water table elevation, which  should prevent  potential drawdown
of the water table within the wetland  (Figure 2.1.1-14).

CF proposes to construct a railroad  spur from the beneficiation plant  to
the Seaboard Systems Railroad track west of the plant in order to
transport the phosphate product  to its existing offsite chemical  plant.

CF's proposed action also  includes measures designed to reduce the
potential for adverse impacts on the  environment.  These are described
below by the components with  which they  are most  closely associated:

Mining
• The existing vegetative cover  will  be  maintained on all land for which
  mining or support activities are not imminent.
                                       2-29

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                                                               PRESERVED
                                                               WETLANDS
              DITCH SPOIL
  WATER TABLE
   WITH DITCH
 MINE CUT
APPROXIMATELY 35 FEET
                                                    WATER TABLE
                                                    BEFORE MINING
                                    OVERBURDEN
                                         MATRIX
 NOT TO SCALE
   NOTE: Water level in ditch maintained at or above
         average water table elevation.
   Source: Gurr & Associates, Inc.
Figure 2.1.1-14
PERIMETER DITCH AROUND
PRESERVED WETLANDS
       U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
           Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                  CF INDUSTRIES
          Hardee Phosphate Complex
                                     2-30

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• EPA Category IA Wetlands will be  preserved  on-site.
• Dragline crossings of stream channels  will  be  selected to disturb the
  least total area, particularly  the  least  wetland  area; and crossings
  of Horse Creek will be timed to coincide  with  the dry, no-flow/low-
  flow periods.
• The Horse Creek crossings will  be made along a single corridor.
• Vegetation will be established  on the  approaches  to  creek crossings
  and these will be maintained until  the final crossing is made.
• Fill introduced into creek  channels  during  dragline  crossings will be
  removed after the crossings and the banks immediately stabilized with
  vegetation.
• Mine cuts adjacent to property  boundaries will be promptly backfilled
  and rim ditches will be  used, where necessary, to maintain Surficial
  Aquifer levels at adjacent  property boundaries.

Matrix Transport
• Double-walled pipe and catchment  basins will be used at matrix pipe-
  line stream crossings to contain  matrix slurry in the event of a leak
  at  that point.
• Pressure sensitive devices  will be  installed  in matrix pipelines to
  alert mine personnel to  a significant  leak in the system.
• Cut-off valves will  be  installed  at both sides of pipeline stream
  crossings to assist  in controlling  a pipeline leak at these points.

Matrix Processing
• During plant construction,  water  sprays will  be applied  to unpaved
  areas and roads  to reduce particulate  emissions.
• During plant construction  and  operation, perimeter ditches will  be
  installed to collect runoff from  the plant site area.
• Storage facilities  for  reagents,  fuel, lubricants, etc.  will  be  above
  ground within a walled or diked tank farm.
                             2-31

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• Petroleum storage tanks will  be  built  to  standards  and  designed to
  prevent accidental  spillage.   Storage  areas  will  be designed to route
  spillage and/or accumulated rainfall to  the  mine  water  recirculating
  system or to a tank within  the area.

Waste Sand and Clay Disposal
• The design and construction of dams  required for  the impoundment of
  clay and sand-clay wastes will comply  with  all  provisions  of
  Chapter 17-9 of the Florida Administrative  Code.
• Dam faces will be planted in  grasses to  inhibit wind and water
  erosion, and will be mowed  as necessary  for  visual  inspection.
• All dams will be inspected  daily by  a  trained  employee,  and annually
  by a design engineer.

Process Water Source
• Pumping may be reduced  in dry periods  in  order to comply with
  Soutnwest Florida Water Management District  regulations.

Wat er Man agement P1an
• Water will be recycled  to the maximum  extent possible.
• Discharges should occur only  during  periods  of  heavy rainfall.

Reclamation
• All dikes and ditches will  be graded to  acceptable  slopes  and
  revegetated.
• All disturbed land will be  revegetated.   An  experimental revegetation
  program will be conducted on  the first sand-clay  mix landfill that
  becomes available to determine the  agricultural  and wetland
  restoration potential of such areas.

CF's proposed action  is comprised  of  a number  of project  components
linked to provide a total project  capable  of  meeting  CF's  goals.
However, the methods proposed by CF to achieve these  goals are not the
only ones available.  In  the  following sections,  various  alternatives
                               2-32

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associated with the previously identified project components  are
described and evaluated, and environmentally  preferable  alternatives are
identified.  The evaluation is arranged by component  in  the  order
previously identified.  The first  alternative  discussed  under a given
component heading is CF's proposed action, followed by other reasonable
alternatives.  A listing of mitigation measures  not included in CF's
proposed action which would serve  to  reduce adverse environmental
impacts of the project  is provided in Section  2.11.
                                   2-33

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                               2.2  MINING
 2.2.1   DRAGLINE (CF INDUSTRIES'  PROPOSED ACTION)
 2.2.1.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION
 Large,  electric-powered walking draglines, which have buckets ranging
 from 7  to 65 cubic  yards in capacity, are currently utilized for strip
 mining  in the Florida phosphate district.  Dragline excavators are
 large cranes with a drag bucket  on the hoist cable.  Loading is
 accomplished by pulling the bucket toward the machine with a drag cable
 along the top layer of material.   When the bucket is filled, it is
 hoisted,  and the boom and bucket are moved to the desired dumping
 position.  The  empty bucket is  then swung back to a suitable position
 for  the next loading cycle.

 Mining  cuts  averaging 300 feet  wide and up to a mile long are excavated
 by the  dragline  by  stripping and side-casting the overburden material
 into adjacent mined-out areas.   The exposed matrix is then mined and
 placed  in a  slurry  pit located  near the dragline and active mine cut
 area.

 The  size  and number of draglines required for a mining operation and the
 length  and width of the mining  cuts are determined by production
 requirements;  characteristics of the deposits, principally overburden
 and  matrix thickness;  depth to water table; conesiveness of the soils;
 physical  features such as property boundaries, power lines, road
 rights-of-way;  and  post-mining/reclamation land use.

 2.2.1.2   ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Environmental Advantages
Using dragline mining,  overburden  can be handled such that it could be
 selectively  returned  to  the  mined-out  pit.   This allows  the operator to
 place undesirable material  (e.g.,  leach zone) at the base of an adjoin-
 ing  spoils pile  and cover it  with  other  overburden.   Secondly,  because
 of the  close  proximity of the dragline to both the active and mined-out
 areas, handling  of  overburden can  be  accomplished in an  energy-efficient
manner.   Recent  studies (U.S. EPA, 1979) indicate that dragline power
 consumption  per  ton of product  is  about  half that of some other mining
                                  2-34

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methods.  Draglines allow complete recovery  of  phosphate  matrix so that
little of the resource  is wasted.  When  draglines  operate in "moist"
conditions, fugitive dust is reduced.

Draglines, being relatively mobile and capable  of  mining  along irregular
boundaries, provide the capability of mining around  areas to be
preserved.  Other mining methods would likely be more  restrictive in
this respect.

Environmental Disadvantages
The open pits created by dragline mining could  drain water from the
adjacent surficial aquifer.  The amount  of drainage  may vary at any
specific site, and the  dewatering may have temporary effect on the water
levels of adjacent streams and  the vegetation of adjacent areas
(especially wetlands).  This effect  would be most  evident during dry
seasons.

Dragline mining would also create a  very uneven spoiling  pattern, some-
times called "windrows."  The creation of such  windrows will require
that heavy equipment, such as the mining or  pre-stripping draglines, be
utilized in reclamation to create a  more uniform topography.  Such
leveling will require the burning of fuel (in heavy  equipment) and could
result in increased air pollutant levels (e.g., combustion products).

2.2.1.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Walking draglines are versatile machines that perform optimally when
digging unconsolidated material.  The long reach of  the dragline enables
it to dig and move overburden and mine the matrix  without rehandling the
materials.

Draglines can selectively mine  and cast  overburden.   Of particular
importance in most Florida phosphate mining  is  the proper placement of
the leach zone material which often  occurs at the  point of overburden/
matrix contact.  Draglines can  selectively strip and place the leach
                                      2-35

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 zone material  (which  is  generally higher in radioactivity) near the
 bottom  of  the  raining  cut,  subsequently covering the leach zone material
 with overburden  spoils.

 Among the  operating constraints of dragline usage is the requirement for
 essentially  dry  conditions  in the mining cut for safety and optimum
 matrix  recovery.   High water table conditions in the overburden combined
 with unfavorable  soil conditions, can result in high wall failures,
 which may  be a safety hazard.  In addition, efficient matrix recovery is
 dependent  upon the ability  of the dragline operator to detect the matrix
 horizons.  Excessive  water  in the mine cut hinders proper matrix horizon
 identification.   Normal  dragline operation, with pit dewatering,
 provides good  control of the mine cut and matrix.

 In addition  to clearing  of  vegetation in areas  to be mined or used for
 waste disposal storage (which is common to all  mining methods), physical
 access must be provided  for the draglines.  Transport routes should be
 selected to  avoid disturbance of sensitive land uses which would not
 otherwise  be affected by mining operations.  Stream crossings are
 particularly sensitive to dragline movements.

 When draglines are used,  pits must be "dewatered" for efficient mining.
 This temporary dewatering while mining can affect the water table of
 adjacent property owners  and sensitive habitats.  Precautions must be
 taken to ensure  that mining activities do not cause significant indirect
 adverse impacts on sensitive habitats or on adjacent property owners.

 2.2.2  OTHER ALTERNATIVES
Additional mining alternatives which  are generally considered include
 hydraulic  dredging and bucket wheel excavation.   Recent site-specific
 Environmental  Impact Statements for phosphate mining operations in
 central Florida have all examined alternative mining methods and found,
without exception, that  dragline raining was the environmentally prefer-
 able alternative.  With  this  in mind,  the EPA Region IV Administrator
 advised CF Industries on September 16,  1981:
                                   2-36

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     "Therefore, in the case of the site-specific EIS being  prepared  tor
     CF Industries, the mining method alternatives will not  be
     reanalyzed, but rather the alternatives analysis of  the previous
     site-specific EIS's will be incorporated by reference.  This being
     the case, the selection of the dragline method as EPA1s preferred
     mining method alternative is a foregone conclusion,  and the
     proposed early construction activities are consistent with, and
     commit the applicant to, that method" (Jeter, 1981).
Therefore, the following site-specific Environmental Impact Statements
are incorporated, by reference, with regard to phosphate mining
alternatives:
     • Estech General Chemicals Corporation, Duette Mine, Manatee
       County, Florida (October, 1979).
     • Farmland Industries, Inc. Phosphate Mine, Hardee County, Florida,
       (May, 1981).
     • Mississippi Chemical Corporation, Hardee County Phosphate Mine,
       Hardee County, Florida (August, 1981).
     • Mobil Chemical Company, South Fort Meade Mine, Polk  County,
       Florida (January, 1982).

2.2.3  SUMMARY COMPARISON - MINING
The dragline is the most preferable mining technique  from  an  environ-
mental standpoint.  Other advantages are maximum operation  energy
efficiency, relatively lower water consumption, and selective spoil
placement.  Both draglines and bucketwheel dredges will remove  essen-
tially all of the phosphate matrix.  Both require dewatering  the mine
cut, but this is more critical with the bucketwheel dredge.   The dredge
system has the lowest energy efficiency, highest water consumption,  and
creates the largest volumes of clay wastes.

The overriding advantages of the dragline mining method outweigh the
advantages of the other two alternatives.  Evaluations within previous
Environmental Impact Statements have consistently eliminated  all
alternatives except dragline mining.  There is no known new information
nor technological improvement which might affect these earlier  evalua-
tions.  Therefore, dragline mining is the environmentally preferable
mining method alternative.
                                      2-37

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                          2.3   MATRIX TRANSPORT
2.3.1  SLURRY MATRIX  TRANSPORT (CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED ACTION)
2.3.1.1  GENERAL  DESCRIPTION
Slurry matrix transport  is used at most existing Florida phosphate
mines.   In  this system,  the excavated matrix is usually stacked at
natural  ground  level  outside  the cutline and dumped into a slurry pit  or
well.  Using recycled water,  hydraulic high pressure nozzles break up
and slurrify the  matrix  into  a mixture which can be transported, by
pumping, through  a  pipeline (nominally 16-20 inches in diameter).
Screens  prevent oversized rocks and other debris from entering the pit
pump.  The matrix slurry is then pumped through pipelines to the bene-
ficiation plant by  a  series of large pumps, usually operating at about
3/4-mile intervals  and 15,000-20,000 gpm.  The slurry can be pumped at
distances in excess of 6 miles.

The pumps used  to move the slurry from the mine pit to the plant are
usually  located in  series at  distances such that surges against any one
pump will be prevented.   The  turbulence produced by the high pressure
nozzles, pumps  and  pipeline all contribute to the matrix processing
which continues at  the plant.

The transport water can  be clarified recycled water from almost any
source.  However, water  used  in the pump seals must be of high quality
and may  be obtained from adjacent hydraulic pipelines, the water
recirculation ditch,  or  shallow wells in the surficial aquifer.  This
water is used to  force solids  out of critical wear points.

The pipeline used to  transport matrix from the active mine pit to the
beneficiation plant must be rerouted as the mining area changes.  This
requires that streams  on the  site be crossed and a corridor through an
otherwise preserved area be established.  The locations of the matrix
booster  pumps often vary due  to the size and availability of the indivi-
dual pumps to be  used and the  topography of the transportation route.
                                 2-38

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2.3.1.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Environmental Advantages
Matrix transported in a slurry  system would  be  closed  to the atmosphere
and, consequently, would not  be a  source  of  air pollutants.   Therefore,
air pollution equipment would not  be needed  in  a hydraulic transporta-
tion system, and  the energy required to operate such  equipment would be
saved.

The corridor required for  the slurry pipeline would also cause the least
disturbance to vegetation  and wildlife of all the alternatives
considered.

Environmental Disadvantages
The pipeline system  is  energy intensive  in that the slurry water/matrix
mixture  transport  to the beneficiation  plant requires  a relative large
amount of  energy  (e.g., pumping 1,500  tons per  hour at 26 percent solids
a distance of 10,000 feet  would require  about 23,800,000 Kwh of electri-
city per year).   However,  the high energy consumption would be offset
somewhat by the lack of secondary  handling requirements such as that
needed for  a conveyor system.

Pipeline or pump  failure could  result  in spillage of the matrix slurry.
However, the possibility of  this  occurrence is  minimized in the phos-
phate  industry  through  the use  of operation and preventive maintenance
practices  (such as  pipeline  inspection and rotation, low pressure shut-
off systems, and  stand  pipes) and the  implementation of safeguards which
meet or  exceed  state regulatory guidelines (Florida Administrative Code,
Chapter  17-9).  Streams would be crossed by the slurry  pipeline as
mining progresses over  the site.   A potential does exist  for  pipeline
leaks  and/or breaks  which, if uncontrolled, could  increase  turbidities
in  surface waters (especially at stream crossings).

Vegetation must be removed and  wildlife disturbed  along a narrow  strip
of  land  where the transport  system is  situated.
                                2-39

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2.3.1.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Hydraulic transportation  can  move  large volumes of matrix over adverse
ground conditions.  Slurry  pumping  aids in  the  disaggregation of the
matrix prior to  its arrival at  the  washer  system.   It is a highly mobile
system which can be readily adapted to  the  frequent changes in mine
locations and is not  sensitive  to weather  conditions.  Finally, slurry
pumping systems  are a  proven  technology with  which the industry has
substantial experience and  capability to handle problems which may arise
in the field.

2.3.2  OTHER ALTERNATIVES
There are three  other  alternative methods  which could be used to deliver
mined matrix to  the beneficiation plant for further processing.  These
are conveyor matrix transport,  truck matrix transport, and rail matrix
transport.

In recent years, conveyor  systems have  been considered by most phosphate
mining companies as an alternative  method  for matrix transport.
Presently, one phosphate  company in Florida has tried a conveyor belt
system, but this system has not  been totally  successful to date.
Brewster Phosphate Company  operates a matrix  conveyor, but this conveyor
carries partially processed matrix  (i.e.,  matrix which is transported by
conventional pumping  to a set of cyclones  which remove some of the
oversize material and  clay  slimes and partially dewater the material
before it drops  onto  the  belt).  The Brewster system provides no real
technical advantage over  the  present slurry matrix transport systems,
but is intended  to save on  pumping  costs.

As with pipeline matrix transport,  two  independent conveyor systems
would be required to  transfer the matrix from CF's two mining areas to
the beneficiation plant.

A conveyor belt  is an  arrangement of mechanical components which
supports and propels a belt that, in turn,  carries the bulk material
                                     2-40

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being transported.  It is a system designed for continuous  transporta-
tion of bulk material and, if the matrix ore can be loaded  at a  uniform
rate and the total quantity of matrix to be transported justifies  this
system, it can be the most economical and energy efficient  system  to
operate.

Conveyor matrix transport would require that matrix be placed onto a
belt conveyor at the mine for transport to the beneficiation plant.   To
transport the required amount of matrix from the mining areas to the
beneficiation area, 36-inch wide conveyor systems would be  utilized.  In
order to minimize the number of transfer points and still maintain
mobility of the conveyor sections, such a conveyor belt system would
most likely include belt sections of  up to 2,000 feet  in  length.  As  the
mine pit advanced, it would be necessary to move or extend  the belt
system  in the same direction, possibly resulting in continuous sections
ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 feet in total length.

The design of a conveyor belt system  for a specific use requires
consideration of such basic factors as the characteristics  of the
material to be conveyed (density, lump size, fines, condition, particle
shape), the rate of transport, and the necessity of handling  the
material at different rates.  Generally, the characteristics  of  the
material to be transported must remain constant.  To ensure this,  the
matrix  must be handled twice at the mine area:  once  from the mining
unit to a screening/dewatering unit and then to the conveyor  system for
transport.  If the water content of the matrix  is too  high, the  material
tends to spill off the belt.

A further development related to the  conveyor  system  transport which  is
being studied involves desliming and  scalping  the matrix  prior to
transport.  The matrix would be transported  to  a small washing plant
where the oversized material would be crushed  and passed  through
cyclones and screw classifiers for dewatering  prior to loading on  the
                                   2-41

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belt.  Waste  from  the  cyclone  overflow would be directed to waste or
reclamation  fill areas.

Because the matrix must  be  dewatered and remain "dry" (70 to 80 percent
solids) during  transport, the  conveyor system should be enclosed.  Once
enclosed,  the  system would  not be sensitive to precipitation and would
provide effective  control of  fugitive dust emissions.

Conveyor systems are not as mobile as pipeline systems, and the capital
and maintenance costs  far exceed  that of a pipeline system.

Trucks have been used  to a  limited extent as a method of hauling phos-
phate ore  from  the mine  to  the beneficiation plant in central Florida
phosphate mining operations.   Truck haulage has been restricted to some
of the "debris" processing  operations, which involve the remining of
waste tailings  from earlier mining activities.  There has been no major
utilization of  truck haulage  to  transport in situ phosphate ore from
mine to plant  in the central Florida phosphate district.  Successful
truck haulage  is generally  confined to areas of the western United
States where ore moisture content in mining operations is very low.

In the use of  trucks for matrix  transport, it is assumed that draglines
would be used  for  excavating  the  matrix.  A dragline or frontend loader
would load the  trucks, which would then transport the matrix via haul
roads to the beneficiation  plant.  At the plant, matrix would be dumped
and/or washed out  of the trucks  and, as with conveyor transport, mixed
with recycled water before  further processing.

In order to keep energy  consumption to a minimum, the tractor-trailer
haulage truck (with its  lower  energy-to-tonnage hauled ratio) would be
the vehicle of  choice.   Most grades and slopes which would be
encountered in  mining  the CF  property are flat enough to permit use of
the tractor-trailer truck.  This  equipment can move approximately 70
tons per truck  per trip.
                                     2-42

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In addition  to loading  and  hauling  equipment,  a facility to unload and
feed the matrix material  into  the washer/beneficiation plant would also
be required.

In rail matrix transport,  the  excavated matrix material would be loaded
at the mine  site into open  top,  bottom discharge hopper rail cars for
transport to  the beneficiation plant.   This system would require the
initial construction and  continual  modification of railroad trackage to
allow the cars an  approach  in  proximity to the actual mining operation.
Rail spurs would be several miles long and would have to accommodate
watercourses  and grade  changes.

2.3.3  SUMMARY COMPARISON - MATRIX  TRANSPORT
Although conveyor  systems  have some environmental advantages, they are
not as mobile as pipeline  systems,  and the capital and maintenance costs
far exceed that of a pipeline.   The potential  for accidental spillage
and leakage  rates  for conveyors  versus pipelines is approximately the
same.  Truck, conveyor,  and rail transport methods also avoid the use of
large quantities of water  required  of  the slurry pipeline.

Truck transport would be  very  energy intensive, require haul roads which
greatly disturb vegetation  and wildlife, create fugitive dust, noise,
and exhaust  emissions.  Rail transport could possibly offer energy
efficiency and less air emissions,  and spillage would be minimal.  The
railroad construction and  operation would disrupt or disturb terrestrial
and aquatic  biota.  Construction and maintenance costs may render this
alternative  economically  infeasible.

From a technical and cost  standpoint,  slurry pipelines provide a  far
less expensive, more  flexible, and  proven method of matrix transport.
Water used for the slurry  pipeline  is  essentially 100 percent recycled
water during  normal operations,  thus minimizing this alternative's major
impact.
                                   2-43

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                          2.4  MATRIX PROCESSING
2.4.1  CONVENTIONAL MATRIX PROCESSING (CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED ACTION)
2.4.1.1  GENERAL  DESCRIPTION
Wet process beneficial:ion is presently employed throughout the central
Florida phosphate district.   This conventional matrix processing
technique  involves the  separation of phosphate rock from waste sand and
clay material using a  series of  wet-process operations.  This process is
most compatible with  the  pipeline system of matrix transportation.

The major  components  of the  wet  processing beneficiation system are the
washer section, feed  preparation area, and flotation plant.  Slurrified
matrix is  transported  to  the washer  where the pebble product is
separated  from the waste  clays and feed.  The waste clays are routed to
disposal areas, and the feed is  sized at the feed  preparation area.  The
sized feed is then processed at  the  flotation plant where the concen-
trate product is  separated from  tailings sand.  The tailings sand is
pumped away from  the  flotation plant and is generally used as fill
material in reclamation projects or  as construction material for dams.
The pebble and concentrate products  are usually stockpiled on ground
adjacent to the beneficiation area until they are  required to meet sales
commitments.

Washing Facilities
When the matrix is received  at the washer, it consists of phosphate
gravel, phosphate grains,  clay balls, clay, and quartz sand.  The washer
(see Figure 2.4.1-1)  separates the matrix into three components, based
on particle size:  (1)  phosphate gravel, which is  commonly known as
pebble; (2) sand-sized  phosphatic and quartz grains commonly known as
feed; and  (3) fine-sized  waste clays.

The washer has three major units:   (1) the matrix scalping section,
(2) the washing/screening  section, and (3) the desliming section.  Using
a series of rotary trommel screens,  the matrix scalping section
separates oversized material and clay balls from the matrix.
                                    2-44

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    en HPCII 
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 The  oversized  material is disintegrated by a bank of hammer  mills,  and
 then it  is  recycled through the scalping section.  Before  leaving the
 scalping  section,  the matrix is normally reduced to particles  ranging in
 size from less than 1 millimeter (mm) to 19 mm.

 After  the matrix  is "sized" at the scalping section, it  is routed to  the
 washing/screening  section where the pebble (1 mm to 19 mm  size material)
 is separated from  the feed and waste clays (less than 1 mm size
 material).  Flat vibrating screens and/or hydraulic sizers are utilized
 in the primary separation process.  The pebble is then routed  through
 log  washers and a  final  series of vibrating screens which  facilitates
 further separation  of feed and waste clays from the pebble.  Pebble
 benefication  is complete at this point.  The pebble product is  trans-
 ported away from the  washer by a conveyor belt system to a stockpile  or
 is loaded directly  into  railroad cars for shipment.

 Feed and  waste clays  are  routed to the desliming section where they are
 separated by hydro-cyclones.  Feed generally ranges in size  from  1 mm to
0.1 mm, and waste clays  comprise the less than 0.1 mm size fraction.
The  waste clays are pumped and/or allowed to flow by gravity away from
 the  washer area.  The feed is  routed to the feed preparation area or
 stockpiled until required for  further processing.

Feed Preparation
The  feed  is received  from the  desliming area and/or the  feed storage
area and  is separated into fine and coarse feed at the feed preparation
 facility.  Coarse  feed is that fraction which is greater than 0.5 mm,
and  fine  feed  is less than 0.5 mm.  Screens and hydrosizers will  be used
to accomplish  feed  sizing.
                                       2-46

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Flotation
Coarse  feed  and  fine  feed are sometimes subjected to different
concentrate  recovery  processes,  both of which require initial treatment
of  the  feed  with conditioners.   The coarse feed may be routed to either
spiral  or  flotation circuits  where the coarse concentrate is separated
from  the sand  tailings.   Flotation cells are utilized to separate the
fine  concentrate from the sand  tailings.

Waste Products
The waste  products produced  from the beneficiation of phosphate are
quartz  sand  tailings  and  clays.   Generally,  sand tailings are pumped to
disposal sites.   Whenever possible, a gravity-flow system is used to
transport  waste  clays  away from  the beneficiation area.   To date, the
general method of waste clay  disposal has been impoundment in above-
ground  storage ponds.  This type of waste clay disposal  has been
necessary  since  clays  retain  large amounts of water, increasing their
volume  above that of  the  mined matrix.

Wet Rock Storage
After beneficiation,  wet  rock is loaded from storage by gravity onto
conveyor belts or into hopper cars for transfer to a primary wet rock
storage facility.  There, the hopper cars are unloaded through an over-
head  trestle or  car shaker, and  the product  falls into a conveyor which
transports it to storage  piles.   The product is dumped,  by means of a
movable stacker  or overhead tripper conveyor, into piles according to
size, BPL  (bone  phosphate lime)  grade, I&A (iron and aluminum) content,
and other  factors.  On the storage piles, tractors are used to keep the
stackers,  conveyors,  or trestles clear and to move the material back to
the reclaiming facilities.  A tunnel extending under the length of the
storage piles facilitates rehandling of the  wet rock.  A conveyor in the
tunnel  passes the product to  wet rock feed bins for shipping.
                                       2-47

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2.4.1.2  ENVIRONMENTAL  CONSIDERATIONS
Environmental Advantages
Because  the  processing  operations  are  done  in a wet  state,  the plant
would be less likely  to have  significant  air  emissions.   Conventional
beneficiation requires  less energy than the other processing alternatives,

Environmental Disadvantages
The primary  environmental  consideration associated with  wet-process
beneficiation is  the  above-ground  storage of  waste clays,  produced in  a
liquid waste stream  from  the  feed  preparation area of  the  plant.
Disposal of  these clays requires that  they  be impounded  within diked
settling areas  to dewater, presenting  significant waste  disposal
impacts.

Although a remote possibility,  dike  failures  could pose  a  potential for
significant damage to aquatic ecosystems  and  degradation of water
quality  in the  receiving water  systems.

Conventional processing utilizes various  reagents to aid in the separa-
tion of  the various matrix fractions.   Although some of  the reagents
used in  processing attach  to  the sand  tailings, a portion  remains in the
rinse water  and flows to  the  waste disposal areas with the  waste  clays.
Some portion of these reagents  will  evaporate from the waste disposal
areas, while others will be adsorbed by the clays themselves.  Also,
very small quantities will also be present  in the effluent  discharge.

2.4.1.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Wet process beneficiation  is  an operational,  economical, and successful
method of extraction of phosphate  product from the mined ore.  Water use
has improved over the years to  a 90  percent recycle  level.   The main
losses occur with entrainraent of water  in waste clays  and  evaporation
from water bodies.  Waste  clays are  generally stored in  above-grade
settling areas.   Sand tailings, another waste product, are  disposed in
mine cuts or are  used to build  retaining  dikes for the waste clay
storage areas.
                                   2-48

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2.4.2  OTHER ALTERNATIVES
Additional matrix processing alternatives which have been considered
include dry matrix processing and direct acidulation.  Dry beneficiation
of phosphate ore is used principally in arid regions where water  is in
short supply and the mined ore has low moisture content.  It is a method
whereby organics and other waste products are removed from the product
by differences in specific gravity (air classification).  In Florida,
the moisture content of the ore ranges from 15 to 25 percent and, to
employ dry separation techniques, the ore must be dried.  Matrix  would
be trucked, conveyed, or through some other means transported  to  the
beneficiation plant.  There it would be dried, crushed, and sized to
minus 1 mm before the finer components (mostly clay) were separated from
the coarser components in an air separator.  Several stages of
separation would be required to efficiently separate the  fine  clay  from
the dried and crushed matrix.  The phosphate product would then be
separated from the remaining coarser material by an  electrostatic
separator.  The product distribution would be approximately 1/4 fine
dust, 1/2 quartz sand, and 1/4 phosphate product.

In the direct acidulation process, matrix digestion  with  sulfuric acid
is used to recover the phosphate as phosphoric acid.   Initially,  the
matrix must be ground to a fine particle size to achieve  the  proper
dissolution.  Before the matrix is ground,  it must be dewatered by  a
dryer to  promote efficient grinding and  to  prevent dilution of the  phos-
phoric acid.  During this process, a  filtration  system  is utilized  to
remove gypsum, clay, silica, and other acid-insoluble waste materials.

The direct acidulation process  is  in  the experimental  stage,  hence  no
phosphate mining company  in  the central  Florida  phosphate district  is
employing  it at present.  However, in  recent years,  some  phosphate
companies have evaluated  this method  as  an  alternative  for matrix
processing.
                                   2-49

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 2.4.3  SUMMARY COMPARISON - MATRIX PROCESSING
 Dry beneficiation has not yet been used in the United States.   In  areas
 where it has been employed, this method has been used for  removal  of
 carbonates.   Dry beneficiation has not been directed at  phosphate-quartz
 separation,  which is the process required in Florida.  Over  the  past
 several decades, attempts have been made to develop a dry  process  for
 Florida matrix.  Although it is said to be technically feasible, it has
 not yet been proven practical.

 Dry matrix processing would reduce water consumption and eliminate  the
 environmental  hazards of large diked areas used for dewatering  in
 conventional matrix processing.  Dry processing of matrix  would  also
 significantly  reduce the volume of clay waste due to absence of
 entrained  water.  In addition, recovery of phosphate from  the matrix
 could also be  increased  if a portion of the phosphate fines, most of
 which are  -325 mesh, could be retained at the plant as product  rather
 than bsing disposed of with waste clays in conventional  processing.  Dry
 matrix processing would  be extremely energy consumptive.   Matrix from
 the  mine contains water  and would have to be dried before  dry process-
 ing,  consuming millions  of gallons of fuel per year.  The  burning of
 such  large amounts  of fuel would result in significantly more air
 emissions  than for  a conventional plant.  The handling and disposal of
 dry  waste  materials would also result in increased particulate emissions
 in  the site  area.

 The  primary  environmental concern for beneficiation by the direct
 acidulation  process is the potential  for significant negative impacts on
 local  air  and  water quality.  As with the dry process, the matrix must
 be dried and ground.   Also,  the extensive utilization of sulfuric acid
 in this process results  in a potential for acid emission into the
 atmosphere and  the  receiving surface  waters.   Since the direct acidula-
 tion  process is in  the experimental  stage,  little is known about product
 recovery and operational  difficulties on a large-scale basis.  Opera-
 tional  costs are expected to be high  due to the matrix drying require-
ments  ind  sulfuric  acid  consumption  ratio.   Sulfuric acid consumption
                                       2-50

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rates are estimated  to  be  much  greater than those of conventional bene-
ficiation because  of reactions  of the acid with calcium and magnesium
which are contained  in  the matrix.

Conventional  (or wet) process beneficiation is considered the environ-
mentally preferable  method of matrix processing.  Most water used in the
process is recycled  for further use.  Atmospheric emissions and energy
use are relatively low.  The need for above-ground storage of waste
clays and the potential for dam failures are disadvantages of this
alternative.
                                      2-51

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                            2.5   PLANT  SITING
 2.5.1  CF  INDUSTRIES'  PROPOSED  PLANT LOCATION
 The CF Industries' beneficiation plant  and  support  facilities  will
 occupy approximately 60 acres.   This site  (within  Section 30,  Township
 33 South,  Range  24 East)  is  located 1/2-mile south  of  the town of
 Ft. Green  Springs, in  Hardee  County, Florida.

 The biological communities  associated with  the  proposed  120-acre drag-
 line erection site are not  unique  to the area.   In  fact,  the majority  of
 the Hardee Phosphate Complex  II is comprised of similar  low  intensity,
 sparse pine  flatwoods  communities.  During  the  field surveys,  no
 federally  listed endangered  species were observed on-site nor  was any
 associated critical habitat  identified.

 The area adjoining the eastern  portion  of  the site  is  a  mixed  hardwood
 swamp that has been somewhat  impounded  by  previous  railroad  and highway
 construction activities.  Currently, high  water flows  from the swamp via
 culverts in an east to southeast direction.  This mixed  hardwood swamp
 is under the jurisdiction of  the Department of  Environmental Regulation,
 and any project activity  impacting the  area would likely require state
 dredge and fill permits.  The swamp, .however, is eligible for  a
 nationwide permit from the Army Corps of Engineers  because of  its low
 volume intermittent flow  (i.e., less than  5 cfs).   Initially,  the mixed
 hardwood swamp was to be  transected by  the  construction  of railroad
 spurs to provide access to  the  site; however, after further  discussion
 with regulatory agencies, CF  redesigned the northern railroad  spur and
 relocated the southern railroad  spur 200 feet southward.   Railroad
 access to the site will now transect an oak hammock area and not impact
 adjoining wetland communities subject to dredge and fill permitting
approval.,

 In selecting this particular  location for  the phosphate  beneficiation
 plant, several sites were investigated  with the following objectives
carefully considered:
                                   2-52

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     • Minimize disturbing environmentally sensitive areas;
     • Minimize the consumption of energy used  in the movement of water,
       ore, and waste products;
     • Minimize the cost of transportation (road and railroad) facili-
       ties, and utility construction;
     • Minimize fill and ensure the site is all upland; and
     • Minimize the loss of phosphate reserves under the plant site.

Of the various sites considered, Sites 1 and 2  (see Figure 2.5.1-1) were
the most promising in meeting most of the objectives mentioned above.

Site 1 (see Figure 2.5.1-2) was finally chosen  over Site 2 in  that  it
was closer to the centroid of ore and waste disposal; 3/4-mile closer to
rail and power facilities; and had favorable topography (Site  2  is
located in the drainage basin of Shirttail Branch).

An ecological assessment of the plant site was  conducted and submitted
to EPA on August 28, 1981.  The assessment was  prepared to address  eco-
logical communities on and adjacent to the site to be used initially
for erection of the first mining dragline and subsequently to  construct
the OF beneficiation plant.  Early site clearing and dragline
construction approval was granted by EPA on September 11, 1981.
                                  2-53

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  CH 4271
SOURCE: CF Industries
                                PLANT SITE LOCATION
Figure 2.5.1-2
LOCATION OF PLANT SITE 1
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                               CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                        Hardee Phosphate Complex II

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                           2.6  WATER MANAGEMENT
 2.6.1  GENERAL  DESCRIPTION
 Water  is  an  important  ingredient in the phosphate mining operations in
 Florida.  Water  is  used  as  a medium in which to transport ore from the
 mine site to the  plant,  to  transport the feeds and products through the
 plant, to process the  product,  and  to transport the waste products away
 from the plant  to disposal  sites.

 The competition for water  use  in Florida for public supplies,  industrial
 use, and agricultural  purposes  has  prompted  conservation measures on the
 part of all water users.  Mining and processing of phosphate requires
 large quantities of water.   Phosphate  mines  in Florida have responded  to
 the pressures for reduced water  consumption  by reducing their  with-
 drawals by over 45 percent since 1969.   At present,  an industry-wide
 average of approximately 90  percent  of the water  used  in processing the
 phosphate  ore is recycled.  However, additional water  from  freshwater
 sources is  required  to  make up the balance.   In the  proposed action,
 over 90 percent  of the  water to  be used  will  be supplied  from  the
 recirculation system and  less than 5 percent  will  come from freshwater
 sources (to meet  flotation process  demands).

Water will be recycled  to the maximum  extent  possible  for use  in  CF's
plant operations.  The  mine water recirculation system  is shown in
Figure  2.1.1-7.  The system consists of  the Initial Settling Area,  the
beneficiation plant,  active and mined-out pits, active  sand/clay  mix
storage areas, and the  water return ditches.   The  settling  area,  tail-
ings storage  area, and  return water  ditches act as a water  clarification
system, returning  decanted  water to  the beneficiation  plant.  Recycled
water returns to the  recirculation  system several  times to  be reused,
while a portion  is continually being lost by entrainment in  sand  and
clay and being replenished  to some  degree by  rainfall.  However,  since
rainfall varies  seasonally  and is approximately equal  to evaporation,
some outside source  of  water (either surface  or ground water) will be
required.  Also, due  to the  high quality water requirement  for the
                            2-56

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flotation process, the source must  be  of  consistently high quality and
available continuously.  Water  flow in the recirculation system is
expected to average approximately 93.5 mgd.   Mining and the beneficia-
tion processes operate with  a  fixed water usage to production rate
ratio.  Therefore, water demand  is  fairly constant.

There is approximately a 7-inch  net excess of annual rainfall over
evaporation in the project region.   Close control  and management of the
pond system can provide for  rainfall recovery of approximately 70
percent.  However, a seasonal deficit  can occur if the water recircula-
tion reservoir system has not collected enough rainfall and runoff to
counter-balance operational  losses.   Due  to  many variables, an alternate
source of water must still be available during periods of water deficit
for the operation of the flotation  plant  and as make-up during the dry
season.  Conversely, discharges  may be necessary during the rainy season
if storage capacity in the system is exceeded.

The obvious environmental advantage of a water recirculation system is
the efficient recycling of water for the  beneficiation process, reducing
direct and continual demand  on  ground  or  surface water and requiring
only seasonal make-up water.  The system  can also  be used to control
surges in runoff  to a limited degree,  thus conserving impounded rain-
water.  The continual recycling  of  water  in  the recirculation system
would promote the concentration  of  certain materials within the closed-
loop operation (e.g., nitrogen  and  reagent by-products).  During periods
of water releases from the system,  there  is  the potential for discharge
of some constituents in the  waste stream  not removed by adsorption and
settling of the waste clays.

FDER regulations  (Chapter 17-9,  FAC) limit the rate at which the water
level in any active settling area can  be  raised or lowered.  This limits
the variable holding capacity of any pond, making  it impossible to
recover all the net rainfall available during wet  periods.  Excess
rainfall can be used during  the  pre-filling  of the Initial Settling Area
                            2-57

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 in the initial year of raining to provide a  surplus  to  the  system  and
 help offset system losses.

 The quality of the water necessary for the  flotation operation  varies
 with the  area rained and the matrix feed to  that operation.   The
 concentration of constituents in the water  of a continuously recycled
 system may  require the use of deep-well water in the flotation  process
 at almost any time.

 The  major water loss  from the recirculation system  is  entrainment  in the
 waste  clays.   By using the sand/clay mix for waste  disposal,  a  lower
 water  loss  should result than by using conventional clay settling  areas
 since  more  rapid dewatering is possible.  Water recovery success  rates
 are  unpredictable at  this time since the process has not been tested for
 all  types of  clay.

 Seepage from  pools  and ditches represents the second largest  water  loss
 from the  system.   Additional  causes of water losses from the  water
 recirculation  system  are entrainment in the sand tailings, product
moisture, and  waste pebble interstitial water.

The  large amounts  of  water (105  mgd)  required for the  transport and
processing of  phosphate  matrix necessitate  that  a detailed water balance
be developed  to  help  manage its  use.   Part  of this plan must  be the
capability to  reduce  the amount  of  water in the  recirculation system
when accumulated  rainfall and runoff exceed the  storage capacity of the
system.  Excess  water  could be removed from the  system by either
discharging to  surface waters, wetlands,  or deeper aquifers  (via
connector wells).   Zero  discharge (impoundment of excess water) also
must be considered.

2.6.2  PROCESS WATER  SOURCES
There  are two  alternatives to consider as sources of water at the CF
Industries' site:   (1)  ground water;  and (2) surface water.  Plant
                               2-58

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start-up water will be a combination  of  surface (catchment;  water and
ground water.

2.6.2.1  GROUNDWATER WITHDRAWAL  (CF  INDUSTRIES'  PROPOSED ACTION)
General Description
There are two major sources  of ground water  supplies  at the  CF
Industries' site:  the surficial  water table aquifer,  and the Floridan
Aquifer.  The surficial aquifer  and  upper  Floridan Aquifer supply water
for domestic uses in the project  area.   Local Hardee  County  ordinances
and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) regulate
the drawdown of the water levels  in  the  aquifers at property boundaries
in order to protect adjacent  landowners.   These regulatory requirements
and the low transmissivity of the  surficial  aquifer are such that CF
Industries cannot develop adequate supplies  from the  surficial aquifer
to meet process water requirements.

The Floridan Aquifer is the  main  source  of large volumes of  ground water
and, as mentioned above, is  protected from excessive  drawdown by  SWFWMD.
The Floridan Aquifer is capable  of supplying some of  the process  water
requirements for the CF project.

CF Industries proposes to withdraw 4.96 mgd  of ground water  to meet
flotation process water requirements  and to  offset water losses from the
recirculation system (see Figure  2.1.1-7).  CF proposes two  production
wells to a depth of approximately 1,200  feet for ground water
withdrawal.  Two additional  wells  are proposed to provide about 0.01 mgd
potable water from the Floridan Aquifer.   On April 7,  1976,  CF received
a Consumptive Use Permit (CUP) from  SWFWMD authorizing ground water
withdrawal to meet process water  requirements.  On January 6, 1982, this
CUP was renewed.

Environmental Considerations
Environmental Advantages
The use of ground water to supply  the process water demands  of the
flotation process allows surface  water to  be available for other  uses
                              2-59

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downstream.   Ground water does not require the energy and other
resources  for water treatment facilities which surface water would
require.   In  addition,  using ground water as a supply source may reduce
the  effects on biological communities downstream which would be impacted
by reduced surface  water  flows.

Environmental  Disadvantages
Ground water  pumping would lower the potentiometric surface of the
Floridan Aquifer  in the vicinity of the site.   Alone, or in combination
with other offsite  ground water  pumping, thin  could  result in temporary
adverse impacts to  the aquifer.   More energy may be required to pump
ground water  from deep wells than from nearby  surface water supply
sources.

Technical Considerat ions
Operation of  the  flotation process  requires  high-quality water in ample
supply.  Advantages  to the use of ground water are that  its quality is
sufficient for  flotation  needs and  the quantity is less  sensitive to
rainfall variation, making it  more  reliable  and dependable.  Although
limitations are placed on ground water withdrawals to avoid interference
with other water users in the  area,  the amount of ground water consump-
tion required  by  the proposed  action to meet process water  demand has
not been shown  to exceed  Hardee  County or SWFWMD drawdown or consumptive
use limitations.  The fact that  CF  Industries  has been granted a CUP by
SWFWMD represents their determination that anticipated impacts on the
aquifers be acceptable.

2.6.2.2  SURFACE WATER
General Description
An available  water  source which  could be utilized by CF  Industries would
be surface water  from the nearby creeks and  streams.  However, since the
creeks on the  site  can exhibit low  flows, or even intermittent flows
under certain  conditions,  the  quantity available for use is variable and
not sufficient  to meet process water freshwater demands. Consequently,
the construction of  an impoundment  would be  required. Surface water
could be stored, however,  and  used  to supplement ground  water
                                   2-60

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withdrawals.  CF  Industries  proposed  rainfall collection facilities
include only those  structures  which are a part of the raining, waste
disposal, and water clarification  and recirculation plans (amounting to
a nominal average of  12.4 mgd  of normal rainfall).  In order to improve
the collection of rainfall  for use in the facility processes, additional
catchment areas (or reservoirs)  could be provided in the main drainage
areas of the mine property  to  collect surface water runoff.  Such a
reservoir system  could  also  receive clarified excess water from the clay
disposal or other waste disposal areas  to be stored and used as a
supplemental supply for future use.

Environmental Considerations
Environmental Advantages
Site-specifically,  the  use  of  surface water as the primary process water
source would reduce the lowering of the potentiometric surface of the
Floridan Aquifer.  The  use  of  reservoirs to store excess clarified water
from the recirculating  system  may  reduce the potential for a direct
discharge.

Additional catchment  areas  or  reservoirs could also provide lacustrine
habitat for associated  aquatic plant  and animal species.  However,
long-term habitat and water  quality characteristics of these reservoirs
are uncertain.

Environmental Disadvantages
The retainment of rainfall  in  these areas for future water supply use
would alter the characteristics  of upstream and downstream creek and
stream floodplains.   In addition,  in  the event of a reservoir dike
failure, the released stored surface  water and excess clarified disposal
area water have the potential  of causing water quality and other
environmental impacts to downstream areas.

Techi^ical Considerations
Highly variable surface water  quality in stream systems or in catchment
areas could interfere with  the reagent  precipitation processes.  Surface
water may be used, however,  in other  make-up water applications.
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 The quantity  of  surface water is also variable over the year, generally
 following  seasonal  rainfall patterns making this source of supply
 unreliable.   Surface  water  flows are generally high during the rainy
 season and low or non-existent during other months of the year.  In
 order to protect the  quantity of water for downstream users,  the use of
 surface water is regulated  by SWFWMD.  SWFWMD will allow only a portion
 of the stream flow  to be  removed and consumptively used.  The portion of
 the stream flow which can be  used  is related to the monthly flows and
 range in flow of the stream.

 Inadequate quantities and quality of surface water at  the CF  Industries
 site preclude this  as the sole  source of  water.  The required fresh
 water consumption is estimated  to average 4.96  mgd.  The surface  water
 supplies  are  highly  variable  in  both quantity and  quality and are  thus
 not adequate  to meet these freshwater  operational  requirements.

 2.6.3  DISCHARGE
 There  are  four alternatives  to consider for  management of  excess  water
 from  the  site:  (1)  direct discharge  to surface waters;  (2) discharge to
 surface water  via wetlands;  (3) connector wells; and (4)  zero discharge.
 Each  of these  discharge  alternatives provides its own positive and
 negative  impacts.  CF  proposes to discharge  to  surface water  either
 directly  or via wetlands.   CF's primary discharge of clarified water  is
 expected  from  the recirculation system into Shirttail Branch  and/or Doe
 Branch.   An alternative  surface water discharge point is  also proposed
 into Payne  Creek.  Discharge to Payne Creek  is  expected  to be via pipe
 and opan  ditch into  wetlands by sheetflow.  The surface water discharge
 outfall locations selected for utilization are  illustrated in
 Figure 2.1.1-7.  Payne Creek wetlands discharge outfall will be an
 alternative discharge  location and will be used interchangeably as  the
operation requires and as  permitted by receiving water characteristics.

The above-ground clay  settling area, sand-clay mix areas, and the mine
water recirculating  system of  dams,  ditches, and spillways comprise CF
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Industries' water clarification facility.   Seasonal changes  in  rainfall
and evaporation rates will affect  the actual water volume  of  the mine
water system.  During the first filling of  the  Initial  Settling Area and
the initial years of mining, the rainfall  in excess of  evaporation
during the rainy season will provide additions  to the system  and help
offset system losses.  Conversely, during  dry periods,  the deficit  due
to evaporation will add to system  losses.   The  system's  residual holding
capacity will aid in leveling out  these seasonal changes.

Seasonal changes in rainfall and evaporation do not have a direct effect
on the water required to operate the mine  system, since  the  demands
remain reasonably constant with variations  due  mainly to mining rates
and clay content of the ore.  Seasonal deficits in the  mine  water system
can occur  if sufficient reservoir  or catchment  capacity  is not  available
to accumulate rainfall during the  wet season to offset  evaporation
losses during the dry season.

The mine water system would be designed to  provide sufficient catchment
area and water storage volume to level out  seasonal fluctuations in
supply by  rainfall/evaporation and to prevent variations  in  ground  water
withdrawal rates, especially the need for  increased ground water with-
drawal during the dry season.  The mine water balance calculations
indicate that during active mining with average annual  rainfall/
evaporation conditions, a 7-inch excess will occur in the  main  water
system during the rainy season.  The proposed water balance  specifies
that a yearly average of 2.48 million gallons is to be  discharged on a
daily basis.

CF is expected to have an intermittent treated  process  water  discharge.
Retention  areas will have sufficient surge  holding capacity
to accommodate normal process flow and rainfall variations.   Water  will
typically  be discharged during the rainy  season when accumulated rain-
fall exceeds the normal operating  levels  of the recirculating water
system.
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2.6.3.1   DIRECT DISCHARGE TO SURFACE WATERS (CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED
          ACTION)
CF's  plant  discharge  of clarified water will be from the recirculating
water system  into  Doe  Branch and/or Shirttail  Branch.   These proposed
discharge outfall  locations  were selected primarily due to their
proximity to  the plant  site.  Direct discharging  to other surface waters
offers no particular  advantage from either  a functional, operational, or
environmental standpoint.  Horse Creek  was  not  considered for discharge
since its location is  approximately 5 miles from the proposed plant
complex.

Environmental Considerations
Environmental Advantages
Since all process  water to be discharged will first pass through active
clay  or sand-clay  settling areas, contaminants within this water should
adsorb onto suspended  clay particles in these areas and be retained with
the settled clays. Concentrations in waters discharged to surface
waters should therefore be minimized.  At times,  the streams may
actually  experience a  net improvement in certain  water quality para-
meters as a result of  the treated process water discharge.

Environmental Disadvantages
Discharging excess water  from the recirculating water system to surface
waters may  create  the  potential  for release of certain contaminants to
the environment should these not be removed by adsorption and settling
of the waste  clays or  through biological processes.

Technical Considerations
In reviewing  local and regional  stream  water quality data, it can be
demonstrated  that  during  certain conditions most  streams will exceed one
or more Class III  water quality standards.   Water quality data for Doe
Branch and  Shirttail  Branch  have shown  exceedances  for dissolved oxygen,
alkalinity,  iron,  cadmium, mercury, zinc, and pH.  Higher than normal
metal concentrations  are  most likely the result of  increased metal
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 solubility caused  by natural acidic and low oxygen level stream water
 quality conditions.   Although violations of water quality standards at
•Doe  Branch and/or  Shirttail Branch may occur under certain conditions,
 they most  likely reflect ambient/natural background conditions and not
 the  result of  effluent  water quality impacts.   If a comparison between
 the  expected concentrations of the concerned parameters in the proposed
 receiving  streams  and CF's  treated process discharge water are
 evaluated, it  can  be shown  that the receiving  streams may experience a
 net  positive improvement in overall water quality.

 2.6.3.2 DISCHARGE TO SURFACE WATERS VIA WETLANDS (CF INDUSTRIES'
         ALTERNATE PROPOSED ACTION)
 CF Industries'  alternate discharge of clarified water from the water
 recirculation  system will be via pipe/ditch to wetlands by sheet flow
 into the floodplain of Payne Creek.  The excess water from the system
 would be pumped through a pipeline across Doe  Branch by low-pressure
 water pumps.  Beyond Doe Branch, there would be enough head and capacity
 to carry this  water  through a ditch system where water would flow by
 gravity to the discharge weir adjacent to the  Payne Creek floodplain.
 This discharge will  be  into a control pond with a grass-covered sill
 which allows overflow into  the floodplain paralleling Payne Creek.
 There would  be no  discharge structure within waters of the state.   The
 discharged water will overflow this grassed, earthen sill and flow into
 the  Payne  Creek wetlands.  The pond overflow would have a low exit
 velocity.   Once the  effluent enters the floodplain, the existing heavy
 growth of  vegetation should retard movement of this water within the
 floodplain and limit velocity to 2 feet per second or less.

 Environmental  Considerations
 Environmental  Advantages
 This discharge method would provide an alternative direct discharge of
 effluent to  surface  waters.  Additionally, the sheet flow through the
 Payne Creek floodplain vegetation should act as an additional water
 purification system, removing nutrients and other contaminants.  Payne
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 Creek may experience  a  net  improvement in certain water quality para-
 meters with this discharge  of  treated  process water.

 Environmental Disadvantages
 The primary environmental disadvantage of this  alternative would be the
 construction of a pipeline system over Doe  Branch a.nd  a ditch  down to
 the floodplain of Payne Creek.  These  construction activities  will cause
 disturbances to vegetation and wildlife.

 Technical Considerations
 In reviewing local  and regional stream water  quality data,  it  can  be
 demonstrated that during certain conditions most  streams  will  exceed  one
 or raora  Class  III water  quality standards.  Water  quality data for Payne
 Creek  have  shown exceedances for dissolved oxygen,  cadmium, mercury,  and
 zinc.  Higher  than  normal  metal concentrations are most  likely the
 result of  increased  metal  solubility caused by natural  acidic  and  low
 oxygen level stream  water  quality conditions.  Although violations  of
 water quality  standards  may  occur in these systems under  certain condi-
 tions, they most likely  reflect ambient/natural background conditions
 and  are not  the result of  effluent water quality  impacts.  If  a  compari-
 son  between  the expected concentrations of the concerned  parameters in
 the  proposed receiving stream and CF's  treated process discharge water
 are  evaluated,  it can  be shown that  the receiving streams may  experience
 a  net positive  improvement in overall water quality.

 2.6.3.3  CONNECTOR WELLS
This is a ground water discharge method used primarily as a dewatering
 recharge technique  preceeding active mine progression.   Connector wells
would be located around  or ahead of  the active mine pit area to dispose
of surficial aquifer water into a deeper aquifer.  New wells would have
 to be constructed as areas were readied for mining, while those used
previously would have  to be  capped once mining had been completed.  The
volume of water disposed of  would be equal to the mine  dewatering  flow
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 rate  ahead  of  the  active  mine.   This would be dependent upon the amount
 of  water  available and the rate at which the dragline is advancing.  New
 wells would have to  be constructed as the mining progressed or was
 initiated  in a  new block.

 Environmental Considerations
 Environmental Advantages
 The use of  connector wells may  partially mitigate the lowered head which
 will occur  in the  upper Floridan Aquifer as  a result  of pumping for mine
 pit dewatering  by  replenishing  a portion of  the process water pumped
 from the Floridan  Aquifer  with  water from the surficial aquifer.

 Environmental Disadvantages
 The use of  connector wells would provide the potential for contamination
 of the higher quality  water of  deep  aquifers  with lower quality water
 from the surficial aquifer.   Parameters of concern may be phosphate,
 nitrogen, fluoride,  and gross alpha  levels.   Connector wells  might  also
 dispose of  surficial aquifer  water which could otherwise be used in
 place of deep aquifer  water as  makeup water  to the recirculation water
 system during water-shortage  periods.

Technical Considerations
The use of connector wells has  been  precluded from CF's proposed action
 since, at some  locations,  an  adequate head differential between the
 lower surficial aquifer and the deeper aquifers does  not exist.
However, connector wells  are  potentially feasible, from a technical
prospective, to discharge  water from the upper surficial aquifer to the
deeper aquifers.   More  detailed studies  may  be needed to determine  the
 feasibility of  connector wells  on  the site,

The use of connector wells  would also decrease the net property
discharge by whatever  amount  the connector wells drained from the
advancing mine area.   If  this amount equalled the estimated rate  of
 surficial aquifer  water into  the mine pit (gpm), the  average annual
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 discharge could be reduced by  0.14 ragd.   In  addition,  regulatory
 requirements or constraints may  oreclude  this method of discharge.

 2.6.3.4  ZERO DISCHARGE
 This alternative would involve the management of excess water within
 impoundment areas, with no discharges to  surface waters even during the
 rainy season.  This could only be accomplished by employing settling
 areas greatly increased in size and higher retaining dams.  A "no
 discharge" situation could not be guaranteed at all times, for spillways
 must be provided for all  dams and impoundments to provide relief and
 prevent dam failures  (FDER Chapter 17-9,  FAC).

 Environmental Considerations
 To  achieve  zero  discharge,  infringement  on areas designated for
 preservation could  occur,  and  a less  desirable reclamation plan would
 result.  The only  environmental advantage of a zero discharge is the
 elimination of treated  process  recirculation system effluent  to surface
 waters.  There would  be habitat loss  for longer  periods of time and
 subsequent delays  for reclamation actions.

 Technical Considerations
 In  an attempt to comply with  a  zero discharge,  the  technical  complica-
 tions are considerable.  CF's proposed water  management plan  projects  a
 positive water balance, precluding a  zero  discharge.   Increased  settling
 areas, higher impoundment dams  and more  difficult post-raining contouring
 and  reclamation, and more  limited  post-reclamation  land use potential
 would result from compliance with  this alternative.  Under zero  dis-
 charge  conditions,  neither an NPDES permit nor an Environmental  Impact
 Statement would be  required.  CF  Industries would still be subject  to
 the State of Florida Development  of Regional  Impact  (DRl)  process  as
well as all applicable  state and  federal  permit  requirements.
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2.6.4  OTHER ALTERNATIVES
The only  other  alternative considered for discharge of excess water is
deepwell  injection.   This ground water discharge technique was rejected
because of  the  potential  risk of causing aquifer contamination.  Also,
the hi(jh  initial  capital  costs cannot be justified when compared to
other  alternatives.

2.6.5  SUMMARY  COMPARISON - WATER MANAGEMENT
The proper  and  judicious  management of fresh water is one of the most
significant aspects  of  any phosphate mining operation.  The large
quantities  of water  required for the mining, transport, and processing
of phosphate ore  place  such activities in direct competition with other
water demands for  agricultural,  public,  and industrial use.  The reali-
ties of this situation  dictate that much of the water used in phosphate
mining/processing  be recycled, the environmentally preferred alterna-
tive.  In the proposed  action, CF plans  to have over 90 percent of its
water needs supplied from a recirculation system and less than 5 percent
to come from freshwater sources to meet  flotation process demands.

CF plans  to use ground  water to meet the flotation process water
requirements and  to  offset water losses  from the recirculation system,
but the plant start-up  water would be from a combination of surface
(catchuent) water  and ground water.

The use of  ground  water as a supply source would help protect surface
water  flows.  However,  ground water pumping would reduce the potentio-
metric surface  of  the Floridan Aquifer in the project area.  The use of
surface water as  a supply source from reservoirs could provide
lacustrine  habitat of uncertain quality,  and it would obviate the lower-
ing of the  potentiometrie surface;  however, surface water withdrawals
could alter the characteristics of local creeks and stream floodplains.
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Ground water  would provide much more consistent water quality to meet
 the demands  of the plant's reagent precipitation process.  The quantity
 and quality  of surface water supply sources can be highly variable.

 Of the  four  excess-water discharge alternatives considered for this
 project,  the  discharge to Doe and/or Shirttail Creeks with an alternate
 discharge  to  wetlands  near Payne Creek appears to be a viable plan.
 Climatic  conditions  and  creek flow and volume would play critical roles
 in the suitability of  surface water discharges.  Excess water discharges
 to the wetlands near Payne Creek would help reduce direct discharges to
 surface waters and,  through floodplain vegetation, reduce nutrients and
 other contaminants.  The  pipeline  system and ditching to the floodplain
of Payne Creek would cause  a  one-time  disturbance to vegetation and
 wildlife in the Doe Branch  area.

The use of connector wells  could  help  replenish the Floridan Aquifer
with  water from the surficial  aquifer, but  the potential for contamina-
 tion  of the Floridan Aquifer  with  lower quality water exists.  In some
locations, adequate head  differential  between the two aquifers at CF's
 site  does not exist.  More  detailed studies may be needed to determine
 the feasibility of connector  wells  on  the  site.  The zero discharge
alternative would  require  settling  areas of much larger size, higher
retaining dams, present greater  risk of dam failures, and require
 infringement on areas  to  be preserved.  Deepwell injection presents high
initial capital costs  which cannot  be  justified compared to other
alternatives.
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                    2.7   WASTE  SAND AND CLAY DISPOSAL
A  typical  phosphatic  ore body  is  composed of a mixture of non-uniform
size phosphate  pellets  disbursed  in a matrix of silts, clays,  and
coarser  grained  sand  particles.   Since sand and clay have no economic
importance, all  sand  and clay  is  removed from the processed ore and is
disposed of as waste  materials.   Under conventional sand and clay
disposal techniques,  these  wastes  would be removed from the ore at the
beneficiation plant and  deposited into separate impoundments.   Waste
sands pose no disposal  problem,  for they dewater rapidly and can be used
in the filling  of mined  areas  without difficulty.  Clays, on the other
hand, would enter the disposal  area at about 1-3 percent solids.
Gravity  forces would  consolidate  the clays up to 20 percent solids (this
could be higher, depending  on  clay minerology)  by weight in 1  to
2 years.  After  that, further  consolidation would occur at a much slower
rate unless additional  dewatering techniques were applied.  After the
clays had  settled and compacted over a period of years, these  areas
would generally  be  left  to  revegetate naturally or to be reclaimed as
pasture  by controlling  surface  drainage.

Primary  concerns with separate  disposal areas are the•above-ground
storage  of clay  slimes  (requiring up to two-thirds of the mining
acreage) and the long time  interval between mining and reclamation.
Waste sand/clay  disposal has allowed for recombination of these waste
materials  in pilot  and  plant-scale testing.   The variable nature of
matrix mineralogy between mine  sites has precluded a universally
acceptable sand/clay  mixing technique.

The Final Areawide Environmental  Impact Statement for the Central
Florida Phosphate Industry  (U.S.  EPA, 1978)  recommends sand/clay mixing
for waste disposal whenever possible.  No one technique has achieved
overall  success  or  acceptance as  the universal  sand/clay mixing
procedure  for phosphatic clays.   Results of tests on pilot projects have
been inconsistent and often contradictory  in nature.   The  complexities
inherent in the mixing of sand and clay which have produced these
inconsistent  and contradictory results  are  primarily due  to the
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 balance ot waste materials and differences in minerologleal character-
 istics of the matrix waste constituents.

 2.7.1  SAND CLAY MIXING (CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED ACTION)
 2.7.1.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION
 Under this disposal method, sand and clay are mixed at a minimum ratio
 of 2:1 before routing to common disposal areas.  Generally, dewatered
 sand tailings are added to clays which are in the 12-18 percent solids
 range.  If clay consistency is less than this, sands may tend to
 resegregate and settle  rapidly as the diluted clays advance to the
 center of the disposal  area.

 Sand-Clay Dredge  (CF Industries'  Proposed Action)
 This  method  employs  the  use of a  conventional clay storage area which
 allows for gravitational consolidation (Keen  and Sampson,  1983).  A
 dredge located within the  initial  settling area recovers  consolidated
 clays  with  a  consistency of 12-18  percent  solids and pumps the material
 to a mix  station.  Dewatered sand  tailings from the  flotation  section of
 the beneficiation plant  are mixed  with  the dredged clay (producing a mix
 total  solids of approximately  32 percent)  and hydraulically placed in a
 mined-out  area which is  rimmed  with  a  perimeter dam  to allow for
 above-grade fill.  Final  subsidence  of  the mixed material  is expected to
 be at  or  near natural grade.   The  final  contour of the disposal area
 will be shaped with material from  the perimeter dam.

 2.7.1.2   ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Environmental Advantages
CF Industries' proposed  sand/clay  dredge  technique has as  its  primary
environmental advantages  the benefit of:
     • Reduction in  total  land  area  required  by conventional,  above-
       ground clay settling;
     • Increased rate of  recovery  of water for  recirculation;
     • Reduction in the potential  for dam  breaching  and clay spills;
     • Reduction of the  timeframe between  mining and reclamation as
       compared to conventional clay-settling techniques (Garlanger,
       1982);
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     • Involving the mixing of two mine operation waste materials which
       can be covered with overburden;
     • Greater flexibility in placement of wastes;
     • Reduction in energy requirements over conventional  sand  and  clay
       disposal;
     • Increased structural stability  allowing greater  land  use
       potential than conventional clay disposal areas; and
     • Closer approximation of final surface contours and  elevations
       to the pre-mining surface.

Environmental Disadvantages
Environmental disadvantages include:
     • Reduction in storage and  catchment  area for rainfall  and make-up
       water;
     • Reduction in above-ground  reservoirs leading  to  a reduction  of
       diversity of wildlife habitats; and
     • Higher percentage of less  stable land forms as compared  to
       conventional disposal combined  with sand  tailings disposal.

2.7.1.3  TECHNICAL  CONSIDERATIONS
Because of the  independent chemical  and physical properties  of  waste
sand and clay, mixing these wastes requires substantially  greater
management effort than  conventional  sand  and clay  disposal techniques.
However, results gained at CF  Industries'  initial  sand/clay  dredge
plant scale  program at  the Hardee Phosphate Complex  I have been
positive.  Their results have  allowed  the design of  a  life-of-mine  waste
disposal plan that  will yield  reclaimed contours that will be  at or near
original grade  (Garlanger, 1982;  Keen  and  Sampson, 1983).   Careful
planning of  the location of the  containment  dams will  allow the
restoration  of  original drainage patterns  with only  minor  alteration to
the  overall  watershed acreage.

The  research on the sand/clay  mixing by the dredge method  at CF has
shown that the degree of success  achieved  is related to the  amount  of
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 control  provided over the operation.  Proper management and operation of
 the  system will result in a sand/clay mix of sufficient ratios and
 density  to produce the desired results.  The dredge operator must be
 able to  monitor critical parameters such as percent clay and mix solids,
 tons per hour of clay and mix, and gallons per minute of clay and mix.
 Flexibility in dredge movement is also a necessity.  The operator can
 then make adjustments when necessary.

 Placement of  sand/clay mix in  lower dams requires that more dams be
 built  requiring close monitoring  of waste disposal  activities and
 material  balance calculations.

 Soil  bearing  strength is  one technical consideration for potential
 future land uses.  Currently,  the  potential  post-reclamation land use is
 agricultural; either  pasture for  grazing, or truck  farming.  With a
 total  solids  content  of 30 to  40  percent, the sand-clay mix is less than
 the  premining clay solids  content  of approximately  60 percent.  This
 reduces the potential  for  permanent structures  on these sites.

 2.7.2  CONVENTIONAL SAND AND CLAY  DISPOSAL
 Traditionally,  the central  Florida phosphate  industry has  utilized
 conventional  waste disposal practices  of separating sand and clay wastes
 at the beneficiation  plant  prior  to disposal.

 2.7.2.1   GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under  the  conventional  waste disposal  method,  sand  and clay wastes are
routed to  separate areas  for disposal.   The  disposal  of sand tailings
has  not generally been  a  problem  in the  phosphate industry.   Usually,
sand tailings have been deposited  in mine cuts  as back-fill  or have been
utilized  in the  construction of holding  dikes.   However, disposal  of
waste clays has  been  a  more complex concern because of the  large  amount
of process water contained  in  the  clays.   The clay  slurry  is discharged
from the beneficiation  plant at 1  to 3 percent  solids and  is deposited
in holding areas.  Slowly,  over a  number of  years,  the clays consolidate
to 20 percent solids.   The  increase in waste volume resulting from the
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80 percent retained moisture requires that  the clays  be  stored  in  above-
ground impoundments.

Sand tailings would be used for  sand fill,  land-and-lakes  reclamation,
and dike construction around clay settling  areas.   Sand  would normally
be distributed to mined-out areas or to  portions of  a mining block which
would not be totally filled with tailings but would  eventually  be
reclaimed as land-and-lakes or used  for  dike construction  activities.
However, when no tailings disposal areas are available,  tailings would
be diverted to locations within  certain  clay settling areas.

2.7.2.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Conventional waste disposal methods have a  number  of  environmental
advantages and disadvantages.

Environmental Advantages
Among the advantages of this method of waste disposal are:
     • Although not as energy efficient  as  CF's  sand/clay  mix operation,
       a relatively low amount of energy is needed to operate this
       system;
     • The method provides for catchment and storage  of  rain water,
       which may reduce the need for ground water  supplies; and
     • Reclamation of land not included  in  settling  areas  can be
       accomplished in a predictable manner, based on past reclamation
       experience obtained by the phosphate industry.

Environmental Disadvantages
Among the disadvantages inherent in this method  of waste disposal  are:
     • The height required for the dikes to contain  the  clays;
     • The large amount of above-grade area needed to store the clays;
     • The lack of flexibility in re-establishing  premining land
       drainage characteristics;
     • The limited potential usage of the land after  reclamation;
     • The potential for surface water contamination  and loss of
       biological resources if dike  failure occurs is increased over
       sand/clay mixing;
     • The long period of time required  for waste  clays  to consolidate
       and release water; and
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      • The poor strength and drainage characteristics of soils in
        settling areas.

 2.7.2.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
 The  conventional  waste disposal method is an operationally proven method
 of clay and  tailings disposal.   This system provides areas for storage
 of make-up water  and accumulation of rainfall.  The large impoundment
 areas  allow  maximum accumulation of rain and a minimum discharge of
 water;  this  reduces the  consumption of ground water.  Another positive
 consideration  for  this method  of disposal is that the phosphate value
 still  contained in the clays  is not contaminated with sand and remains
 more readily available for  extraction should recovery be feasible at  a
 future  time.

 Low soil  strength  has  been  associated with waste clay settling areas.
 Compaction and consolidation of the clays continue for an extended
 period  of  time.  In order to  improve the soil strength, waste clay areas
 can be  capped with sand  tailings or overburden to provide additional
 soil stability at  the  surface.

 In order  to  increase consolidation of the clays and reduce the total
 volume  of  above-ground clay disposal areas,  stage settling can be
 incorporated into  this method.   Settling of  this type requires the
 rotation  of  clay deposition among several ponds to achieve a  higher
 percentage of clay solids.  Water is periodically drawn from  the surface
 of the  disposal areas, promoting the compaction process.   This cycle  of
 filling  and  drying can achieve  an overall higher average percent
 solids.

 2.7.3   SAND-CLAY CAP
 2.7.3.1   GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This waste disposal method  incorporates  aspects of both the conventional
and the sand/clay  mix  methods.   Inititally,  clay and  sand wastes  would
be deposited in separate holding areas.   After an appropriate time, clay
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from another settling  area  would  be  dredged and mixed with sand, which
would be used  to  cap a dewatered  clay settling area.

2.7.3.2  ENVIRONMENTAL  CONSIDERATIONS
Environmental  Advantages
The sand/clay  cap technique offers  the following environmental
advantages:
     • Increased  water  recovery  for  recirculation over conventional
       disposal;
     • Reduction  in the potential for dam breaching and spills;
     • Final surface contours  and elevations  will be  closer to original
       premining  contours than using conventional methods; and
     • Increased  soil  stability  in  the surface layer, or sand/clay cap,
       than exists in  the conventional clay settling  areas.

Environmental  Disadvantages
This disposal  method has the following environmental  disadvantages:
     • The dike height  required will be greater than  for the dikes for
       the dredge method of sand/clay mix;
     • The final  surface contours and elevations will not be closer to
       premining  contours than with  the dredge method of sand/clay mix;
     • There is a greater potential  for surface water contamination and
       loss of biological resources  if dike failure occurs than from the
       dredge  method of sand/clay mixing;  and
     • The more stable  land forms created by  sand tailings reclamation
       in conventional  clay disposal will  be  reduced  in acreage.

2.7.3.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
The sand-clay  cap approach  has not  been utilized on a full-scale phos-
phate mine operation to-date.  Since this  method requires both temporary
and permanent  clay settling basins,  the overall reduction in total
                                  2-77

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 acreage covered by clay settling  areas will be  reduced only  slightly.
 However, a benefit of this method would be  the  impoundment of waste clay
 in an uncontaminated form that would allow  recoverable phosphate
 reserves to be mined and processed at a future  date when advanced tech-
 nology becomes available.  The sand-clay cap method would require
 greater energy (kWh of power) than conventional sand and clay disposal.
 The recovery of sand tailings stored in a separate holding area would be
 an energy intensive operation.  The logistics of such a system would
 also require intensive planning.  Handling the material twice, as would
 be the case for the sand tailings, is not an efficient way to handle
 wastes.

 Sand-clay cap  would require  dikes which are above-ground and approxi-
 mately as high as  the  dikes  required for conventional disposal areas.

 2.7.4   OTHER ALTERNATIVES
 Additional  methodologies  or  techniques  often considered in the disposal
 of  waste  sand  and  clays  include  sand spray (a sand/clay mixing
 technique),  below-ground  slime disposal,  and flocculation.

 2.7.4.1   SAND  SPRAY
 This method  is based on  complete mixing  of clays with the sand tailings,
 thereby  forcing the clays  to  give up more  of the trapped  water.   The
 technique requires stacking  the  overburden as steeply as  possible during
 mining to provide  the maximum open cut  area.  Clays from  the  beneficia-
 tion plant,  approximately  3  percent  solids,  are pumped in the mine cuts
 to  approximate the original  land contour  and are allowed  to  settle,  up
 to  about  15  percent solids,,  which may take 3 to 4 months.   During
 settling, a  high liquid  level is maintained  to  prevent crust  formation
due  to evaporation.  Dewatered plant  tailings  sand, repulped  with
thickener underflow is then  sprayed  over  the clays  via a  floating/
suspended pipeline equipped with spray nozzles.  The  sand will mix with
the slimes,  forcing  out  substantial  quantities  of water,  in  addition to
that already recovered in  the initial settling  period.  After spraying
the sand, the  overburden piles are leveled  across the  area.   The
                                   2-78

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resulting fill has a higher  percent solids as compared  Co  Che  30  Co  35
percent solids which are normally  found  in conventional  settling basins
after reclamation.

2.7.4.2  BELOW GROUND SLIME DISPOSAL
This method could be defined,  in Che strictest sense,  as  the  disposal  of
waste clays such that additional,  above-grade dikes  are  not  required  to
contain the waste.  Theoretically,  this  could be  accomplished by using
mine cuts as a disposal area.  However,  the waste  clay disposal situa-
tion is a complex site-specific problem.  Disposal requirements for
below grade storage range  from 20  to 44  percent clay solids  (to fit
original matrix volume).   To date,  no  plant scale  technology has been
demonstrated that will directly produce  clays at  the higher  densities
required for below-ground  storage.  Therefore, at  least  temporary
above-ground impoundment areas are  necessary.

In most cases, the volume  of waste products from  phosphate  raining  and
beneficiation exceed the mined-out  volume.  Consequently, the concept of
a system relying entirely  on below-ground  storage of waste  clay is not
feasible.  The basic problem is that  there  is no  typical  phosphate
mining deposit.  Overburden depths  range from several feet  to 100  feet.
Matrix thickness varies  from 5 feet to 95  feet and the clay content  of
the matrix also varies.  These factors and  the clay minerology  determine
the volume required to dispose of  wasCe  clay and  the volume of  mined
area available for  its disposal.   A high ratio of overburden Co matrix
will leave much less volume available  for  clay disposal  and would
require an elevated earthen dam, above-ground  level.  This  is aggravated
by the fact that disturbed overburden  will- occupy about  15  percent more
volume than it did  in  its  natural  state, and  slimes occupy  about  255
percent more volume of  18  percent  solids (one year after beneficiation)
than they do  in their  natural  state.   Under current technological
practices, it is not feasible  to store all  waste  clay underground.
Programs using sand spray  have integrated  a system with temporary  above-
ground conventional structures, reduced area,  and below-ground  disposal
techniques.
                                    2-79

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  2.7.4.3   FLOCCULATION
  The  use  of high molecular weight polymeric compounds has been employed
  at pilot scale test facilities to assist in dewatering phosphatic clays.
  These  flocculents are another approach to the problem of rapid
  dewatering  of  slimes for disposal into mine cuts, rather than clay
  settling areas.   Three techniques have been or are currently being
  tested for  use in large-scale dewatering of phosphatic clay wastes.
  These  techniques  are:
      • PEO  trommel  method,
      • Superflocculation; and
      • Enviro-Clear  thickener method.

 PEO Trommel Method
 This  technique consists  of treating  clay  waste with  polyethylene oxide
 (PEO) flocculent and dewatering the  resulting  floes  on  mechanical
 devices such as hydrosieves and rotary  trommel screens.   The PEO polymer
 is a  linear, nonionic, water-soluble molecule  composed  of repeating
 units of  (CH2-CH2-0).  Polymers having  molecular  weights  of 5 and 8
 million have been used during U.S. Bureau of Mines tests.   Clay  waste
 entering  the PEO trommel unit are approximately 4 percent solids by
 weight.  After  treating the clays with  PEO, the resulting floes  are
 discharged into a trough which overflows  into  a hydrosieve  screen.  The
 flocculated  material moves down the hydrosieve by gravity flow onto the
 trommel screen, where a roll of thickened clay is formed  and  more
 dewatering occurs.  A product containing  14 to 24 percent solids  (by
 weight) is discharged from the trommel  into an auger-feed positive dis-
 placement pump.  The floe is , then pumped into a pit where further
 dewatering occurs.  Water recovered from the hydrosieve in  the Bureau of
 Mines test unit was  used for PEO solution preparation and for solution
 dilution.

 Superflocculation
Whereas the  PEO trommel method adds flocculent only to the clays which
 are at 3  to  4 percent solids  by weight,  the aqueous  agglomeration or
 Superflocculation  technique  developed by Gardinier,  Inc.,  includes a
two-step  flocculent  addition  process.   This  technique provides for
                                     2-80

-------
 initial  thickening  of  clay wastes with an anionic polyacrylamide
 flocculent  which  is carefully and thoroughly mixed with the clays.
 Superflocculation is accomplished by adding additional flocculent to the
 thickener underflow, with dilution water, and continued mixing.  Pilot
 studies  have  achieved  clay wastes with 10 to 15 percent solids in the
 thickener.  Superflocculated  clays pumped into mine cuts have reached
 more  than 40  percent solids in a few months of settling.

 Enyiro-Clear  Thickener Method
 The Enviro-Clear  technique was developed by Estech Corporation, and is
 the only flocculation  technique which is being utilized as a full-scale
 operation.  This  approach combines flocculation with sand/clay mixing to
 rapidly  dewater clay wastes.   The Enviro-Clear is a sludge-bed type of
 thickener around  which all the process is built.   There are basically
 three ingredients associated  with this process:  the 3 to 4 percent
 solids clay slurry  coming out of the washer; all  of the sand tailings;
 and a flocculant  (an anionic  polyacrylamide) reagent.  The flocculant is
mixed with  sand tailings  and  a thin slurry of clay in a pre-mix tank
 before it goes to the  thickener,  then the sand/clay mixture is pumped
 out to the  disposal  site.   The percent clay solids attained in the
 thickener underflow has been  consistently high enough (12 to 15 percent
 by weight)  to suspend  all of  the sand tailings into a homogeneous
 sand/clay mixture that  does not segregate.

2.7.5  SUMMARY COMPARISON - WASTE DISPOSAL
The primary waste components  of phosphate mining  are clay and sand.
Disposal  of sands does  not present any problems  since they rapidly
dewater.  However,  clays  do not dewater  rapidly  and require large
storage  areas to allow  for consolidation from 3 to 4  percent solids
after beneficiation to 30  to 40 percent  solids.   Both the  size of the
area required to  store  the clays  and the time interval between mining
and reclamation are major  concerns.   Current approaches  to waste
disposal have attempted to reduce both of these  factors  by methods which
induce rapid dewatering and reduce  above-grade storage areas.   To
                                   2-81

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 accomplish these objectives, EPA has recommended sand/clay mixing  ror
 waste disposal as the environmentally preferred alternative.  CF
 Industries'  proposed waste disposal program incorporates a sand/clay-
 dredge approach that has been tested and proven effective at their
 Hardee Complex I mine site.   The success of this technique will allow
 for  reduced  acreage requirements for conventional, above-grade clay
 disposal,  a  more rapid  reclamation program, and the re-establishment of
 drainage  contours  to approximate premining conditions.

 Other  waste  disposal alternatives  discussed in the preceding chapters
 are  not anticipated  to  have  the  same beneficial result as CF's  proposed
 action.  When  compared  to  the  conventional sand and clay disposal
method, CF's proposed plan will  result in significantly less above-grade
clay settling  areas, will  be more  energy efficient, and will allow the
reclamation  of more  land to  pre-mining contours.   It will create a
greater potential  for varied  land  uses  after reclamation, and it will
allow  the re-establishment of  more natural pre-mining drainage  contours.
When compared  to the sand/clay cap method,  the dike heights  required
are lejs in CF's proposed  plan and will  allow for the re-establishment
of pre-mining  contours.  The sand/clay  cap method has not been  used at
the full-scale operational level and has only  slightly greater  benefits
than the conventional sand and clay disposal method.   Additional
alternatives including  sand  spray,  below ground disposal, and floccula-
tion techniques  are  all limited by  not having  a proven, large-scale
successful operation and offer no  significant  environmental  advantages
when compared  to CF's proposed sand/clay-dredge method.
                                  2-82

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                            2.8  RECLAMATION
The current land forms of CF  Industries' Complex  II mine  site  are
primarily palmetto prairie, freshwater marsh, and hardwood  forest.   The
reclamation plan objectives include  restoring the disturbed  lands  to
physical and functional conditions that  are as  similar  to  preraining  as
practicable, and to beneficial uses  that are compatible with adjacent
and future land uses.  Further, reclamation plans  for  the  site  must  meet
the intent of Florida DNR's mine reclamation rules (Chapter  16C-16)  and
the goals of Hardee County's  Comprehensive Plan and Hardee  County  Land
Development Code (Article IV).

2.8.1  CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED RECLAMATION PLAN
2.8.1.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION
According to CF's proposed reclamation plan, all  of the approximately
14,994 acres of the site disturbed by mining and  related  activities  will
be reclaimed.  All disturbed  wetland and forest acreage will be
replaced, and the majority of the remaining disturbed  lands  will be
reclaimed to improved pasture.  The  acreage distribution  of  the various
land use categories for existing, disturbed, and  reclaimed  land is  shown
in Table 2.1.1-1, and Figures 2.1.1-11 and 2.1.1-12 show  the post-
reclamation land use on the site.  Agriculture  will be  the  predominant
land use of the reclaimed site, occupying approximately 6,700  acres  or
44 percent of the total property.  The remainder  of the reclaimed  site
will consist primarily of forest lands (approximately  3,400  acres  or 23
percent) and wetlands (approximately 3,880 acres  or 26  percent).
Disturbed, existing acreage of forest lands and wetlands  will  actually
be increased by approximately 10 percent.

Reclamation will proceed over the life of the mine operations.  The
mining operations will allow  for the development  of certain  land-and-
lakes  landforms during the mining activities and  immediately thereafter,
although final reclamation activities will lag  several  years behind  the
normal mining schedule.  Final reclamation of the  sand/clay  disposal
areas will occur after clay consolidation.  Mining of  the  tract is
expected to require approximately 27 years, while  reclamation  of  all
mined lands will be completed within 8 years after mining  ends.
                                    2-83

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Post-mining  land use capabilities and reclamation plans are closely
related  to  the type of landforms created by the waste disposal  methods.
CF's  proposed  sand/clay mix waste disposal method is an important  aspect
of  the reclamation program because it minimizes the amount of
conventional clay settling areas during mining and eliminates these
areas  in reclamation,  allows reclamation to near original  grade,  and
produces  reclaimed  soils  that  are suitable for future agricultural  uses.
The acreages of  the  proposed reclaimed landforms are summarized below:

               Landform                       Acreage
          Sand/Clay  Mix Areas                  9,083
          Sand Tailings Fill Areas             2,213
            with Overburden Cap
          Mined Out  Areas  for
            Land-and-Lakes
          Overburden Fill Areas  and
            Disturbed  Natural  Ground
          TOTAL

The location of these  various  landforms  is shown on Figures 2.1.1-4A  and
2.1.1-4B.  The proposed physical  restoration  of these landforms is
discussed in the  following  sections.

Sand/Clay Mix  Areas
CF  Industries  has been experimenting  with  the sand/clay waste disposal
technique since  1980.  This  particular technique significantly  reduces
the time  needed  for  stabilization of  the waste clays and will allow more
rapid reclamation of these  lands  than could be accomplished with
conventional clay  settling  areas.  This  technique also  allows waste
disposal materials placed  above  grade to settle at  or near grade,
thereby eliminating  the need for conventional high  dams and allowing
reclamation to be completed  close to  original contours.
                                   2-84

-------
The sand/clay mix will be pumped  to  26  storage  areas  that  wm.  occupy
9,083 acres or 60.9 percent of  the  site (Figures  2.1.1-4A  and 2. 1. 1-4B.
The sand/clay mix will be pumped  at  approximately 12-18 percent clay
solids with a dry weight  sand/clay  ratio of  approximately  2:1.   The
storage areas will be filled  to an  average height of  10 feet above
original grade and a maximum  of 5 feet  below the  top  of the dikes.   The
mix will undergo an initial period  of rapid  subsidence and dewatering,
reaching approximately 30 percent clay  solids at  the  completion of
filling, followed by a prolonged  period of gradual consolidation and
further subsidence.  Over a  period  of  approximately 5 years after
filling, the sand/clay mix is expected  to consolidate to an average of
approximately 41 percent  clay solids.

The surface level of the  storage  area  after  subsidence is  designed to
average approximately 2  feet  above natural grade.  After the desired
level of consolidation is achieved,  the surrounding dams and any
protruding  overburden  spoil  piles will  be graded over and will partially
cap (2 to 4 inches)  the  sand/clay mix  areas  (Figure 2.8.1-1).  Naturally
occurring  low  areas  within  each sand/clay disposal area are not  planned
to be capped and would be retained as  low areas  for wetland reclamation.
The majority of  the  sand/clay mix areas will be  reclaimed  to wetlands
and improved pasture.   Since  the  suitability of  these soils  for
agricultural crops  and  native vegetation has not been well  established,
CF  Industries  is  planning an experimental revegetation program on  an
existing  sand/clay  disposal   area at Hardee Phosphate  Complex I.  The
results of  this  test  program and  other  similar research in  the Florida
phosphate  industry  will  be  used  to determine the most  suitable
agricultural and  native  species to be  planted on the  sand/clay mix
soils.

On the  average,  the sand/clay storage  areas  will be  filled  in  approxi-
mately  one  year.   Drying and consolidation  to approximately 41 percent
clay  solids will require approximately  5 years.   Final  grading and
revegetation will  require an additional 2 years.   Therefore, complete
                                        2-85

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    CFI HfCIt 4271
I
00
        1. FILLING  WITH SAND/CLAY

                          I 5' FREEBOARD

                                   1:1000 SLOPE
INLET END
                                                       FILLED TO  10'(AVG.) ABOVE
                                                       ORIGINAL GRADE
                                                                                           OUTLET END
                                                                   SAND/CLAY MIX


                                                                            ^ffZ^TRjffi.
       NATURAL SLOPE OF LAND
                                                                               PIT BOTTOM
       2. CONSOLIDATION, 5 YEARS
                               SUBSIDENCE TO APPROXIMATELY
                               2' ABOVE ORIGINAL GRADE

        3. GRADING  AND REVEGETATION
                                                   PINES
                                                                                      HARDWOODS
                                                                   PASTURE
                                                                                       fJHi
                                                                               WETLAND VjUl'"
                                                                                J
                                                                                            •<•( *>
                                                                 OVERBURDEN CAP
                                                                    •*&%®?nw^wwf$$>
                                                                                y
                                                                              %$&%$$$%%!&•
        DOT TO SCALE
                                                                               Soufco:Gtirr & Assoc.,  Itic.
     Figure 2.8.1-1
     RECLAMATION OF SAND/CLAY MIX
     AREAS
                                                             U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                                                 Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                       CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
reclamation of the sand/clay  storage  areas  will  be completed in approxi-
mately 7 years after  filling  is  completed.   The  reclamation sequence for
each sand/clay disposal area  is  presented  in Table 2.8.1-1 and the
proposed reclamation  schedule is presented  in Table 2.8.1-2.

Sand Tailings Fill Areas with Overburden Cap
Sand tailings will be deposited  in  mine  cuts and will occupy a total of
2,213 acres (Figures  2.1.1-4A and 2.1.1-4B).   The mine cuts will be
backfilled with  sand  tailings to approximately natural grade and capped
with approximately 6  to 12  inches of  overburden  (Figure 2.8.1-2).   The
overburden cap will provide a soil  cover that will have improved
agricultural characteristics  compared to the infertile sand tailings.
,It is planned to reclaim the  capped sand tailings fill areas primarily
to improved pasture,  wetlands and upland forest.

Since sand tailings dewater rapidly and  have good bearing capacity,
capping with overburden can begin almost immediately after filling is
complete.  Final grading and  revegetation will be completed within
approximately 2 years after filling (Table  2.8.1-2).

Land-and-Lakes
Lakes will be constructed  in  five mined  out areas on the site
(Figures 2. 1.1-4A and 2.1.1-4B).  Sand tailings  or sand/clay mix will
not be available for  reclaiming  these areas, therefore, reclamation will
consist primarily of  grading  the remaining  spoil piles followed by
revegetation.  A conceptual diagram of the  land-and-lakes reclamation is
shown on Figure 2.8.1-3.  The planned surface water area within each
mined-out area is based on  several  variables, including the thickness of
overburden and matrix, a restored water  table, plus using the remaining
spoil to create necessary  shoreline slopes  required by the Florida
Department of Natural Resources  mine  reclamation rules (Chapter 16C-16).
Presented below  is the  estimated design  surface  area of land and water
                                    2-87

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Table 2.8.1-1.  Reclamation  Sequence  for  Sand/Clay  Landfills
Sand /Clay
Mix Areas
E-l
E-2
E-3
E-4
E-5
E-6
E-7
W-l
W-2
E-8
W-3
W-4
E-9
W-5
W-6
E-10
W-7
E-ll
W-8
E-12
W-9
E-13
E-14
W-10
W-ll
E-15
TOTAL
Acreage
187
308
426
292
220
330
330
356
223
350
343
191
329
307
326
366
381
240
550
324
450
421
276
467
410
680
9,083
Year
Filling
Begins
2
3
5
7
8
9
10
11
11
12
13
13
14
15
15
16
17
18
18
20
21
21
22
23
24
26

Year
Filling
Completed
3
5
7
8
9
10
11
11
12
13
13
14
15
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
21
22
23
24
26
28

Year
Reclamation
Completed
10
12
14
15
16
17
18
18
19
20
20
21
22
22
23
24
25
25
27
28
28
29
30
31
33
35

Source:  CF Industries, 1983.
                                       2-88

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Table 2.8.1-2.   Proposed Reclamation Schedule
Mine
Year*
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
TOTAL
Types
Sand /Clay
Landfill
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
187
0
308
0
426
292
220
330
686
223
693
191
636
326
366
621
0
550
774
421 ,
276
467
0
410
0
680
9,083
of Reclamation
Tailings
Landfill
0
0
90
111
0
0
0
0
0
374
12
105
0
59
72
40
106
37
50
108
128
242
0
0
0
646
0
0
33
0
0
0
0
0
	 0
2,213
and Acres
Land &
Lakes Area
0
0
0
44
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
19
25
0
0
0
0
25
376
457
769
110
229
345
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2,399
Completed
Overburden
0
0
0
0
22
35
30
39
61
21
9
6
48
53
95
24
0
42
85
0
110
10
28
69
0
0
0
88
95
200
60
0
0
0
0
1,230
Total
0
0
90
155
22
35
30
39
61
582
21
419
48
538
459
303
461
765
358
801
429
913
730
892
1390
756
779
1207
549
476
527
0
410
0
680
14,925
 * Mining ends in year 27.




 Source:   CF Industries, 1984.
                                    2-89

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    1. FILLING WITH SAND  TAILINGS
   EXISTING
    GRADE

   OVERBURDEN^
         -—
      MATRIX
SPOIL
                                FILL TO APPROXIMATE ORIGINAL GRADE
     X-'- :•• SAND •-•"•>
SPOIL  \ TAILINGS.-/  SP01L

    2. GRADING AND REVEGETATION
                                        TREE CLUSTER
                                             /S
            OVERBURDEN CAP
                                       PASTURE

                                           V.:.-.- SAND-.VV
                                     SPOIL   \.TA1.UN9S/    SPOIL

     NOT TO SCALE
    Source: Gurr & Assoc.. Inc.
Figure 2.8.1-2
RECLAMATION OF SAND TAILINGS
FILL AREAS
                        U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                             Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                   CF INDUSTRIES
                           Hardee Phosphate Complex II
                                        2-90

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     CFI HPCII <
        1.  SPOIL  PILES AFTER MINING
                                                                NOTE: Double spoiling used where it  would be
                                                                      advantageous  to maximize  the width ot
                                                                      islands, peninsulas and open  water.
                                                      — 600 FEET
           EXISTING
            GRADE
         OVERBURDEN
             MATRIX
                               SPOIL
                                                                                     SPOIL
                 ^^
IsJ
I
vc
        2.  GRADING AND REVEGETATION
fcte-
                                              LITTORAL ZONE
                                              25% OF LAKE AREA
                                              AT HIGH WATER
                                                                                     FOREST
         PASTURE
SHALLOW WATER ZONF—7 I &l _^

                         1* ) (
                              20% OF LAKE AREA EXTENDS
                              TO G FEET BELOW ANNUAL
                              LOW WATER LEVEL
                                SPOIL              ^-^      LAKE

          ^A^7^£<^


        NOT TO SCALE
                                                                                   Source:Gurr  &  Assoc., Inc.
     Figure 2.8.1-3
     CONCEPTUAL LAND-AND-LAKES
     RECLAMATION
                                                     U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                                         Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                                    CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                             Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
Land
0
0
271
Land
276
385
Lake & Wetland*
44
44
651
Estimated Design Acreage
Lake & Wetland*
408
320
Total
44
44
922
Total
684
705
in each mined-out area.  It should be noted that up to 25 percent of the
lake  area  may be used for wetland reclamation.

                          	Estimated Design Acreage
      Mined Out  Area
           I
           II
           III

      Mined Out  Area
           IV
           V

* Area shown on Figures 2.1.1-11  and  2."  \-l2 may vary slightly.

Suggested lake  shapes are shown  on Figures 2.1.1-11 and 2.1.1-12;
however,  the actual size  and  shape of the lakes will depend on variables
such  as the remaining spoil  pile  configuration, direction of mine cuts,
and the void space  available.  These  lake shapes include islands that
provide refuge  for  waterfowl  and  wading birds, a variety of sizes and
shapes for aesthetics,  and  peninsulas for increased shoreline length and
access points.

Double spoiling will be utilized  in the larger mined-out areas where it
would be advantageous to maximize the width of islands, peninsulas and
open  water.  A variety  of shoreline slopes will be created and will
consist of a shallow littoral  water zone (generally less than 6 feet)
for emergent vegetation and  habitat for a variety of wildlife.  A
shallow water zone  will also  be  constructed to enhance habitat
diversity.
                                   2-92

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It is planned to. reclaim the land  surrounding  the  lakes  to  pine flat-
woods and hardwoods (Figure 2.1.1-11 and  2.1.1-12).   Management of these
lands will be primarily for recreation  and wildlife  habitat.

Reclamation of the land-and-lakes  areas will  require approximately 2
years, allowing 1 year for grading  and  1  year  for  revegetation.

Overburden Fill Areas and Disturbed Natural Ground
The mined and disturbed areas  to be reclaimed  with overburden fill will
occupy 1,230 acres, not including  the overburden fill to be used in
reclaiming the land-and-lakes  areas or  capped  sand tailings fill areas.
These areas are primarily located  along the  property boundary and also
include the plant site and Initial  Settling Area,  Compartment I
(Figure 2.1.1-1).  The unmined areas along  the property  boundary may be
disturbed for utility corridors, access roads, pipelines, recirculating
water ditches and other related mining  activities.  These mined and
disturbed lands will be reclaimed  to approximately natural  grade and
will have good potential  for  a variety  of land uses, including improved
pasture, forestry, citrus, cropland, and  residential/industrial
construction.

Reclamation of overburden fill areas can  begin immediately after mining.
These areas will generally be  reclaimed within 2 years,  allowing 1 year
for grading and 1 year for revegetation.

Wetlands Reclamation
The proposed plan provides for the reclamation of all forested and
non-forested wetlands (3,510  acres) disturbed  by mining  and related
activities.  As shown in Table 2.1.1-1, the  post-reclamation wetland
acreage is planned actually to be  370 acres  greater than existing
acreages.

The location of reclaimed wetlands is  shown on the post-reclamation land
use map (Figures 2.1.1-11 and  2.1.1-12).   This conceptual land use map
                                    2-93

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 shows the planned reclaimed wetland acreage and  the intended distri-
 bution of wetlands over  the entire property.   The actual  shape and
 location of the reclaimed wetlands will likely be different than that
 shown on the drawing due to differential settling in  sand/clay mix
 disposal areas.

 Approximately 25 to 30 percent of each sand/clay mix  area  is planned to
 be  reclaimed as wetlands.  This acreage will be created primarily by
 raising the elevation of the outlet drain after consolidation and by
 retaining a portion  of the  perimeter  dike along the lower end of the
 disposal  area.   Approximately 20 percent of the land-and-lakes areas
 will  be reclaimed  as  wetlands.  Most  of the wetlands  in those areas will
 be  created  by grading and contouring  the required littoral zone within
 the lakes.   The remainder of the reclaimed wetland acreage will be
 distributed  within the  areas to be reclaimed with sand tailings and
 overburden.  Wetlands within these areas will be principally graded or
 excavated  in low areas  and  along planned drainageways.

 A variety of revegetation techniques  for wetlands are currently being
 tested  in  the Florida phosphate industry (FIPR, 1983a).  Although many
 projects  are only  a  few years  old, the results of several techniques are
 encouraging. It is  expected that  additional research will suggest even
 more  effective  approaches by the  time  CF begins to reclaim its first
 wetland (in  approximately mine year 5).   CF's current plan for reclaim-
 ing wetlands will  consist primarily of creating a topography with
 frequently  saturated  soils,  providing  a favorable hydroperiod,  spreading
 a layer of organic mulch  obtained  from another wetland, and tree
 planting.

Most  of the  approximately 1,410 acres  of freshwater  swamps will  be
contiguous with reclaimed stream channels  and  reclaimed freshwater
marshes.  The freshwater  swamps will be  planted with a variety of native
tree  and shrub  species  such  as  red maple,  black gum,  water hickory,
sweet bay, water ash,  sweetgum,  buttonbush,  dahoon,  and wax myrtle.
                                   2-94

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Bare root, potted, or containerized  seedlings will  be  planted  by  hand  in
a random pattern to yield an  initial density of 400 trees  per  acre  in
order to ensure a final density of 200  trees per  acre.   Planting
herbaceous species for erosion control  and maintenance  of  newly
established vegetation will be similar  to that described  for the  upland
hardwood forest.

Approximately 2,470 acres of  freshwater marsh will  be  reclaimed on  the
site.  The number of reclaimed marshes will be less than  the number
presently on the site but the total  acreage reclaimed  will  be  increased
by 131 acres.  Most of these marshes will be reclaimed  in  the  lower
portions of the reclaimed sand/clay mix areas (Figures  2.1.1-11 and
2.1.1-12.  These lower wet areas will occur at the  outlet  end  of  the
storage areas and in areas of differential settling.   Additional  basing
and channels will be excavated if needed to create  the  proposed acreage
of reclaimed wetlands.

The current revegetation plan for these marshes is  to  spread a mulch
obtained from another wetland that is dominated by  desirable native
wetland vegetation.  This technique  has been shown  to  be  a successful
revegetation method for marshes on several mine sites  in  central  Florida
(Carson, 1983; Clewell, 1981; Conservation Consultants,  Inc.,  1981).
CF's experimental revegetation plots and further  research  by others may
provide additional successful revegetation techniques  that  could  be
incorporated.

Stream Channel Reclamation
CF's proposed plan includes the mining  of several ephemeral streams  and
their tributaries.  These include Shirttail Branch; Plunder Branch;
Coons Bay Branch; and the ephemeral  tributaries of  Horse  Creek, Brushy
Creek, Lettis Creek, and Doe Branch.
                                   2-95

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 The location of these streams and their existing drainage basin
 boundaries are shown on Figures 2.8.1-4 and 2.8.1-5.

 The post-reclamation drainage area boundaries will vary slightly from
 existing boundaries; however, total acreage of each drainage basin will
 be approximately equal to pre-mining conditions (Table 2.1.1-4).

 CF is  planning to mitigate the environmental effects of mining these
 streams  through the  following measures:  reclamation of all adjacent
 disturbed  lands;  reclamation of all  disturbed main stream channels to
 their  approximate  original grade;  approximate restoration of original
 drainage basin area;  and  implementation of certain precautionary
 measures to prevent  degradation  of downstream waters.   The reclaimed
 drainage basin boundaries  and drainage patterns are shown on
 Figures  2.1.1-9 and  2.1.1-10.

 2.8.1.2  ENVIRONMENTAL  CONSIDERATIONS
 Environmental  Advantages
 CF1 s proposed  reclamation  plan,  which predominately involves sand/clay
 mix waste disposal landforms,  appears  to have several  environmental
 advantages compared  to  the conventional and  sand/clay  cap alternatives.
 First, since the post-reclamation  land will  not  include any above-grade
 clay settling  disposal  areas,  the  plan has  the  highest  potential  for
 restoring the  disturbed areas  to physical  and  functional  conditions  as
 similar  to premining  conditions  as practicable.   The post-reclamation
 land area in agrarian use  should be  similar  to  (or  greater than)  that
 presently in use and  significantly greater  than  with the  conventional
 and sand/clay  cap  alternatives.  Post-reclamation elevations  across  the
 entire site will more closely  approximate  premining elevations.

Even though reclaimed stream drainage  areas  will vary slightly  from
existing boundaries,  the total acreages and  configurations of each
reclaimed basin will more  closely  approximate premining conditions than
for the  other  reclamation  alternatives.  In  addition, even though
                                 2-96

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Cfl HPCII

                                                      : PLL MDEFKBRANCH
                                       TROUBESOME '
                                         CREEK
            TROUBLESOME
                 CREEK
Figure 2.8.1-4
PRE-MINING TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE BOUNDARIES:
COMPLEX II, EASTERN SECTION
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
         CF INDUSTRIES
   Hardee Phosphate Complex II

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,
                         GUM £WAMP BRANCH
                             /**    - -*

                             J   <
    Figure2.8.1-5
    PRE-MINING TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE BOUNDARIES-
    COMPLEX II, WESTERN SECTION
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
         CF INDUSTRIES
  Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
stormwater runoff characteristics of  the  site  will  probably be increased
over premining conditions (due  to higher  clay  content  of the surface
soils), runoff flows will be more similar  to existing  conditions  than
for the conventional reclamation alternative.   The  sand/clay mix  soils
with overburden cap should have better agronomic  characteristics  than
either sand or clay alone.

The proposed plan includes the  replacement  and an increase  in both
forested and non-forested wetland acreages  disturbed by  the operations.
These reclaimed wetlands will be distributed throughout  the site;
however, their locations and configurations will  be somewhat  different
than premining conditions.  The proposed  plan  includes creation of
land-and-lakes areas which will provide greater wildlife diversity than
presently exists.  These land-and-lakes areas  should have better  habitat
functional values than open water areas within conventional clay
settling areas since the areas  are  integrated  into  the site systems
rather than within elevated settling  areas.

Reclamation of sand/clay mix areas  after  filling  will  require less time
than for conventional clay settling ai<:as.

Environmental Disadvantages
The phosphate clays contain large percentages  of  unrecovered ohosphate
which are presently unrecoverable due to  small particle  size.  The
sand/clay mix method will reduce the  ore  values over clays  alone  and
will distribute the ore over more area which will increase  the cost for
future recovery if economically feasible  techniques are  developed.

The predominance of sand/clay mix areas will create a  higher percentage
of less stable landforms on the site  compared  to  conventional methods
with sand and overburden fill outside of  the settling  areas.   Such less
stable land forms would probably be  suitable for only agricultural  or
natural use which may limit future  land use options.
                                 2-99

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 2.8.1.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
 Operational-scale reclamation on sand/clay mix disposal areas has not
 been fully demonstrated.  CF Industries' experimental programs at Hardee
 Complex I have had encouraging results; however, further testing is
 needed to technically demonstrate the success of the technique in such
 areas as soil agronomic, bearing, and permeability characteristics and
 post-reclamation settling conditions.  Thus, this method may have a
 higher technology risk for success than conventional reclamation
 methods.

 2.8.2  CONVENTIONAL  RECLAMATION/CLAY SETTLING
 2.8.2.1   GENERAL DESCRIPTION
 The  conventional methods  of waste disposal and associated reclamation
 represent  the  traditional  practices  within the central Florida phosphate
 industry.   The method  involves  the disposal and reclamation of sand and
 clay  wastes in separate  areas.   For  reclamation,  sand tailings are
 generally  used for backfilling  mine  cuts which are  then graded and
 contoured  to desired elevations.   These  backfilled  cuts may be capped
 with  overburden.  Other  sand  wastes  are  used for  dam construction.  Since
 the volume of  waste sand  is much  less  than the volume of matrix removed,
 the reclamation  of mined-out  areas usually includes large areas of
 land-and-lakes.

 Waste  clays are  pumped to  large  settling areas surrounded by earthen
 dikes, generally 35 to 45  feet  in height.   These  clay settling areas
 would  cover a  significant  amount  of  land in both  mined and  unmined
 areas.   For reclamation,  the  clay is  allowed to settle by gravity to 20
 to 25  percent  solids and  a crust  forms  which is capable of  supporting
high-flotation equipment.   The areas may then  be  capped by  either
grading  down  the dikes or  by  adding  sand tailings and revegetating.
Reclamation of clay settling  areas may require 10 or  more years  after
 filling.   Some settling  areas may be  reclaimed as open water and  wetland
habitats.
                                  2-100

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2.8.2.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Environmental Advantages
Conventional reclamation techniques have been  tested and used by  the
phosphate industry for years; therefore, the technique is the only
operationally proven alternative.  If more  lakes were a desired
reclamation objective, the method would result in more lake habitat,
land-and-lake and wetter settling areas than the proposed sand/clay mix
reclamation plan.

Environmental Disadvantages
The conventional reclamation alternative would significantly alter
premining elevations and topography on the  site.  The reclaimed clay
settling area would be much higher than existing elevations and land-
and-lake areas would be lower.  Also, due to the post-reclamation land-
forms, the surface water drainage patterns  and basin sizes would  be
significantly altered.  Exposed clays in settling areas would have
higher soil radioactivity levels than the proposed  sand/clay mix  olan.
Clay settling areas require a longer time period to complete reclamation
and potentially have more limited land use  options  than sand/clay mix
areas.

2.8.2.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Scheduling of reclamation procedures for clay  settling areas is fixed by
the consolidation time required for adequate settling.  Usually,  a 5- to
7-year period is allowed for final surface  crusting.  This is followed
by an additional 5-year period of active reclamation involving further
dewatering and consolidation procedures, grading and capping, and
establishment of a plant covering.

Sand tailings fill and land-and-lakes areas require 2 years of
reclamation time following mining of each area.

2.8.3  SAND-CLAY CAP
2.8.3.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The sand-clay cap reclamation alternative involves  aspects of both
conventional and sand/clay mix methods.  After crust formation, the
conventional clay settling areas, or clay-filled mine cuts surrounded
with dikes, are capped with a sand/clay mix which is intended to  result

                                  2-101

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 in more effective dewatering and consolidation of  the  clays.   If
 effective, mines with relatively low  sand-clay ratios  in  the matrix may
 be able to reduce the land areas covered by above-ground  clay  settling
 areas and/or reduce post-reclamation  heights of remaining dikes and
 landforms.  Also, the agronomic and load bearing characteristics of the
 sand-clay cap are expected to be improved over those exposed of clay
 alone.

 Sand-clay cap reclamation is estimated to be completed in a shorter
 timeframe  than  conventional clay settling, but 1 to 2 years longer than
 the proposed  sand/clay mix method.   The method has not been used on an
 operational  scale within the industry although some experimental field
 research  is  currently  underway.

 On the Hardee Complex  II site,  sand-clay cap reclamation would result in
 more  acreage  in  sand/clay mix landforms, and less sand fill and
 land-and-lake than with  the proposed sand/clay mix method.  Above-grade
 clay  settling areas  would be  reduced compared to conventional
 reclamation.

 2.8.3.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
 Environmental Advantages
 The sand-clay cap reclamation method may result in relatively similar
 environmental advantages as the  proposed sand/clay mix method.   However,
 more  acreage  of  sand-clay cap would result than sand/clay mix under the
 proposed  plan.

 The sand-clay cap method has  several environmental advantages compared
 to  conventional  reclamation including post-reclamation elevations  closer
 to  premining  elevations, improved  agronomic  and stability
characteristics  of soil  compared  to clay alone,  and reduced  radiation
levels.

Environmental Disadvantages
Sand-clay  cap reclamation would  reduce the  land area in stable  sand fill
and land-and-lake reclamation compared to the  proposed  sand/clay mix
plan.  This would, in  turn,  reduce  the habitat  diversity  and  potential

                                  2-102

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future land use options on  the  reclaimed  site.   Also,  sand-clay cap
reclamation would  take  1  to 3 years  longer  to  complete than the proposed
plan.  Since clays alone  will be  placed  in  mine  cuts,  the pure clays
will have a higher potential  to block and alter  the ground water flows
in the surficial aquifer  than the  proposed  plan.

2.8.3.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Similar to the reclamation  proposed  for  the sand/clay  mix alternative,
the sand-clay cap reclamation technique has not  been used in any
full-scale operations.  CF  Industries  has been  field testing the
proposed sand/clay mix disposal techniques  since  1980  and plans to
continue these programs.  Information  gained from these programs should
lower the technology risk associated with the proposed plan compared to
the sand-clay cap technique.

2.8.4  SUMMARY COMPARISON-RECLAMATION
The primary goals of reclamation  are  to  restore  the disturbed lands to
beneficial uses that are  compatible with  adjacent  land uses and future
land use plans.  For CF Industries' Complex II mine site, beneficial
uses include returning the  land as nearly as practicable  to premining
physical and natural conditions and  functions and  enhancing productive
uses.  The reclamation plan proposed by CF  Industries  is  designed  to
restore the disturbed lands  to  the approximate elevations,  topography,
and drainage patterns as  premining conditions.   Disturbed acreages of
wetlands, stream channels,  and  forested areas will  be  replaced and
acreages of potential agriculturally productive  lands  will  be
increased.

The conventional clay settling  reclamation  alternative does not
accomplish the goals of reclamation.   The conventional method would
significantly alter the elevations, drainage patterns, and  soil
radiation levels on the reclaimed  site compared  to  premining conditions
and would limit land use  options on substantial  areas  of  the site.   The
sand-clay cap reclamation method would have similar disadvantages  but
                                 2-103

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does not have  significant  favorable environmental advantages when
compared to  the  proposed  plan.   CF Industries has an ongoing field
program to test  reclamation  techniques,  wetland restoration, and
revegetation on  sand/clay  mix areas at Hardee Complex I.  This testing
program and other  research in reclamation and revegetation,  especially
for forested wetlands,  should lessen the technology risk of the proposed
plan,  would assist  in meeting all  the goals  of the reclamation plan, and
would not have the  environmental disadvantages of the other previously
discussed alternatives.

To successfully  accomplish the  proposed  reclamation objectives as stated
in Section 2.8, CF's proposed reclamation plan will require  coordinated
sequencing of the mining operations  around wetlands to consistently
provide an upstream seed source for. the  re-establishment of  natural
systems in the reclaimed areas  and  will  require the demonstrated
functional restoration of  Class 1C  and ID wetlands prior to
disturbance.
                                 2-104

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                       2.9  WETLANDS PRESERVATION
2.9.1  PRESERVATION PLAN (CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED PLANJ
2.9.1.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Approximately 25 percent of the CF  Industries' Hardee  Complex II  site
consists of forested and non-forested wetlands.  All of this wetland
acreage will be reclaimed, as required under Florida DNR mine reclama-
tion rules (Chapter 16C-16).  Although the topography  of the reclaimed
site will be within 2 or 3 feet of  original grade,  it  will not be
possible to restore all of the wetlands to their original shape and
location.  Several large rained-out  areas will need  to  be reclaimed to
land-and-lakes, and each sand/clay mix disposal area will have a
slightly higher elevation near its  inlet, which would  be more suitable
for upland land uses.

The areas CF proposes to be preserved from mining occupy approximately
69 acres and consist of all but 2 acres of the wetlands designated as
Class I-A by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  (EPA).  These
preserved wetlands are located in the far western portion of the  site
and are contiguous with Horse Creek.  The 2 acres of Class I-A wetlands
proposed for disturbance will be needed for the proposed dragline
crossing.  Category I-A wetlands are mainstern stream wetlands that are
considered by EPA to provide important environmental functions and which
should be preserved and protected from mining.

In addition to the Category I-A wetlands, there are approximately 695
acres of Category I-C and 1-0 wetlands on the site.  These are headwater
and special concern wetlands that are also considered  by EPA as worthy
of preservation and protection.  However, EPA recognizes the possibility
that reclamation technology may proceed to the extent  that fully
functional wetlands can be restored.  The Florida phosphate  industry,
including CF Industries, is currently working on approximately 35
wetland reclamation projects (Florida Institute of  Phosphate Research,
1983a).  CF Industries believes that these ongoing  projects, together
                                   2-105

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with  CF's  proposed  experimental revegetation program on an existing
sand/clay  mix disposal area, will demonstrate that important functional
roles of wetlands can  be  replaced by reclamation.

Therefore,  CF Industries  has included the Category I-C and I-D wetlands
within the  area  to  be  disturbed by mining activities.   Although the mine
plan  and waste disposal  plan were developed to include all the Cate-
gory  I-C and  I-D wetlands,  CF understands EPA's  position on the mining
of  these wetlands.   Mining  will not be scheduled within the boundaries
of  any of  the Category I  wetlands unless and until EPA reconsiders the
mining of  these  wetlands  based upon the proven recreation of functional
hardwood swamp communities  and functional large  wetland systems.

2.9.1.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
There are  few, if any,  ecological advantages associated with the actual
mining of  wetland areas.  Preservation of at least some of these
habitats will allow for a seed source which may  assist in the
re-establishment of both  forested and herbaceous wetlands.

2.9.1.3  TECHNICAL  CONSIDERATIONS
The Category  I-A wetlands that are to be preserved will also be
protected  from the  indirect  effects of mining.   A perimeter ditch will
be  constructed around  all preserved wetlands when adjacent lands are
being mined.  The water  level in this ditch will be maintained at or
above  the  average water table elevation, which should prevent potential
drawdown of the  water  table  within the wetland.

The mined  land adjacent  to  these preserved wetlands will be reclaimed to
land-and-lakes by grading and contouring the remaining spoil piles.
This  type  of  reclamation  can be completed in a short period of time
(approximately 2 years), which will also limit  the potential effects of
mining.
                                   2-106

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2.9.2  CATEGORY I PRESERVATION
2.9.2.1  GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Only Category I-A wetlands are scheduled  for complete  preservation.
Other Category I wetlands are reserved  for  future mining,  contingent
upon proof of successful restoration of wetland  habitats,  as  described
in Section 2.8.1.

2.9.2.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
See Section 2.8.1.2.

2.9.2.3  TECHNICAL  CONSIDERATIONS
See Section 2.8.1.3.
                                2-107

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                         2.10  PRODUCT TRANSPORT
2.10.1   RAIL PRODUCT TRANSPORT (CF INDUSTRIES'  PROPOSED ACTION)
2.10.1.1   GENERAL  DESCRIPTION
The  wet  phosphate  rock produced at Hardee Complex II would be trans-
ferred into  open top,  bottom discharge hopper  rail  cars for transport to
an existing  CF  Industries'  facility.

2.10.1.2   ENVIRONMENTAL  CONSIDERATIONS
Railroads  are well-established in central Florida and are generally
considered the most  economical and environmentally  acceptable method of
transporting  bulk  phosphate  product between two distant locations over
land.  However, trains can disrupt traffic at  highway intersections and
generate noise adjacent  to  the right-of-way.

2.10.1.3  TECHNICAL  CONSIDERATIONS
Rail product  transport provides the most  economical and expeditious
method of ore transport.  Rail systems are already  in existence within
the  area of Hardee Complex II and will provide  a more environmentally
sound method  for direct movement  of product.

2.10.2  TRUCK PRODUCT TRANSPORT
2.10.2.1  GENERAL  DESCRIPTION
Product  phosphate  rock must  be removed from the raine/beneficiation plant
location to  a facility for  further processing  as phosphoric acid.  The
truck product transport  would involve loading  rock into diesel trucks
for  transport over common highways.

2.10.2.2   ENVIRONMENTAL  CONSIDERATIONS
Trucks are a very  flexible means  of cargo transport.   However, traffic
disruption,  safety,  energy  use, and air pollution are significant
drawbacks.   Also,  the  present road systems may  not  have the capacity to
handle the additional  truck  traffic which would be  generated by the
project.  The only apparent  advantage  is  that  there would probably be
less volume  associated with  a truck spill than  with a railcar spill.
                                  2-108

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2.10.2.3  TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Increased air pollution,  noise  and  energy consumption are overriding
disadvantages to truck transport.   In  addition,  county and state highway
systems are not generally designed  to  sustain  the  higher volumes of
heavy vehicles and would  therefore  require  extensive  and constant
maintenance.

2.10.3  SUMMARY COMPARISON - PRODUCT TRANSPORT
From an environmental standpoint, rail  transportation is the  preferable
alternative.  Traffic would be  confined  to  unit  trains along  existing,
dedicated rail transport  routes; energy  use would  be  relatively lower.
Costs should ,be substantially lower than for truck product transport.
                                     2-109

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                        2.11  MITIGATION MEASURES

 Additional micigative measures, not previously included in the proposed
 action,  were developed by preparers and/or reviewers of the various EIS
 technical  sections.   These mitigative measures are presented by
 technical  discipline in the following paragraphs.

 2.11.1   GEOLOGY AND  SOILS
 CF's  proposed mining method involves the casting of overburden the
 shortest distance  possible, generally into an arc-shaped pile in the
 mined-out  pit.   The  resulting profile is that of relatively low piles
 requiring  less  than  a full swing of the dragline bucket.  If overburden
 were  piled higher  by increasing the casting distance,  more below-ground
 volume would be  available for clay disposal.  This would result in a
 slight lowering  of the above-ground profile of the proposed settling
 area.

 2.11.2  RADIATION
 CF  Industries plans  to cap some of the sand/clay mix areas with up to a
 2-foot-thick layer of overburden.   In those sand/clay mix areas on which
 CF  has proposed  to place  this  cap,  predicted radioactivity would be
 reduced over the same area without the overburden cap.  Similarly, in
 sand  tailings disposal areas  which are all proposed to be capped,  the
 predicted  radioactivity is expected to be  substantially lower.   If
 sufficient  overburden were available to cap all  sand/clay mix disposal
 areas, there  would be some overall  reduction in  the predicted
 radioactivity from the site.

 2.11.3  HYDROLOGY
CF  proposes  to use recirculation water and the surficial aquifer  water
 for pump seal lubrication. When recirculation water  is used  for  this
purpose,  the  withdrawals  from  the  surficial aquifer will be  decreased  by
252 gpm (0.36 mgd).
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During mining activities conducted  near  preserved  areas,  CF  should
monitor the shallow  aquifer  to  assess  the  effectiveness  of  the  perimeter
ditch in preventing  dewatering  of the  preserved  area.

2.11.4  WATER QUALITY
Water quality monitoring to  assess  the effects of  mining  will be
conducted for both surface and  ground  water  sources on the  site.  The
goal of this monitoring program will be  the  documentation of any  changes
in environmental characteristics of the  site and to minimize potentially
adverse impacts that may occur.  The specific water quality  program  will
be developed in accordance (and  will comply) with  the following:
     1.  Surface Water Quality  Monitoring  Program—Impact assessment and
         compliance  with surface water quality guidelines will  be
         monitored in accordance with  permit conditions  for  Florida
         Department  of Environmental Regulations (FDER) Water Quality
         Certification, and
     2.  Ground Water Quality Monitoring Program—Assessment of the
         effects of  mining operations  on ground water will be conducted
         in accordance with  site-specific  permit conditions  set by the
         Southwest Florida Water Management  District.  Permit provisions
         of this regulatory  agency  would assure  that adverse impacts of
         mine operations will be minimized for both the shallow and deep
         aquifers.   Specific conditions  for  compliance will  be  included
         in the Works of the District  and  the Consumptive Use Permits.
         FDER's ground water rules  and permit conditions  will provide
         protection  for ground  water resources on  the site.  In
         addition, compliance with  the reclamation rules  of  the Florida
         Department  of Natural  Resources would minimize adverse impacts
         to the shallow unconfined  aquifer.

2.11.5  TERRESTRIAL  ECOLOGY
CF proposes to eventually, With EPA approval, mine approximately 99.5
percent (14,925 acres) of the mine  site.  Vegetation and  wildlife
populations displaced through the mining operations are proposed  to be
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mitigated through  the CF  Industries  reclamation plan (see Sections 2.8
and 3.7.2.1).  The  reclamation  plan  will  incorporate a diversity of land
forms that are expected to be repopulated  by  wildlife species  during  and
after the planned mine  life.

Mitigation measures  for the  protection  of  important  plant and  wildlife
species populations  are provided  in  the  following  sections.

2.11.5.1  PLANTS
Although no  federally listed plants  are  present on the CF site,  the
needle palm  [Rapidophyllum hystrix  (Pursh) Wendl.  and Drude]  is  listed
as a threatened plant species (SI,  1978; FDA,  1978;  FCREPA,  1979).  A
healthy population of some 45 individuals  of  needle  palm  exists  within
the PI drainage unit.  The 99-acre mixed hardwood  swamp which  comprises
the PI drainage unit has been categorized  by  EPA as  a Category I—
Protected Wetland.   Although Category I  status  may change if  the
functional values of this community  can  be demonstrated to be  restored,
this demonstrated restoration should include  a  functional characteriza-
tion of the  unique needle palm  habitat  within  the  PI drainage  unit  or
a preservation/relocation plan  for  the  species. If  the area  is
to remain in a preserved category, a natural  buffer  and berm  should be
established, together with a ground  water  recharge ditch, around the  PI
drainage unit to maintain seepage conditions  which naturally exist
within the swamp.  The buffer width, recharge  ditch  depth and  discharge
rates should be determined based upon a  simulation of premining
hydrologic conditions.  Therefore, an analysis  of  soil permeabilities
and ground water flows must be  conducted to formulate the preservation
and/or restoration design.

During sequential mining of headwater wetlands  and associated
streambeds,  significant efforts should be  made  to  minimize impacts  to
upstream and downstream drainage units.  Monitoring  of groundwater
tables,  water quality and quantity,  and  ecological support functions
should be evaluated.  After mining of a  stream  segment is complete  and
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 restoration begins,  upstream wetland areas should be protected and
 utilized  as a  seed  source  to recolonize the disturbed downstream unit.

 The majority of wetlands that  would  be mined will be reclaimed on sand/
 clay mix  areas.   Presently little  information exists on the potential
 hydrological characteristics of  this restored surficial aquifer or the
 values  it will have  as  a plant-growing medium.   The design of the
 restoration areas should utilize the best  available scientific
 information to reestablish the desired surficial zone.   Habitat-specific
 topsoil and root mass should be  evaluated  for use in restoration efforts
 to accelerate diverse recolonization.

 Prior to mining operations,  a  conceptual  plan will be developed for the
 site to explain how  and when all affected  lands  in the  mine area will be
 reclaimed.  This plan will  be  developed in accordance with the Florida
 Department of Natural Resources' restoration permitting requirements.
 The goal of this plan would  be to:   1)  restore natural  drainage basins;
 2) restore the natural  functions of  lakes, streams, and wetlands;
 3) reestablish clumps or windrows  of upland natural habitat within other
 proposed uses; and 4) monitor  the  success  of mine restoration on an
 annual basis to assure post-mining reclamation successfully meets the
 objectives of the state's  permit requirements.

 2.11.5.2  WILDLIFE
Most of the important animal species on the site are mobile and would
 avoid areas of mining activities.  However,  some important species such
 as the indigo snake, the gopher  tortoise,  and newly hatched Sandhill
 Cranes are less mobile.  Therefore,  each  sequential 80-acre tract of
 land scheduled for mining  should be  surveyed prior to clearing opera-
 tions for the capture and  removal of gopher tortoise, indigo snakes,
 and, if present, Sandhill  Crane  fledglings.   These animal  species should
be relocated to other suitable habitat  that  would not be  impacted by
mining or that has been previously restored.
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Rescued animals  should  be  relocated to appropriate habitat sites.   Site
selection of  appropriate habitats  should be based upon,  but not  limited
to, regional  location,  suitable  habitat requirements,  extirpation  of
resident competitive  wildlife  populations,  and preservation/conservation
property status  (e.g.,  state parks and recreation areas).   All mitiga-
tion efforts  should be  under the direct supervision of the Florida Game
and Fresh Water  Fish  Commission.

2.11.6  AQUATIC  ECOLOGY
The CF  Industries Hardee Phosphate Complex  II contains 3,580 acres of
aquatic habitat.  All but  two  percent  of the aquatic habitat will  be
rained under CF's proposed  action.   The two  percent scheduled for
preservation  occurs in  Horse Creek.   Horse  Creek was generally  the most
diverse habitat  sampled, especially with respect to the  fish fauna.  The
preservation  of  Horse Creek will provide for the maintenance of
diversity in  Horse Creek and may provide a  seed  source of  populations
for recolonization of reclaimed  wetland habitat.

The raining plan  calls for  a phased schedule of mining  and  reclamation so
that some aquatic habitat  will be  present on the project site throughout
the 27-year mining period.  This aquatic habitat, either natural or
reclaimed, can provide  a seed  source of aquatic  populations to
reclamined wetlands.

CF Industries' proposed reclamation plan is to reclaim approximately
5,347 acres of aquatic  habitat.  The reclaimed habitats  are intended to
be lakes, freshwater  swamp, freshwater marsh and stream  channels.

Approximately 1,467 acres  of lakes will be  created under CF Industries'
reclamation plan.  This aquatic  habitat type does not  currently exist on
the project site.  The  lakes will  be designed to create  a  productive
littoral zone to enhance habitat values and water quality.  Phosphate
mine lakes can be highly productive  systems which provide  a diversity of
habitat for invertebrates, fish, birds, and alligators.  Lakes would
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provide habitat for largemouth bass, bluegilLs, and other sunfish
species which can be exploited as recreational  fisheries.  Vegetated
littoral zones in the lakes would help support  the fish populations by
providing habitat for the fish as well as habitat for a diverse inverte-
brate population.  Lake areas provide a relatively constant environment
which in drought years could provide refuge  for aquatic species and a
source of faunal recruitment to adjacent aquatic systems.  The deeper
water of the lakes may have low dissolved oxygen during periods of
stratification, but this should cause no water  quality problems.  In
general, reclaimed lakes have water quality  within standards  for
Class III waters (ESE, 1984).

Approximately 25 percent (3,511 acres) of the project site consists of
forested and non-forested wetland aquatic habitat planned for reclama-
tion.  This acreage includes approximately 453  acres of Category I (see
Section 2.9.1.1) hardwood swamp and 244 acres of freshwater marsh.
These areas will be preserved until such time that it can be  demonstrat-
ed that these habitats can be restored once  disturbed, and regulatory
approval for mining is granted.

Assuming the ability to restore freshwater swamps, marshes and streams
is demonstrated, CF Industries will reclaim  approximately 1,365 acres of
freshwater swamp, most of which will be contiguous with reclaimed
streams and marshes, 2,446 acres of freshwater  marshes, and all stream
channels.  Stream channels will be reclaimed to approximate original
grade, and the stream drainage basins will be reclaimed to their approx-
imate original area.

The majority of wetlands will be reclaimed on the decant end  of the
sand/clay mix disposal areas.  Twenty-five to thirty percent  of each
sand/clay mix area is planned as reclaimed wetlands.  The remainder of
the wetland aquatic habitat will be created  on  sand tailings  and over-
burden areas.  Within any particular area, approximately ten  years will
be required from the beginning of mining operations until the
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 reclamation of aquatic habitat.  The time necessary following reclama-
 tion  for recolonization of floral and faunal communities similar to
 communities found in the natural environment is not known, and a
 monitoring  program will be required to determine the success of wetland
 reclamation.   Reclaimed wetlands will undoubtedly be rapidly recolonized
 by  relatively few taxa of opportunistic  or motile forms.  Rare taxa,
 non-motile  taxa,  and taxa which require  specific microhabitats will
 require  longer to recolonize  the reclaimed wetlands and streams.

 Mining of the proposed tract  is expected to require 27 years.  Reclama-
 tion  of  all mined land will be  completed within eight  years after mining
 ends.  Sand/clay  disposal  areas will  be  completely reclaimed in year 35;
 sand  tailings areas  reclamation will  be  complete in mine year 29; lakes
 reclamation will  be  completed in mine year 28;  and overburden will be
 reclaimed by  mine year 31.

 The advantages of sand/clay mix reclamation over conventional clay
 settling area reclamation  appear to be that the proposed method allows
 consolidation to  near  original  grade,  and  reclamation  can be completed
 within a few  years following the cessation of mining.   This  would allow
 a more rapid  establishment of permanent  aquatic communities.   It should
 be noted that  the  sand/clay mix reclamation technology is experimental
 and has  not been  completely proven  in actual  full-scale mine projects.
 Monitoring  of  the  initial mine  years  and restoration efforts should be
 completed and  evaluated  to determine  the success of these efforts.

 2.11.7   SOCIOECONOMICS
Many of  the impacts  associated  with CF Industries  proposed Hardee
 Phosphate Complex  II are beneficial to socioeconomic parameters.   Due  to
 Che nature  of  this rural,  interior Florida County,  economic  growth is
considerably  less  than in more  urbanized,  coastal  counties.   The  influx
of capital  expenditures  and employment should generate  desirable
 increases in  population  growth,  income,  and employment.   The  increases
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should be moderate since many employees and  supplies  are  located  outsiae
the county, yet within service areas  and  commuting  distances.   The
boom-bust phenomenon! will not occur since  th~  proposed  action  is  an
expansion of existing mining activities by CF  on  adjoining  property.   As
a result, mitigation is not required.  For  similar  reasons  mitigation
for the small increase in demand  for  housing and  other  community  facili-
ties and services is not necessary.   The  establishment  of a local
vocational training program in Hardee County is recommended so that
local residents may have the option to train for  phosphate-related
employment.  Land use impacts do  not  warrant mitigation since  the site
is primarily vacant.  Reclamation will return  most  of the areas to their
present function and is consistent with the  Hardee  County Comprehensive
Plan.  Since prime and unique farmland soils are  not  impacted  by  the
proposed action, mitigation is not required.

Due to low background traffic and programmed improvements,  the increase
in highway utilization by employees and service vehicles  will  not
generate adverse conditions.  CF  Industries  may elect,  however, to
establish a commuter program to  take  advantage of expected  significant
commuting patterns from employee  residential areas  in Polk  and
Hillsborough Counties.

Finally, the six archaeological  sites located  on  the  proposed  mine  site
are considered regionally significant.  Due  to the  eventual destruction
of the sites, further testing and/or  salvage excavations  will  be
conducted.  CF Industries will coordinate  these efforts with the  State
Historic Preservation Officer and Hardee  County  to  determine the  most
desirable disposition of any cultural or  historic artifacts uncovered.
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                     2.12  THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE
 The "No Action" alternative of EPA would be  the  denial  of  an NPDES
 permit for CF's proposed mining project.  The effect of  permit denial
 would be to precipitate one of three possible reactions  on the part  of
 CP Industries:  (1) termination of the proposed  project, (2) indefinite
 postponement of the proposed project, or (3) a restructuring of  the
 project to achieve zero discharge, for which no  NPDES permit would be
 required.

 2.12.1  TERMINATION OF THE PROJECT
 Termination of the planned project would allow the existing environment
 to remain  as described in Section 3.0,  and the present socioeconomic and
 environmental trends would continue.  Specifically, the raeteorologic and
 noise characteristics  are expected to remain as  described  in
 Section 3.1.1.   However,  air quality changes may occur due to emissions
 from  new sources permitted in the region in the coming years or because
 of changes  in fuels used  at existing sources.  The geologic features of
 the site would  remain  as  described in Section 3.2.1,  and the existing
 soils would continue to support  the presently established vegetation,
 grazing lands,  and limited agricultural crop production.

 If the project  were terminated,  the proposed mine site would remain in
 its present radiological  state described in Section 3.3.1,  leaving
 outdoor gamma  radiation and radon flux  at lower levels than would be the
 case  after  reclamation.   Accordingly,  any potential adverse effects that
 might  result  from  the  redistribution of subsurface radioactivity  could
 not occur.

 Termination of  the  project  would  also mean  no appreciable changes in the
 existing quantities  of  ground water.  The hydrologic  characteristics  of
 the surficial aquifer  and  baseflow to  local  surface waters  would  be
expected to remain  as  at  present,  described  in  Section 3.4.1.   Ground
water  quality under  this  no  action  alternative  will depend  on
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future Land uses.  If land use patterns  in  the vicinity  ot  the  site
continue much as they are, then ground water  quality  should also  remain
essentially as it is today.

Under the no action alternative of  project  termination,  no  appreciable
changes in the existing surface water quantity are  anticipated.   Surface
water quality will depend on  future land use.  If  land  use  patterns  in
the immediate area remain fairly constant over the  next  few decades,
surface water quality should  remain much as it is  today.   If other
phosphate mining and processing projects are  permitted,  selected  streams
may show increases in IDS, sulfate,  phosphate, nitrogen,  and fluorides.
Slight increases in radiological concentrations  would also  be expected.

If the proposed project were  terminated, the  aquatic  environment  with
its alternating hydroperiod and tolerant organisms  would remain as it
now exists (Section 3.6.1); however,  success  of  marshes  into bayheads,
etc., will in time modify some aquatic habitats.  The terrestrial
ecology of the CF Industries  site  should remain  as  now  (Section 3.7.1),
with most of the site continuing to be used for  agricultural purposes
such as livestock grazing.

The no action alternative of  project termination would  have socioeco-
nomic impacts on Hardee County and  the central Florida  region.  The
generation of jobs with comparatively high  income,  anticipated  under the
planned project, would not occur.   Neither  would the  population influx
associated with relocating direct  and indirect employment take  place.
In addition, the increased annual  revenue,  generated  by the proposed
project through ad valorem taxation and  redistribution  of sales tax
collected in Hardee County, would  not materialize.   Present land  uses
would likely continue, but it is probable that the  property value of the
site would drop (relative to  the value  for  phosphate  minable land).

This no action alternative would make the demand for  transportation
facility capital improvements, such as road paving  less urgent  or
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unnecessary.   It  would  eliminate an additional demand on housing and on
fire  protection,  police,  and medical services.  While project termina-
tion  would  preclude  the expected increase in Hardee County expenditures
to  provide  such services,  the revenue generated from the project would
be  expected to exceed such expenditures.  Termination of the project
would also  preclude  the generation of about $2.50 per metric ton in
severance tax, which would be apportioned to the State General Revenue
Fund,  Hardee  County, the  Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund,
the Land Reclamation Trust Fund  and the Florida Institute of Phosphate
Research.

Termination of the project would mean that no known or unknown archae-
ological or historic sites would be destroyed by the proposed mining.
The total of  7 archaelogical sites recorded for the site would likely
remain undisturbed.  However,  none of the known archaeological sites are
considered  prehistoric  or  historic resources of National Register
quality.

The proposed  construction,  operation,  and reclamation of the mine site
would  create  a variety  of  moderate to  strong negative visual impacts.
Without the project, these would not occur.

Lastly, the no action alternative on the CF Industries site would mean
that  approximately 97 million  short tons of phosphate matrix would not
be  recovered.   This  non-renewable resource would therefore be
unavailable for fertilizer manufacture.   Project termination would also
result  in a loss  of  considerble  project  investment  by the corporation.

While  the 97 million short tons  of phosphate resource would not  be
recovered,  it  would  remain as  unmined  phosphate reserve.   With depletion
of  reserves and other restrictions reducing  available supplies of phos-
phate rock, fertilizer  supplies  may become strategically important to
the United  States in the next  century.   Therefore,  denial of the permit
could mean  that the  site's  phosphate would be conserved  and retained as
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a national resource, while simultaneously appreciating  in value  to  CF
Industries.

2.12.2  POSTPONEMENT OF THE PROJECT
If EPA were to deny CF's NPDES permit application,  the  project might be
postponed for an indefinite period of time and  later  successfully
pursued by either CF Industries or another raining  company.   This might
be expected to occur when, as described above,  high-grade phosphate
reserves are depleted and the resource  retained on the  proposed  project
site becomes extremely valuable strategically as well as economically.
An adverse effect resulting from postponement of the  project would  be
the delay of socioeconomic benefits to  the county  and state  in the  form
of job opportunities, payroll, and taxes.  CF Industries would be
adversely affected in that its capital  investment  could not  be realized
for an indefinite time.

On the other hand, important benefits could  result from project  post-
ponement.  Experimentation and research are  ongoing in  the areas of
phosphate recovery efficiency, waste sand and clay disposal, reclama-
tion, and wetlands restoration and creation.  Technological  advances
could occur in these areas during  the period of postponement, which
would allow a much improved overall project.

2.12.3  ACHIEVING A ZERO DISCHARGE
If EPA denies the NPDES permit, CF Industries could still execute  a
mining project provided the project could be performed  with  zero dis-
charge to surface waters.  Under zero discharge conditions,  neither an
NPDCS permit nor an Environmental  Impact Statement would be  required.
Achieving zero discharge would be  extremely  difficult,  if not impossi-
ble, and would most likely require significantly increased  surface
impoundment for storage of water.  The  problems occurring with  increased
surface  impoundment would include  increased  dike heights, probable
infringement on presently designated preserved  areas, a less
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desirable reclamation  plan,  and  more  limited  post-reclamation land use
potential.

It should be noted  that  although the  EIS  process would no longer be
involved  in scrutinizing  these changes  (should  zero  discharge be
achieved), nevertheless  the  applicant's Development  Order approved
through the Florida DRI  process  may have  to be  modified  and  any changes
approved by the county and state.  All  applicable state  and  federal
permit requirements would still  have  to be met.
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       2.13  EPA'S PREFERRED ALTERNATIVES AND RECOMMENDED ACTION
After consideration of the environmental, technical,  and economic
analyses presented in the DEIS and supporting documents, EPA's  preferred
alternative and CF's proposed action (including  the mitigative  measures
presented as part of the proposed action) all coincide with  respect  to
the following project elements:
      • Mining Method:  Dragline
      • Matrix Transport:  Slurry Pipeline
      • Matrix Processing:  Conventional Beneficiation
      • Plant Siting:  Site 1—Fort Green Springs Location
      • Water Sources:  Surface/Ground Water Withdrawal
      • Water Discharge:  Surface Waters and Surface  Waters  via
        Wetlands
      • Product Transport:  Railroad
      • Waste Disposal:  Sand/Clay Mix
      * Reclamation:  Sand/Clay Mix; Restoration of  all  onsite  streams
        and Category II wetlands disturbed  during mining activities

Waste disposal and reclamation are key elements  in  reviewing the  impacts
of the proposed action and are integrally related.   The  sand/clay  waste
disposal process has been identified as  a  technologically  feasible means
to reduce the volume of storage area required  to dispose of  waste  clays
associated with the  phosphate beneficiation process.   The major
environmental benefits derived from  this process would be  to reduce  the
number and  size of conventional  above-grade clay storage areas  and to
allow areas to be restored  to near  premining contours.   In  addition  to
the physical  properties of  sand/clay mix consolidation and  waste
disposal advantages, the  sand/clay mix has  a higher  nutrient content and
higher water  retention  capabilities  than native  soils.   When used in
combination with overburden capping, the reclamation areas  should
provide  a desirable  medium  for growing  a wide variety of vegetative
types and should improve  the opportunity  for successful  restoration.
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The  wetlands  preservation alternative preferred by the EPA is the
site-specific  application of the Areawide E1S wetland criteria.  The
site-specific  alternative studies identified 765.7 acres of Category I
wetlands  on  the  proposed  mine site that were worthy of preservation.
These Category I  wetlands were  subdivided as follows:
      Category I—Protected
      lA-Mainstream Wetlands—Horse Creek, 70.7 acres
      IB-Headwater Wetlands—None (not  applicable  to  this  project)
      IC-Tributary Wetlands—Major onsite creeks,  120.7  acres
      ID-Special  Concern  Wetlands—Mitchel Hammock,  574.3  acres

CF's proposed  action  includes the preservation of  Horse  Creek Category
IA wetlands and the mining and  restoration of all  other  wetlands.  The
EPA's position is that Category I wetlands will be protected from mining
activities.  CF Industries understands  EPA's position on wetland
preservation; however, CF has proposed  the initial mining  of all 1C and
ID wetlands onsite.   CF's  proposal  is made with the  understanding that
CF must demonstrate to EPA's satisfaction that equally functional
wetlands can be restored  onsite prior to  EPA approval and  reclassifica-
tion of these  areas to allow mining activities. The  site-specific  study
also identified a total of 2,264.3 acres  of Category  II  wetlands that
must be restored  if disturbed by mining activities.

In addition to identifying the  environmentally preferable  alternatives,
EPA's environmental review process has  identified  measures which would
mitigate adverse  impacts  associated with  the proposed project action.
To ensure the  fullest environmental benefits are achievea, the EPA
specifically recommends that:
      • High-profile  overburden stacking  be practiced to the maximum
        extent compatible with  the spoiling of the leach zone material.
      • "Toe spoiling" be used  to place leach zone material at depth in
        mined  areas to reduce radioactivity of reclaimed soils.
      • A program be  developed  and implemented to  minimize impacts  to
        endangered and threatened  species through  coordination with the
        U.S. Fish and Wildlife  Service.
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      • A program be developed and implemented to minimize loss or
        cultural/historical artifacts and sites through coordination
        with SHPO.
      • The quality of the surficial aquifer in the vicinity of the
        sand-clay mix disposal areas be assured by compliance with
        specific permit conditions of the Florida Department of Natural
        Resources (FDNR)  (reclamation plan approval), Florida Department
        of Environmental  Regulation (FDER) (ground water rules compli-
        ance) and SWFWMD (Works of the District and Consumptive Use
        permits).
      • The site be reclaimed to minimize the potential adverse impacts
        (i.e., habitat loss, radiation, drainage changes) and to assure
        the successful, viable use of restored areas would be
        accomplished through strict compliance with FDNR's annual
        reclamation plan update/approval process.  The goal of the plan
        would be to restore water bodies, wetlands, land contours,
        drainage basins,  and upland habitats to the extent feasible.
      • All Category I wetlands onsite be preserved from mining activi-
        ties.  CF must monitor the effectiveness of design controls to
        minimize any adverse effects of adjacent mining operations, mine
        on only one side at a time, and assure EPA that sufficient
        buffers are established to protect the wetlands from dewatering.
        CF must produce and maintain documentation demonstrating  to
        EPA's satisfaction that equally functional wetlands can be
        reestablished onsite  prior  to EPA's  consideration of
        recategorization of these areas.

Mitigation  is not recommended by  EPA  for  the use of  surficial  aquifer
water to meet pump seal requirements.  This  withdrawal is presently
considered  to be a minimal part of  the water use requirements  and has
only localized effects.  In addition, water  would generally be drawn
from areas  that will eventually be mined, totally destroying  the
surficial aquifer for the short term.  Therefore, the economic costs and
technical difficulties associated with treatment of mine water  for  pump
seal purposes do not make such mitigation justifiable.
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 In order to make  its determination  regarding  the NPDES permit applica-
 tion  for the CF Industries'  project,  EPA has  developed a comparison
between (1) CF Industries'  proposed  action;  (2)  EPA's  preferred alterna-
 tives and mitigating measures;  and  (3)  the  no-action alternative of
 permit denial by EPA.  This  comparative  analysis  is  summarized in
Table 2.13-1.

After careful evaluation of  these alternatives,  EPA's  proposed action is
to issue an NPDES permit to  CF  Industries.  The  project  authorized  by
 the permit should be CF Industries'  proposed  action, including EPA's
preferred alternatives and  shall incorporate  all  the mitigating measures
 identified as part of CF Industries'  proposed action,  as well as all the
mitigating measures recommended by  EPA.

A draft of the proposed permit  is appended  to this DEIS  (Appendix A).
The project identified in this  document  would incorporate all measures
identified as conditions of  the permit.
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                                                                                                                                               CF86-T.2/HIBA.1
                                                                                                                                                       4/09/87
Table 2.13-1.  Comparison of the Environmental Impacts of the Alternatives


Discipline
Air Quality,
Meteorology,
and toise





EPA1 s Preferred Alternatives
CF's Proposed Action and Mitigating Measures
Minor increases in fugitive Same as CF's proposed action.
dust emissions and emissions
from internal combustion
engines; minor missions of
volatile reagents; increased
noise levels in the vicinity of
operating equipment.
The No Action Alternative

Termination Postponement
tt> change in meteo- Sane as CF's proposed
rology & noise levels action.
present; possible air
quality changes from
other sources.



Achieve Zero
Discharge
Sane as CF's proposed
action.





Geology and
Soils
Radiation
Ground Water
   ro
    I
    M
                  Disruptions of the surface
                  soils and overburden strata
                  over the mine site; depletion
                  of 97 million short tons of
                  phosphate rock resources;
                  creation of a reclaimed soil
                  material which should be
                  superior to existing soils.

                  Disruption of the natural
                  distribution of radioactive
                  material within the overburden
                  and phosphate matrix; increased
                  radiation levels frcm reclaimed
                  surfaces.

                  Withdrawal of ground water at
                  an average rate of 7.85 mgd;
                  lowering of surficial aquifer
                  in the vicinity; possible local
                  contamination of surficial
                  aquifer adjacent to sand-clay
                  mix disposal areas.
Sane as CF's proposed action.
No change in geology;
no change in site
soils (i.e., increased
productivity); preser-
vation of 97 million
short tons of phos-
phate rock reserves.
Possible increased
phosphate recovery and
more effective sand-
clay mix disposal,
reclamation, and vet-
lands restoration.
Increased dike heights,
and water storage capa-
city; probable infringe-
ment on preserved areas;
less desirable reclana-
tion plan.
Same as CF's proposed action,
except that reclaimed surface
soils would contain less radio-
active material because of toe
spoiling.
Sane as CF's proposed action.
No change in radiation  Sane as CF's proposed    Probable increase in area
                                                                                      characteristics  of the
                                                                                      site.
No change in existing
ground water quantity
and quality.
                        action.
Possible reduction in
ground water with-
drawals because of more
effective deuatering of
waste materials.
covered with waste
clays—the reclaimed
material having the
highest radioactivity
levels.

Sane as CF's proposed
action.

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                                                                                                                                                CF86-T.2/HTOA.2
                                                                                                                                                        6/19/87
Table 2.13-1.  Comparison of the Environmental Impacts of the Alternatives (tbntinued, Page 2 of 2)
The No Action Alternative
Discipline
EPA's Preferred Alternatives
CF's Proposed Action and Mitigating teas ures Termination Postponement
Achieve Zero
Discharge
Surface Water
Aquatic Ecology
Terrestrial
Ecology
Socioeconontic s
   KJ
   I
                                 Sane as CF's proposed action.
Disruption of surface water
flows from the mine site; minor
reduction in flow following
reclamation; degradation of
water quality due to discharges
from the mine water system.
Destruction of aquatic habitats  Same as CF's proposed action.
on the mine site; aquatic
habitat modifications due to
reduced surface water flows and
addition of contaninants to
creeks flowing fron the site.
Destruction of terrestrial
habitats and loss of  indivi-
duals of some species on the
mine site; creation of modified
habitats following
reclamation.

Generation of jobs with
comparatively high incomes; ad
valoran and sales tax revenue
for Hardee County; severence
tax revenue for the state, Land
Reclamation Trust Fund, and
Florida Institute of Phosphate
Research; some population
influx to Hardee County;
increased demands for housing,
transportation, fire  protec-
tion, police, and medical
services.
                                 Sane as CF's proposed action,
                                 except that the wildlife habitat
                                 on the reclaimed mine site will
                                 be more extensive (both marsh and
                                 forest).
                                 Same as CF's proposed action.
tb change in surface
water quantity; sur-
face water quality
would be dependent
upon future land uses
in the site area.

fb change in existing
aquatic ecology.
                                                                    R> change in existing
                                                                    terrestrial ecology.
                                                                    Vo increase in employ-
                                                                    ment; no increase in
                                                                    tax revenues; less
                                                                    demand fbr transporta-
                                                                    tion, housing, fire
                                                                    protection, police and
                                                                    medical services;
                                                                    continuation of
                                                                    phosphate rock market
                                                                    uncertainties for CF
                                                                    and a loss of their
                                                                    investment.
Same as CF's proposed
action.
                                                                                            Sane as CF's proposed
                                                                                            action.
                                                                                                                     Elimination of surface
                                                                                                                     water quality impacts
                                                                                                                     resulting  fron discharge
                                                                                                                     from mine  water  system;
                                                                                                                     increased  probability of
                                                                                                                     dike failure impacts.

                                                                                                                     Elimination of habitat
                                                                                                                     modification resulting
                                                                                                                     frcm discharge fron mine
                                                                                                                     water system; increased
                                                                                                                     probability of dike
                                                                                                                     failure  impacts.
                        Possiblyraore effective  Probable creation of
                        reclamation and wet-     increased reclaimed land
                        lands restoration.       areas of limited use
                                                 (e.g., pasture).
                        Continuation of phos-
                        phate rock market
                        uncertainties for CF
                        and potential increased
                        project costs; possible
                        improvement in supply/
                        demand for housing in
                        Hardee County.
                         Sane as CF's proposed
                         action.

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                                                      CF84-T.7/SEC2REF.1
                                                                 5/29/86
                             2.14  REFERENCES
Ardaman  &  Associates,  Inc.   1982.   Final Technical  Report  for  Field
      Evaluation  of Sand-Clay Mix Reclamation,  Research  Proposal FIPR
      80-03-006.   Bartow,  Florida.

Ardaman  &  Associates,  Inc.   1983.   Estimate  of Field  Consolidation
      Behavior  of Sand-Clay  Mix  at  CF  Mining  Corporation,  Hardee
      Phosphate Complex,  Hardee  County,  Florida.

Ayensu,  E.S.,  and DeFilipps, R.A.  (Smithsonian Institution).   1978.
      Endangered  and Threatened  Plants of the United States.   Smithsonian
      Institution and World  Wildlife Fund,  Washington, D.C.

Carson,  J.D.   1983.  Progress report  of a reclaimed wetland on phosphate
      mined  land  in central  Florida.   Reclamation  and  the  Phosphate
      Industry, proceedings  of the  Symposium, Ciearwater Beach, Florida,
      26-28  January 1983.   Publication No.  03-036-010.   Florida Institute
      of  Phosphate Research.

CF  Industries, Inc.  1983.   Hardee Phosphate Complex  II;  Mine  Plan  II,
      May 24, 1983.   Hardee  County, Florida.

Clewell, A.F.  1981.   Vegetative restoration techniques on  reclaimed
      phosphate strip mines  in Florida.   The  Journal of  the  Society  of
      Wetland Scientists,  Vol. 1,  September 1981.

Conservation Consultants,  Inc.   1981.   Wetland reclamation  pilot  study
      for W.R.  Grace  &  Co.,  Annual  report for 1980.  Prepared  by
      Conservation Consultants,  Inc.,  Palmetto, Florida  for W.R. Grace &
      Co.,  Bartow,  Florida.

Environmental  Science  and Engineering.   1984.   Data Collection and
      Analysis  for the  CF  Industries Environmental Impact  Statement.
      Gainesville,  Florida.

Florida  Committee on Rare  and Endangered Plants  and Animals.   1979.
      Rare and  Endangered  Biota  of  Florida, Vol.  V—Plants.  University
      Presses of  Florida,  Gainesville,  Florida.  175 pp.

Florida  Department  of  Agriculture  and  Consumer Services.   1978.
      Preservation of Native  Flora  of  Florida Act, Florida  Statutes
      Section 581.185 (Official  State  of Florida  List).  Tallahassee,
      Florida.

Florida  Institute of Phosphate  Research.   1983a.  A survey  of wetland
      reclamation  projects  in the Florida phosphate  industry.   Bartow,
      Florida (In  press).
                                    2-129

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                                                      CF84-T.7/SEC2REF.2
                                                                 5/29/86
                          SECTION 2:  REFERENCES
                         (Continued, Page 2 of 2)
 1 bid.   1983b.   Reclamation and the phosphate industry.   Proceedings  of
      the Symposium, Clearwater Beach, Florida,  26-28 January 1983.
      Publication No. 03-036-010.   Florida Insititute of Phosphate
      Research.

 Garlanger,  J.E.  1984.   Principal Associate, Ardaman & Associates,  Inc.,
      Orlando,  Florida.   Personal  Communication  (March 16,  1984).

 Keen,  P.W.,  and Sampson,  J.G.   1983.   The sand/clay mix technique:   a
      method  of  clay disposal  and  reclamation options.   Reclamation  and
      the Phosphate  Industry,  Proceedings of the Symposium,  Clearwater
      Beach,  Florida, 26-28  January 1983.   Publication No.  03-036-010.
      Florida Institute  of Phosphate Research.

 Jeter,  Charles  R.   1981.   Letter  from EPA Administrator dated
      September  11,  1981  to Malcolm S.  Scott, CF Industries.

 U.S. Environmental  Protection  Agency.   1979.  Draft Environmental  Impact
      Statement  for  Proposed Issuance  of  a New Source National  Pollutant
     Discharge  Elimination  System Permit  to Estech  General  Chemicals
     Corporation Duette Mine,  Manatee  County, Florida,  Prepared  by
     Conservation Consultants,  Inc.,  Palmetto,  Florida.  Atlanta,
     Georgia.   EPA  904/9-79-044,

 Pennak,  R.W.  1978.   Freshwater Invertebrates of the United  States.   2nd
     Edition.   Wiley Interscience,  New York.  803 p.

U.S. Environmental  Protection  Agency.   1978.  Final Environmental  Impact
     Statement:  Central  Florida  Phosphate Industry.  EPA
     904/9-78-026B.

Zellars-Williams, Inc.   1978.   Evaluation  of the phosphate  deposits  of
     Florida using  the minerals availability  system.  Prepared for U.S.
     Bureau  of  Mines, Contract  No.  J0377000.  Lakeland,  Florida.


Zellars-Williams, Inc.  1980.   An  analysis  of topsoil replacement as  a
     means of enhancing the agricultural  productivity of reclaimed
     phosphate  lands.  Lakeland,  Florida.
                                    2-130

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  3.0  THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL  CONSEQUENCES OF THE
                              ALTERNATIVES
                3.1  AIR QUALITY, METEOROLOGY, AND NOISE

3.1.1  THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
3.1.1.1  METEOROLOGY
Temperature
The 30-year annual average  temperature  in Wauchula is 72.4°F.  The
maximum monthly average temperature (81.6°F) occurs in August, whereas
the minimum monthly average  temperature  (61.8*F) occurs in January.  For
the CF site, the annual average temperature  for  1981 was 68*F, with  a
maximum monthly average temperature of 80°F  occurring in July and August
and a minimum monthly average temperature of 56°F  occurring in February
and December.

Precipitation
The annual average rainfall  in Wauchula  is 54.7  inches, whereas  the
maximum monthly rainfall occurs in July  with 9.04  inches, and the
minimum monthly rainfall occurs in November  with 1.63 inches.  For  the
stations at the CF site, the annual average  rainfall for 1981 ranged
from approximately 33 to 44  inches, with maximum monthly rainfall
occurring in August and minimum monthly  rainfall occurring in April  for
most of the stations.

Humidity and Fog
As would be expected in an  area of high  rainfall and subtropical
temperatures, central Florida's humidity is  moderate to high.  The
highest humidity usually occurs around dawn, with  the lows occurring in
the early afternoon.  Associated with the humidity is the occurrence of
ground fog, which is observed most often during  the winter.  Most heavy
fog lifts rapidly'after sunrise and dissipates before noon.

Wind Direction and Speed
Winds in central Florida are dominated by the  sub-tropical conditions
that produce easterly and southerly winds.   The  most common winds on an
annual basis in this area are between northeast  and south.  Annual
average and seasonal average wind roses  for  1981 for the CF site are
illustrated in Figures 3.1.1-1 and 3.1.1-2,  respectively.
                                   3-1

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                                                          NE
 W
             SW
SOURCE: CF INDUSTRIES QUARTERLY
       REPORTS, 1981.
                                                   SCALE:  1 inch =  5%
Figure 3.1.1-1
ANNUAL AVERAGE WIND ROSE FOR
THE CF SITE, 1981
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
           CF INDUSTRIES
       Hardee Phosphate Complex II

                                    3-2

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     NW
      BW
                            NB
             JUN - AUG
SOURCE: CF INDUSTRIES QUARTERLY
       REPORTS, 1981.
                                            NW
                                  B    W
                                             BW
                                             NW
                                                   MAR•MAY

                                                        N
                                                                   NB
              SEP-NOV
                                                    SCALE: 1 inch = 10%
Figure 3.1.1-2
SEASONAL AVERAGE WIND ROSES
FOR THECF SITE, 1981
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
            CF INDUSTRIES
       Hardee Phosphate Complex II
                                    3-3

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Atmospheric stability  is  an  evaluation of the dispersive capacity of the
atmosphere and  is  used  to  determine  the potential concentration of
pollutants.  Turner  (1964) developed  stability classes which range from
A (very unstable)  to F  (stable).   As  the atmosphere becomes more stable,
its dispersive  capacity decreases  and  the dissipation of pollutants is .
reduced.  The relative  frequency  of  occurrence of each stability class
at the National Weather Service  (NWS)  station at  Tampa International
Airport (TLA),  based on 43,824 hourly  observations over a 5-year period
from 1971 to 1975  (NOAA,  1975),  is presented  in the following list:

     Stability  Class                   Frequency of Occurrence
     A - very unstable                       0.4 percent
     B - moderately  unstable                 6.0 percent
     C - slightly  unstable                  15.6 percent
     D - neutral                            37.8 percent
   E,F - slightly  stable,  stable            40.2 percent

Conditions at the  Hardee Phosphate Complex II site are expected to be
similar to the  conditions  experienced  at Tampa due to the proximity of
the two sites.   Slightly  lower wind  speeds and a slight increase in
unstable conditions  (A,B,C) may be expected at the CF site due to its
inland location compared  to  the NWS  station at TIA.

3. 1. 1. 2  AIR QUALITY
The major industrial sources  of  pollutants in the region are from
electric utilities and the phosphate  industry.   Among the primary
pollutants associated with the phosphate industry are SC^i TSP, and
insoluble fluorides.  EPA  (1978a)  reports that these result from the
following phosphate  industry  activities:
    "• SO2 originates  primarily  from  the burning  of sulfur containing
       fossil fuels  and the manufacture  of sulfuric acid from elemental
       sulfur (Pedco,  1976a;  EPA,  1977).
                              3-4

-------
     « TSP is generated by fuel-burning, drying, grinding, and material
       transport, as well as by some  stages of mining (Pedco, 1975;
       1976a, 1976b).
     • Fluorides arise from various chemical processes, drying and
       calcining, fluoride removal for  feed preparation, and gypsum and
       cooling-water ponds (ESE, 1977a; Tessitore, 1975, 1976)."

EPA (1978a) summarizes point and area source emissions over a 7-county
area in west central Florida.  From these data it  is noted that
Hillsborough point sources are dominated by the power industry, while
Polk County point sources are dominated by the phosphate industry.
Emission sources in Manatee County are  low to moderate (with some
utility and phosphate industry activity), while emission sources  in the
surrounding counties of Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, and Sarasota are
relatively insignificant.  In the industrial counties (Polk and
Hillsborough), point sources dominate;  for the other five counties, area
sources dominate.

CF has gathered ambient air monitoring  data at the Hardee Phosphate
Complex II site since September 1975.   Annual geometric mean TSP  levels
are generally low for all stations for most years  and reflect
background, rural TSP levels.  All annual geometric means are less than
the Florida AAQS of 60 ug/ra3.  Over the 6-year monitoring period,  five
24-hour concentrations in excess of the 150 ug/m3  Florida AAQS were
recorded.  The causes of the high values are not known, and judging from
the remainder of the data base, can be  attributed  only to local
phenomena such as agricultural operations, open burning, or forest
fires.  The Florida 24-hour AAQS for  TSP can be exceeded once per  year
at each monitoring station, and the data show that the second highest
24-hour observation at each station was below the  150 ug/m3 level.
Therefore, no violations of the TSP standard were  recorded over the
monitoring period.
                                   3-5

-------
 The maximum annual average S02 concentration recorded at any of eight
 stations at the CF Hardee Chemical Complex II site was 29 ug/m3, which
 is about 50 percent of the Florida annual SC<2 AAQS of 60 ug/m3.
 Annual  averages for most years are less than 20 ug/m3, reflective of
 rural air  quality conditions.

 Annual  average  fluoride  concentrations at the CF site range from
 0.3  ug/m3  to 1.6 ug/m^,  with moat averages being less than
 1.0  ug/m3.   No  AAQS exist for F in the State of Florida.

 3.1.1.3  NOISE
 Hardee County is predominantly rural and depends 'upon agriculture as its
 economic mainstay.   The  proposed  site,  the Hardee Phosphate Complex II,
 has  primarily open  rangeland,  improved pasture, and forest land uses.
 Property surrounding  the site  is  rural  agricultural and  is very sparsely
 populated.   The nearest  muncipality to the site is Wauchula,  the county
 seat, about  2 miles  away.   No  major noise sources are currently located
 within the  site or  in  the  near vicinity.   The property is traversed by
 the  Seaboard Systems  Railroad, and bounded on the north  by SR 62.
 U.S. Highway 17 is  located roughly 2.5 miles east of the site.  These
 transportation  facilities  are  currently the most significant
 anthropogenic noise  sources in proximity to the site.

 From monitoring information at similar  locations and previous phosphate
 EIS's, ambient  L&n  noise levels at the  CF site  can be expected to be
 between 40 and  50 dBA.   Higher levels  could be  experienced during
 periods of heavy traffic on SR 62 when the SCL railroad  passes,  and
 during periods  of increased  wildlife  activity.

 The'projected noise  levels at  the CF site can be expected to  increase
 slightly without  the proposed  project  due to increased vehicular and
 rail activity stimulated by future phosphate mining operations a few
miles south  of  the site  in  central Hardee  County.   The major  population
 growth corridor  in Hardee  County  lies  along U.S. 17 between Bowling
                                      3-6

-------
Green and  Zolfo  Springs  and  may contribute  to  somewhat  higher on-site
noise levels  from  increased  anthropogenic  activity (e.g.,  additional
traffic on U.S.  17  and SR 62).

3.1.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES  OF THE ALTERNATIVES
3.1.2.1  THE  ACTION ALTERNATIVES,  INCLUDING CF INDUSTRIES'  PROPOSED
         ACTION
Mining
Dragline Mining  (CF Industries'  Proposed Action)
The electrically powered  draglines would not generate point source
combustion emissions of  air  pollutants.  Small quantities  of fugitive
dust may be generated during overburden removal  and matrix  extraction,
but because these mined materials  would be  generally wet, dust emissions
would occur only in isolated cases when surface  areas become dry.
Vehicular  traffic  from operations  and maintenance  personnel on roadways
in the mining area  would  constitute sources of air pollutant emissions
consisting of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOX) and
hydrocarbons.  Ground level  emissions of fugitive  dust  would also  be
generated  by  this  traffic  flow.  These impacts would be insignificant
since the  emissions would  be intermittent and  would be  confined
primarily  to  the proposed  mine  site.

The mining method requires that  land  be cleared  ahead of  the actual
mining operation.   The average  acreage being cleared at any given  time
will be about 80 acres, but  this figure can vary depending  on the  type
of land to be cleared and  the time of year.  During the dry season,
clearing will generally be limited to preparing 3  to 6  months of work
area in advance of  the dragline, unless the area to be  mined is heavily
vegetated.  In the  case of pine  flatwoods-palmetto rangeland, clearing
must be initiated several  months prior to mining to allow complete
removal of any woody material that might interfere with the mining
process.   In  such areas,  it  will also be desirable to clear sufficient
land for 2 to 3 months mining prior to the  onset of the rainy season.
                                  3-7

-------
Approximately 11,240  acres  at  the  site  have  vegetation  requiring
clearing  and disposal.  The air  quality impact  of  this  clearing would  be
minimal because the emissions  would be  intermittent  and  the  rural
setting would allow for the rapid  dispersion of pollutants.

When necessary, the vegetation on  land  to be mined would be  burned.
Such open burning would be  conducted  according  to  the applicable rules
and regulations (Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 17-5,  Open Burning
and Forest Protection Fires; and Chapter 51-2,  Rural Open  Burning).
These rules specify that:
     • Open burning be conducted in a manner, under  conditions,  and
       within certain periods  that will  reduce  or  eliminate  the
       deleterious effect of air pollution caused  by open  burning.
     • Open burning may be  conducted  only between  the hours  of  9:00  a.m.
       and one hour before  sunset, or upon direct  permission of the
       Division of Forestry for other hours  of  the day.
     • The size, moisture content, and  composition of the  refuse piles
       shall be such  so as  to  minimize  air pollution and ensure  that all
       burning will be completed within the  allowable time period.

According to the results of the noise monitoring program conducted as
part of Estech's environmental assessment (EPA,  1979a),  noise levels
between 55 and 62 dBA are expected at a distance of  200  feet  from an
operating electric dragline.   Under a "worst case" situation (highest
recorded sound level  on site and the  highest noise level for  an
operating dragline) an Ldn  value of 68  dBA could occur.  This
maximum noise level is greater than the U.S.  Department of Housing and
Urban Development's (HUD) normally unacceptable threshold  of  65  dBA, but
less than HUD's unacceptable level of 75 dBA.   The maximum value is
expected to occur offsite only if  the dragline  is  operating  200  feet or
less from the property line.   Traffic associated with the  construction
and operation of the mine would not significantly  affect the  existing
noise environment.
                                   3-8

-------
Matrix Transport
Slurry Matrix Transport  (CF  Industries'  Proposed Action)
No fugitive dust emissions would be  associated  with  the  pipeline
transfer of wet slurry.  Because  the slurry  pumps would  be driven by
electric motors, pumping would  not result  in any point  source emissions
at the site.  The electric booster pumps would  be the only source of
noise associated with this matrix transfer system.   The  noise generated
by the pumps would not contribute to the offsite noise  environment for
three reasons:  (1) the  pumps would  be widely spaced among the pipeline
route, (2) the pipeline  route  itself would be away from  the property
boundaries, and (3) the  pump stations would  be  low noise  generation
sources.  A peak sound pressure level of 68  dBA for  the  combination of a
dragline and slurry pit  pipeline has been measured (EPA,  1979a).

Matrix Processing
Conventional Matrix Processing  (CF Industries'  Proposed  Action)
None of the component operations of  conventional beneficiation are
considered to be major air pollution sources.  There are no combustion
sources and no drying processes that involve the blowing of air through
product or waste material.  Wind  erosion losses from product dumping
into rail cars or pebble storage piles may result in minor amounts of
fugitive dust emissions; however, the use  of water as a transfer medium
and the moist nature of  the product  would  prevent fugitive dust from
becoming a problem.  The impact of the dust  generated would be
negligible by the time it reaches CF's property boundary.

Transfer and storage of  some of the  flotation reagents  could result in
emissions of volatile organic compounds  (VOC).   For  example, when a
kerosene tank is filled, vapor  in the tank headspace would be vented to
the atmosphere.  Similar emissions are also  possible from storage and
transfer of fatty acids, amines,  and No. 5 fuel oil.  These potential
emissions would be quite small, however, due to the  low vapor pressures
of the materials stored  on-site.
                              3-9

-------
Based on the Estech study, the conventional beneficiation  plant  is
expected to generate noise levels between  70  and 75  dBA at a distance of
approximately 200 feet.  The beneficiation plant is  approximately 2,000
feet from the nearest  noise  sensitive  receptor.  Noise  generated by the
operation of the plant would be attenuated to  less than 55 dBA over that
distance, not considering the additional attenuating characteristics of
groundcover, foliage,  and raanmade or natural barriers.   Therefore,  the
contribution of the conventional beneficiation plant to the offsite
noise environment will not affect even  the nearest potential receptor.

Reclamation
CF Industries' Proposed Reclamation Plan
CF Industries proposes to use a combination of reclamation techniques,
with the sand/clay mix disposal technique  to  be the  predominant  method.
Other reclamation activities would include:   sand  tailings fill  areas
with overburden cap; lake construction; and wetland  and stream channel
reclamation.

During any of these operations, earthraoving equipment would generate
fugitive dust and combustion emissions  as  land is  leveled  and topography
is altered.   Emissions and associated  fugitive dust  would  rapidly
disperse over the open mine  site, resulting in a negligible impact.
During the period between mining and reclamation of  any given area, the
barren landscape may give rise to fugitive dust emissions.   After one
year, revegetation of  the barren areas  would  occur  through natural
seeding, providing temporary cover until reclamation and revegetation.

At 50 feet from the equipment, scrapers, bulldozers, and graders
characteristically have peak noise levels  of  87 dBA, 86 dBA, and 84 dBA,
respectively.  Using a noise prediction methodology  developed by the
Federal Highway Administration for heavy equipment operation, day-night
equivalent noise levels adjacent to construction areas  will increase
while such activities  are in progress.  Earthraoving  equipment for
construction would normally  be operated during the  daytime for 8 to
                              3-10

-------
10 hours each weekday.  Construction  would  not  occur any closer than 200
feet from any receptor.  During  a construction  period,  therefore,
equivalent noise levels 200  feet  from a  construction site would be
approximately 75 dBA,  assuming no attenuation due to groundcover,
foliage, and raanmade or natural  barriers.   At various locations adjacent
to the site, L
-------
Truck Product Transport
Approximately 260 truck  trips  would be needed to transport the 6,500
tons of product carried  by one  train.   The  trucks  would use about six
times the energy required  for  rail  transport and would result in a
significant increase in  emissions of air  pollutants.   If all the trucks
use State Route 62 to enter  and exit the  mine site,  the traffic-
generated noise levels along the road  segment would  increase
substantially.  During full  mine  production, the L
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                         3.2  GEOLOGY AND  SOILS
3.2.1  THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
3.2.1.1  GEOLOGY
The project site is located in northwestern Hardee  County,  Florida,
within the Polk Upland region of  the mid-peninsula  physiographic  zone  as
described by White (1970).  The Polk Upland is a  broad,  slightly
dissected, marine terrace, ranging  in elevation from 100 to 150 feet
above mean sea level (msl).

The geologic formations  identified  by previous onsite  drilling
investigations range in  age from  Eocene to Recent.   In ascending  order,
the formations encountered were:  the Lake City Limestone,  Avon Park
Limestone, and Ocala Group of Eocene age;  the Suwannee Limestone  of
Oligocene age; the Tampa and Hawthorn Formations  of Miocene age;  and
undifferentiated clastic deposits ranging  in age  from  Pliocene to Recent.
A general stratigraphic  section for the site area is shown  in
Figure 3.2.1-1.

The occurrence of solution features varies throughout  the region  and  is
restricted by the thickness of overburden  over solution-prone  limestones
and the depth of the potentiometric surface.  The thick  layer  of  solu-
tion-resistant clastic sediments  (White, 1970) above the Hawthorn forma-
tion and the occurrence  of a near-surface  water table  in the region of
the mine site combine to reduce the potential for sinkhole  development.

The basement rocks in Florida consist of both crystallines  and sediments,
The crystalline rocks range from  granites  to basalt flows and  pyro-
clastics, while the sediments are primarily unmetamorphosed to very
weakly metamorphosed noncalcareous  shales  and sandstones (Aoplin  and
Applin, 1944).  The basement rocks  are pre-Cretaceous  in age.  They  are
overlain by a wedge of Cretaceous and Cenozoic sediments.  This wedge
thickens from about 4,300 feet in southeastern Georgia to nearly  12,000
feet in Southern Peninsula Florida.
                                      3-13

-------


Om

zool
400
-
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— 6OO
MJ
O
Ik
«
VI
§
g 800
c
0
»
o
_l
hJ
(D
- 1000
u.
z
z
H
a.
UJ
a
I20C
I4O<
160
GEOLOGIC ACE
PERIOD
•UATCHMAHT AHO
TtHTIAHY
•V
TERTIARY
) —
3 —
°[
_ 	
EPOCH
•tiocmt ro
•CCCMT
MIOCENE

OLIGOCENE
EOCENE
, 	 —
STNATICRAPHIC
UNIT
vrnn UHOIFFCMMI-IATCO
CLAtTICI
HAWTHORN
FORMATION
^
?e
LIMESTONE
SANO A CLAY
SUWANNCC
LIMESTONE
=
c
0
_l
o
o
AVON PARK LIMESTONE |
CRYSTAL RIVER
FORMATION
WILLISTON
FORMATION
INGLIS
FORMATION
UPPER
LIMESTONE
DOLOMITE
ZONE
LOWER
LIMESTONE
LAKE CtTY
LIMC3TONC

Figure 3.2.1-1
SUMMARY OF SITE GEOLOGY
SOURCE: CF MINING CORPORATION, 1976.
THICKNESS
(FEET)
40
330
61
36
208
95
60
110
90
230
330
112*
, I -• i— ' -i - —

"

•S
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
CF INDUSTRIES
Hardee Phosphate Complex II
3-U

-------
 Throughout  Florida  the  Cretaceous  and  overlying Cetiozoic section consists
 primarily of  shallow-water  marine  carbonates and evaporites;  claystones;
 and  partially cemented  to  uncemented  sands,  silts,  and  clays.  Cenozoic
 strata  are  the only units  which were  encountered during previous
 investigations conducted on the property.

 Each stratigraphic  unit  pictured in Figure 3.2.1-1  is  described in the
 following  paragraphs.

 Lake City Limestone
 At the  CF site,  the Lake City  consists of medium brown  to very light
 brown,  moderately soft  to  indurated fossiliferous limestone.   Dolomite
 also is present  scattered  throughout  the upper  part  of  the formation.
 The  contact between the Lake City  and'the overlying  Avon Park at a depth
 of about  1,590 feet in  the  DF  well was based on the  occurrence of
 abundant  nodules of evaporite  minerals at that  depth.   Thickness of the
 Lake City at  the project site  is a minimum 110  feet.

 Avon Park Limestone
 The  Avon  Park Limestone, which has a  total thickness of about 650 feet in
 the  DF  well,  consists of three  lithic  types  at  the CF site.   The basal
 unit  of  the Avon Park is dominantly limestone and very  similar to the
 underlying Lake  City Limestone  except  for an absence of evaporite
 material.  In the DF well the  basal unit is  approximately 330 feet thick
 and  occurs between  depths of about 1,590 and 1,260  feet below ground
 level.  The middle  unit is  a dark  yellowish  brown to light yellowish
brown,  fine to medium grained,  crystalline and  highly indurated dolomite
 approximately 230 feet thick between depths  of  1,030 and 1,260 feet below
 ground  level.  Within the dolomite unit, at  depths between 1,130 and
 1,160 is a dark, granular,  gravel-like dolomite "rubble" zone.  This  zone
 also described by Stewart (1966) in Polk County contains abundant
 solution  features and fractures  commonly lined  by coarse to  fine,
 well-developed crystals.  The  upper unit is  a very light brown, very  fine
grained to coarse grained dense  crystalline  to  coarse grained bioclastic
 limestone approximately 90  feet  thick  between depths of 940 and 1,030
 feet below ground surface.
                                   3-15

-------
 Ocala Group
 The  Ocala Group as  described by Stewart (1966)  in Polk County includes
 three  formations.   In  ascending order these are:   the Inglis Formation,
 the  Williston Formation,  and the Crystal River  Formation.   These
 formations  were  also  identified in  the DF well  at the CF  Mining
 Corporation site in Hardee  County.

 The  Inglis  Formation  is a white to  cream to dark  brown, generally hard to
 very hard,  granular,  partially  to highly dolomitized, highly fossili-
 ferous limestone with  local  soft chalky zones.  The  Inglis unconformably
 overlies  the  Avon Park Limestone and  is  present between depths of 830 and
 940  feet  below ground  surface.   Total thickness of the Inglis. is about
 100  feet.

 Overlying the Inglis Formation  in Hardee County is the Williston
 Formation which  consists  of  white to  cream  to brown,  generally soft,
 coarse limestone with  coquina of foraminifers set in  a chalky, calcite
matrix.   The  lower  5 to 15  feet are usually harder than the  rest of  the
 formation due to dolomitization.  At  the CF site  in Hardee County, the
 Williston Formation was observed between depths of 770 to  830 feet for a
 thickness of  about  60  feet.

The Crystal River Formation  as  observed  at  the  project site  in Hardee
 County is a white to tan, medium grained to chalky limestone with large
 foraninifers  common.   The thickness in the  project area is about 95  feet
between depths of 675  and 770 feet below ground surface in the DF well.

 Suwannee  Limestone
In northwestern Hardee County,  the Suwannee  is  a white  to  very  light
brown limestone with  fine  to coarse, carbonate  grains in a carbonate
matrix.  Echinoid  fragments are common.  Wilson (1975)  states  that  the
contact between the Suwannee Limestone and the  overlying Tampa  Limestone
can often be identified on gamma  logs by the marked  decrease of gamma-ray
intensity in the Suwannee.  This  was observed on gamma  logs  from the  Deep
                                  3-16

-------
Floridan Test Well at about 466  feet below ground  surface.   The  thickness
of the Suwannee at the  project site  is  therefore  about  210  feet.

Tampa Formation
In the Deep Floridan Test Well at  the CF  site,  the Tampa  Formation was
observed between depths of 370 and 467  feet below ground  surface.   The
formation consists of two units.  These are an  upper  limestone  unit and  a
lower sand and clay unit.  The upper contact with  the Hawthorn  Formation
is determined on the basis of a  distinct  lithic change  from a sandy,
clayey, phosphatic limestone of  the Hawthorn to a  relatively pure,
slightly sandy and slightly phosphatic, fossiliferous limestone  of the
Tampa.  This contact was observed  in drill  cuttings and on  gamma  logs and
occurs at about 370 feet below ground surface.  The thickness of  the
limestone unit is 61 feet at the Deep Floridan  Test Well.   The  lower  unit
of the Tampa is a dark  greenish  gray sandy  clay.   The upper few feet  of
the clay are silicified.  The top of the  lower  unit is  placed at  431  feet
below ground surface which indicates a  thickness  of 36  feet for  the sand
and clay and a total of 97 feet  for the Tampa Formation at  the  project
site.

Hawthorn Formation
In the Deep Floridan Test Well,  the Hawthorn was  observed between depths
of 43 and 370 feet below ground  surface.  The formation consisted  of
yellowish gray grading  to medium gray to  very light gray, fine  grained,
indurated to very soft, pure to  abundantly  phosphatic and sandy
limestone.  The clay content increased with depth  becoming  very clayey  in
the lower portion.  Chert also occurs scattered through the lower
portion.

Upper Undifferentiated elastics
The Upper Undifferentiated elastics may be  divided into three units at
the site:  a lower phosphatic clay unit,  a  coarse  clastic unit,  and an
upper sand unit.  Individual units vary in  lateral extent and in
                                       *
lithologic and hydrologic characteristics.  In  some areas the upper unit
                                  3-17

-------
consists predominantly of clean sands, while clayey gravels  are  present
in a few wells.  Generally the section comprises  sandy  phosphatic  clays
overlain by 0 to 40 feet of sands and clayey sands.  The  lower clay
functions as a confining bed between the Hawthorn and the upper  sand
unit.  Figure 3.2.1-2 Illustrates the detailed stratigraphy  of these
geologic units in the area of the proposed mine site.

Regional structural features that have influenced the geology at the
project area are the South Florida Basin, the Kissimmee Faulted  Flexure,
and the Ocala Uplift (Figure 3.2.1-3).  The South Florida Basin  is a
downwarp structure that plunges westward toward the Gulf  of  Mexico with
its axis trending east-west.  Sediments within ten basin  are Mesozoic  and
Cenozoic in age and have a gentle dip to the southwest.  The basin
subsided slowly from Jurassic to Middle Eocene.   During this time, the
environment of the basin was essentially that of  a shallow to deep shelf
supporting carbonate and evaporitic cyclic deposition.  The  Kissimmee
Faulted Flexure is a local, fault-bounded tilted  and rotated block of
Eocene or Oligocene age extending down the Florida Peninsula in  Orange,
Osceola, and Lake Counties.  The regional structural feature that has  the
most significant effect on the project site Is the Ocala  Uplift, a
gentle, local anticlinal structure.

The Ocala Uplift centers around outcrops of the Ocala Group  (Upper
Eocene) and Avon Park Limestone (Late Middle Eocene) in Citrus,  Dixie,
and Levy Counties on the West Coast of the peninsula.   Where exposed,  the
uplift is about 230 miles long and 20 miles wide. Fracturing and
faulting of the Tertiary rocks is associated with the development of the
uplift (Vernon, 1951).

3.2.1.2  SOILS
The project site has been surveyed by the United  States Department of
Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and  also by  other qualified
soil scientists (Figure 3.2.1-4).  Soil-landscape-vegetation relation-
ships and associations on previously surveyed areas were  used as a basis
for differentiating soils in unmapped areas.
                                      3-18

-------
       120
       110
       100
    «

    UJ  90

    O
    03


    5  80
       70
       60
            CB2
                                                                                                       LOCATION OF
                                                                                                       CROSS SECTION!
                                ""
               2 MILES
           SCALE
                             KEY:
p^i!:!i3 SAND, SILT WITH SOME CLAY


^^ SAND AND CLAY


I-------3 CLAY LENS
• C'>M SAND AND CLAY WITH LEACHED
v-v~''1 PHOSPHATE (LEACHED ZONE)

V.V.-'I SAND AND CLAY WITH
i ••'?'••>• 1 PHOSPHATE (CONTAINS MATRIX)
SAND AND CLAY WITH
LEAN PHOSPHATE

LIMESTONE
Figure 3.2.1-2
GENERALIZED CROSS SECTION OF UPPER
STRATIGRAPHY ON COMPLEX II
                                             U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Region IV
                                                 Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                       CF INDUSTRIES
                                                Hardee  Phosphate  Complex II

-------
SOURCE: CF DPI.
                                                          KISSIMMEE
                                                          FAULTED
                                                          FLEXURE
                                               *0/,
Figure 3.2.1.-3
REGIONAL STRUCTURAL FEATURES
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                CF INDUSTRIES
                                          Hardee Phosphate Complex
                                    3-20

-------
     1-1S-II
N
                              M U'lf.i riNt IA*D 1HIN Sua'ACI

                              r i ONI n*c


                              10- *A

                                PAAKWOOO iOAMT I IMC IANO


                              i» n«c.o UNI

                              t< • POMPAW) riNC lAtlO
r.HI UNO
•MIMCCI - ^L*C'O C
•••OC1TCI1


ruo*

 LO» rwC UNO

H"»«»I.CC 'INI S>HO

        IANO

-WAHATCC LOAUt f INt S

-HIAKBA r IN! (AND
                              KM-MIMSO 'IM Sl»0


                                        I*HO
               «  PAMLICO MUCK WAS RENAMED TOMOKA MUCK IN 1979

               t  SWAMP WAS RENAMED DELRAY  MUCKY FINE  SAND IN 1»7B
                                                      »tj. i«
     Figure 3.2.1-4
     RECONNAISSANCE SOIL SURVEY MAP OF SITE
     SOURCE: DAMES & MOORE, CF DRI, 1976 (REVISED)
                                                                     U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                                                         Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                                               CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                                        Hardee Phosphate Complex

-------
 Soil  Types
 Approximately 62  percent  of  the CF property consists of soils formed on
 broad upland areas.  Myakka,  Wabasso,  and Wauchula are the dominant
 soils.  These are highly  leached,  moderately wet,  poorly drained, and
 strongly acid soils.   Thirty-three percent of the  property consists of
 soils formed in marshes and  swampy areas.  The marsh soils are dominated
 by the Basinger,  Felda, Placid,  and Pompano series.   The swampy soils are
 represented by the Bradenton,  Delray (prior to 1979, name was Swamp
 Soils), and Tomoka series  (prior  to 1979, name was Pamlico Muck).  These
 swampy soils are  generally dark colored,  poorly to very poorly drained
 soils, often calcareous at the surface, occurring  in.low areas with an
 organic surface layer  that varies  in thickness from 2 to 30 inches. About
 5 percent of the  property  consists of  soils formed primarily on the flat
 uplands surrounding the marshes  and swampy areas.   The represented soils
 include the Felda, Manatee,  Ona,  Parkwood, and Pompano series.  These are
 poorly to very poorly  drained,  neutral to slightly acid, and somewhat
 less  leached than those soils  found in the flatwood  areas.  Of these
 soils, only the Ona series has a  subsurface organic-rich horizon. The
 soils are often underlain  by  calcareous clayey materials.

 Drainage and Permeability
All of the soils onsite are wet.   Some are flooded for part of the year,
 and a portion is flooded for most  of  the  year.  In the wettest part of
 the year (June to October),  the water  table is typically within a foot
of the soil surface.

The permeability of these  soils ranges from 0.6 inch per hour (moderate)
 to greater than 20 inches  per  hour (very  rapid).   The low values result
from a subsurface layer of higher  silt and clay sized particles.

A low dust potential is characteristic of most of  the site soils due to
their low organic matter,  clay, and silt  content.  Pamlico muck, if
                                      3-22

-------
exposed and dry, is the only soil on  the  site with  high  dust  potential.
In the undisturbed state,  soils  on  the  site  have  a  low erosion potential
due to the flat topography, the  sandy nature of  the soils,  and the
presence of good vegetative cover.  Depth to bedrock is  greater than
60 inches for all soils on the site.  The presumptive bearing value  of
sandy soils on  this site  is high when the soils  are dry,  but  it is  low
when the soils  are wet.   The bearing  value of soils in marshy or swampy
areas, especially for soils with high organic content,  is very low.   Soil
characteristics for onsite soils are  summarized  in  Table  3.2.1-1.

Agricultural Productivity
Agricultural productivity is limited  on all  site  soils due  to wetness.
Some type of water control measure must be implemented before the
potential productivity can be raised.  The flatwoods soils  and those
soils surrounding the marshes, if drained and intensively managed, have
a medium potential for vegetables or  improved pasture,  low  potential for
citrus,  and moderately high potential for pine plantations.   The marsh
and swamp soils are not suitable for  planting vegetables  or citrus
because of the difficulty of draining or  the frequency of flooding.
Pine plantations can be productive if the water  problem  is  flooding  by
nearby streams rather than a high water table.

3.2.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF  THE  ALTERNATIVES
3.2.2.1  THE ACTION ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING  CF INDUSTRIES'  PROPOSED
         ACTION
Mining
Dragline Mining (CF Industries'  Proposed  Action)
Over the life of the mine, 14,925 acres will be disturbed,  an average of
553 acres per year.  Included in this area are approximately  695 acres
of Category I-C and I-D wetlands (decision to mine  depends  on EPA
approval of wetland reclamation  success in other  areas).   The mining
process will alter soils, overburden, and the upper part  of the Hawthorn
Formation containing the  phosphate matrix.   The  depth of  this dis-
                                      3-23

-------
                                                                                                                                                                  OTISSUP82-T.6/HIB4-3.2
                                                                                                                                                                                  5/31/84
 Table 3.2.1-1.   Characteristics of  Site Soils
Soil Type
Baainger

Bradenton

Felda


bnukalee

Manatee

W Hyakka
i
N)
^ Ona

PaBlico

Parkuood

Placid

PoBpano

»"->

Uabaaso

Wauchula

NLnber
20

26

40


60

69

72

77

80

82

86

94

103

106

112

Landscape Position
at the Site
Grassy Banhea

low lying humxk
areas
Areas near Banhea
-depressions

Near centers of
flat high areas
Level depression*!
aanhes
Level fist high
areas
Level Oat areas
around Banhes
Marshes

Flat areas bor-
dering Banhes
Level depression*!
•arahea
Flat area* bor-
dering avenhea
Depressed • «iys
and along stream
Flat area* bor-
dering Banhea
Flat areas bor-
dering Banhea
Drainage
Poor

Poor

Poor


Poor

Very poor

Poor

Poor

Very poor

Poor

Very poor

Poor

Very poor

Poor

Poor

Texture
Surface
Fine sand

Fine aand

Fine aand


Fine sand

Loaay fine
sand
Sard

Fine sand

Hick

Fine aand

Fine aand

Fine sard

Hick and sand

Fine aand

Fine aand

(USM)
Subsoil
Fine sand

Fine sandy
loan
Sandy loam;
sandy clay
lorn
Fine sand

Fine sandy
loaa
Sand

Fine sand

loaay aand

Loony fine
sand
Fine aand

Fine aand

Fine sard

Fine sard

Fine sandy
loaa
Dust
Potential
low

Low

low


Low

federate

federate-
low
Moderate-
Low
High

Low

federate

Low

(tone

low

low

Bros ion
Potential
low

low

Low


Low

low

Low

Low

Wind-high
Water-low
low

low

low

None

Low

low

Depth to
Bedrock*
X>0"

>60"

>60"


>60"

>60"

>60"

>6O"

>60"

>60"

>60"

>60

>60"

>60"

>60"

Perae ability
>20

0.6-20

0.6-20


0.6-20

0.6-20

0.6-20

0.6-20

0.6-20

2.0-20

6.0-20

>20

>20

0.6-20

0.6-20

Wet Seaooo
Elevation
(in feet>*
+2 to-1

»1 to-1

+2 to -1


0 to-1

»1 to-1

Oto-1

0 to-1

+1 to-1

0 to-1

Oto-1

0 to-1

+2 to-1

Oto-1

+1 to-1

Water Tabie
IXration *
(in acntha)
June-Feb

June-Feb

, June—Fd>


Jtne-Oct

Jine-flar

June-Oct

June-No/

June-Apr

June-Get

June-Feb

June-tow

9-12 «oe.

June-Feb

June-Oct

Presumptive
Bearing
Value +t
Dry-high
Wet-low
Dry-high
Wet-low
Dry-high
Wet-low

Dry-high
Net-low
Dry-high
Wet-low
Dry-high
Wet-low
Dry-high
Wet-low
low

Dry-high
Wet-low
Dry-high
Net-low
Dry-high
Wet-low
Low-none

Dry-high
Wet-low
Dry-high
Wet-low
Reservoir
Bobanlnent
Suitabilities ***
Very poor

Very poor

federate


Very poor

Very poor

Very poor

Very poor

Very poor

federate-
Very poor
Very poor

Very poor

\fery poor

Very poor

Very poor

  * Derived  firaa ISM Soil Oanservation Service soil  series descriptions and  soil survey interpretation aheeta.  Bedrock la
    defined  as the solid rock that underlies the soil and other consolidated material.
  tValues denote rangea for the entire soil profile.
 ** Elevation ia with respect to ground surface.
 tt High - greater than 2000 paf; low • leas than 2000 paf.
• ** Surficial soils will be sodifed by construction procedures to meet engineering design criteria prior to constriction.

Source:  CF Mining  Corporation,  1976b.

-------
turbance will vary between 50 and 70  feet.   The  native  soils  as
described by SCS will no  longer exist  and will be  replaced  by a  mixture
of overburden materials and waste sand and clay.   As mining progresses,
vegetation will also be destroyed.  An average of  80 acres  of woody
vegetation will be cleared ahead of mining,  with the actual amount
depending on the season and type of vegetative cover.   Less land is
cleared during the dry season, more prior to the wet season,  and more  if
the vegetation is pine flatwoods-palmetto rangeland.

The surficial aquifer piezometric surface will be  lowered  in  the
vicinity of the mine pit  as a result  of  dewatering for  dragline  mining.
There should be no increase in solutioning activity resulting from  these
activities since the water table will not be lowered below the limestone
units.  Therefore, the mining activities are not anticipated  to  cause
collapse features on the  site.  Because  of the depth of known collapse
features in the Tampa Formation, which Lies  at a depth  of  about
400 feet, no collapse features should  result from  loading,  construction,
or other near surface activities.

Two acres of Category I-A wetlands will  be disturbed while moving a
dragline across Horse Creek, both before and after mining  a parcel  of
land.  The immediate impact will consist of  potential  for  erosion and
destruction of vegetation.  Erosion potential will be minimized  in
these wetlands by planting and maintaining grasses on  the  disturbed soil
areas.  Long-term impact  of vegetation loss  is expected to be minimized
by implementation of reclamation plans and by the  location of the
adjacent floodplain forest which will  act as a seed source for
revegetation.

Plant Siting
The location of the CF Industries beneficiation  plant  and  support
facilities is planned to:
     1.  Minimize the disruption of environmentally sensitive areas;
     2.  Minimize the consumption of  energy  used in the movement of
         water, ore, and  waste products;
                                      3-25

-------
     3.  Minimize the cost of  transportation  facilities (road  and
         railroad) and utility construction;
     4.  Minimize fill and ensure  the  site  is  all  upland;  and
     5.  Minimize phosphate reserve  loss.

The plant and support activities will  impact  approximately 60  acres  of
soil during the life of the mining operation.   Land  within this  area
will be cleared of vegetation,  and the  soils  will  be graded according  to
needs.  The impacts to soils will  include minor removal of soil  for  some
foundations.  Impacts to soils  will  be  temporary (during the life of the
plant) .  The agricultural productivity  of impacted soils should  be
equivalent to the productivity of  the original  native soils soon after
the soils are reclaimed.

Waste Sand and Clay Disposal
Sand-Clay Mixing (CF Industries' Proposed Action)
Most of the waste sand and clay generated by  the processing of matrix
will be disposed through sand-clay mixing.  Some sand tailings will  be
disposed separately as a fill  material  in rained areas.   The sand-clay
mix plan will result in the following reclaimed areas:   sand-clay mix,
9,083 acres; sand tailings fill, 2,213  acres; mined  areas  for  land and
lakes, 2,399 acres; and overburden fill  areas and  disturbed natural
ground, 1,230 acres.

Samples from other CF Industries sand-clay  mix  areas were  analyzed for
sand/clay ratios and for several agronomically  important properties,
i.e., pH and extractable phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Characteristics of typical pre-mine  soils were  obtained from the Hardee
County Soil Survey and from the .Farmland EIS  (U.S. EPA, 1981)  and are
presented with those of CF reclaimed soils  in Table  3.2.2-1.

The chemical and physical characteristics of  the sand/clay mix are
potentially agriculturally superior  to  native soils.  The  native soils
                                     3-26

-------
Table 3.2.2-1.  Chenical Data:  Natural Soils and Sand/Clay Mix Areas on CF Complex  I Reclanaticn
                Areas
                                                       CaO
                                 P205        K20
Sanple      Texture      pH    (Ib/acre)  (Ib/acre)   acre)   (Ib/acre)
                                                                                    Source
Sand/Clay   Qay


Sand/Clay   Clay


Sand/Clay   Clay


Sand/Clay   Clay


Native      Sand
Pine Flat-
woods Soil

Native
Range Soil

Myakka      Sand

Felda       Sand
                         6.6   916 (VH)*   173 (HI)   5,599   2,667 (Hi)   CF Complex I Reclaimed
                                                                           Area

                         6.6   916 (VH)    173 (Hi)   5,599   2,667 (Hi)   CF Complex I Reclaimed
                                                                           Area

                         6.9   916 (VH)     77 (I£»   5,599   2,667 (HI)   CF Complex I Reclaimed
                                                                           Area

                         6.9   916 (VH)     77 (LO)   5,599   2,667 (HI)   CF Complex I Reclaimed
                                                                           Area

                         4.9      —        36 (VLO)    604      66 (ID)   Pine-Flatwoods in
                                                                           Hardee County
                         4.2     8 (LO)     40 (LO)     360      66  (Hi)   Farmland EI3


                         4.4      —        29 (LO)     526     149  (HI)   Hardee County Soil Survey

                         4.8      —        38 (LO)     292      89  (HI)   Hardee County Soil Survey
*Soil Testing Laboratory, University of Florida (IFAS),  Soil Nutrient  Content  Category:
 (VH) » Very higji.
 (HI) » Higfr.
 (LO) - Low.

Sources:  U.S. EPA, Farmland EIS,  1981.
          U.S. SCS, 1979.
          CF, 1982.
          ESE, 1985.
                                             3-27

-------
onsite are typically very  strongly  acid,  sandy,  poorly  drained,  and
relatively infertile.  These  soils  can  contain  large  quantities  of
organic matter.  Compared  to  the native  soils,  those  soils  which develop
in sand/clay mix areas are  generally  less  acid,  more  clayey, more
fertile, and contain lower  amounts  of organic matter.   Because of the
sand/clay mix nutrient and  pH status, smaller applications  of  lime and
phosphate fertilizer will be needed for  crop yields equivalent to those
from native soils.  The sand/clay mix soils do  not  supply adequate
nitrogen to plants (N), and only sometimes do they  supply adequate
potassium (K).  Additions of  fertilizer  N  and K  will  be  necessary for
optimum crop growth.  Soil  test results  indicate that sand/clay  mix  soils
(or any other mine soils) can be compared  to native soils only with  some
reservation (Hanlon, 1985).

Although the soil test results for  constituents  of  the  sand/clay mix
samples (Table 3.2.2-1) have been classified as  very  low (VLO),  low
(LO), high (HI), and very high (VH),  these categories are based  on crop
productivity of native soils rather than on crop productivity of mine
soils (Kidder, 1985).  Such classification remains  questionable  until
fertilizer recommendations  can also be correlated with  yields of crops
grown on mine soils.

Soil textures have been calculated  from  the sand/clay ratios of
157 samples taken from 16 cores in  the CF  Complex I Reclamation  Area R-2
(Ardaman & Associates, February and April  1981).  These  cores, varying
in depth from 5.5 to 24 feet, were  subsampled at 1-foot  intervals.   The
results of the classification of the  subsairples  by  texture  are presented
in Table 3.2.2-2.  The most common  soil  texture  was found to be  sandy
clay loam (68 samples).  The textures of  surface samples, however, were
generally in the sandy clay to clay categories.   If these fine textures
should occur in surface soils of the  proposed sand/clay  mix areas, some
tillage problems may result until the organic matter content of  the  soil
increases.
                                    3-28

-------
Table 3.2.2-2.  Soil Textures of 157 Sand/Clay Mix Samples from CF
                Complex I Reclaimed Area
Soil
Texture
Clay
Sandy Clay
Sandy Clay Loam
Sandy Loam
Loamy Sand
Sand
Number of Samples
in Each Category Range of Sand/Clay Ratios
16
48
68
13
6
6
100% Clay to 0.82:1
0.82:1 to 1.7:1
1.7:1 to 4:1
4:1 to 4.9:1
4.9:1 to 9:1
9:1 to 100% Sand
Sources:  Brady,  1974.
          Ardaman & Associates,  February  and April  1981.
          ESE,  1985.
                             3-29

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Sand/clay mix soils will probably have higher  Radium-226  contents  than
the native soils.  Toosoils  on  the  site  range  from 0.2  to 0.8  picoCuries
Radium-226 per gram of  soil.  Samples of sand/clay mix  from CF
Industries Complex I reclaimed  areas were found  to contain 18  and
31 picoCuries Radium-226 per gram soil.   The results  of this testing  are
found in Section 3.3, Radiation.

Conventional Sand and Clay Disposal—If  conventional  sand and  clay
disposal techniques, as generally practiced by the phosphate mining
industry in Florida, were used  by CF Industries,  approximately
10,000 acres of diked clay waste would remain  after mining and final
reclamation.  Present plans  will result  in no  diked clay  waste areas
after final reclamation.  The waste clay areas would  be less suitable
for agricultural uses than the  sand/clay mix areas, primarily  due  to
soil moisture problems.  Proper timing of agricultural  operations  is
critical to avoid plasticity problems (if the  clays are plowed while  too
wet) or to avoid severe crusting problems (if  the  clays are  plowed while
too dry).  The clay areas are not suitable for development due to  lower
load-carrying capacity.

Sand-Clay Cap—This waste disposal method incorporates  aspects of  both
the conventional and the sand/clay mix disposal techniques.  The agro-
nomic properties would be similar to those of  the  sand/clay  mix area  and
preferred over the properties of dried clay on an  uncapped clay settling
pond.  The load-carrying capacity of sand/clay cap areas  would be  higher
than that of a waste clay area, but the  acreage of high carrying
capacity sand tailings  fill would decrease since  some sand would be used
to make up the sand/clay cap.   Dike heights would  be  higher  than those
required for sand/clay mix areas.  This  would  increase  the potential  for
erosion or dam breaching and decrease the chances  of  achieving final
contours similar to the pre-mining conditions.
                                   3-30

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Reclamation
CF  Industries Proposed  Reclamation  Plan
All of the disturbed wetland  and  forest acreage will  be replaced,  and the
majority of  the  remaining  disturbed lands  will  be reclaimed to improved
pasture.  The types of  land use  in  the  pre-mined areas  are closely
related to the  types of landforms created  by the waste  disposal plan.
Both improved pasture and  wetlands  will be  constructed  on  sand/clay mix
areas.  Surrounding dams and  any  protruding overburden  spoil  piles will
be graded, partially capping  the  sand/clay  mix  areas.   The naturally
occurring low areas within each  sand/clay  disposal  area will  not  be
capped, but will be graded and contoured to provide the necessary  basins
and drainage channels for  wetlands  reclamation.   The  sand/clay mix and
overburden soils used for  capping are expected  to have  good potential for
a variety of land uses,  including improved  pasture, forestry, cropland,
and wetlands (Zellars-Williams,  Inc., 1978; Keen and  Sampson, 1983).  The
increased moisture retention  capacities of  the  sand/clay mix (relative to
overburden soils or native soils) have  the  potential  for causing  high
water levels or  ponding.   This effect would favor reclamation of
wetlands, and the overburden  cap  on portions of the disposal  areas would
affect soil-moisture relationships  to increase  the  range of agronomic
possibilities.

Two other landforms that will remain after  mining and  final reclamation
include sand tailings fill areas  with overburden cap  and mined out areas
for land and lakes.  The sand tailings  fill with overburden cap areas
will be reclaimed to approximately  original contours.   This land form has
good potential  for improved pasture, forestry,  citrus,  cropland,  and
residential/industrial  construction (Zellars-Williams,  Inc.,  1978).

The land-and-lakes landforms  will be reclaimed  to pine  flatwoods  and
hardwoods, wetlands, and lakes.   Lakes  will be  constructed such that
extensive acreages of shallow water and littoral zones  will exist  at low
and high water  levels,  respectively, resulting  in areas with  potential
for wildlife habitat.
                                    3-31

-------
The final topography of the site will  be  similar  to  that  under existing
conditions.  The final topography  of  the  sand  and clay mix areas are
designed to average approximately  2 feet  above natural grade.   As a
result, drainage basin areas of stream channels will be similar to the
existing areas.  The major difference  for  topography will primarily be at
land and lakes reclaimed areas, at which  lakes will  be reclaimed below
natural grade.  Sand tailings  fill will be reclaimed to approximately
natural grade and will be capped with  6 to 12  inches of overburden.

Conventional Reclamation Plan
Conventional reclamation techniques as practiced  by  the Florida
Phosphate Industry correspond  to conventional  sand and clay disposal
techniques.  There would be about  10,000  acres of waste clay areas, all
of which would be less suitable than  sand/clay mix areas  for a wide
range of agronomic possibilities.  This technique would also result in
an increase of about 1,000 acres of land  not suitable for development.

Most of the remaining area of  the  site would probably exist as landforms
covered by graded overburden and would have characteristics similar to
the proposed sand tailing areas with  an overburden cap.

Sand Clay Cap
The agronomically important properties of  the  sand-clay cap would be
similar to those of the sand/clay mix.  The height of the dikes needed
to contain the waste clays will result in  larger  areas of sloping land
and may preclude the potential use of  this land in the future  for row
crops.

3.2.2.2  THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE
If the no action alternative is taken,  the geology and soils of the site
would remain unchanged.  The land would remain covered by vegetation,
whether wetland, pine flatwoods-palmetto  rangeland,  pasture, or limited
agricultural crops.
                                   3-32

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                              3.3   RADIATION

3.3.1  THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
Man has been exposed  to  radiation  from naturally occurring radionuclides
throughout his existence on  earth.   The  primary nuclides  contributing to
background dose  levels on  a  worldwide  basis are potassium-40 and
nuclides of the  uranium-238  and thorium-232 decay chains  (EPA, 1972).
These nuclides are contained in varying  concentrations  in the earth's
crust and in surface  and ground waters.   In Florida,  the  nuciides  of the
uranium-238 series are the primary source of natural  radiation.

The phosphate deposits of  Florida  contain concentrations  of uranium and
its decay products at levels approximately 30 to 60 times greater  than
those found in average soil  and rock throughout the rest  of the United
States.  Uranium is  found  both in  the  phosphate matrix  and in the
overburden in the region,  although concentrations in  the  matrix are
higher and more  uniform  due  to the fact  that uranium  can  replace calcium
in the matrix.

Phosphate mining operations  have the potential to increase direct  human
exposure to naturally occurring radioactivity.   The mining,
transportation,  and processing of  the  phosphate matrix  and overburden
can increase exposure by releasing some  of these naturally occurring
radioactive materials as gases, airborne particulates,  or waterborne
effluents.

The Areawide EIS (EPA, 1978)  presented a detailed discussion of radio-
activity in the  central  Florida phosphate area and its  potential
environmental effects.  The  conclusion of that study  was  that the
radioactive isotopes of environmental  importance in the study area are
those in the uranium-238 decay-series.
                                    3-33

-------
3.3.1.1  URANIUM EQUILIBRIUM
Uranium has two naturally occurring  isotopes,  uranium-238 and  uranium-
235.  The uranium-238 series has a longer half-life and accounts  for
99.28 percent of the naturally occurring uranium.  Almost all  naturally
occurring radiation in the phosphate deposits  is associated with  uranium
and its decay products.  Although thorium-232  represents the  parent
radionuclide of another naturally occurring series, the concentration of
thorium in Florida formations is negligible compared  to uranium.
Thorium is, therefore, not discussed further in this  report.

In the uranium-238 decay series, decay proceeds from  U-238 through 13
intermediate daughter radionuclides until the  stable  nuclide,  Pb-206, is
reached.  This decay series and the associated half-lives are  shown  in
Figure 3.3.1-1.  If the entire series is contained in a sealed
environment, a state of equilibrium is reached.  In undisturbed
phosphate deposits, such an equilibrium exists at least for the
radionuclides through radium-226.  Mining and  processing represent
significant disturbances to this equilibrium.

The radionuclides in the uranium decay series  which are of greatest
importance to human exposure are radium-226 (Ra-226), its decay product
radon-222 (Rn-22), and the radon daughters poloniura-218, lead-214,
bisrauth-214, and polonium-214.  These six radionuclides are responsible
for the majority of human exposure to radioactivity in phosphate  raining
and processing.

Ra-226 is of particular interest with respect  to human exposure,  as  it
is chemically similar to calcium and tends to be incorporated  in  the
same way as calcium in bone and other biological material.  Radium's
chemical similarity to calcium is also demonstrated by its tendency to
replace calcium in primary phosphatic apatite.  Ra-226 has a  relatively
long half-life (1,620 years) and may enter the body through contaminated
drinking water or by breathing suspended particulates contaminated with
radium.
                            3-34

-------
  Cf EIS 03/10/95
Figure 3.3.1-1
URANIUM-238 DECAY SERIES
SOURCE: BOLCH, 1979.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                  CF INDUSTRIES
                                           Hardee Phosphate Complex II
                                    3-35

-------
Ra-226 decays to Rn-222,  an  inert gas.   The  decay  equilibrium  from
Ra-226 to Rn-222 is  largely  dependent  upon  the mobility of  gas  out of
the soil and into the atmosphere.   In  natural undisturbed conditions,
most Rn-222 does not escape  the matrix strata.

Rn-222 and its daughters  are of special  concern because of  the  potential
mobility of Rn-222 as a gas.  Once  in  the atmosphere,  Rn-222 can  be
inhaled and thus can increase the exposure  to lung  tissue.

3.3.1.2  RADIOISOTOPES AND PHOSPHATE DEPOSITS
Previous studies (EPA, 1978) have indicated  that the uranium present in
central Florida phosphate may have  been  deposited  along with the  primary
deposits of the phosphate mineral apatite during the Middle Miocene
epoch.  During subsequent reworking of these  primary deposits,  the
phosphate was concentrated into the secondary phosphate deposits  now
found in central Florida.  The physical  and  chemical processes  associ-
ated with the reworking of the primary phosphate deposits resulted in
the concentration of both phosphate and  uranium.   The  secondary phos-
phate deposits of central Florida typically  exhibit average uranium
concentrations of 0.01 to 0.02 percent (100  to 200  ppm) .  In contrast,
commercial mining of uranium generally exploits ores with uranium
concentrations 10 to 20 times higher (0.1 to 0.4 percent).  Most  other
minerals in the phosphate matrix have  maximurn concentrations of only a
few parts per billion (EPA,  1978).

Representative Ra-226 concentrations for various soils, phosphate
materials, effluents, and ground waters  are  summarized in Table 3.3.1-1.
Radioactivity levels are  typically  at minimum levels at  the ground
surface and increase with depth.  Overburden  soils  are generally  mixed
layers of sands and clays exhibiting low concentrations of
radionuclides.
                                    3-36

-------
Table 3.3.1-1.
Representative Radium-226 Concentrations in Central
Florida Phosphate Area Environment
Item
                                     Radium
                                     Concentration
Overburden (excluding leach zone)
Leach zone materials
Matrix

Background soil
Reclaimed soil
Silt
Beach sand
Wet phosphate rock

Sand tailings

Slime particles

Slime decant water (dissolved fraction)
Slime decant water (undissolved  fraction)
Mine water
Ground water
Slime-pond water
Leachate from gypsum pond
Gypsum
Phosphate products (undifferentiated)
Phosphoric acid plant effluent after double liming
Slag from calcination processes
Water-table water (mineralized mined areas)
Uppe'r Floridan water (mineralized mined areas)
Lower Floridan water (mineralized mined areas)
Ammonium phosphates
Superphosphates
Phosphoric acid
Animal feed supplements
                                     10 pCi/g*
                                     40 pCi/g
                                     40 pCi/g
                                     60 pCi/g
                                     1.5 pCi/g
                                     10-30 pCi/g
                                     1.1 pCi/g
                                     0.9 pCi/g
                                     29-34 pCi/g
                                     42 pCi/g
                                     7.5 pCi/g
                                     6.2-8 pCi/g
                                     45 pCi/g
                                     33-52 pCi/g
                                     1-2 pCi/Lt
                                     33.5-52 PCi/g
                                    <1.5 pCi/L
                                    <1.5 pCi/L
                                    <2   pCi/L
                                     60-100 pCi/L
                                     21-33 pCi/L
                                     42 pCi/g
                                     1.8-4.5 pCi/L
                                     56 PCi/g
                                     0.92 pCi/L
                                     2.5 pCi/L
                                     1.4 pCi/L
                                     5-6 pCi/g
                                     21 pCi/g
                                    <1  pCi/L
                                     5-6 pCi/g
* Picocurie/gram
t Picocurie/liter

Source:  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,  1978.
                            3-37

-------
The leach zone, also known as the aluminum  phosphate  zone, consists  of  a
discontinuous  zone of altered,  friable  phosphatic  sandstone  and  is
considered to be the upper part of the  Bone Valley  formation.  Water
movement, leaching the calcium  from  the  phosphate  zone,  resulted  in
enriched aluminum phosphate.  Ultimately, the  leach zone contains
radioisotopes at levels comparable to those which  are observed within
the calcium phosphate matrix zone (the  lower Bone  Valley formation).  As
the aluminum is considered to be an  undesirable  contaminant  in the
phosphate rock product, the leach zone  is usually  not mined,  in which
case it is removed as overburden material.

The matrix zone (the calcium phosphate  zone) consists of apatite,
montraorillonite and other clays, quartz, chert,  and calcite,  and  is
considered to be the lower part of the  Bone Valley  formation. After
mining, the matrix is subjected to the  beneficiation  process  to  separate
the phosphate rock product, the clay and the sand.  Most of  the uranium
and uranium daughter products emerge from the  beneficiation  process  in
the phosphate rock product and  the discarded clay-sized  fraction, with
relatively little radioactive material  contained in the  sand  tailings.

3.3.1.3  BACKGROUND RADIATION
External gamma radiation levels in Polk County in  the vicinity of  phos-
phate beds have been measured and found  to  be  on the  order of 60  to  115
milli-roentgens/year (mR/yr) (Williams  et_ a±. ,  1965); these  measurements
take into account cosmic radiation as well  as  gamma sources  in the
underlying soils.  Florida readings  agree closely  with the approximately
105 mR/yr gamma level average for the United States (EPA,  1972), of
which about 45 mR/yr is attributable to cosmic  radiation and  the
remainder to terrestrial sources.  Both Florida  and the  United States
average levels yield doses which are well below  the 500 millireras/year
(mrem/yr) limits for individuals in  the general  public and are more  than
an order of magnitude below the limits  for  occupational  exposure  (NCRP,
1975).
                             3-38

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To characterize the radiation which  exists  at  the  CF  site,  numerous
site-specific studies were  performed.   These  studies  included sampling
and analysis of external gamma  radiation,  surface  materials,  subsurface
materials, ground water, and  surface water.

External Gamma Radiation
External gamma radiation has  been measured at  the  CF  site using
thermoluminescent dosimeters  (TLDs)  (see  Figure 3.3.1-2  for sampling
locations).  Maximum external gamma  radiation  dosages encountered on the
CF property are summarized  in Table  3.3.1-2  for the period  from third
quarter 1976 through second quarter  1982.   These values  represent the
annual terrestrial portion  of the total gamma  radiation.

Surface Materials
To characterize existing Ra-226 in surface soils and  vegetation, one
soil sample and two pasture grass samples  were collected  and analyzed
for Ra-226 at six sites  distributed  in the South Pasture, as shown in
Figure 3.3.1-3.  In addition, stream sediment  samples were  collected at
surface water quality  stations  WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-5, WQ-8, and  WQ-10 and
analyzed for Ra-226.  The results,  presented  in Table 3.3.1-3, show all
materials collected to  he  1'jw in Ra-226 content.

Subsurface Materials
To characterize the subsurface  background radiation at the site, a
series of six cores were drilled at  locations  with typic.il  soil types,
matrix types, and overburden  thicknesses  on the undisturbed South
Pasture Mine site (see  Figure 3.3.1-3).  Generally,  three to five
composite samples from  each core were collected to represent the
overburden,  leach zone,  upper matrix, and lower matrix.   The results of
this sampling and analysis  of Ra-226 are  summarized in Table 3.3.1-4.

In addition, a series of  four cores, varying from 1 to 4.8 feet deep,
were collected  from sand/clay mix, sand tailings,  and overburden cap
areas at the existing  Hardee Phosphate Complex I.   These samples were
analyzed  for Ra-226,  and the results are  presented in Table 3.3.1-4.
                                 3-39

-------

                NILLSIOHOVSM ca
                 tUMATlf CO.
             • tunnel «r»
             »*!• (VALIM «•)
             A •«!• •4U«I (•)
              MCKUICU. rt*TK»
               »• wu
                  sccoMOAftr AHTCSIAN
                       lOUIFEII
              ITCU CLUJTf»' MC1.VMI:
               rnoevcnoii rtir MI.I
                   nouimtm rtir WILL ion
                                . M-M

              > D»K1 •UMAIIOM MONIIOI ID!) - TL6'»
                »: 0«-17 10CATIO IN WAUCHUIA

                 Ot-ll AND M-1* USED AS CONIKX1
                 NOf OfPlOTID IN 1HI MilO
Figure 3.3.1-2
LOCATION  OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING STATIONS
SOURCE: CF MINING COMPANY, 1976.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
     Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                                                 CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                                         Hardee Phosphate Complex  II

-------
Table 3.3.1-2.  Annual External Terrestrial Gamma Radiation Dosages
                Encountered on CF Property
Dosage, Millirems*
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Average
Annual
Dose
1976 1977
21
26
21 26
31 29
26 26
1978
—
29
(t)
25
27
1979
23
21
13
21
20
1980
19
39
(t)
33
30
1981
16
18
21
39
24
1982
32
33
—
—
33
*Above data has been adjusted  for  shipping  radiation  and  indicates
 yearly radiation dosage rate.
tUnable to adjust for shipping  radiation during  this  quarter.

Source:  CF Industries, 1983.
                               3-41

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.
 ,
             NILLS8OHOUOM CO.
               HAHiTEf CO
                                                       POL K CO

                                                      HAftOfC CO
          LEGEND:

            CB-CORE BORINGS COMPOSITED OVER VARIOUS DEPTHS
            SB 301-SOIL BORINGS IN SAND TAILINGS
            SB 201 -SOIL BORINGS IN OVERBURDEN  CAP
            SB 101 401 SOIL BORINGS IN SAND/CLAY MIX
            »• PASTURE GRASS SAMPLES 12 AT EACH STATIONI
   HARDEE  SBYI
  PHOSPHATE
  COMPLEX I
(NORTH PASTURE)
              AND SOIL SAMPLEI
                                                      HARDEE PHOSPHATE
                                                         COMPLEX II
                                                       (SOUTH PASTURE)
    Figure 3.3.1-3
    LOCATIONS OF CORE BORINGS, SOILS SAMPLES, AND
    PASTURE GRASS SAMPLES COLLECTED ON  CF PROPERTY

    SOURCE: ESE, 1962.
                           U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                               Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                      CF  INDUSTRIES
                              Hardee Phosphate Complex II

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Table 3.3.1-3.  Radium-226 Analyses of Top Soil, Pasture Grass Samples,
                and Stream Sediments Collected  from  the CF  Industries
                Property

Topsoil*
Station
S-l 0.6
S-2 0.4
S-3 0.3
S-4 0.2
S-5 0.7
S-6 0.8
WQ-2
WQ-3
WQ-5
WQ-8
WQ-10
Radium-226 Content
(pCi/gr)
Pasture Grass*
Sample #1
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.1
0.06
0.03
—
—
—
—
—
Sample #2
0.2
0.04
0.1
0.04
0.2
0.09
—
—
—
—
— ™

Stream
Sediments!
— **
—
—
—
—
—
0.1
0.4
2.0
3.0
0.2
*  See Figure  3.3.1-3  for  locations  of  top soil  and  pasture grass
   stations.
T  See Figure  3.3.1-2  for  locations  of  stream sediment stations.
** —Indicates analysis  not  applicable.

Source:   ESE,  1982.
                               3-43

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Table 3.3.1-4.  Radiura-226 Analyses of Core Samples Collected From  the
                CF Industries Property
Complex II
Station*
CBI




CB2





CB3





CB4





CB5




Sample #
CB 101
CB 102

CB 103

CB 201
CB 202
CB 203

CB 204

CB 301
CB 302

CB 303
CB 304

CB 401
CB 402

CB 403
CB 404

CB 501
CB 502
CB 503
CB 504

Description
Composite Overburden
(0' to 7.51)
Leached Zone
(12. 5' to 14/5')
Matrix
(18' to 31')
Composite Overburden
(O1 to 6')
Composite Overburden
(61 to 13.5')
Leached Zone
(21. 5' to 27')
Matrix
(311 to 49')
Composite Overburden
(0' to 7.5')
Leached Zone
(9.5* to 12')
Upper Matrix
(151 to 19')
Lower Matrix
(19' to 40')
Composite Overburden
(O1 to 7.5')
Leached Zone
(12' to 16')
Upper Matrix
(16' to 22.5')
Lower Matrix
(251 to 50')
Composite Overburden
(0' to 6.5')
Composite Overburden
(6. 5' to 10. 51)
Leached Zone and Upper
(10.5* to 28')
Lower Matrix
(28' to 50')
Radium-226 Content
(pCi/g)
1
17

15

2
9
23

23

0.4
23

13
10

0.4
7

37
6

2
38
Matrix 16
6

                                3-44

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Table 3.3.1-4.  Radium-226 Analyses of Core Samples Collected From the
                CF Industries Property (Continued, Page 2 of 2)
Complex II
Station*
CB6





Reclaimed
SB1
SB2
SB3
SB4
Sample #
CB 601
CB 602

CB 603
CB 604

Areas— Complex
SB 101
SB 201
SB 301
SB 401
Radium-226 Content
Description (pCi/g)
Composite Overburden
(O1 to 7.5')
Leach Zone
(7.5' to 16')
Upper Matrix
(20' to 39')
Lower Matrix
(391 to 51.5')
I
Sand /Clay Mix
(0' to I1)
Overburden Cap
(O1 to 4.8')
Sand Tailings
(O1 to 4')
Sand/Clay Mix
(O1 to 1')
0.8
43

7
19

18
5
19
31
*See Figure 3.3.1-3 for location of sampling stations.

Source:  ESE, 1982.
                                3-45

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At all six core sample  locations  on  Hardee  Complex II,  the  upper
portions of  the overburden  (typically  0  to  6  feet  in depth) were
observed to  have low «2 pCl/g) Ra-226 concentrations  and the
concentrations increased with  depth  as is  typical  in the  central Florida
phosphate area.

In CF's Complex I sample areas, the  observed  Ra-226  concentrations
corresponded with the origin and  type  of material  sampled.   The  area
reclaimed with an overburden cap  was observed to have  the lowest
concentration and the sand/clay mix  disposal  area  to have the highest
concentration.

Ground Water
To characterize the existing Ra-226  in the  shallow aquifer, secondary
artesian aquifer, and Floridan Aquifer,  samples were collected and
analyzed routinely starting in February  1976.  A summary  of the  results
of the extensive ground water  sampling and  analysis  program is presented
in Table 3.3.1-5.

Shallow aquifer Ra-226  concentrations  were  observed  to  be low (almost
always less  than 1 pCi/L) with some  spatial and substantial temporal
variation.   Waters of the secondary  artesian  aquifer were observed  to
have the highest Ra-226 of the three aquifers.  While  some  spatial
variation was observed, the secondary  artesian aquifer  was  less
temporally variable.  In general, the  Floridan Aquifer  was  observed to
be lower in  Ra-226 as compared to the  secondary artesian  aquifer;
however, on  the western portion of the property, there  appears to be
little difference in Ra-226 levels.  Specifically,  the  results of Ra-226
analyses at  UF-4 and LF-4 show little  difference,  which indicate a  good
hydraulic connection between the  secondary  artesian  and Floridan Aquifer
in this area of the site.

Surface Water
To characterize the Ra-226 in  surface  water environment of  the CF site,
various sampling and analysis  programs have been conducted  prior to EIS
Investigations on seven surface water  stations.  As  part  of the  EIS
monitoring program, more extensive monitoring for  Ra-226  and gross  alpha
was conducted at 14 surface water stations  and 2 mine  discharge
stations.  A summary of the results  of these  historical and EIS  analyses
is presented in Table 3.3.1-6.
                                      3-46

-------
Table 3.3.1-5.  Summary of Ground Water Ra-226 and Gross Alpha Data for
                the CF Site
Well No.
SA-1
SA-2
SA-3
SA-4
SA-6
SA-8
SA-11
SA-14
SA-1 6
SA-1 7
UF-4
UF-5
UF-6
LF-4
LF-5
LF-6
PTW
DF
PW-B
PW-A

Mean
0.26
0.24
0.12
0.19
0.36
0.23
0.34
0.51
0.34
0.23
6.31
7.72
2.01
5.73
1.73
1.38
1.03
0.89
1.13
1.02
Ra-226
Min
0.03
0.13
0.01
0.01
0.28
0.01
0.34
0.51
0.34
0.04
4.61
5.82
1.23
2.89
1.04
0.58
0.35
0.16
1.13
1.02
(pCi/D*
Max
0.88
0.52
0.44
0.9
0.46
1.35
0.34
0.51
0.34
0.7
7.22
9.36
2.62
8.0
2.15
1.97
1.70
1.49
1.13
1.02

n** Gross Alpha (pCi/L)t
8 —IT
8 ——
8
Q — _
7
8
1
1
1
9 13.7
9 27.9
8
O ...
9 8.4
8
Q mmum
Q •*••
8
1 .«•
1
 *Collected February 1976 through September 1981.
 tCollected September 1981.
**n is the number of samples analyzed.
tt— indicates no data.

Sources:  CF Data, 1976-1981.
          ESE, 1985.
                                 3-47

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Table 3.3.1-6.  Summary of Ra-226 and Gross Alpha Concentrations in
                Surface Wster on CF Site
Historical Data*
Ra-226 (pCi/L)
Station
WQ-1
WQ-2
WQ-3
WQ-4
WQ-5
WQ-6
WQ-7
WQ-8
WQ-9
WQ-10
WQ-11
WQ-12
WQ-1 3
WQ-14
MDW-1
MDW-2
Mean Min Max
0.25 0.04 0.47
0.21 0.12 0.44
0.26 0.09 0.62
0.38 0.30 0.45
0.16 0.08 0.23
0.13 0.04 0.37
0.24 0.13 0.34
—
— — -_
—
—
— — —
—
__
—
—
n**
11
11
11
10
6
11
11
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
EIS Monitoringt
Ra-226 (pCi/L)
Mean
0.4
0.4
0.3
0.8
0.4
— tt
0.3
0.5
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.9
0.4
0.3
2.0
2.0
Min Max
0.2 0
<0. 1 2
<0. 1 0
<0. 1 2
<0. 1 1
—
<0. 1 0
<0. 1 2
0.2 0
O.I 1
0.1 I
0.2 1
O.I I
<0.1 0
<0. 1 3
0.6 3
.8
.0
.9
.0
.0
•
.6
.0
.3
.0
.0
.6
.0
.6
.0
.0
n
13
14
13
12
13
—
13
13
3
9
2
2
10
10
5
5
Gross Alpha
Mean Min
2
'l
1
2
2
-
1
1
2
1
1
4
1
1
10
6
.3 <1.8
.4 <1.4
.3 <0.4
.2 <1.8
.0 <1.1
-
.2 <0.6
.9 <1.2
.2 <1.3
.8 <1.5
.6 <1.3
.1 3.3
.6 <0.7
.6 <0.7
.1 6.2
.2 4.5
(pCi/L)
Max
3.
2.
2.
3.
9.
—
3.
4.
4.
4.
2.
4.
3.
4.
12.
9.
9
8
4
9
8

6
8
6
4
6
9
0
5
4
2
n
13
14
13
13
13
—
13
13
3
9
2
2
10
10
5
5
 *Collected January 1976 through March 1981
 tCollected July 1981 through June 1982.
**n ia the number of samples collected.
tt— indicates no data.

Sources:  CF, 1976-1981.
          ESE, 1985.
                                 3-48

-------
The Florida Department of Environmental  Regulation (FDER)  water  quality
standard  for total radium (Ra-226  plus Ra-228)  is  5 pCi/L.   In
evaluating the observed Ra-226  levels with  respect to  this  standard,  it
is important to consider the  presence (or  potential presence) of Ra-228.
Radium-228 is first decay daughter  in the  thorium-232  decay series  and
is not associated with the  previously discussed  U-238  decay series.
Based upon data by EPA (1975) and  Windham  (1974),  the  uranium content of
the material of the phosphate deposits may  be  as much  as  100 times
greater than the thorium content.   Therefore,  if Ra-226 were observed at
the 5 pCi/L level in the site area,  Ra-228  would be present only at
approxiately 0.05 pCi/L.

Based upon this analysis, Ra-226 levels  observed in the  surface  water
are compared directly with  the  total radium standard of  5  pCi/L.  All
surface water and mine discharge Ra-226 measurements were  observed  to be
less than 5 pCi/L.  All surface water and mine discharge concentrations
for gross alpha were observed to be  less than  the  FDER water quality
standard of 15 pCi/L.

3.3.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES  OF THE ALTERNATIVES
3.3.2.1  THE ACTION ALTERNATIVES,  INCLUDING CF  INDUSTRIES'  PROPOSED
           ACTION
The proposed mining and beneficiation of phosphate matrix  and the
subsequent reclamation of disturbed  lands have  the potential to  increase
direct human exposure to naturally occurring radioactivity. The
different operations and processes can increase  exposure by allowing
gaseous and particulate radioactive materials  to become  airborne or by
increasing the potential of ground water and surface water  radioactive
contamination through leaching  and  suspension  by runoff.   A description
of the radiation-related impacts associated with the action alternatives
is presented in this section.

Dragline Mining (CF Industries' Proposed Action)
During dragline mining the  overburden is stripped  away in  order  to
uncover the phosphate matrix.   The  shallow  overburden  exhibits radiation
                                3-49

-------
levels ranging from 0.4 to 2 pCi/g Ra-226, whereas  the deep  overburden
ranges from 9 to 38 pCi/g.  As the overburden  is moved,  the  deep
overburden is mixed with the shallow overburden, resulting  in  a dilution
of the higher radioactive deep overburden.

CF plans to bury the leach zone material at .the base of  the  mined-out
pits during the mining operations.  The  leach  zone  is  generally  the  most
radioactive of any materials above the phosphate matrix,  11  to 57  times
more radioactive than the shallow overburden  (based on the  six core
analyses on the CF site).  CF's proposed action to  bury  the  leach  zone
material would minimize the impact of redistributing  the  naturally
occurring radionuclides during mining and would reduce the  surface
radiation of the reclaimed areas.

Mixing deep overburden with shallow overburden generally results  in
relatively higher radioactivity at the post-mining  ground surface.
Results of analyses on cores in overburden  from CF's  Complex 1 reclaimed
mining areas indicated a Ra-226 content  of  about  5  pCi/g, about  5  times
greater than the radiation levels  for the  shallow  overburden in  unmined
areas of the existing site.

Some dewatering of the mine is necessary for  dragline  stability  and
safety.  This dewatering is not considered  to  have  a major  radiological
consequence.  Prince  (1977) measured  the radiation  in  the vicinity of an
operating dragline to be about 5 raicro-roentgens/hour  (uR/hr)  which  is
slightly greater than the baseline radiation  (3.3  uR/hr)  estimated for
the proposed CF site.  Both values represent  a low radiological  exposure
to mine operations personnel.

The exposure to Rn-222 and  its  short-lived  daughters  is  expressed  as
working level (WL) concentrations  for determining  radiation standards.
These radon  progeny  levels were  found  to be low (0.0004  WL) in actively
mined areas which can be compared  to  radon  progeny levels inside
slab-on-grade homes  on unmined  lands  in  the area  (0.001  to 0.032 WL).
                                 3-50

-------
Conventional Matrix Processing  (CF  Industries'  Proposed  Action)
The beneficiation processes  will  result  in  some redistribution of
radioactivity from the matrix as  the waste  sand and  clay are  separated
from the phosphate product and  used  for  reclamation.   The typical  Ra-226
concentrations of major products  and mineral wastes  from phosphate
raining activities are presented  in  Table 3.3.2-1.   The data  indicate
that Ra-226 concentrations measured  at the  CF  site  are generally higher
than those measured at nearby mines.  The average  contents  (expressed  as
percent of matrix) of the different  components  of  the  matrix  on the  CF
property are:
     Washer Plant
     Pebble:  8.51%
     Waste clays:  19.38%
     Flotation Feed
     Concentrate:  10.97%
     Sand tailings:  61.14%

The external gamma radiation levels  in beneficiation plants  were  found
by Prince (1977) to be about twice  the natural  background levels.  A
work-station survey indicated occupancy  factors in  beneficiation  plants
to be low enough to reduce annual exposures  to  insignificant  levels.
Radiological impacts to operating personnel  at  the  plant should be
minimal since the radon progeny  levels in the  plant  (0.0007 WL) were
below the levels reported for slab-on-grade  structures on unmined  land.

Wet rock storage and transfer tunnels (located  under  wet rock piles)
have been found  to be the most  serious radiological  hazard  areas.
Working level measurements at 11  sites yielded  levels  between 0.0007 WL
and 0.096 WL.  Even though an occupational  time-place  study  indicated  a
low occupancy factor for such tunnels, Prince  (1977)  recommends that all
tunnels be mechanically ventilated  and also  be  classified as  limited
access for personnel.  With  properly ventilated tunnels, workers  should
not experience adverse occupational  exposures.   Prince (1977) also found
wet rock storage piles to yield gamma radiation at  an  average rate of
                                 3-51

-------
Table 3.3.2-1.  Comparison of  Ra-226 Concentrations (pCi/g) of Mining and Beneficiation Materials from Several Mines with
                Materials  from CF Site




u>
Ol
N>
Source Material
Dragline Mining:
Overburden
Matrix
Washer Plant:
Pebble Product
Waste Clays
Flotation Feed:
Concentrate Product
Sand Tailings


Various Mines^
0.5-7
30 (12-84)

57 (45-97)
32 (10-73)

35 (26-50)
5.2 (1.7-12)

Ra-226 Concentration (pCi/g)
Farmland2
— *
10.8 (6.8-22)

31 (30-32)
9.9 (3.2-27)

24 (21-28)
1 (0.8-1.4)

Mobil3 MX4 CF5
— — 5 (0.4-38)
16.4 5.5 6-37

37.1 15.6 —
22.4 5.1 —

32.3 15.6 —
3.9 0.8 19

* —Indicates no data.

Sources:  1Rpessler et al_., 1978.
          2u.S. EPA, May 1981.
          Su.S. EPA, September  1981.
            .S. EPA, Ajgust 1981.
              , 1982.

-------
67 uR/hr.  However, the  annual  exposure  to  an  individual  was  found to be
insignificant  since the  occupancy factors around such piles are
extremely small.  The  level  of  gamma  radiation was  found  to be low in
areas where  the occupancy  factor  was  high.

Sand and Clay Waste Disposal
Sand-Clay Mixing  (CF  Industries'  Proposed Action)
CF Industries' plan will result in 9,083 acres (61  percent) of sand/clay
mix land, 2,213 acres  (15  percent)  of sand  tailings fill  areas with
overburden cap, 2,399  acres  (16 percent)  of rained-out areas for land-and-
lakes, and 1,230  acres (8  percent)  of overburden fill areas and
disturbed natural ground.  The  sand/clay mix from Hardee  Complex II
should be similar to  the mix material in Hardee Complex I with respect
to Ra-226 content.  Two  sand/clay mix samples  were  collected  from
Hardee Complex I disposal  areas and  found to contain 18 and 31 pCi/g
Ra-226.  These values  can  be compared with  the average surface
overburden Ra-226 concentration (0.95 pCi/g) from samples collected on
Hardee Complex II.  The  final sand/clay  mix land forms will actually
exist in three forms:  wetlands,  uncapped sand/clay mix,  and  sand/clay
mix capped with overburden.  The  three forms will exhibit different
radiation levels.  The water in the wetlands should decrease  radiation
exposure caused by the Ra-226 in  the  sand/clay mix.  The  overburden cap,
because of its lower Ra-226  content,  will also decrease radiation
exposure of  the sand/clay  mix in  areas where it is  applied.

As indicated previously, the rest of  the  CF property will exist with
overburden at the surface  in four overburden land forms:   overburden
cap, land-and-lakes, overburden fill,  and disturbed natural ground.  A
sample of overburden cap material from CF's Hardee  Complex I  was found
to contain an Ra-226 concentration of 5  pCi/g.   The land  forms
associated with overburden will be expected to also have  low  Ra-226
concentrations, with some  exceptions.  The  exceptions will be due to the
                                3-53

-------
chance occurrence at the surface of  small  amounts  of  deep  overburden
(38 pCi/g Ra-226) that was not mixed  or diluted  during  the mining
process.

The sand/clay mix plan would result  in generally higher radon flux rates
than for unmined land.  Based on the  published  relationships  between
Ra-226 and radon flux (Roessler et^ al^., 1978),  the radon flux from the
uncapped sand/clay mix areas is expected  to  average
8.0 pCi/meter -second(pCi/m -s) with  a range from a negligible
amount to 10 pCi/ra -s, depending on  the moisture content of the
sand/clay mix and the thickness of the overburden cap.   The flooded
areas will have minimal radon diffusion from the ground because of
shielding by water, whereas the drier uncapped  sand/clay mix  areas
should exhibit the highest diffusion  (15  pCi/m  -s).  The estimated
radon flux from the sand/clay mix  areas with a  2-foot overburden cap,
using the bi-layer diffusion model  (Roessler et_ al_.,  1978) is
6.5 pCi/ra -s.  These numbers can be  compared with the radon flux
                                                     f%
diffusion calculated for the unmined  area (0.5  pCi/m -s).   The
reclaimed overburden land forms should generally have radon fluxes of
approximately 1.7 pCi/tn -s; however,  because of the random
distribution of the deep overburden material that  may occur at the
surface, radon flux may be as high as 13  pCi/m  -s.

Terrestrial gamma radiation levels can be predicted from the  Ra
concentration of the sand/clay mix materials (Ardaman & Associates,
1981).  The sand/clay mix materials,  if similar to the  sand/clay mix
from Hardee Complex I, can be predicted to result in terrestrial gamma
radiation of 27 uR/hr.  In the areas  where the  sand/clay mix  is flooded
or buried by overburden cap, the terrestrial gamma radiation will be
expected to be somewhat less.  The other  land forms may result in gamma
radiation as high as 34 uR/hr where  the deep overburden material
randomly occurs at the surface, 25 uR/hr  where  sand tailings  are exposed
at the surface, and 15 uR/hr for the  different  overburden land forms.
These numbers can be compared with the background yearly dosage
(27 mrem/yr) as measured over 7 years on  this site, which is
                              3-54

-------
equivalent to 3.3 uR/hr.  A summary of  the radiological  characteristics
for the disposal areas  is presented  in  Table  3.3.2-2.

Conventional Sand and Clay Waste Disposal
Conventional sand and clay waste disposal would  result  in  the  formation
of approximately 10,000 acres of above-grade  clay  disposal  areas.   The
other 4,000 acres would exist as one  of the  four overburden land  forms
described previously.   Based on averages  for  phosphate mines  (Roessler,
et_ jil_., 1978), the clay waste areas would exhibit  higher radiation
emissions (32 pCi/g Ra-226, 16 pCi/m^-s radon flux,  and  30.2 uR/hr
gamma radiation) than the sand/clay mix areas.   These values can  be
compared  to the pre-mine conditions  (0.95 pCi/g  Ra-226,  0.5 pCi/m2-s
radon flux, and 3.31 uR/hr gamma radiation).   The  overburden  land forms
would have radiation emissions similar  to  those  emissions  if  the
sand/clay mix disposal  plan was implemented.

Sand/Clay Cap Plan
If the sand/clay cap plan were implemented,  the  differences relative to
radiation exposure would involve only the  sand/clay  cap  areas.   The
overburden land forms such as the  land-and-lakes overburden,  overburden
fill, overburden capped sand tailings,  and disturbed natural  ground
areas would not be expected to differ in radiation exposure from these
same land forms if the  sand/clay mix  plan were implemented.  The
radiation exposure on the sand/clay  capped  areas would  be similar to the
sand/clay mix areas as  described previously.   The  sand/clay cap would
be thick  enough to attenuate some  of  the radiation from the underlying
clays.  The buried clays would be  more  likely to have increased moisture
than clays at the  surface.  When clays  have  greater  than 16 percent
moisture, diffusion of  radon is insignificant (Bolch, personal
communication,  1985).   The  increased  water  content would, therefore,
trap some gamma radiation.

The difference  in  radiation  levels expected  would be due to a smaller
area of sand/clay mix capped by overburden  in the  sand/clay cap plan.
                               3-55

-------
             Table 3.3.2-2.  Predicted Radiological Characteristics  for Disposal Areas Compared  to Existing Top Soil

Land Types
Sand/Clay Mix
Sand Tailings
Overburden Fill
Top Soil
(Existing)

Reclaimed
Acreage
9,083
2,213
1,230



Soil
Ra-226
(pCi/g)
24.5
19
5

0.95

Radon Flux (pCi/m?-s )
Without Top With 2' Top
Soil Soil Cap
8.0 6.5
6.3 4.2
1.7 1.3

0.5 —
Terrestrial
Gamma
Radiation
(uR/hr)
27
25
15

3.3

Working
Without TOD
Soil
0.023
0.020
0.011

0.006

(WL)
With 2' Top
Soil Cap
0.021
0.017
0.010

—
I
Ul
Source:  ESE, 1985.

-------
During the final reclamation stages,  the  clay  pond  dikes  (constructed
from overburden material) would  be  leveled  and spread  over  some of the
sand/clay cap.  This differs from CF's  sand/clay  mix plan in  that  the
numerous overburden spoil piles  throughout  the sand/clay  mix  areas would
be spread during final reclamation, resulting  in  a  more complete
overburden cover. With larger  areas of  uncovered  sand/clay  mix, there
would be a greater radiation exposure than  associated  with  the  proposed
sand/clay mix plan.

Reclamation
Three land use scenarios are most probable  for the  proposed mine after
reclamation:  (1) construction of private or commercial developments,
(2) farmland, or (3) natural systems.   Any  radiation-related  impacts to
human beings would potentially be greatest  in  the developed areas  and
the farmlands.

Developed Land
Roessler e£_ jJL_. (1978) proposed  three equations to  predict  indoor
Ra-progeny WL standards for dwellings on  reclaimed  mined  lands.  The
equations used /, Rn-flux, and soil-Ra  concentrations  to  calculate
indoor WL.  The WLs predicted  from  these  equations  were  found to be
poorly correlated to actual measured  indoor WLs.  Due  to  these  ooor
correlations, the most current (January 1985)  proposed environmental
radiation standards regulations  will  depend on actual  measured  indoor
WLs in dwellings built on reclaimed mined lands.  The  proposed  standards
include gamma radiation in dwellings  of 20  uR/hr  and  an annual  average
radon decay product concentration of  0.02 WL  (including background).
Dwellings that do not meet the standards  will  not be  approved for
occupancy.

The indoor WL equations can still be  used to  compare estimated  indoor
radon WL to background conditions,  with an  understanding  of the
possibility of extreme variability  of these estimates.
                               3-57

-------
The  sand/clay  mix  land  forms  are not as suitable as the overburden areas
for  residential  development.   The indoor WL (as calculated  from  radon
flux values) is  predicted  to  be as high as 0.023 WL for the sand/clay
mix  areas.   If the dwellings  were built with a 2-foot thick topsoil cap
ever the  sand/clay mix,  the estimated indoor WL would be reduced to
0.021.  The  overburden  land  forms are more desirable building sites and
are estimated  to have an indoor WL of 0.011 on overburden in land-and-
lakes or  on  overburden  fill  areas.  Sand tailings fill land forms,
capped with  2  feet  of topsoil,  are estimated to have a WL of 0.017.  A
summary of  the WL's for the  reclaimed areas is presented in
Table 3.3.2-2.

Agricultural Lands
The radiation-related  impacts from farm soils would be indirect, through
the consumption  of crops or  livestock products.  Information on  crop and
livestock uptake of radionuclides on previously mined soils is limited.
Bolch (U.S.  EPA, 1979)  conducted a limited study on squash.  He  found no
increaje  in  radionuclide uptake for squash grown on mined land versus
squash grown on  unmined land.

Natural Systems
The majority of  the reclaimed land remaining to develop into natural
systems will be  wetlands.  Radiation exposures to human beings in these
areas would  actually  be minimized by the water at or above ground
surface.  As these  wetlands dry out during a drought, the exposure
levels would probably  increase.

3.3.2.2   THE NO  ACTION  ALTERNATIVE
If the proposed  mine  site  were to remain in its current state, the
expected  outdoor gamma  radiation levels and the Rn-222 flux would be
lower than those levels expected to occur during and after raining and
reclamation.   Buildings on undisturbed land would have lower indoor
concentrations of  Rn-222 and  progeny than buildings on mined land.   The
occupational radiation  exposures  to  miners and beneficiation plant
operators would be  avoided.
                                       3-58

-------
                            3.4  GROUND WATER
3.4.1  THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
3.4.1.1  GROUND WATER QUANTITY
The lithologic formations  in Hardee County  can be  grouped  into  three
major hydrogeologic units:  the shallow  or  water table  aquifer,  the
secondary artesian aquifer, and the Floridan Aquifer.   In  general,  the
shallow aquifer system  is  highly variable and  is typically capable of
yielding small quantities  of water.   This aquifer  is  utilized primarily
for domestic supplies or other low-volume uses.  The  secondary  artesian
aquifer is locally capable of  yielding  relatively  large quantities  of
water. However, the major  water source  in Hardee County is the  Floridan
Aquifer.  The  following discussion of regional hydrogeologic  conditions
focuses on the Floridan Aquifer.

The Floridan Aquifer consists  primarily  of  Tertiary limestones  and  dolo-
mites.  The limestone and  dolomite units vary  widely  in hydrogeologic
properties and typically yield large  quantities  of water.   Yields of
5,000 gallons  per minute (gpm) are common.   However,  yield and  quality
can vary significantly  with depth  and location due to the  presence  of
various lower  permeability rocks and  clays  separating the  limestone
units.

Local recharge to the Floridan Aquifer  occurs  primarily by leakage  from
the overlying hydrogeologic units  in  areas  where confining layers are
absent.  Confining layers  may be absent  due to depositional processes or
breaching of the low permeability  layers by sinkholes.   Recharge can
also occur in  areas where  the  potentiometric surface  of the Florida
Aquifer is significantly lower than that of the  overlying  hydrogeologic
units.  Discharges from the Floridan  Aquifer occur in wells,  springs,
and seeps as well as upward leakage in  areas where the  potentiometric
surface of the Floridan Aquifer  is significantly greater than the
overlying hydrogeologic units.

The potentiometric surface of  the  Floridan  Aquifer varies  seasonally
dependent upon the rates of recharge  and discharge.  Water levels in  the
                                      3-59

-------
Floridan  Aquifer  are  normally lowest  at  the end of the dry season in
late April.  The  levels  generally rise during the wet season from May
through September  and  remain  stable  through October.   With the cessation
of  rainfall, the  Floridan  Aquifer water  levels begin  a sharp decline.
The timing and  extent  of  these seasonal  fluctuations  in water levels
vary from year  to  year due to annual  variations in recharge and
discharge.

Ground water is present  to some degree in each of the geologic forma-
tions underlying  the  CF  site  in northwestern Hardee County.  Some of the
formations are  capable of  yielding significantly larger amounts of water
than others.  There are  two minor aquifers  within the upper 375 feet of
sediment  at the site:  the shallow aquifer  consisting of undifferenti-
ated clastic material  and  the secondary  artesian aquifer consisting of
limestone material within  the Miocene Hawthorn Formation.  These two
aquifers  are separated by  a confining bed of less permeable material
which tends to  retard  movement of water  between the aquifers.

At depths between  approximately 400  feet  and 1,700 feet in the vicinity
of  the site, several  geologic formations  apparently function as a single
hydrologic unit.   This interval consists  of limestone and dolomite beds
of  the Tampa, Suwannee,  Ocala,  Avon Park, and Lake City formations.
These units constitute the Floridan Aquifer.   The Floridan Aquifer is
the principal source  of  ground water  supplies throughout the region.
The stratigraphic  relationships of aquifers and confining beds at the CF
site are  sunmarized in Figure 3.4.1-1.  A detailed explanation of the
chart and the logs shown therein is contained in the  Consumptive Use
Application Supporting Report (1975).

Shallow Aquifer
The shallow aquifer beneath the site  ranges in thickness from 5 feet to
40  feet with an average  thickness of  approximately 30 feet.  The aquifer
consists of fine  sand  and  clay with some  coarse sand, gravel, and shell
material.  The  shallow aquifer  is separated from the  limestone beds of
                                     3-60

-------
Cf
T'
0
zoo
400
CM
+
_J
v>
z
** 600
u
o
u.
K
3
cn
O
•x.
o BOO
K
(9
%
O
Id

-------
the Hawthorn Formation by a low-permeability confining  layer.   According
to the CUP (1975), three wells on the Hardee Complex  II  site  tap  the
shallow aquifer; all three wells are  for domestic  supply.

Pump tests were conducted as a part of  the Consumptive Use  Permit
Application on 18 shallow wells shown in Figure  3.4.1-2.  Pumping  rates
during the tests ranged from less than  2 gpm to  more  than 50 gpm.
Specific capacities, a function of aquifer characteristics  and  well
efficiencies, varied from less than 0.1 to about 3.6  gallons  per minute
per foot (gpm/ft) of drawdown.  Transmissivities,  calculated  from  draw-
down, recovery, and specific capacity data, ranged  from  less  than  200  to
about 20,000 gallons per day per foot (gpd/ft) and  averaged about
3,000 gpd/ft.

Storage coefficients calculated from drawdown data  indicate that  the
shallow aquifer varies from water table to artesian conditions  over  the
site area; 3 x 10~* at SA-11; to 2 x  10~8 at SA-15.  This range
of conditions is a result of discontinuous confining  beds and other
naturally occurring variations in lithology over the  site.

From 1976 to present, water level recorders were maintained by  CF  on
seven shallow aquifer wells, five of  which are in  the study area  (Hardee
Complex II) (SA-6, SA-8, SA-10, SA-15,  and SA-17);  and  two  are  in  the
existing mine site (Hardee Complex I) (SA-1 and  SA-3).   The hvdrographs
from the shallow aquifer recorders for  the EIS study  period are shown  in
Figure 3.4.1-3.  These hydrographs indicate that from July  1981 through
June 1982, levels in the shallow aquifer varied  by as much  as 8 feet  in
SA-10 and about 4.5 feet at SA-8 and  SA-17.  The large  increase in
levels in most of the wells in early  and late August  1981 is  the  result
of heavy rainfall of about 3 inches and 4 inches on August  3-4  and
August 20-24, 1981, respectively.

The differences between individual wells with  respect to the  range of
water level  fluctuations and response to rainfall  probably  result  from
                                      3-62

-------
-
*
                                                                                                             POLK CO

                                                                                                            HARDEt CO
HILLSBOROUGH CO

  ~uTnAT[f CO
         fCEHO

           SUifACC WATCH UOMITOKING STiflOM 1*01
          A *AIM C1UGC 111
               SHtilO* AOUIF[*
            ur = sccOHDAfir
            i F t fl OR ID* 
-------
CF fix O'/liMS
            120-
          W
          IU
          >
          cc
          UJ
            100 -
             90-
             8O
                 JULY ' AUG ' SEPT '  OCT  ' NOV ' DEC ' JAN
                           1981
MONTHS
FEB  ' MAR I APRIL ' MAY I JUNE

       1982
                                                                                GROUND  SURFACE
                                                                                ELEVATIONS
Figure 3.4.1-3
HYDROGRAPHS OF SHALLOW AQUIFER WELLS ON
CF PROPERTY, JULY 1981 THROUGH JUNE 1982

SOURCES: CF MINING CORPORATION. 1982; ESE. 1982.
                           U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                               Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                     CF INDUSTRIES
                              Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
variations in the Lithology of the shallow  aquifer  and on-site  rainfall
distribution.  The high water levels at the continuous recorders  on
Hardee Complex II ranged from 0 to 2 feet below ground surface  during
September 1981.  The low water levels occurred in July 1981 and ranged
from 4 to 9 feet below ground surface.

Secondary Artesian Aquifer
The secondary artesian aquifer at the CF Hardee County site consists of
approximately 250 feet of alternating limestone and clay within the
Hawthorn Formation.  Examination of well cuttings and gamma-ray logs
from wells drilled on-site indicates that in most places the  secondary
artesian aquifer is overlain by clay beds at  the base of the  shallow
undifferentiated elastics.  At the DF well  in  the cluster  area, the
thickness of the overlying clays is about 30  feet.  About  50  feet of
basal Hawthorn or upper Tampa clays separate  the water-bearing  zones in
the Hawthorn Formation from the underlying  Floridan Aquifer.

During the CUP investigations, static water levels  in the  Hawthorn
differed by as much as 25 feet when both UF-2  and UF-3 were  at  approxi-
mately the same depth.  The reason for  this difference  in  water levels
is not well defined but could be due to differences  in well  construc-
tion, water-bearing zones within the Hawthorn  having different  water
levels, or possible fracturing in the area.

There waa a wide range of results from  pump tests conducted  in  Wells
UF-3 and UF-2 suggesting that there may be  appreciable differences in
water-bearing characteristics of individual zones within the  secondary
artesian aquifer.  For example, pumping rates  in tests of  UF-3  and UF-2
were 3.5 gpm and 80 gpm, respectively.  Specific capacity  was less than
0.5 gpra/ft at UF-3 and transmisaivity ranged  from 120 gpd/ft  in the UF-3
test to 3,000 gpd/ft in the UF-2 test.  After  the pump tests  were
completed, UF-2 was deepened and is now also  in the Floridan  Aquifer.  A
representative value for transmissivity of  the secondary artesian at the
CF site is most likely about 1,000 gpd/ft.
                                      3-65

-------
Water level recorders have been maintained  since January 1976 by CF on
four wells in the secondary artesian aquifer,  three  of which are in the
study area (i.e., UF-3, UF-4, and UF-6)  and one  well (UF-5)  located on
CF's existing mine site.  The hydrographs  from these wells for the
period July 1981 through June 1982  are  shown in  Figure 3.4.1-4.  These
hydrographs indicate that during the year,  levels in the secondary
artesian varied only 7  feet at UF-3 and  as  much  as 18 feet at Wells UF-5
and UF-6.

At the base of the shallow aquifer  and  overlying the limestone of the
Hawthorn Formation is an interval of clay material averaging about 30
feet thick.  This material acts as  a confining layer for water in the
underlying artesian aquifer and also serves to retard downward movement
of water from the shallow aquifer.

The effectiveness of the clay as a  confining layer is indicated by
comparing secondary artesian wells  with  nearby wells in the  shallow
aquifer.  On the east and west side of  the  study area, the difference
between the water levels in the two aquifers was about ^2 feet in early
July and decreased to about 47 feet in  late September on an  annual
basis.  However, at UF-3 the water  level was found to be about 20 feet
below the shallow aquifer during the entire year.  Although  the reason
for the difference in the water levels  between UF-3  and the  other
secondary artesian aquifer wells is not  well defined, the water levels
in UF-3 appear to respond more closely  to  the  shallow aquifer water
level fluctuations than do the other UF wells.

Floridan Aquifer
The Floridan Aquifer is more than  1,300  feet thick at the CF site.  This
aquifer consists of limestone and dolomite  beds  of the Tampa, Suwannee,
Ocala, Avon Park, and Lake City Formations  and is confined above by the
clays at the base of the Hawthorn  and  the  upper  part of the  Tarapa
Formations.
                                       3-66

-------
CF US 02/15/85
               100-1
               90-
T*
cr>
             (O
             i
             _i
             UJ
             UJ  70-
             _l
             oc
             UJ

                                                  -Uf?
                                                                                  TOTAL DEPTH
                                                                                     WELL

                                                                                      UF-3
                                                                                      UF-4
                                                                                      UF-5
                                                                                      UF-6
DEPTH FT"

 375
 418
 360
 385
                60-1
                50 'jULY  ' AUG  ' SEPT ' OCT ' NOV '  DEC  ' JAN  ' FEB ' MAR 'APRIL1 MAY ' JUNE

                                            MONTHS
 Figure 3.4.1-4
 HYDROGRAPHS OF SECONDARY ARTESIAN AQUIFER WELLS
 ON CF PROPERTY, JULY 1981 THROUGH JUNE 1982

 SOURCE: ESE. 1982.
                                                                        U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                                                            Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                                  CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                           Hardee Phosphate Complex  II

-------
Although the entire aquifer seems  to behave  as  an  interconnected  hydro-
logic unit, there were minor differences measured  in  the  potentiometric
head between the Avon Park and Lake City Limestones during  CUP investi-
gations, suggesting the presence of a semi-confining  bed  within  the
aquifer.

An aquifer test of the Tampa Formation was conducted  to evaluate  its
water-bearing characteristics and  the nature of  the overlying  confining
beds.  Static water levels taken prior to  testing  indicated  a  similar
potentiometric head to that of the underlying Suwannee  Limestone  but  a
significant difference from that of the overlying  Hawthorn.   For  this
reason, the Tampa Formation was  included within  the Floridan Aquifer  at
the site.

Pump tests were also conducted on  each of  the other water-bearing zones
of the Floridan Aquifer.  Several  short-term airlift  tests  and flowmeter
surveys were conducted to determine aquifer  characteristics in the
Suwannee Limestone, Ocala Group, Avon Park Limestone, and Lake City
Limestone.  A large-scale pump test (6 days)  and recovery test (6 days)
were conducted on the Avon Park  Limestone  and dolomite.   Thirty-eight
observation wells were used to monitor  zones in the  shallow aquifer,  the
Hawthorn Formation, the Tampa Formation, and the Suwannee,  Avon Park,
and Lake City Limestones.

The results of the series of ourap  tests  and  flowmeter surveys conducted
in the Floridan Aquifer during the CUP  investigations showed a signifi-
cant difference in the water-yielding potential  or permeability of the
various units.  Table 3.4.1-1 is a summary of  the  physical  and hydro-
logical properties of the aquifer  and confining beds  at the CF Hardee
County phosphate project area.

Based upon the large-scale pump  test  (6  days) data collected on the
productive test well and analyses  completed, the following  conclusions
have been  reached:
                                       3-68

-------
            Table 3.4.1-1.  Summary of Aquifer and Confining Bed Characteristics

Aquifers
and 1
Confining Beds
Shallow Aquifer
(undif ferentiated
clastic deposits)
First Confining Bed
(basal undifferen-
tiated elastics/
upper Hawthorn)
Secondary Artesian
Aquifer (Hawthorn
Formation) 	
Second Confining
Bed (basal Hawthorn
clays)

Floridan Aquifer
Tampa Formation
Sand/Clay Uni
Suwannee Lime-
stone
Oca la Group
Avon Park Lime-
stone
Dolomite Unit

Lake City Lime-
Stone
Physical Properties
'hickness
(feet)
40
30
250
50
60
35
210
270
90
230
330
107 +
Depth
(feet below
ground
surface)
0-40
40-70
70-320
320-370
370-430
430-465
465-675
675-945
945-1035
1035-1265
1265-1595
1595-1702+
Dominant
Lithic
Type
Clay with
Sand
Clay
Limestone
with Clay
Clay with
Limestone
Limestone
Sand/Clay
Limestone
Limestone
Limestone
Dolomite
Limestone/
Dolomite
Limestone
Hydrological Properties
Representa-
tive Transmis-
ivity
(GPD/ft)
3000
- x< ' '^
1000

3000
30,000-
50,000
12,000
25,000
>2, 000, 000

1.400
Storage
co-
efficient
10"8 to
lo-1
^*'^ ^%
•" t *" «. <
' :^> :•
10"5 to
io-3
* *'*• C


10~3 to
IO-2

Static Water
Level. (12/75)
Ft above MSL)
118
> ^ * *"*
89
•
45
45
45
45
45-
Vertical
iydraulic
Gradient
(ft/ft)
v
.9

.9
i .


Hor izontal
Hydraul ic
Gradient
(ft/ft)
variable



. 0002
a\
              Source:  CF Mining Corporation, 1976.

-------
     1.  The Avon Park dolomite is very much anisotropic  such  chat a
         "permeable zone" trends west-northwest between  the  test  well
         cluster and an area about 0.5-mile north of LF-4.
     2.  The highly permeable zone probably controls potantiemetrie
         water level contours.  This  is illustrated by water  level
         contours plotted for Hardee  County (Wilson, 1975).
     3.  Identical Suwannee water  level responses at the  cluster
         indicate that the "highly permeable" zone penetrated  by  PTW  is
         greater than 1,200 feet thick.
     4.  The Floridan Aquifer includes geologic formations  from  the Lake
         City Limestone up through the Tampa Formations  indicated by
         pumping water level responses in these formations.   The  total
         thickness exceeds 1,300 feet.
     5.  A confining bed exists between the Floridan Aquifer  and
         secondary artesian aquifer  as indicated by Hawthorn  water
         levels monitored during the  PTW pumping test.
     6.  Transmissivities of the Avon Park dolomite may  range from  less
         than 500,000 to more than 20,000,000 gpd/ft on  an  areal  basis.
         The storage coefficient is believed to be in the order of 0.001
         to 0.01.  A leakage value for confining beds bounding the
         Floridan Aquifer was not  calculated based upon  the PTW  pumping
         test.
     7.  Determination of pumping  levels for pumping rates  other  than
         5,700 gpm can be extrapolated directly from plots  of the pump
         test data.

Water  level recorders have been maintained since January 1Q76 by  CF on
5 wells in  the Floridan Aquifer.   One of these wells is  in  Complex  I
(LF-5), and the remaining four wells  are on Complex II (LF-1,  LF-4,
LF-6,  and OF).  The hydrographs from  LF-1, LF-4, and LF-6 for the period
from July 1981 through June 1982 are  shown in Figure 3.4.1-5.  LF-5 was
not included on the figure because its water level was nearly identical
(within 1 foot) of LF-6.  The water  level  for Well DF was between the
water  levels recorded at LF-1 and  LF-4 for the entire year.
                                     3-70

-------
      CF CIS 02/TS/S5
                   80-|
CO
                                                                                        TOTAL DEPTH

                                                                                        WELL    DEPTH (FT)
                                                                                         LF-1
                                                                                         LF-4
                                                                                         LF-6
                                                               1200
                                                               1103
                                                               1027
                       JULY   AUG
SEPT ' OCT  ' NOV
~T DEC '  JAN

  MONTHS
                                                             FEB ' MAR 'APRIL' MAY  'JUNE
       Figure 3.4.1-5
       HYDROGRAPHS OF FLORIDAN WELLS ON CF COMPLEX II,
       JULY 1981 THROUGH JUNE 1982

      SOURCES: CF MINING CORPORATION. 1981-1982; ESE, 1982.
                                          U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                              Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                    CF INDUSTRIES
                                             Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
The hydrographs  indicated  that during  the  study period,  levels in the
Floridan Aquifer fluctuated about  21 feet.   The highest  level  was at
LF-6 (63 feet MSL) and the lowest  at LF-4  (30  feet  MSL).   The  gradient
of the potentiometric surface across the property  is  about 1  ft/mile
pitching downward in the southwestern  direction.

The ground water monitoring of the  potentiometric  surface  in  the
shallow, secondary artesian, and Floridan  Aquifer  from July 1981  through
June 1982 indicated that the head  difference between  the  shallow  and
Floridan aquifers has a downward vertical  gradient.   In  July  1981,  the
head difference was as high as 87  feet  on  the  western portion  of  the
site and about 71 feet on  the eastern  portion.   The  smallest  difference
between the potentiometric surfaces of  the  shallow and deep aquifers
occurred in September 1981 when the shallow aquifer  was  approximately
65 feet above the Floridan Aquifer.  Even  though a downward gradient
exists on the site, the results of the  CUP pump tests indicate that no
measurable leakance occurs in the  site  area.   This  is attributable  to
the confining beds between the aquifers.

An inventory of water wells was conducted  to determine the location,
depth, and other pertinent information about water  wells  in the vicinity
of the project site.  A summary of water well  data  is presented in
Table 3.4.1-2, Inventory of Wells  in the Vicinity  of CF  Industries'
Hardee County Phosphate Project Site (CF Industries,  Inc.  1975).   Well
locations are shown on Figure 3.4.1-6.

3.4.1.2  GROUND WATER QUALITY
Variations in ground water quality occur over  the  site under  natural
conditions.  Agriculture, mining,  chemical  processing, and the over-
pumping of public-supply wells have resulted in local degradation of
some areas through contamination.   The EPA Draft  Areawide  Environmental
Impact Statement (1978) presents an overview of the  ground water  quality
in the region.  The following section  presents  summaries  of descriptions
                                      3-72

-------
Table 3.4.1-2.  Inventory of Wells  In the Vicinity of OF Industries Hardee (bunty Phosphate Project Site
Well
Number*
HA-1

HA-2

HA-3
HA-4

HA-5

HA-6
HA-7

HA-8

HA-9


HA-10


HA-11

HA-12


HA-13

HA-14

HA-1 5
HA-16

location
N27°36'5"
E82°2I48"
N27034'7"
E82°2'55"
N27°34'U"
N27°35130"
EB2°0I53"
Sec. 10
T33S R23E
N27°3ri2"
N27°36'20"
E81°58'38"
N27°35'44"
E81°59'4"
N27°35'43M
E81°59'r
SW 1/4
Sec 23
T33S R23E
IE 1/4
Sec 12
T33S R23E
N27'35'45"
E81°57'2"
NW 1/4
Sec 20
T33S R24E
N27°35'47"
E81°56'13"
N27°35'48"
Sec 5
T34S R24E
Depth
900

1,062

1,062
965

900

1,360
810

960

400







930


840

950

580
868

Anount/Size
of Casing
(ft .-inch DIA)
400-12

82-12

82-12
124-12

98-10

900-10
88-10

10-0

90-4


4


12"

200-10"


168-12

120-12

100-4
445-8

Average
Yield Permit Date
(gpra) Use to. Drilled
Irrig. 1956

2,000 Unused 1957

2,000 Unused 1957
1,760 Irrig. 1962

Irrig. 74067910

2,000 Irrig. 1959
Irrig.

Irrig. 1962

Danes. I960


Domes.


Irrig. 72117040

Irrig. 1956


Irrig. 73013850

1,100 Irrig.

50 Irrig.
Irrig. 75047850

Ground
Surface
Ptnp Elev.
133

tone 123

tone 127
Turbine 122



Turbine 90
Turbine 125

Turbine 125

125







Turbine 122




Turbine 111

Centrif. 110


Source
of
Datat
1

1

2
1

4

1
2

1

1


3


4

1


4

1

1
4


-------
Table 3.4.1-2.  Inventory of  Wells  In the Vicinity of (F Industries Hardee County Phosphate Project Site (Continued, Page 2 of 4)
Well
Nunber*

HA-17


HA.-18


HA-19

HA.-20


HA-21

HA-22

HA-23

HA-24

HA-25

HA-26

HA-27

HA-28


HA-29

HA-30
HA-31

location
NE 1/4
Sec 9
T33S R24E
SE 1/4
Sec 21
T33S R24E
NW 1/4
Sec 3
T33S R24E
Sec 3
T33S R24E
SW 1/4
Sec 22
T33S R24E
Sec 22
T33S R24E
N27°31'9"
E81°54'ir
N27030'40"
E81°54'19"
Sec2
T33S R24E
Sec 11
T33S R24E
N27°37'03"
E8r53'0"
N27°36'3"
E81e52'29"
SW 1/4
Sec 11
T34S R24E
N27°37'38"
N27°37'37"
E81'5J'58"
Depth

932







931




560

210

617

662



887

986


1,130


944

Anoint/Size Averags
of Casing Yield
(ft.-inch DIA) (gpm)

392-10


79-4


16-2

150-6


4

406-8

120-4 30

110-8 250

163-8

8

164-12 1,700

239-12 1 ,900


117-10


248-10

Permit Date
Use to. Drilled

Irrig. 72024940


Ebraes.


Irrig.

Irrig. 74064530


Domes.

Irrig. 74114890

Domes. 1971

Irrig.

Irrig. 74084850

Irrig. 72012300

Irrig. 1963

Irrig. 1957


Domes. 74074830


Irrig. 1957

Ground Source
Surface of
Pup Elev. Dacat

4


3


3

4


3

4

110 1

Uarbine 109 1

4

4

(tone 104 2

lurbine 108 1


4

1
Ilrblne 121 2


-------
            Table 3.4.1-2.  Inventory of Wells In the Vicinity of OF Industries Hardee Gxnty Phosphate Project  Site (Continued, Page 3 of 4)
U1
Well
Muter*
HA-32

HA-33

HA-34

Hfr-35

HA-36


HA-37

HA.-38

HAr39

HA-40

We4l

HA-42

HA-43

HA-44

HA-45

HI-1

HI-2

HI-3

location
N27°31'20"
EB1"52'19"
N27e31'8"
E81°52'19"
N27a30'28"
B81852'28M
N27°36'14"
E81°50'48"
N27°35f38"
E81°5ri5"
re i/4
Sec 31
T33S R25E
Sec 6
T34S R25E
Sec 6
T34S R25E
N27Q32'49"
E81e50'47"
Sec 18
T34S R25E
N27°38'28"
E81°50'20"
N27°36'18"
E81°50'28"
Sec 20
T33S R25E
N27°30'8"
E81°50'13"
Sec 34
T32S R22E
Sec 34
T32S R22E
Sec 34
T32S R22E
Depth
1,060

1,060

1,220

900

1,139


1,040



1,062

1,062



354

335

1,075

537

916

916

916

Anount/Size Average
of Casing Yield
(ft .-Inch DIA) (gpm)
200-12 1,800

100-12 1,800

200-12 2,000



248-12 1 ,000


222-6

12

454-10

139-10

6

90-6 500

100-8

155-10

100-6 750

250-30

295-12

290-10

Permit Date
Use ND. Drilled
Irrig. 1957

Trrig. 1957

Irrig. 1956

Irrig.

Irrig. 1951


Irrig. 71061380

Irrig. 71078650

Irrig. 71028380

Irrig. 1971

Irrig. 72012340

Irrig. 1955

Irrig. 1946

Irrig 74115000

Irrig. 1956

74129330

74129345

Obser. 74129346

Gtound
Surface
Punf> Elev.
Turbine 107

Turbine 107

Turbine 106

104

Turbine 125








115



Turbine 119

Turbine 123



Turbine 98







Source
of
Ebtat
2

1

1

1

2


4

4

4

1

4

1

1

4

1

4

4

4


-------
                  3.4.1-2.  Inventory of Wells  In  the Vicinity of CF  Industries Hardee County Phosphate Project Site ((bntinued,  Page 4 of 4)
u>
Well
Nunber*
ra-4

MA-1
MA-2
PO-1

PO-2

PO-3

PCM

PO-5

PO-6

location
Sec 34
T32S K22E
WWW
E82°06'17"
N27°33'06"
E82°03151"
Sec 28
T32S R23E
Sec 28
T32S R23E
Sec 28
T32S.R23E
Sec 28
T32S R23E
Sec 28
T32S R23E
N27°38'49"
E81°51'll"
Depth
910

1,135
1,178
1,568

906

836

1,020

740



Anr>unt/Siae
of Casing
(ft .-inch DIA)
272-30

90-12
160-12
175-20

195-20

360-16

294-16

180-6



Average
Yield
(gpn) Use


1,800 Stock
Inrig.
Indus.

Indus.

Indus.

Indus.

Indus.



Qround
Permit Date Surface
NJ. Drilled Punp Elev.
75129430

1%1 TXarbine
1959 Itebine 115
74092360

74092370

74092380

74092390

74121210



Source
of
Datat
^

2
2
4

4

4

4

4


1
            *HA = Hardee County
             HI = Hillsborough County
             MA = Manatee (bunty
             PO = Polk Cbunty
tl  = USGS Open File Report
 2 = Division of Geology 1C fo. 53
 3  = Personal GtmraLnication
 4  = SWEWMD
            Source:   ESE, 1986.

-------
   Cf 01/15/86
U

 -
   Figure 3.4.1-6
   LOCATION OF WELLS IN THE VICINITY OF CF INDUSTRIES
   HARDEE COUNTY PHOSPHATE PROJECT AREA

   SOURCE: DAMES & MOORE, 1976.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
           CF INDUSTRIES
    Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
from this overview on the shallow aquifer  (also  called  the  surficial  or
water table aquifer), the secondary artesian,  and  the Floridan Aquifer.

The water in the shallow aquifer is generally  soft  and  has  a low
dissolved-solids content (less than 100 milligrams  per  liter)  in the
inland areas.  The shallow aquifer is contaminated  locally  by nutrients
from fertilized agricultural  land, and  leakage from sewers, seepage from
industrial lagoons,  septic systems, and  landfills.   Contamination of  the
shallow aquifer is generally  evidenced by  increased concentrations of
dissolved constituents  such as chloride, nitrate,  fluoride, phosphate,
sulfate, and, in some areas,  bacteria and  viruses  (U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, 1977).

In Hardee and DeSoto Counties, the shallow aquifer  is believed to
increase in thickness from north to south  with a maximum thickness
between 40 and 65 feet.  Wells completed in the  shallow aquifer are
generally used for domestic purposes, lawn-watering, or stock-watering.
In general, this aquifer has  high iron  concentrations  and an acidic oH
value (i.e., below 7).

Regional water quality  data for the secondary  artesian  aquifer are
limited and most of  the existing information is  combined with the
results of sampling  in  the lower Floridan  Aquifer.   The secondary
artesian aquifer is widely used as a  source of water, although yields of
individual wells and total withdrawals  from this aquifer are generally
less than those associated with the Floridan Aquifer (Wilson,  1977).

In general, water quality in  the secondary artesian aquifer is better
than that in the Floridan Aquifer.  The median values  for dissolved
solids, calcium and magnesium, sulfate,  and hardness are all sub-
stantially less for  the secondary artesian aquifer.  Median concentra-
tions of chloride and sodium  are nearly  equal  to slightly lower while
fluoride concentrations are slightly  higher in value.
                                      3-78

-------
The Floridan Aquifer is an underground  freshwater  reservoir  which
extends under the entire peninsular portion of  the  state.  Under natural
conditions, highly mineralized water underlies  the  Floridan  Aquifer  at
various deaths.  As shown in Figure 3.4.1-7,  water  obtained  from the
Floridan Aquifer in the region generally  can  be used  as  potable water,
e.g., it provides the public water supply for the  City of  Arcadia.
However, in the coastal areas (0 to 10  miles  inland)  from  Hillsborough
County to Charlotte County, the Floridan  Aquifer contains  essentially no
potable water.

In coastal areas where drainage canals  and tidal channels, as  well  as
pumping near  the coast, have reduced the  potentiometric  head,  saltwater
intrusion  is  an  important concern.  As  a  result of these influences, a
saltwater wedge has migrated inland.   The pumping  of  the deep  aquifer
water  for  irrigation  is  largely responsible for inland  saltwater
intrusion,  in  the Floridan Aquifer.

Shallow Aquifer
On the CF  site,  a  total  of  18 wells  ranging in  depth  from 25 to 66 feet
were used  to  monitor  the  surficial  aquifer.  These wells were  sampled
monthly  for  14 parameters;  7 of  the  wells were  sampled  once for an
additional  7  parameters.   Details  of well depths and  locations are
presented  in  Table  3.4.1-3.   The  mean  concentration of analyses
conducted  by  CF  Industries  on  the 18 shallow aquifer  wells are
summarized  for July 1981  through  June  1982 in Table 3.4.1-4.  As
expected,  a close  relationship between TDS and conductivity was
observed;  these  parameters  in  turn were apparently dictated to a large
extent  by  the localized  presence  or absence of carbonaceous material
within the surficial  aquifer.   Conductivity ranged from a low of
17 umhos/cm to a high reading  of 570 uhmos/cm,  whereas TDS  (residue)
ranged between  2 and  501 ppra.   In general, the average concentrations  of
TDS  and conductivity  on Complex II were about  twice those of Complex I.
Levels of  pH were  somewhat  low relative  to ambient alkalinities and may
 reflect organic  acids leaching from detrital material in  surface soil
                                        3-79

-------

                                                                       Line of equal
                                                                       water zone in
                                                                       All  lines are
                                                                                       SITE SELECTION
    depth to base of potable
    feet below mean sea  level
    approximate.
                                                                       Estimated depth  to base  of
                                                                       potable water  zone ranges from approxi-
                                                                       mately 1500 to 2000 feet.

                                                                       ilo potable water  is present
                                                                       in Floridan aquifer.

                                                                       Position of 250-ni1ligrarcs/liter  isochlor
                                                                       at depth of 100  feet below mean sea level.
                                                                       Dashed where uncertain
                                                                       Nonpotable water  is defined as water
                                                                       having concentrations exceeding any
                                                                       of the following:chloride (250 milli-
                                                                       grams/liter),  sulfate (250 mil 1igrams/
                                                                       liter), or dissolved solids (500  milli-
                                                                       grars/1iter)
                                                    MILES
Figure 3.4.1-7
DEPTH TO BASE OF POTABLE WATER ZONE IN
FLORIDAN AQUIFER, 1975

SOURCE: EPA, 197B.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
     Draft Environmental Impact Statement
            CF INDUSTRIES
    Hardee Phosphate Complex

-------
           Table 3.4.1-3.  Ixxation and Description of Existing Wells Drilled by CF Mining Cbrporation
UJ
00
location*
Well tto.
SA-1
SA-2
SA-3
Stt4
SA-5
SAr6
SA-7
SA-8
RA-9
SA-10
SA-11
SA-12
Sfc-13
Sfr-14
SA-15
SA-16
SA-17
SA-18
UF-2
UF-3
UF-4
UF-5
UF-6
LF-1
LF-2A
LF-3
LF-4
U-5
LF-6
FTO
DF
North
60698.117
53874.851
47208.819
55822.678
34048.580
41969.327
37931.175
34770.304
28002.101
28970.300
28855.100
34315.672
41988.346
34280.992
28975.314
29307.336
37452.141
42018.579
34417.226
34285.380
37352.531
60695.754
34691.817
34381.671
34567.697
33289.416
37289.466
60694.758
34628.549
34274.392
34123.773
East
57769.303
45750.726
54996.422
64982.087
56335.403
59133.238
67298.860
77396.733
75248.616
67370.672
47516.517
51591.215
37768.314
40321.390
35273.553
25996.360
26164.405
32580.104
39874.944
39921.683
26200.749
57670.013
77401.967
40273. H5
39875 .438
40275.388
26226.180
57869.228
77402.964
40168.483
40156.720
Ground
Ifivel
Elevation
123.9
113.3
99.1
120.3
105.3
112.1
106.8
117.9
118.8
105.7
105.0
119.6
126.1
120.9
116.7
118.8
119.6
120.8
117.4
117.6
119.6
123.6
117.5
121.3
118.5
120.2
119.6
124.4
118.1
121.3
120.8
Tbtal
Depth
(In Feet)
51
30
25
30
66
56
52.5
35
44
44
47
45
66
60
55
60
51
55
433
375
418
360
385
1200
1175
1121
1103
948
1027
1175
1702
Casing
[tepth
(In Feet)
51
30
25
30
66
56
52
35
44
44
47
45
66
60
55
60
51
55
375
91
102
84
84
948
950
945
479
412
471
950
1500
Diameter
(in Inches)
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
5
10
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
20
10
Mxiitored
Zones (Feet)
5-51
5-30
5-25
5-30
5-66
5-56
5-52.5
5-35
5-44
5-44
5-44
5-45
5-66
5-60
5-55
5-60
5-51
5-55
374-433
65-375
102-418
84-360
84-385
900-1200
510-675,950-1175
510-675,950-lP.l
479-1103
380-948
471-1027
950-1175
514-675,1500-1702
           * Florida coordinate system.
           Source:  CF Mining Corporation, 1076.

-------
Table 3.4.1-4.  Mean Ooocentratioos of Water Quality Data (bllected From Shallow Aquifer Wells from July 1981  Through
                                                                                                                                   1982
oo
to
Parameter*
Ternjerature (Field) *C
pH (Lab)
Armenia (NJ^)
Nitrite (N^) pob
Nitrate (NOj)
Orthophosphate
Tbtal Rtosohorus
Sulphate (Sfy)
Bicarbonate alkal. as CafX>$
Silica (SIOj)
TD6 (Residue)
Fluoride
Cdnductivity (Lab) infos/cm
Carbonate Alkal. as CaCOj
Calciun
Magnesium
Sod ion
Potassiun
Chloride
Iron
Strontiun

SA-1
23.7
6.5
0.11
2
.06
0.13
1.44
2.29
».B2
9.08
77.83
0.15
93.08
0.0
12.8
7.3
19.9
0.4
13.0
0.35
O.I
Complex I
SA-2
24.7
6.0
0.06
6.3
0.04
0.22
0.82
15.79
11.73
6.25
75.06
0.38
114.17
0.0
14.6
11.1
20.1
0.6
12.8
0.2
0.1
Sft-J
23.5
6.5
0.06
5.17
0.02
0.28
2.16
17.05
6.71
8.31
108.42
0.35
155.75
0.0
20.9
6.5
23.2
0.85
26.9
0.15
0.25

SA-4
23.3
6.2
0.05
1.42
0.02
0.68
1.10
9.84
7.63
10.59
70.67
0.40
92.83
0.0
17.7
7.0
18.5
0.35
12.0
0.6
0.3

SA-5
24.7
7.2
0.08
21.8
0.13
0.97
2.09
5.58
156.2
17.1
244
0.93
270
0.0
t
T
t
T
t
t
t
Complex II - East
SA-6
24.5
7.3
0.06
1.8
0.02
0.08
0.47
2.09
136
23
168
0.27
231
0.64
36.8
21.4
18
1.1
14.1
0.15
0.35
SA-7
24.5
5.6
0.11
16.9
0.95
1.68
2.61
.21.98
8.66
14.08
210
0.43
2O4
0.0
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
SA-8
24.4
6.3
0.07
27.7
0.03
0.19
4.77
32.58
28.36
13.10
125
0.55
162
0.0
22.4
9.1
24.4
0.1
14.5
17.0
0.1
SA-9
24.4
5.9
0.12
15.0
0.06
0.43
1.00
13.41
7.51
9.6.5
109
0.27
117
0.0
t
T
t
t
t
t
t
SA-10
24.5
7.31
0.06
18.8
0.02
0.17
0.76
6.68
100.5
18.85
283
0.53
345
0.0
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
SA-11
24.4
7.8
0.06
2.0
0.12
0.06
0.65
2.93
322
39.28
365
0.48
492
2.4
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
SA-12
22.S
6.4
0.09
1.75
0.03
0.83
2.36
3.90
17.9
17.61
75
0.51
75
0.0
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
Complex II - West
SA-11
24.25
6.0
0.06
3.6
0.04
0.14
0.70
3.03
4.50
7.90
9fl
0.35
88
0.0
t
t
t
t
T
t
r
SA-14
-' •
».5
7.1
0.05
3.3
0.30
1.38
2.08
1.73
66
48.8
201
0.44
206
0.0
t
T
r
t
r
t
t
SA-15
24.7
6.7
0.07
42.3
0.04
1.18
2.98
1.38
32.21
16.43
109
0.76
115
0.0
t
t
T
t
t
t
T
SA-16
24.2
7.0
0.08
4.2
0.02
1.78
3.06
0.74
44.03
17.09
98
0.84
122
0.0
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
SA-1 7
24.4
6.4
0.07
13.0
0.04
0.45
1.07
6.00
28.11
10.25
108
0.44
87
0.0
15.4
13.2
15.6
0.9
10.1
2.1
0.4
SA-18
24.4
7.7
0.06
5.7
0.04
0.09
0.36
13.34
177
30.19
260
0.42
354
1.2
t
t
T
t
t
T
t
        * All parameters  are  in og/L unless specified above.

        t Ha data collected.
        Sources:  CF, 1982.

                  BSE, 1982.

-------
horizons.  Within the wells, pH  ranged  from 4.9  to 8.5.   Sulfate  levels
ranged from 1 to 123 rag/L.  The  average  sulfate  levels  on Complex
II-East and Complex I were about  three  time" greater  than those on
Complex II-West.  Elevated levels of  fluoride  were not  observed;  all
values were less than 1.16 mg/L.

Nutrient sampling included ammonia, nitrate, nitrite,  total  phosphorus,
and orthophosphate.  In general,  average nitrate  and  nitrite values were
low.  Ammonia levels ranged from 0.05 to 0.5 mg/L, with the majority  of
high values occurring on Complex  II-East.  Average TP and orthophosphate
concentrations were relatively high with ranges  from  0  to 7.7 mg/L and
0 to 7.6 mg/L, respectively.

Secondary Artesian^ Aquifer
A total of 4 wells ranging in depth from 360 to 418 feet  were used by CF
to monitor the secondary artesian aquifer.  These wells were sampled
monthly for the same parameters  as those in the  surficial aquifer.  A
summary of the data from samples collected from  the four  wells  from July
1981 through June 1982 is presented in Table 3.4.1-5.   Conductivity had
a low measurement of 200 uhmos/cm and a high reading  of 660  uhmos/cm,
whereas TDS ranged between 58 and 517 ppm.  The  average values  were
about two to three times larger  than  the surficial aquifer averages.
Inorganic nitrogenous species were generally low.  Orthophosphate and
total phosphorus were lower than  in the surficial aquifer, with
concentrations ranging from 0.0  to 0.8  ppm and 0.0 to 1.3 ppm,
respectively. Alkalinities reflected  the calcareous matrix of the
secondary artesian aquifer with  a bicarbonate  alkalinity  range  between
146.6 and 341.3 ppm. Samples in  three of the four wells exceeded  the
Florida 1.6 rag/1 fluoride ground water  quality criteria.

Floridan Aquifer
On the CF site, a total of 7 wells, ranging in depth  from A33 to
1,702 feet, were used by CF to monitor  the Floridan Aquifer.  These
wells were sampled monthly for the same parameters as those  in  the
                                   3-83

-------
Table 3.4.1-5.  Mean Concentration of Water Quality Data Collected  From
                Secondary Artesian Aquifer From July 1981  Through June 1982
Parametert
Temperature (Field) C8
oH (lab - SU)
Ammonia (N!^)
Nitrite (N02) ppb
Nitrate (NC^)
Or tho phosphate
T. Phosphorous
Sulfate (804)
Bicarb. Alk. CaC03
Silica (Si02)
TDS (residue)
Fluoride
Conductivity (lab)
umhos/cm
Carbonate Alk. as CaCC>3
Calcium
Magnesium
Sodium
Potassium
Chloride
Iron
Strontium
UF-3
24.2
8.22
0.34
11.3
0.02
0.08
0.21
7.52
298
45.5
4.31
2.03
595

5.2
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
UF-4
24.5
8.15
0.20
8.3
0.03
0.07
0.63
8.08
241
45.1
445
2.24
629

1.6
49.6
31.9
33.6
5.6
88.3
0.15
1.2
UF-5
24.2
8.15
0.25
18.0
0.07
0.08
0.43
12.7
268
48.7
440
2.31
543

2.3
49.7
34.0
33.1
6.4
63.5
0.4
2.5
UV-6
24 . 5
7.92
0.7.7
0.9
0.01
0.13
0.55
8.6
246
40.4
294
1.14
423

1.4
45.4
31.8
30.5
3.2
13.3
0.1
0.5
*No data collected.
tAll units are mg/1 unless otherwise  indicated.

Sources:  CF, 1982.
          ESE, 1982.
                                          3-84

-------
surfical aquifer.  A summary of the data  for samples collected  from  the
seven wells from July 1981 through June  1982 is  presented  in
Table 3.4.1-6.  The pH in the wells ranged between 7.0 and 9.5, except
in Well UF-2 (11.1 to 11.9), which potentially indicates well construc-
tion impacts.  Conductivities were typically moderate, averaging less
than 550 umhos/cm with the exception of Wells UF-2 and DF; similarly,
average TDS levels (excluding Wells UF-2  and DF) ranged between 202  and
413 rag/1.  With respect to other wells in the Floridan Aquifer group,
Well DF was unique chemically, and apparently is influenced by saline
intrusion; conductivity, TDS and sulfate  levels  were all approximately 3
to 10 times in excess of observed values  in the  other wells.  Sulfate
levels were less than 100 mg/1 in all wells, except Well DF which had
values between 400 and 1,600 mg/1.  Nutrients were generally low and no
exceedance of Florida Class G-II ground water quality criteria of
10 mg/1 were observed for nitrate.  TP and orthophosphate were generally
less than 1.6 mg/1 and 0.9 mg/1, respectively.

Alkalinity was generally of the bicarbonate form in all wells except
UF-2.  The two deepest wells, LF-1 and DF, had the lowest alkalinity
values.  Carbonate alkalinity was detected most  often in Well PTW.
Exceedance of federal secondary water quality standards for pH were
observed in Wells LF-1 (6 of 9 samples), PTW (6  of 9 samples), and UF-2
(11 of 11 samples).  Fluoride levels were similar in four of the wells
with values less than 0.6 mg/1.  The Florida Class G-II fluoride ground
water quality criteria was exceeded, however, in 14 percent of  samples
obtained from Well DF and all of samples  from Well LF-4.

3.4.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALTERNATIVES
3.4.2.1  THE ACTION ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED
         ACTION
Dragline Mining (CF Industries' Proposed  Action)
Quantity
Impacts on the surficial aquifer from dragline mining are caused
primarily from dewatering the mine pit in order  to maintain relatively
                                   3-85

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Table 3.4.1-6.  Msan Concentration of Water Quality Data Collected From Floridan Aquifer Fran
                July 1981 Through June 1982
Parameter!
Temperature (Field) C*
DH (lab - Sll)
Ammonia (NH^)
Nitrite (ND2) ppb
Nitrate (1103)
Orthophosphate
T. Rwsphorous
Sulfate (804)
Bicarb. Alk. CaOCVj
Silica (SiC2)
TDS (residue)
Fluoride
Conductivity (lab)
umhoa/cm
Carbonate Alk. as CaCTVj
Calciun
Magnesiun
Sodivin
Ttotassiun
Chloride
Iron
Strontium
UF-2
25.0
11.3
0.47
1.0
0.01
0.08
0.58
32.89
0.0
5.8
750
1.05
1,765

134.8
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
LF-1
26.0
8.52
0.40
1.7
0.01
0.06
0.46
12.4
70.7
3.8
202
0.43
301

7.2
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
LF-4
24.7
8.22
0.18
1.5
0.01
0.16
0.44
10.2
211
40.1
413
2.22
539

1.0
36.9
31.6
33.8
5.9
82.1
0.1
2.1
LF-5
25.4
8.15
0.15
1.1
0.01
0.10
0.58
46.3
152
17.9
274
0.62
314

1.8
44.7
28.4
19.7
4.0
11.5
0.2
5.6
LF-6
26.2
8.22
0.31
1.0
0.01
0.09
0.41
47.0
166
19.8
280
0.38
363

2.4
45.5
30.0
34.0
4.3
8.5
0.2
14.8
DP
27.7
7.43
0.44
9.7
0.03
0.08
0.33
830
70
5.1
1,242
1.01
1,552

0.00
173.7.
50.0
31.3
10.5
46.3
0.05
19.5
PIW
26.9
8.7
0.79
1.78
0.01
0.06
0.38
22.0
%
7.1
158
0.43
279

17.3
18.6
23.8
29.8
18.9
19.2
0.1
7.1
*ND data collected.
tAll uiits are ug/1 uiless otherwise indicated.

Sources:  CF, 1982.
          ESE, 1982.
                                                    3-86

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dry conditions.  Seepage into Che pit will vary from one area  to  another
depending on the aquifer hydraulic  properties, geometry of  the cut,  and
length of dewatering.  CF estimates  that an average pumping rate  of
2,000 gpm will maintain the desired  pit water  level elevation. Any
changes to the aquifer caused by dewatering operations will be short-
term, site-specific, and temporary.

During dewatering operations for mine cuts located at the site
boundaries, water levels in the shallow aquifer may be reduced by 3  feet
or more within a maximum distance of about 500 feet from the property
line for a maximum pumping period of 90 days  (CF  Industries, 1975).
These projections were based on shallow aquifer test results and  were
estimated for worst-case conditions.  According to the CUP  application,
mine cuts will be perpendicular to  site boundaries where temporary
lowering of the water table would result in possible offsite vegetation
damage.  This will result in an open cut against  the site boundary of
250 feet wide rather than as much as 5,000 feet long if cuts were
oriented parallel to the boundaries.  To alleviate problems with  water
levels, CF proposes to backfill mine cuts along property boundaries,
when necessary, and construct rim ditches between the mine  pits and
adjacent property.  With the water  level maintained in a rim ditch,
seepage into the ground should maintain the water level beneath adjacent
property.

The lowering of the surficial aquifer will affect the head  difference
between the surficial and Floridan  Aquifer In  areas of the  mine pit.
This reduction in the head difference between  the two aquifers, however,
should not alter the recharge on the site since even under  existing
conditions the recharge was not measurable during CUP pump  tests. This
is attributable to the confining beds between  the aquifers.
                                     3-87

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Quality
No significant changes in ground water  quality  are  expected  as  a result
of dragline raining.

Slurry Matrix Transport (CF Industries' Proposed Action)
CF proposes to slurry the phosphate matrix  at the mining  area and
transport the slurried matrix by pipeline to the beneficiation  plant.
A recirculation system will provide recycled water  to  be  used to slurry
the matrix.

Quantity
The recirculation system and the surficial  aquifer  will be used  to
provide 252 gpra of water for pump seal  lubrication.   In the  areas where
wells are used for pump seal water, the location of the wells will
change as mining progresses.  In these  areas the changes  in  the  oiezo-
raetric level of the aquifer will be short-term  and  will cease after  the
completion of mining.  Since the withdrawal rates will be relatively
small, no significant impact should occur from  the  pumo seal water
withdrawals.

Quality
No significant changes in ground water  quality  are  expected  as  a result
of matrix slurry transport.

Conventional Matrix Processing  (CF Industries'  Proposed Action)
Quantity
Conventional matrix processing  utilizes recirculation  water  for  the
beneficiation process and process makeup water  for  the  flotation
process.  An average of 4.96 MGD of flotation process  water  will be
withdrawn from the Floridan Aquifer.  CF proposes  to drill two  24-inch
diameter production wells to a  depth  of 1,200 feet.  The  original
Consumptive Use Permit (CUP) issued on  April 7, 1976,  had an authorized
water consumption of 20.20 MGO  maximum  and  15.74 MGD for  average daily
withdrawal.  Because of more efficient  water use projections, CF
proposed decreased average and  maximum  withdrawal  rates of 7.85  MGD  and

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10.57 MGD, respectively, on their renewal application.   The renewal CUP
No. 203669 was issued from SWFWMD on January 6,  1982.   Figure 3.4.2-1
shows the drawdown which the proposed withdrawal rate of 5.0 MGD  from
the South Pasture production wells would produce.   The  contours shown  in
this figure were generated by using a steady-state  leaky artesian model.
The model input values of transmissivity, leakage,  and  storage were
2,000,000 gpd/ft, 0.0001 gpd/ft3, and 0.001, respectively, as reported
in the CUP Application Supporting Report (CF Industries,  1975).   The
results of the modeling show a steady-state drawdown of about 2.5 feet
at the well locations.  Drawdown at the property boundaries ranges from
a maximum of 2 feet directly north of the proposed  pumping wells, to
less than 1 foot at the western and eastern boundary.   This change in
water level is less than the existing variation between the wet season
and dry season.  Therefore, it is not expected to cause measurable
impacts on existing wells.

The impacts to the potentiometric surface of the Floridan Aquifer are
expected to be temporary.  At the end of mining, pumping will cease and
the piezometric level should return to premining conditions.

Quality
Withdrawals from the artesian Floridan Aquifer for  the  flotation  process
water and the makeup water could cause the upwelling of higher sulfate
water located near the base of the aquifer.  The movement of sulfate
water would occur first in the on-site production wells which will be
monitored as part of the SWFWMD CUP requirements.   As shown in
Figure 3.4.1-6, the depth to the base of potable water  at the proposed
well-field location is approximately 1,500 feet.  The depth to the
saltwater-freshwater interface is estimated at greater  than 2,000 feet.
Using the Ghyben-Herzberg principle, the drawdown of 2.5 feet at  the
proposed wells would produce an upwelling of the interface of approxi-
mately 100 feet.  This distance of upward migration of  the saltwater-
freshwater interface should be reduced by the relatively impermeable
dolomite layer at the base of the Avon Park Limestone.   Because of the
                                    3-89

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           PROPOSED PRODUCTION WELL
           B WATER LEVEL DRAWDOWN
             IN FEET BELOW STATIC
Figure 3.4.2-1
PROJECTED DRAWDOWN AS A RESULT OF
PROPOSED WITHDRAWAL RATE OF 5.0 MGD
SOURCES: CF Mining Corporation, 1976; ESE, 1985.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
          CF INDUSTRIES
   Hardee  Phosphate Complex  II

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large distance of the interface  to the base of  the  production  wells,  no
significant upward migration of  mineralized water into  the  Floridan
Aquifer should occur.

The result of the drawndown from the  pumping  wells  will  be  an  increase
in the downard gradient between  the secondary artesian and  the Floridan
Aquifer.  However, over most of  the site,  no  measurable  increase  in the
leakance between the aquifers is expected  because of  the  existing
confining bed.  In the western area of the mine site, water quality was
observed to be similar in both aquifers; therefore,  the  effect on ground
water in the Floridan Aquifer due to  increased  downward  movement  of
ground water is expected to be minimal.  As a result, the ground  water
quality of the Floridan Aquifer  is not expected to  be altered  by
downward movement of water.

Reagents used in the flotation process will be  discharged with the waste
clay and sand tailings.  Drainage from the sand and  clay settling area
will enter CF's recirculation system  from  which some seepage will enter
the surficial aquifer from the ditches and canals.   The  impacts on the
surficial aquifer water quality  are discussed in the waste  disposal
section.

Water Management
Process Water Sources
Ground Water Withdrawal (CF Industries Proposed Action)—
     Quantity
The impacts of water withdrawals from the  two 1,200-foot deep  Floridan
Aquifer wells for the flotation  process  are discussed in the section
Matrix Processing.  Two additional wells will be developed  to  supply
domestic and public needs:  an 8-inch diameter, 1,200-foot  deep well for
domestic water supplies; and a 4-inch diameter, 500-foot deep  well for
potable water supply during construction of the plant site. Potable
water consumption during mining  is estimated  to be  0.01  MGD.  The
combined yield for the four wells should be approximately 5.0  MGD for
                                     3-91

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total plant operations.  Withdrawals from the upper  and  lower  Floridan
Aquifer will lower the potentiotnetric levels and  increase  head differ-
entials between the Floridan Aquifer and the surficial aquifer.
Lowering of the potentiometric surface over the site by  an average  of
approximately 1 foot is not expected to alter recharge since no  recharge
could be detected during the CUP pump tests.

Mining operations will also affect recharge.  CF  estimates an  average
pumping rate of 2,000 gpm to maintain the desired mine pit water eleva-
tions in the surficial aquifer.  This localized dewatering of  the
surficial aquifer in the vicinity of the mine pit will decrease  the head
differentials between the aquifers and decrease the  potential  for
recharge.  The water table in the mine pit area will be  lowered  between
50 and 70 feet which will result in a localized reduction  of recharge.
The increase in recharge potential from the Floridan Aquifer pumping
should offset the decrease resulting from mine pit dewatering, thereby
making the net result small.  However, no measurable differences are
expected in recharge to the Floridan because of the  confining  beds
between the aquifers.  The changes in the surficial  aquifer
potentiometric surface resulting from mine pit dewatering  will be
short-term, site-specific, and temporary.

Maximum well pumpage is expected to occur during  the pre—filling of the
ISA.  Estimates call for well water to be pumped  at  the  maximum capacity
of 6.34 MGD for 90 days, the time required to fill the ISA. Based  on
the results of the drawdown modeling of the 5.0 MGD  withdrawal rate, the
resulting drawdowns should be less than 5 feet at the property
boundaries.  This drawdown is within the criteria established  by the
Southwest Florida Water Management District for approving  a CUP permit
application.

     Quality
Impacts on withdrawals from the Floridan Aquifer  are discussed in the
section Matrix Processing.  No significant changes in shallow  ground
                                     3-92

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water quality should result from dewatering the surficial aquifer during
mining operations.

Surface Water—
     Quantity
If impounded surface water were used as process makeup water, levels in
the secondary artesian aquifer and the Floridan Aquifer would not be
impacted since withdrawals would not be needed.  The impoundment would
also help maintain water levels in the surficial aquifer through
additional seepage.  The impacts to the surficial aquifer resulting from
mine pit dewatering would still occur, as discussed in the section
Process Water Sources—Ground Water Withdrawal.

     Quality
The sand tailings and waste clays would contain naturally occurring
contaminants from the phosphate matrix and residual reagents used in the
flotation process.  Site-specific data has been collected quantifying
these changes.  Some changes in the surficial aquifer water quality are
expected as a result of seepage from the ISA and storage areas.  A
comparison of existing surficial aquifer water quality and samples
collected from CF's existing settling area at Complex I are presented  in
Table 3.4.2-1.   The two samples of CF's existing settling area should
be representative of the proposed plant site on Complex II.  The
comparison shows that the surficial aquifer water quality concentrations
would increase as a result of seepage for specific conductance,
fluoride, sulfate, pH, ammonia, and unionized ammonia.  With the
exception of fluoride and color, the settling area water quality does
meet the ground water quality standards of Florida Department of
Environmental Regulation (FDER), FAG, Chapter 17-3, 1984.  Depending on
the quantity of seepage, the dilution effects of the surficial aquifer,
and the background concentration of color, fluoride and color may exceed
standards in the vicinity of the ISA and the waste disposal areas.  A
decrease in the concentrations of total phosphorus, dissolved
orthophosphate, dissolved silica, copper, and iron in the surficial
aquifer is expected as a result of mine water seepage.
                                     3-93

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Table 3.4.2-1.
Comparison of Surficial Aquifer Water  Quality  and  CF
Existing ISA
Parameter
General Parameters:
Color (PCU)
MB AS
Oil and Grease
Suspended Solids
Turbidity
Water Temp. (°C)
Dissolved Ions:
Specific Conductivity
(umhos/cm)
Cyanide
Chloride
Fluoride
Sulfate
Alkalinity and pH;
Alkalinity (as CaCO3

PH
Nutrients:
Ammonium (N)
Ammonia, unionized (N)
N03+N02 (N)

TKN (N)
Total Org. N
T. Phosphorus (P)
Diss. 0-P04 (P)
Silica, Diss. (Si02)
Oxygen and Oxygen Demand:
Diss. Oxygen
BOD (5 day)
Metals:
Arsenic, Total (ug/L)
Beryllium (ug/L)
Cadmium, Total (ug/L)
Chromium, Total (ug/L)
Copper, Total (ug/L)
Complex
SA-17

NAt
NA
NA
26.0
14.0
NA

140

NA
8
0.83

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Table 3.4.2-1.  Comparison of Surficial Aquifer Water Quality and CF
                Existing ISA (Continued, Page 2 of 2)


Parameter
Iron (ug/L)
Lead (ug/L)
Mercury (ug/L)
Nickel (ug/L)
Selenium (ug/L)
Silver (ug/L)
Zinc (ug/L)

Complex
SA-17
410
40
0.4
<5
<23
<0.4
164

II Wells
Average
6,400
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
CF's
Settling Area
MDW-1 MDW-2
247 153
3.2 3.2
0.2 <0.2
<8.0 <8.0
4.5 4.5
<0.4 <0.4
25.9 20.9

FDER
Standards
<300
<50
<2.0
NS
<10
<50
<5,000
Microbiology:
  Coliform, Fecal               <4         12      149       51          NS
    (#/100 ml)


 *FAC 17-3 has incorporated EPA (1983a) primary and EPA (1983b) secondary
  drinking water standards.
 TNA • Not analyzed.
**NS • No standard.

All units in mg/L unless specified otherwise.

Sources:  CF, 1982.
          FAC, Chapter 17-3, 1985.
          ESE, 1985.
                                            3-95

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Surface water  impoundment  should  result  in no  significant changes in
water quality  in  the  secondary  artesian  aquifer  or  the  Floridan
Aquifer.

Discharge
Discharge to Surface  Waters  (_C_F'Industries'  Proposed  Action) —
     Quantity
Water from the recirculating  system  is proposed  to  be discharged into
discharge points  adjoining Shirttail  Branch  and/or  Doe  Branch  with an
alternative discharge  point  into  the  wetlands  within  the  floodplain of
Payne Creek.  No  significant  changes  in  ground water  quantity  should
result from the discharge  to  wetlands.

     Quality
No significant changes in ground  water quality should result  from the
discharge to the  surface streams.

Discharge to Surface  Waters Via Wetlands (CF Industries'  Alternate
Proposed Action)—
     Quantity
Discharge to wetlands  within  the  floodplain  of Payne  Creek should result
in no significant changes in  ground water  quantity.

     Quality
Discharge to wetlands  within  the  floodplain  of Payne  Creek should result
in no significant changes in  ground water  quality.

Connector Wells—
     Quantity
Connector wells are potentially feasible,  from a technical perspective,
to discharge uncontaminated  water from the surficial  aquifer  to the deep
aquifers.  Thus some  of  the  drawdown  caused  by deep well  pumping could
be offset by the  induced recharge.. However, a site-specific  study would
be needed to determine the feasibility connector wells  onsite.  The
                                   3-96

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results of studies conducted on other mine  sites  in  the  area have
generally concluded that connector wells  are  not  economically feasible.

     Quality
Discharge of water from the surficial aquifer to  the deep aquifers  would
generally increase the phosphate and nitrate  levels  in the deep aquifer;
however, the oH, ammonia, sulfate, fluoride,  and  conductivity would
generally decrease as a result of connector well  recharge.

Zero Discharge
     Quantity
To comply with  zero discharge, settling  areas and dam heights would need
to be  increased.  Other changes might include post-raining contour
elevations and  future land  uses.  Seepage to  the  surficial aquifer would
increase due to  increases in settling areas and dam  heights.  Changes in
post-mining contouring and  land uses might  change post-mining oiezo-
metric  levels in the surficial aquifer.

     Quality
The impacts of  seepage from the ISA and  disposal  areas are dicussed in
the section Water Management/Process Water  Sources/Surface Water.   There
will be an increase in the  potential  for  changes  in  ground water quality
due to  seepage  in the zero  discharge alternative.

Waste  Sand and  Clay Disposal
Sand and Clay Mixing (CF  Industries' Proposed Action)

Quantity—CF proposes a sand-clay mix as  the  predominant waste disposal
method  to be used on-site.  Waste sand  and  clay are  removed and
separated during the mining and beneficiation processes, and CF esti-
mates  a total of 97 million short tons  (8T) of clay  and 305 million ST
of sand will be  generated during  the  expected 27-year mining ooeration.
Waste  clay in the range of  2 to 5 percent solids  will be placed in an
ISA and allowed to  settle  for  a period  of approximately 6 months or
until  the clay  reaches  the  12- to  18-percent solids  range.   Sand
                                    3-97

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tailings and the 12- to 18-percent clay  solids  will  be  mixed at  a ratio
of 2:1 and pumped to a disposal area.  The  mixture  will  consist  of
approximately 30 percent clay  solids at  the completion  of filling the
area and will approach 40.9 percent clay  solids in approximately
5 years.

The ISA will have a total area of 760 surface acres,  a  storage volume of
20,000 acre-feet, and a dam height of 40  feet above  the average  grade.
The ISA must be filled with water prior  to operation.   CF estimates that
a pumping rate of 4,400 gpm (about 6.3 MGD) from the  Floridan Aquifer
for a period of 90 days will be required  to pre-fill  the  ISA; however,
the pumping time may vary depending on the potentiometric level  in the
aquifer.  The impacts on ground water caused by this  withdrawal  are
similar to those discussed in  the section Matrix Processing.

At the conclusion of mining, 9,083 acres  of Complex  II  will  be composed
of sand-clay mix areas.  The sand-clay mix soil will  have a  lower
permeability than the natural  soil.  Thus overall recharge to the
surficial aquifer may be decreased because of  increased surface  runoff
and ponding.  Due to the confining beds  between aquifers, recharge to
the deeper aquifers is not expected to change  since,  under existing
conditions, the recharge was not measurable during the  CUP pump  tests.

Sand tailin'gs that are not used in the sand-clay mix program will be
used to backfill some mined areas.  A total of  2,213  acres of Complex II
will be composed of sand tailings fill areas at the  conclusion of
mining.  A 6- to 12-inch cap of overburden will be used to retain
moisture and provide some nutrients for  plant growth.   Recharge  to the
surficial aquifer in these areas will be  similar to  or  slightly  higher
than, that of the natural materials.  No  significant  changes  in ground
water quantity of the secondary artesian  aquifer or  the Floridan Aquifer
should occur because of the confining beds between aquifers.
                                    3-98

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Quality—Impacts on water  quality In the Florldan Aquifer due to an
Increased downward gradient  during the prefilling of the ISA would be
similar to those discussed in the section Matrix Processing.

Changes to the  surficial  aquifer  water quality are discussed in the
water management section.  Since  water originating in the shallow
aquifer must  pass through  clayey  confining beds, no significant changes
should occur  in the ground water  quality of the secondary artesian
aquifer or the  Floridan Aquifer as a result of mine water seepage.

Conventional  Sand and  Clay Disposal
Quantity—In  the conventional sand and clay disposal method, waste sand
and clay are  disposed  in  separate areas formed from mined areas.  The
settled clays may form more  of a  natural liner than sand-clay mix and
thus reduce recharge to the  surficial aquifer.  The impounded clays
would also increase water  losses  over the life of the mine relative to
sand-clay mixing, by the  increased entrainment of water.  The potentio-
metric surface  of surficial  aquifer would be higher In these areas than
in sand-clay  mix areas.

Sand tailings disposal areas would permit rapid drainage and would allow
the water table to re-establish at a level similar to natural condi-
tions.  A slight increase  in recharge to the surficial aquifer would
occur in these  areas.  No  significant changes should occur in the
secondary artesian aquifer or the Floridan Aquifer.

Quality—-As stated above,  the reduced seepage and increased containment
of water in the separate clay disposal areas would provide greater
containment of water used  in the  transport of the waste clays.  Thus,
the movement  of nutrients  and reagents within the clays would be reduced
and the impacts on the quality of the surficial aquifer would be less
than the impacts associated  with  sand and clay mix.  Whereas, the
movement of nutrients  and  reagents within the sand tailings would be
increased and the impact greater  than the impacts associated with the
sand and clay mix.
                                   3-99

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For the sand tailing areas,  the higher permeabilities  would  be somewhat
offset by the lower head differences between  the  tailing  fill  areas  and
surficial aquifer.  Therefore, the potential  changes  in  surficial  water
quality are similar to those discussed in  the  section  Water
Management/Process Water Sources/Surface Water.

Sand and Clay Cap
Quantity—The sand-clay mix waste disposal method  is  similar  to  the
conventional clay settling disposal method except  that an  approximately
5-foot cap of sand and clay material would be  placed  over  the
conventional clay settling areas.  This would  increase the pressure
gradient over the area and thus would increase  seepage to  the  surficial
aquifer relative to conventional disposal.   Impacts on ground  water
quantity would be similar to those of the  conventional sand  and  clay
disposal method.

Quality—Impacts on ground water quality would  be  similar  to  those of
the conventional sand and clay disposal.

Reclamation
OF  Industries' Proposed Reclamation Plan

Quantity—Approximately 14,925 acres of Complex II will  be disturbed by
mining and related activities:  9,083 acres  of  sand-clay mix  disposal
areas; 2,213 acres of sand tailings fill areas  with an overburden  cap;
2,399 acres of mined out areas for land-and-lakes; and 1,230  acres of
overburden fill areas and disturbed natural  ground. The  sand-clay  mix
disposal method will reduce  the time needed  for waste  clay stabilization
and will allow more rapid reclamation of these  lands  compared  to the
conventional clay disposal method.  This method will  also  allow waste
disposal materials placed above-grade to settle at or near grade,
thereby eliminating the need for high dams and  allowing  reclamation to
be completed close to original contours.
                                    3-100

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The sand-clay mix will be pumped to 26 storage areas which will be
filled to an average height of 10 feet above original grade and a maxi-
mum of 5 feet below the top of the dikes.  The sand-clay mix will con-
soldiate to an average of 41 percent clay solids and subside to an
average height of 2.3 feet above original grade over a period of approx-
imately 5 years.  The average height of 2.3 feet includes a 2- to 4-inch
cap formed by the grading of surrounding dams and any protruding over-
burden spoil piles.  Complete reclamation of the sand-clay mix areas
will require 7 years after filling is complete:  drying and consolida-
tion will require 5 years; final grading and revegetation, an additional
2 years.  The sand-clay mix areas will have a lower permeability than
the natural soil, resulting in higher water levels or ponding.  A
reduction in recharge to the surficial aquifer may occur due to
increased runoff and evapotranspiration.  Future recharge  to the sur-
ficial aquifer will also be affected by future land use which may
include improved pasture, forestry,  cropland, and wetlands.  Recharge  to
the secondary and Florida Aquifers should not be altered  since  the
confining beds between  the aquifers  restricts recharge  to  an
unmeasurable quantity.

Sand tailings will be used to backfill mine  cuts  to  approximately
natural grade and then  a cap of  6  to 12  inches of overburden will  be
used to provide a good  soil cover.   Recharge to  the  surficial  aquifer
may be slightly increased due to  the higher  permeability of  the sand
tailings.  Complete reclamation  of  the  sand  tailings fill area will
require approximately 2 years after  filling,  allowing for final grading
and revegetation.

At  the conclusion of mining,  all clays  will  be  removed from the ISA and
its dams reduced to meet abandonment and reclamation requirements  of the
Florida Department of Natural Resources  and  FDER.   Final grading and
revegetation  should be  completed within approximately 2 years after
mining has  ceased.  Changes  in  recharge to the surficial aquifer will
depend on  the future land  use of the area.  Approximately 1,230 acres of
                                     3-101

-------
mined and disturbed areas will be reclaimed with  overburden  fill.   These
areas will be primarily located  along  property boundaries  and  will also
include the plant site and the ISA,  Compartment I.   These  mined  and
disturbed lands will be reclaimed to approximately  natural grade and
will have good potential for a variety of land uses.   These  areas  will
generally be reclaimed within 2  years  after mining.   Recharge  to the
surficial aquifer should be similar  to that of pre-mining  conditions.

A total of 2,399 acres of Complex II will consist of  land-and-lakes
areas constructed in five mined-out  areas because of  the lack  of
sufficient waste material to be  used as  fill.   Reclamation,  which will
consist primarily of grading the remaining spoil  piles followed  by
revegetation, is expected to be  completed within  2  years after mining.
Wetlands will be reclaimed from  at least 25 percent of land-and-lakes
areas and from 25 to 30 percent  of the reclaimed  sand-clay disposal
areas.  The total lake and wetlands  area of the site  will  increase by
9 percent after reclamation.  An increase in  storage of surface  water
and a rise in water table levels will result  in a slight increase of the
potential for recharge to the secondary  artesian  aquifer and the
Floridan Aquifer from these areas.   However,  no increase is  expected
because of the confining beds between  the aquifers.

Quality—No significant changes  in ground water quality of the secondary
artesian aquifer or the Floridan Aquifer should occur as a result of
reclamation.  Changes in the surficial aquifer quality will  occur  as a
result of leakage through the sand-clay  mix and sand tailings  fill
disposal areas.  These impacts are similar to  those discussed  in the
Sand and Clay Mix Disposal section.

Conventional Reclamation/Clay Settling
Quantity—Waste sand and clay generated  during the  mining  and  beneficia-
tion processes would be disposed in  mine cuts  and above-ground storage
areas.  A larger area and a longer consolidation  period would  be
required for the disposal of waste clays compared to the sand-clay mix
                                    3-102

-------
disposal method.  The waste clay would have a  lower  permeability  than
the pre-mining materials and possibly lower than  the underlying clay
strata that occurs between the surficial aquifer  and the  secondary
artesian aquifer.  This would result in a reduction  of  recharge to  the
artesian aquifers, although water levels in the surficial  aquifer would
be higher than pre-mining levels.  Water levels in the  sand  tailings
disposal areas would be dependent on the hydrologic  characteristics of
the sand and adjacent materials.

Quality—Changes to the surficial aquifer water quality from seepage  are
discussed in the section Water Management/Process Water Sources/Surface
Water.  No significant changes should occur in the ground  water quality
of the secondary artesian aquifer or the Floridan Aquifer.

Sand-Clay Cap
Quantity—The 5-foot cap of sand-clay mix material would  have a higher
permeability than the underlying waste clay.   This would  allow a  perched
water table to be established about 5 feet below  the surface of  the
sand-clay mix cap areas.  Reduced recharge to  the artesian aquifers and
higher water levels in the surficial aquifer would occur  in these
areas.

The water table levels in the sand  tailings fill  areas  would depend on
the hydrologic characteristics of the sand and adjacent materials.

Quality—Impacts on ground water quality would be similar to those
discussed in the section Conventional Reclamation/Clay  Settling.

3.4.2.2  THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE
Quantity
Under the No Action alternative, no  significant  changes in the ground
water regime would be expected.  Seasonal changes in water levels in the
surficial, secondary artesian,  and  Floridan Aquifers would not be
                                    3-103

-------
affected.  Existing ground water  uses  in the  area of the prooosed mine
would continue.  This action would  cause no changes in the hydrologic
characteristics of the surficial  aquifer,  nor would recharge to the
artesian aquifers change.

Quality
The quality of ground water under this  action would depend on future
land use in the area.  If land use  patterns do not change, then ground
water quality should remain as it is currently.
                                     3-104

-------
                           3.5  SURFACE WATER

3.5.1  AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
3.5.1.1  SURFACE WATER QUANTITY
Regional Description
The CF Industries Hardee Phosphate Complex  II is  located  in  the  west-
central portion of the Peace River Basin  as  shown  in Figure  3.5.1-1.
The site is drained primarily by  two  tributaries  of  the Peace  River:
Payne Creek, and Horse Creek.

The USGS has maintained numerous  stream gauging  stations  on  the  Peace
River and its tributaries.  Station locations are  shown in
Figure 3.5.1-1.  Pertinent data  from  those  stations  in the vicinity of
the CF site are summarized in Table 3.5.1-1.

Average annual rainfall in Hardee County  is  54  inches  (Hughes  et al.,
1971); however, monthly and annual variation can  be  significant.
Approximately 60 percent of the  total annual average  precipitation
occurs during the months of June, July, August,  and  September.  On an
annual basis, EPA (1979) characterizes the  area  as having an average
rainfall of about 55 inches, an  average evapotranspiration of  39 inches,
an average total surface runoff  of 15 inches, and  an  aquifer recharge  of
between 0.5 and 5 inches.

Site-Specific Description
The CF property consists of two  complexes:   Complex  I  and Complex II.
Complex I is the northern tract  of property  and  is currently being mined
by CF; Complex II is the southern portion of the  property which  is
proposed for mining and is the study  area for this EIS.   Complex I is
drained primarily by Payne Creek and  one  of  its  tributaries, Hickey
Branch.  Complex II is primarily  drained  by  Horse  Creek,  Payne Creek
and, to a much lesser extent, Troublesome Creek.   Minor drainage tribut-
aries and/or subbasins present on the Complex II  site  include  Brushy
Creek, Shirttail Branch, Coon's  Bay Branch>Doe Branch, Plunder Branch,
and Lettis Creek.
                              3-105

-------
  CF EIS OS/Ottos
          APPROXIMATE fOUNOARt  ;
          Or PfACE RIVER BASIN AREA
       CF INDUSTRIES
       MAftOEE COUNTY
       PHOSPHATE PROJECT
       SITE
                                                        S INDICATES USGS GAUGING STATION
                                                           1-02207155
                                                           2-02297310
                                                           3-02295420
                                                           4-02294050
                                                           5-02294898
                                                           0 12295637
                                                           7-02296750
Figure 3.5.1-1
PEACE RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN

SOURCES: CF MINING CORPORATION, 1976; ESE, 1982.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
            CF INDUSTRIES
    Hardee Phosphate Complex II
                                         3-106

-------
Table 3.5.1-1.  Suimary of Pertinent Data from USGS Stations in the Region
Station
Nuifcer
02297155
02297310
02295420
02294650
02294898
w 02295637
i
o 02296750
Name/Location
Horse Creek near Myakka Head
torse Creek near Arcadia
Payne Creek near Bowling Green
Peace River at Bartow
Peace River at Fort Meade
Peace River at Zolfo Springs

Peace River at Arcadia
Period of
Record
1977-1980
1950-1980
1963-68, 1980
1939-1980
1974-1980
1933-1980

1931-1980
Drainage Area
(mi)
41
218
121
390
465
826

1,367
Average Flow
(cfs)
m
194
111
252
169
680

1,155
Maximum
Flow (cfs)
904
11,700
2,190
4,140
1,360
26,300

36,200
Minimum
Flow (cfs)
0.04
0.0
0.84
1.1
1.9
22.0

37.0
NA = Not Available.




Source:  USGS,  1980.

-------
 Drainage  areas  on  Complex II arc shown in Figure 3.5.1-2.  The property
 is  located  on  a regional  drainage divide, with the western half of the
 property  draining  south and  the  eastern half draining to the north and
 then  east.

 CF  Industries,  Inc.  has maintained an extensive monitoring network of
 stream  level recorders and rainfall stations on the property since July
 1975.   Continuous  recorders  are  located at Stations WQ-1, WQ~2,  WQ-3,
 WO-4, and WQ-7,  and  current  measurements  were taken periodically to
 calibrate stage/discharge curves for each station.

 the monitoring  period  for the EIS data collection effort was from July
 1981  through June  1982, and  the  effort included data collection by both
 CF and  ESE.  The locations of CF monitoring stations and additional
 stations  sampled by  ESE are  shown in Figure 3.5.1-3.  The surface water
 level recorders, staff gauge readings,  and continuous rainfall
 recordings  (previously described)  were maintained from July 1981 through
 June  1982,  and  the data were reduced by CF.   In addition, ESE installed
 a Stevens Type-A level recorder  on Horse  Creek at Station WQ-11  in July
 1981  and maintained  this  gauge through June 1982.  ESE measured  stream
 flows monthly at Stations WO-5,  WQ-8,  WQ-9,  WQ-10, WQ-ll, and WQ-12 from
 July  1981 through  September  1981  and monthly at Stations WQ-1 through
 WQ-5, WQ-7, WQ-8,  WQ-10,  WQ-11,  WQ-13,  and WQ-14  from October 1981
 through June 1982.

 The monthly flows  measured at Station WQ-11  were  used to develop a
 stage/discharge curve.  This stage/discharge curve was used to translate
 the surface water  level recordings into average daily flows.

 In order to estimate long-term average  daily discharges  for the  ungauged
 streams on  the  property,  a correlation  was developed between a long-term
USGS gauging station and  streams  on the property.   Based on hydrologic
                              3-108

-------
Figure 3.5.1-2
DRAINAGE BASIN AREAS ON COMPLEX II PROPERTY
SOURCE: ESE. 1965
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                             CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                      Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
...
                 H1LLSBOROUCH CO
                         C0~
                                POLK CO
                               »AftD£f CO
             ECEND

             •  SURFACE WATER MONITORING STATION (WO)
                SURFACE WATER MONITORING STATIONS
                ADDED FOR EIS (WO)
             A RAIN GAUGE (R|
             • MONITORING WELLS
                 SA * SHALLOW AQUIFER
                 UF « UPPER FLORIOAN
                 LF = LOWER FLORIDAN
               WELL CLUSTER INCLUDES:
                 PRODUCTION TEST WELL (PTW)
                 DEEP FLORIDAN TEST WELL (DF)
                 LF 1. LF2A. LFO, UF 2" UF-3, SA-14
     Figure 3.5.1-3
     LOCATION OF HYDROLOGIC  DATA COLLECTION STATIONS


     SOURCES: CF MINING CORPORATION. 1976; DAMES & MOORE, 1976; ESE. 1985.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Region IV
     Draft Environmental Impact Statement
            CF INDUSTRIES
    Hardee Phosphate  Complex It

-------
similarities, USGS gauging station 02300100 on  the  Little  Manatee  River
at Fort Lonesome was chosen  for  these  analyses.   The  on-site  stations
for correlation were limited to  WQ-4,  Gum  Swamp  Branch,  and WQ-8,  Doe
Branch, since the other gauges were  found  to  be  influenced by discharge
from existing mining operations.

Correlation and regression analyses  was  performed for Station WQ-4 and
the USGS station using the average monthly  flows  at each of  these
stations from January 1976 through September  1981 and for  WQ-8 and the
USGS station using the average monthly  flows  from February 1979 through
September 1981 (periods of overlapping  record).   The  results  of these
regression analyses showed that  the  average 17-year flow rate was
0.35 cfs per square mile  (cfsm)  for  the  CF  property.

For each of the other surface water  stations  on  Complex II,  total
drainage basins were delineated  on 2-foot-interval  topographic maps
provided by CF Industries.   The  average  flows at  each station on Complex
II were calculated by multiplying the  drainage  area of each  basin  by the
17-year flow rate (0.35 cfsm) as determined in  the  regression analyses.
The basin areas and average  flows are  presented  in  Table 3.5.1-2.

By comparing the site average rainfall  to  the NOAA  gauge  located in
Wauchula, the site rainfall  during the  monitoring year is  4  inches above
"normal" (the 30-year average precipitation).   According  to  SWFWMD
(1981) classification, the monitoring  year  would be classified as  a
normal year.  However, the monthly precipitation totals varied widely
from monthly normals.

3.5.1.2  SURFACE WATER QUALITY
Regional Description
Horse Creek
Water quality data have been collected  in  the reach of Horse  Creek
near CF Complex II at Station WQ-6 and  downstream by  Mississippi
Chemical Corporation (MCC) at Station  MCC-2 (see Figure 3.5.1-4).
                              3-111

-------
           Table 3.5.1-2.  Drainage Areas and Average Flows for Each Surface Water Sanpling Station
u>
Surface
Water
Station
PAYNi CREEK

WQ-1
WQ-7

WQ-4

WQ-10

WQ-^8

WQ-5

WQ-12

WQ-2
WQ-3
WQ-13
Wt^-14
HORSE CREEK

WQ-9

WQ-11
Location
BASIN
Hickey Branch
Inflow to property
Outflow from property
Gun Swamp Branch
Inflow to property
Shirttail Branch
Outflow from property
Doe Branch
Outflow from property
Plunder Branch
Outflow to property
Coons Bay Branch
Outflow
Payne Creek
Inflow to property
Outflow from property
Upstream of Little Payne Creek
Downstream of Little Payne Creek
BASIN
Brushy Creek
Outflow from property
Horse Creek
Outflow from property
Point Source Dis-
charges Upstrean of
Surface Water Station


Agrico Mine
Agrico and CF Mines

None

ttone

None

None

None

Agrico Mine
Agrico and CF Mines
Agrico and CF Mines
Agrico and CF Mines


None

None
Drainage
Basin Area
(sq. mi.)


1.9
6.7

10.1

2.3

8.0

4.2

0.5

26.3
57.4
68.4
12 1. Ot


4.2

17.9
Percent of Basin
on CF Property


0
47

2

97

90

88

56

2
29
32
18


98

9.5
Average
Flow (cfs)


2*
7*

3.6

0.8

2.8

1.6

0.2

26*
57*
68*
121*


1.5

6.3
           * Estimated fron relationship in CF IRI,  i.e.,  1.0 cfsm.
           t USGS,  1980.

           Sources:   ESE,  1982.
                     USGS,  1980.
                     CF Mining Corporation,  1976.
                     USGS Quadrangles,  1956,  1972.

-------
          I   I  POUK CO  NT:
                                               PEACE RIVER AT
                                               ZOLFO SPRINGS
                                                  PEACE
                                                  RIVER
                                                  BASIN
MYAKKA
RIVER
BASIN
                        HORSE CREEK
                        NEAR ARCADIA
• INDICATES LOCATION OF WATE  QUALITY
 SAMPLING STATION
 Figure 3.5.1-4
 LOCATIONS OF  REGIONAL
 WATER QUALITY  STATIONS
 SOURCES: EPA. 1978
        ESE. 1982
                                     U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                         Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                              CF INDUSTRIES
                                        Hardee Phosphate Complex II
                                  3-113

-------
Further downstream, USGS has maintained a water quality  station  on Horse
Creek near Arcadia since 1962.  The  following observations  were  made
from the extensive USGS water quality summary for Horse  Creek  near
Arcadia which is summarized in Table 3.5.1-3.  No mean concentrations
violate Florida Class III standards.  However, violations occur  for the
extreme values of alkalinity, conductivity, DO, pH,  and  mercury.   Since
alkalinity is generally low (38 mg/L as CaCOj), even  the  low  to
moderate color levels (125 PCU) produce acidic conditions.  Nitrogen
levels are low; however, nitrate-nitrite  is moderate  to  high,  indicating
fertilizer input from leached ground water or runoff.  Total  phosphate
is high, averaging 1.37 mg/L.  Waters are generally  well  oxygenated,
with DO averaging 7.7 mg/L and BOD averaging 0.9 mg/L.   Dissolved  ions
are moderate.  SpeetMc conductivity averaged 251 umhos/cm, indicating  a
TDS concentration of 140 to 225 mg/L.

Peace River
Long-term water quality data in the  Peace River collected by  USGS  at
Zolfo Springs, south of the Payne Creek inflow, are  summarized in
Table 3.5.1-3.  Waters in the Peace  River at Zolfo Springs  have  low to
moderate color levels, high conductivity, and high phosphate  levels.
Color averaged 65 PCUs, with moderate alkalinity (59  mg/L as  CaCO^),
pH averaged  in the slightly basic range (7.16)..  Dissolved  solids  were
high at the  station.  Specific conductance averaged  388  umhos/cm,
indicating a total dissolved solids  concentration of 210 to 350  mg/L.
Nitrogen was low in the river; however, nitrate-nitrite  was high
(1.13 mg/L), indicating fertilizer input  from ground  water  or  runoff.
Total phosphate was high, averaging  7.17 mg/L.  Dissolved oxygen was
observed at moderate levels, averaging 6.9 mg/L, and BOD was  generally
low, averaging 1.4 mg/L.  Water quality data at the  USGS station on the
Peace River  near Arcadia, located about 33 miles downstream of the Zolfo
Springs station, are similar to those observed at Zolfo  Springs.
                                3-114

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Table 3.5.1-3.
Mean Concentration of Water Quality Data for Horse Creek
Near Arcadia (USGS Station 02297310) and Peace River at
Zolfo Springs (USGS Station 02295637)
Parameter
Alkalinity (mg/L)
BOD (mg/L)
Chlorides (mg/L)
Color (pt-co units)
Conductivity (umhos)
DO (mg/L)
Fluoride (mg/L)
Hardness, total (mg/L)
pH
Sulfate (mg/L)
TOC (mg/L)
Turbidity (JTU)
NH3 + NH4 (mgN/L)
Organic N (mgN/L)
TKN (mgN/L)
N02 + N03 (mgN/L)
Total N (mgN/L)
Ortho PC>4 (mg/L)
Total P04 (mg/L)
.Aluminum, total (ug/L)
Arsenic, total (ug/L)
Cadmium, total (ug/L)
Copper, dissolved (ug/L)
Iron, total (mg/L)
Lead, ' total (ug/L)
Mercury, total (ug/L)
Nickel, total (ug/L)
Zinc, dissolved (ug/L)
Horse Creek
38.0
0.9
15.8
125.0
251.0
7.7
0.5
75.0
6.92
30.2
19.0
9.0
0.05
1.03
1.14
0.18
1.32
1.54
1.37
190.0
1.0
0.5
4.0
0.785
6.5
0.3
3.0
8.0
Peace River
59.0
1.4
15.2
65.0
388.0
6.9
4.7
147.0
7.16
88.0
17.0
11.2
0.11
0.89
0.93
1.13
2.21
10.26
7.17
45.0
1.0
0.0
28.0
0.333
1.0
0.5
5.0
17.0
Source:  USGS, 1980.
                               3-115

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Site-Specific Description
Previous Studies
CF Industries has collected weekly  samples  at  Stations WQ-1  through  WQ-7
since July 1975.  The analyses performed  include:  pH, conductivity,
alkalinity, fluoride, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, orthophosphate,  total
                                                  *
phosphorus, silica, sulfate, total  suspended solids,  fecal coliforms,
and turbidity.  Radium-226 analysis has been performed two to  four times
per year since 1976.  Continuous measurements  of temperature,  dissolved
oxygen, pH, and conductivity have been made at Stations WQ-1,  WQ-2,
WQ-3, and WQ-7.

ESE initiated water quality sampling efforts on the CF property  in July
1981, and conducted a 1-year monitoring program that  covered the  period
July 1981 through June 1982.  Samples were  collected  from Stations WQ-1
through WQ-5, and WQ-7 through WQ-14.  For  details regarding the
sampling frequency and parameter analysis frequency,  see Section  7.0 of
the Supplementary Information Document (SID).

Water quality data gathered during  the EIS  and during previous studies
have been summarized by statistical analyses using the raw data values.
The results of the statistical analyses are presented in Section  7.0 of
the SID.  This section presents the mean  concentrations calculated for
each sampling station.

Horse Creek Basin
Three streams are discussed in Horse Creek  Basin,  including  Horse Creek
(WQ-11), Brushy Creek (WQ-9), and Lettis  Creek.  Land use in the  basin
consists primarily of rangeland, marsh, and flatwoods, with  forested
swamps bordering the streams.  Water quality data  collected  in the basin
during EIS monitoring are presented in Table 3.5.1-4.  Water quality
data collected on Brushy Creek and  Lettis Creek for Mississippi Chemical
Corporation and Farmland Industries studies are presented in
Table 3.5.1-5.
                                  3-116

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      Table 3.5.1-4.
Mean Concentrations of Water Quality Data  Collected  on  Complex II  from July 1981  Through

June 1982
I
M
H-
^J
Horse Creek Basin
Parameter
General Parameters:
Stream Flow (cfs)
Color (PCU)
Methy.B.A. Subst. (mg/L)
Oil and Grease (mg/L)
Suspended Solids (mg/L)
Turbidity (NTU)
Water Temperature (°C)
Dissolved Ions:
Sp. Conduct., Field (umhos/cm)
Cyanide (mg/L)
Chloride (mg/L)
Fluoride (mg/L)
Sulfate (mg/L)
Alkalinity and pH:
Alkalinity (mg/L as CaC03)
PH
Nutrients:
Ammonia (mg/L-N)
Ammonia, Un- ionized (mg/L)
N03 + N02 (mg/L-N)
TKN (mg/L-N)
T. Org. N. (mg/L-N)
T. Phosphorous (mg/L-P)
Diss. 0-P04 (rag/L-P)
Silica, Diss. (mg/L as SI02)
Brushy
Creek
WQ-9

1.92
383
ND
ND
46
2.00
27.9

65.7
ND
8
0.20
2

9
5.17

0.12
<0.001
0.018
2.91
2.79
0.708
0.522
5.5
Horse
Creek
WQ-11

45.2
333
ND
ND
<5
0.93
26.0

123
ND
18
0.23
13

5
5.37

<0.03
<0.001
0.007
1.60
1.57
0.477
0.400
4.4
Payne Creek Basin (Complex
Plunder
Branch
WQ-5

0.22
207
<0.50
<5
26
4.01
20.8

249
<0.005
21
0.60
23

69
6.21

0.04
<0.001
0.016
1.64
1.60
1.29
0.903
14.6
Doe
Branch
WQ-8

1.82
183
<0.50
<5
17
2.67
20.1

283
<0.005
35
0.36
48

45
5.98

0.17
0.001
0.281
2.47
2.30
0.541
0.365
9.6
Shirttail
Branch
WQ-10

2.33
236
<0.50
<5
9
2.71
21.3

194
<0.005
22
0.84
48

17
5.70

0.05
<0.001
0.008
1.67
1.62
0.772
0.576
6.9
II)
Coons Bay
Branch
WQ-12

0.002
313
ND
ND
111
9.85
28.3

450
ND
60
0.28
163

20
5.23

0.19
<0.001
0.027
4.10
3.91
1.15
0.501
12.8

-------
      Table 3.5.1-4.  Mean Concentrations of Water Quality Data Collected on Complex  II  from July  1981  Through

                      June 1982 (Continued, Page 2 of 2)
I
I-*
M
OO
Horse Creek Basin


Parameter
Oxygen and Oxygen Demand:
Diss. Oxygen (mg/L)
BOD (5 NA. mg/L)
Metals:
Arsenic, Total (ug/L)
Beryllium (mg/L)
Cadmium, Total (ug/L)
Chromium, Total (ug/L)
Copper, Total (ug/L)
Iron, Total (ug/L)
Lead, Total (ug/L)
Mercury, Total (ug/L)
Nickel (ug/L)
Selenium, Total (ug/L)
Silver, Total (ug/L)
Zinc, Total (ug/L)
Microbiology:
Coliform, Fee. (1/100 ml)
Note: Mean value was calculated
the detection limit.
ND = No data.
Source: ESE, 1982.
Brush
Creek
WQ-9

2.7
3.7

ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND

687
using half the



Horse
Creek
WQ-11

2.1
1.9

ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND

435
value of the



Plunder
Branch
WQ-5

3.4
3.5

<11
<1.0
0.3
4.3
2.9
2290
<11.0
1.1
6.3
6.4
0.9
32.9

236
detection



Payne Creek Basin (Complex
Doe
Branch
WQ-8

1.6
4.0

<11

-------
Table 3.5.1-5.
           Mean Concentrations of Water Quality Data Collected
           Downstream of Complex II on Lettis Creek and Brushy
           Creek
Parameter
Flow (cfs)
Water Temperature (°C)
Conductivity (umhos/cm)
PH
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
Suspended Solids (mg/L)
Oil and Grease (mg/L)
TOC (mg/L)
Fecal Coliform (MPN/100 ml)
Ortho PC>4 (mg/L)
Total P (mg/L)
NH3 (mg/L)
Organic N (mg/L)
N03 * N02 (mg/L)
TKN (mg/L)
BOD (mg/L)
Acidity
Alkalinity (mg/L)
Turbidity (NTU)
Color (CPU)
Total Solids (mg/L)
Fluoride (mg/L)
804 (mg/L)
Iron (mg/L)
Aluminum (mg/L)
Arsenic (mg/L)
Lettis Creek
MCC-12
1.13
21.34
195.00
6.21
3.55
7.38
5.00
28.38
415.00
0.15
0.30
0.19
1.51
0.03
ND
2.66
15.88
51.63
2.13
275.00
183.75
0.26
3.75
0.35
0.19
0.02
Brushy Creek
MCC-10 and S-2
1.86
24.16
170.32
5.92
4.67
63.23
5.00
37.20
222.32
0.90
20.61
0.13
1.28
2.51
0.39
19.15
18.36
23.53
133.27
169.41
111.11
6.08
166.67
0.32
313.16
0.02
ND
No data.
Sources:  MCC, 1976.
          ESE, 1982.
                                3-119

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Waters in the basin can generally  be  considered  to  be  colored  waters of
low turbidity.  Color levels were  highest  in  Brushy Creek (383 PCU);
however, this level is typical  for  Florida  streams  traversing  swampland
areas.

Alkalinity was highest in Lettis Creek.  Alkalinity in the streams was
often below the minimum standard for  Florida  Class  III waters.  Low
alkalinity suggests low buffering  capacity  in the  stream and,  with
acidic water input, acidic conditions  could be expected.   Generally,
acidic conditions  are found  in  the  streams.

Nitrogen was highest in Brushy  Creek,  and values of organic nitrogen
were higher during ponded conditions,  indicating  the buildup of organic
matter when flushing is reduced.   Total  phosphorus  levels were also
highest in Brushy  Creek (0.708  mg/L)  and the  predominant form  of this
phosphate was ortho-phosphate,  which  represented as much as 85 percent
of the total.

Both dissolved oxygen (DO) and  biological  oxygen  demand (BOD)  were low
in the streams.  Fecal coliform counts were highest in Brushy  Creek
(687/100 ml), possibly due to ponded  conditions.   These conditions
probably reflect impact from cattle and  rangeland  runoff.

Payne Creek Basin:  Tributaries Draining Complex  II
Water quality samples were collected  from  four tributaries draining
Complex II north to Payne Creek.   These  tributaries include Shirttail
Creek (WQ-10), Doe Branch (WQ-8),  Plunder  Branch  (WQ-5),  and Coons Bay
Branch (WQ-12).  The results of this  sampling are  presented in
Table 3.5.1-4.  Land use in  the basin is primarily forested swamp,
rangeland, flatwoods, and marsh.   As  in  the Horse  Creek Basin, organic
color is an important part of the  water  chemistry  of the streams
draining Complex II.  Coons  Bay Branch had  the highest organic color
levels, averaging  313 PCU.   Color  appeared  to be  higher during flow
conditions, indicating the effect  of  flushing in  swamps.
                                3-120

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Suspended solids were  also  highest  in  Coons  Bay  Branch (111  mg/L),  with
suspended matter being  higher  during  ponded  conditions.

Specific conductance measurements were also  highest  in Coons Bay Branch
(450 umhos/cm).  Dissolved  ions  appeared  to  have negative correlation
with flow (i.e., dissolved  ions  were  low  when flow was high),  probably
due to  less  influence  by  ground  water  inflow.

Plunder Branch had  the  highest  alkalinity (69 mg/L as  CaCC^) and
highest pH (6.21).  Generally  acidic  conditions  were  found in  all the
streams, with  the other three  averaging below the minimum standards of
6.0 for Florida Class  III waters.

Nitrogen levels were higher during  ponded conditions,  possibly reflect-
ing the buildup of  organic  matter when little flushing is occurring.
Nitrate-nitrite was highest in Doe  Branch (0.28  mg/L)  and may  indicate
fertilizer input.   Total  phosphorus was highest  in Plunder Branch
(1.29 mg/L)  and was primarily  ortho-phosphate (50 to  70  percent);
however, the proportion of  ortho-phosphate decreased  during  ponded
conditions,  indicating  the  buildup  of  organic matter  with little
flushing.

As in the Horse Creek  Basin, both DO  and  BOD were low, possibly indicat-
ing the effect of oxygen  removal  in swamps and little  DO replacement.
Coliform levels were highest (historically)  in Plunder Branch
(349/100 mL).

Water quality  standards violations  were observed at  all  stations for
zinc, mercury, and  iron (Coons Bay  Branch was not sampled for  metals).
In addition, violations of  the cadmium and silver standard were observed
in Doe Branch and Plunder Branch.

Payne Creek  Basin:  Tributaries Draining  Complex I
Tributaries draining Complex I include Hickey Branch  (WQ-1 and 7),  Gum
Swamp Branch (WQ-4), and  Payne Creek on the  property  (WQ-2 and 3).  The
                               3-121

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 results of  the  sampling  conducted  on Payne  Creek draining Complex I are
 presented  in Table 3.5.1-6.   Land  use in the basin is  primarily
 flatwoods,  rangeland,  forested  wetlands, marsh,  and  disturbed areas
 (mined land).

The water  sampled at Station  WQ-1  (Mickey Branch—Inflow to Complex I)
was predominantly Agrico's mine  discharge.   The  water  sampled at
Station WQ-7 (Hickey Branch--0utflow from Complex  I) was a combination
of CF's discharge from their  existing mine,  Agrico's discharge,  and
approximately 5 square miles  of  natural  drainage.  The locations  of the
point source discharges  near  Complex I are  shown in  Figure 3.5.1-5.

The samples collected  at WQ-2 (Payne Creek—Inflow to  Complex 1)  and
WQ-3 (Payne Creek—Outflow from  Complex  1)  were  representative  of
Agrico's discharge and about  50  square miles of  natural  drainage.  Gum
Swamp Branch (WQ-4) has  a drainage basin of  about  10 square miles and  no
point source discharges.

Color levels in Payne Creek Basin  are generally  much lower than those  in
Horse Creek Basin.  Turbidity was  generally  less  than  5  MTU at  all
stations.  Specific conductance  was  highest  in Hickey  Branch (290 to 325
umhos/cm) and was somewhat negatively correlated with  flow.

Hickey Branch upstream had the highest alkalinity  of the stations
sampled (102 mg/L as CaC03).  Except for Gum Swamp Branch, these
streams had higher alkalinity than streams  in Complex  II,  which may be
the result of Agrico's discharge.  Of the five stations,  Gum Swamp was
the only station to exhibit primarily acidic conditions  (6.42).

Total Kjeldahl nitrogen  averaged less than  1.2 mg/1  for  all streams;
Hickey Branch downstream had  the highest  levels  (1.14  mg/L).   Inorganic
nitrogen (nitrate-nitrite, ammonia)  was  high in  comparison to most
                                3-122

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       Table 3.5.1-6.
Mean Concentrations of Water Quality Data Collected on Complex  I and Downstream of Site on
Payne Creek from September 1981 Through June 1982
ro
Payne Creek Basin (Complex I)
Parameter
General Parameters:
Stream Flow (CFS)
Color (PCU)
Methy.B.A. Subst. (mg/L)
Oil and Grease (mg/L)
Suspended Solids (rag/L)
Turbidity (NTU)
Water Temperature (°C)
Dissolved Ions:
Sp. Conduct., Field (umhos/cra)
Cyanide (mg/L)
Chloride (mg/L)
Fluoride (mg/L)
Sulfate (mg/L)
Alkalinity and pH:
Alkalinity (mg/L as CaCO3)
PH
Nutrients :
Ammonia (mg/L-N)
Ammonia, Unionized (mg/L)
N03 . + N02 (mg/L-N)
TKN (mg/L-N)
T. Org. N. (mg/L-N)
T. Phosphorous (mg/L-P)
Diss. 0-PO^ (mg/L-P)
Silica, Diss. (mg/L as 8102)
Rickey
WQ-1

7.87
29
<0.50
<5
8
3.79
22.2

290
<0.005
14
1.71
45

102
7.15

0.03
<0.001
0.018
1.12
1.09
0.340
0.160
0.8
Branch
WQ-7

10.6
58
<0.50
<5
7
1.67
20.2

325
<0.005
15
1.76
38

97
6.94

0.04
<0.001
0.234
1.14
1.10
0.510
0.417
1.6
Gum Swamp
Branch
WQ-4

5.68
141
<0.50
<5
<5
1.08
18.2

179
<0.005
27
0.38
20

31
6.05

0.03
<0.001
0.923
0.91
0.89
0.611
0.548
6.6
Payne Creek Downstream
Payne Creek
WQ-8

101
67
<0.50
<5
<5
0.87
20.3

300
<0.005
14
1.54
77

71
6.70

0.02
<0.001
0.099
0.60
0.59
0.725
0.644
2.8
WQ-3

19.8
87
<0.50
<5
<5
1.43
20.3

297
<0.005
17
1.38
74

64
6.89

0.02
<0.001
0.238
0.81
0.79
0.774
0.624
3.5
WQ-13

47.2
93
<0.50
<5
<5
1.44
18.6

266
<0.005
19
1.47
63

59
6.17

0.10
<0.001
0.568
0.91
0.81
0.657
0.607
3.6
WQ-14

63.9
85
<0.50
<5
<5
0 99
18.4

.320
<0.005
18
1.30
50

66
6.78

0.06
<0.001
1.56
0.92
0.86
0.705
0.628
3.1

-------
      Table  3.5.1-6.
OJ
I
t-'
NJ
.p-
Mean Concentrations of Water Quality Data Collected on Complex  1  and  Downstream  of  Site  on
Payne Creek from September 1981 Through June  1982  (Continued, Page  2  of  2)
Payne Creek Basin (Complex I)
Hickey Branch
Parameter
Oxygen and Oxygen Demand:
Diss. Oxygen (mg/L)
BOD (5 NA. mg/L)
Metals:
Arsenic, Total (ug/L)
Beryllium (mg/L)
Cadmium, Total (ug/L)
Chromium, Total (ug/L)
Copper, Total (ug/L)
Iron, Total (ug/L)
Lead, Total (ug/L)
Mercury, Total (ug/L)
Nickel (ug/L)
Selenium, Total (ug/L)
Silver, Total (ug/L)
Zinc, Total (ug/L)
Microbiology:
Coliform, Fee. (1/100 mL)
WQ-1

7.4
3.5

<15
<1.0
0.6
11
5.9
206
6.1
0.2
<8.0
3.5
<0.4
51.5

33
WQ-7

7.1
2.7

<15
<1.0
0.3
6.3
3.8
157
5.2
0.2
<6.0
3.5
<0.4
49.3

648
Gum Swamp
Branch
WQ-4

6.2
1.1

<15
<1.0
0.6
<6.0
2.3
560
3.2
0.7
<6.0
3.5
<0.4
37.5

230
Payne Creek Downstream
Payne Creek
WQ-8

7.9
1.9

<15
<1.0
0.4
<6.0
5.1
113
5.0
<0.2
8.8
5.3
<0.4
40.5

163
WQ-3

7.3
1.5

<15
<1.0
0.6
7.7
2.2
203
3.6
0.2
<8.0
3.5
<0.4
39.4

138
WQ-1 3

7.7
1.4

<15
<1.0
1.0
<6.0
2.4
181
2.8
0.4
<8.0
3.5
<0.4
28.4

177
WQ-1 4

7.7
1.3

<15
<1.0
0.3
6.3
2.9
122
2.8
0.2
<6.0
3.5
<0.4
38.8

311
       Min = Minimum; Max = Maximum; S.D. = Standard deviation;  N = Number  of  observations.
       Mean value was calculated using half the value of  the detection  limit  for  observations  that  were less  than

       the detection limit.
       Source:  ESE, 1982.

-------


                      AGRICO MINE
                                                                    AGRICO MINE
                                                          APPROXIMATE DAM LOCATION
                  F DISCHARGE POINT 002
                   CF'S EXISTING SETTLING
                   AREA
LEGEND:
     WEIR OVERFLOW STRUCTURE
   1-MDW1-EIS WATER QUALITY SAMPLE POINT
   2-MDW2-EIS WATER QUALITY SAMPLE POINT
Figure 3.5.1-5
LOCATION OF POINT SOURCE DISCHARGES ON COMPLEX
SOURCE: ESE, 1985.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                                     CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                              Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
natural Florida streams and  probably  reflects  input  from fertilizer.
Nitrate-nitrite was highest  in Gum  Swamp Branch (0.923  mg/L).   Total
phosphorus was highest in Payne  Creek downstream (0.774 mg/L)  and
historically, all streams had much  higher levels,  averaging more than
0.8 mg/L in the past 6 years.  Ortho-phosphate was  the  predominant form
of phosphorus, ranging from  50 to 90  percent.

Dissolved oxygen was much higher in comparison to  levels in other
basins, possibly indicating  less contact with  wetlands  and the result of
mine discharge.  Fecal coliform  counts  were  highest  in  Rickey  Branch
downstream (648/100 mL).

Violations of water quality  standards were observed  for cadmium,
mercury, and zinc for all stations.   In addition,  violation of the iron
standard was observed in Gum Swamp  Branch, reflecting greater  solubility
in acidic waters and complexing  with  organic acids.

Stations WQ-1 (upstream) and WQ-7 (downstream) can be used to  detect
changes in water quality in  Hickey  Branch.  Waters  downstream  appeared
to have more organic color but less suspended  matter.  pH and  alkalinity
were both lower downstream as a  result  of the  color  from wetlands.
Nitrogen levels were comparable  at  both stations;  however, nitrate-
nitrite levels were higher downstream indicating some fertilization in
the drainage basin.  Total phosphorus was also higher downstream.  No
significant differences were apparent in dissolved  oxygen concentra-
tions.  Coliform levels were much higher downstream.

Two stations on Payne Creek  (WQ-2,  WQ-3) were  also  sampled at  entrance
and exit points of CF property.  Color  levels  were  higher downstream (as
expected; as a result of confluence with streams of  higher color levels
(Shirttail, Gum Swamp, and Doe Branches).  Acidity and  alkalinity were
both lower downstream.  Nitrogen levels were also  higher downstream.
Total phosphorus levels were very similar.  Dissolved oxygen,  BOD,
metals, and coliform levels  did  not change significantly downstream.
                                3-126

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Payne Creek Downstream of  Site
Two stations (WQ-13, WQ-14) east of Complex  I,  above  and  below the
Little Payne Creek confluence, were sampled.

Color levels were similar  between  upstream and  downstream stations  and
represent no significant change from stations  further  upstream (WQ-3).
Suspended matter was low at both stations, while  specific conductance
was higher at the downstream station.

Alkalinity was highest downstream; however,  levels were not
significantly different and did not differ greatly from stations  further
upstream.  Measurements of pH revealed near  neutral conditions.

Total Kjeldahl nitrogen levels were similar  at  both stations;  however,
nitrate-nitrite showed a gradual increase in concentration with
progression downstream.  Total phosphorus concentrations  were  slightly
higher downstream of Little Payne  Creek but  lower than values  found at
Station WQ-3.

Dissolved oxygen and BOD levels were similar at both  stations.  Fecal
coliform levels appeared to increase after the  confluence with Little
Payne Creek.  Water quality standards for mercury and  zinc were  exceeded
at both stations, and standards for cadmium were exceeded only upstream
of Little Payne Creek.

Troublesome Creek
The headwater wetlands for Troublesome Creek are  in the south  central
portion of the CF property.  Although no samples were  collected  in
Troublesome Creek on the CF site,  data have been collected downstream of
the site at MCC-5 and SW-ll during previous studies of the Mississippi
Chemical Corporation and Farmland  Industries1 proposed mine  sites.
These data indicated that water quality in Troublesome Creek is  similar
to that of streams draining Complex II.
                                  3-127

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Violations of Water Quality Criteria
Violations of water quality criteria  have  been  assessed  for  EIS  monitor-
ing and historical data.  Streams  in  Horse  Creek  Basin  primarily
violated alkalinity and dissolved  oxygen criteria.   In  the  streams
draining Complex 11 to Payne Creek, alkalinity, pH,  DO,  cadmium, iron,
mercury, and zinc criteria were violated.

Tributaries draining Complex I to  Payne Creek violated  several  standards
including alkalinity, pH, DO, cadmium, mercury, zinc,  iron,  and  fecal
coliforms.  Violations of water quality standards  for pH, DO,
alkalinity, iron, and fecal coliforms were  observed  in Troublesome  Creek
downstream of the CF property.  Stations on Payne  Creek  near Little
Payne Creek violated alkalinity, pH,  DO, cadmium,  mercury,  and  zinc
standards.

Mine Discharge Samples and Sampling of Sediments
In order to characterize the quality  of discharge  water  from the
proposed mine site, ESE collected  water quality samples  from the water
recirculation system at the two overflow weirs  (MDW-1  and MDW-2) in CF1s
existing clay settling pond once each season.   A  summary of  the  results
of this sampling is discussed in Section 3.5.2, Environmental
Consequences of  the Alternatives.

ESE also collected sediment samples at Stations WQ-2, 3, 5,  8,  and  10  in
October 1981.  Acidity in the sediment appeared to be  directly
correlated with  alkalinity in the  water column  and may  reflect  the
buffering capacity of the sediment.   Nitrogen levels are also  consistent
between water and sediment.  Metals which  exceeded water quality
standards (cadmium, mercury, iron,  zinc) were higher in  sediments from
•these stations than other sediments sampled.

Summary
Water quality of streams at the mine  site  can generally be  separated
into two large groups—those draining Complex II,  and  those  draining
                                3-128

-------
Complex I.  Streams draining Complex  II  are  impacted  from  swampland  more
than those draining Complex I.  Color  levels  are  higher  and  pH and
alkalinity are lower, indicating  primarily acidic  conditions.   Dissolved
oxygen is lower in Complex II streams,  probably  as a  result  of contact
with swampland.  Nutrient levels  are  about the same in  the streams
draining both Complexes.  However,  nitratemitrite levels  are  high in
Complex I, probably as a result of  fertilizer  input.  Zinc and mercury
violated water quality standards  in both basins,  iron violated standards
more often in Complex II streams, and  cadmium  violated  standards  more
often in Complex I.

All on-site streams, except for Horse  Creek,  Brushy Creek, Troublesome
Creek, and Lettis Creek, drain into Payne Creek.   Water  quality in Payne
Creek, after inputs  from all streams,  is generally similar to  that of
streams in Complex I.  Alkalinity,  pH,  nutrient,  and  DO levels are all
comparable to Payne Creek levels  before  water  flow onto  entering  CF
property.  Little Payne Creek has a moderating effect on alkalinity, pH,
and cadmium levels but increases  nitrate-nitrite  levels.

3.5.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF  THE ALTERNATIVES
3.5.2.1  THE ACTION ALTERNATIVE,  INCLUDING CF  INDUSTRIES'  PROPOSED
         ACTION
Dragline Mining (CF Industries' Proposed Action)
Quantity
Dragline mining will require vegetation removal  in preparation for
mining, which will result in an increase in  surface water  runoff.  CF
Industries proposes  to minimize impacts  by clearing  an  average of 10 to
20 acres of land in advance of dragline  mining.   Since  the amount
cleared at any one time will be small,  there will be  a  limited effect on
surface water.

Modifications  to the natural drainage basins will result in the most
significant impact on surface water flows.   Mining and  waste disposal
activities will result in temporary removal  of on-site  areas from the
                                3-129

-------
natural drainage system.  Practically  all  mined  areas  are used for
disposal of wastes generated  during  beneficiation of the matrix.
Rainfall which enters the disposal areas  and  mine pit  areas will  be
diverted to the recirculation system until reclamation is complete.
This will result in a decrease  in  the  surface water runoff in drainage
basins with disturbances.

The extent of disturbances within  each drainage  basin  will vary during
mining.  All on-site stream channels except Horse Creek will be mined
and reclaimed.  However, mining of each of the channels will be done in
phases to provide for buffer  areas and seed sources during the mining.
The seed sources will help reestablish downstream vegetation, and the
buffer areas will be useful to  control impacts.   The maximum removal of
land from the natural drainage  system occurs  21  years  after mining
begins.  As a result of  this  removal,  the  maximum collection of rainfall
in the mine water system, which coincides  with the maximum reduction of
runoff from the site, occurs  in Year 21.   Surface runoff predictions for
Year 21 represent the worst-case impact of mining on surface water
availaHility.

Approximately 6,400 acres (42 percent of the property) will be
temporarily removed from natural drainage  courses by Year 21.  At that
time, Doe, Shirttail, and Plunder  Branches will  have reductions in
drainage areas of 37 percent, 28 percent,  and 33 percent, respectively.
Brushy and Lettis Creeks will have reductions of 48 percent and
96 percent, respectively.  The  on-site area drainage to Troublesome
Creek will be reclaimed  by Year 21 with some increase  in basin area.
All other areas will have some  decrease in drainage area.

Reclaimed areas  in Year  21 are  expected to have poorer vegetation
qualities than existing  areas since  the number of years since reclama-
tion was completed will  be relatively short.  Sand/clay mix areas  are
expected to have  lower  infiltration  rates; therefore,  runoff will be
                                3-130

-------
increased. However, this increase  will  be  partially  offset  by decreases
in land slopes and  increases  in  surface storage capacities.   Areas
reclaimed with sand tailings  are expected  to  have  higher  infiltration
rates and lower surface storage  than  existing conditions.   The drainage
areas of each of the on-site  basins along  with  the streamflows at the
property boundaries are presented  in  Table 3.5.2-1.

The net result of these changes  to  the  existing drainage  basins is an
estimated reduction in streamflow  of  3.0 cfs  leaving the  property.  Of
this total reduction, the decrease  to Payne Creek  and Horse  Creek is
expected to be 1.3  cfs and  1.9 cfs, respectively.   Troublesome Creek,
which flows directly to the Peace  River, is estimated to  have an
increase of 0.2 cfs as a result  of poorer  vegetative cover  in Year 21.
However, since no defined channel  currently leaves the site,  this
increase would probably occur as sheet  flow.

Discussions of the  post-reclamation streamflows are  included  in the
Section 3.5.2.1.

Quality
The primary water quality impact associated with mining would be the
higher levels of suspended  solids  in  the streams due to surface runoff
from lands cleared  ahead of mining operations.   In order  to minimize
this impact, CF plans to clear only about  20  acres at a time  ahead of
the dragline.  Mining of the  area  west  of  Horse Creek in  Year 20 will
require two corridors to be constructed across  the creek  to  enable the
dragline to cross.  Approximately  2 acres  will  be  disturbed for the
corridors.  As a result, a  temporary  increase in the suspended sediment
load of Horse Creek will probably  occur.   However, CF proposes to
minimize this impact by constructing  the corridors during the dry season
when Horse Creek is likely  to be at minimum or  no  flow conditions.  The
sides of the corridors will also be vegetated to prevent  erosion and
turbid runoff.  The crossings will be reclaimed immediately following
the completion of mining in the  west  tract.
                                3-131

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Table 3.5.2-1.  Drainage Areas on CF Industries,  Inc., Site  and
                Streamflows at Property Boundary
Before Mining

Shirttail Branch
Doe Branch
Plunder Branch
Coons Bay Branch
Gum Swamp Branch
Horse Creek
Brushy Creek
Lettis Creek
Troublesome Creek
Hog Branch
Area
( acres)
1,562
4,679
2,374
259
118
795
3,429
1,203
552
23
14,994
Flow
(cfs)
0.9
2.8
1.6
0.3
3.6
6.3
2.0
0.7
0.3
—
18.5
Year 21
During Mining
Area
(acres)
1,126
2,944
1,581
264
58
203
1,793
42
583
13
8,607
Flow
(cfs)
0.8
2.3
1.0
0.2
3.6
5.9
1.2
—
0.5
—
15.5
Post Reclamation
Area
( acres)
1,378
4,708
2,266
188
57
728
3,636
1,182
840
11
14,994
Flow
(cfs)
0.8
3.2
1.7
0.2
3.6
6.3
2.3
0.8
0.5
—
19.4
— indicates flow is negligible.

Source:  ESE, 1985.
                                3-132

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In the on-site stream basins,  the  stream channels  will be mined in
phases to provide  for buffer  areas and  seed sources during mining.  The
buffer areas in Doe  and  Shirttail  Branches  and Plunder and Brushy Creeks
will help control  the impacts  of  upstream disturbances on water quality
downstream of the  CF site.  The seed  sources left  on Doe and Shirttail
Branches should quicken  the reclamation process of wetland areas and
stream vegetation, which  will  also reduce impacts  to stream water
quality.

Slurry Matrix Transport  (CF Industries'  Proposed Action)
Quantity
The phosphate matrix will be  transported from the  mining area to the
beneficiation plant  in a  matrix slurry  pipeline.  The flow in the pipe-
line will be equivalent  to  about  39 cfs, which is  an order of magnitude
higher than on-site  streamflow.   If a break in the slurry pipeline
occurred near a stream channel, this  could  result  in downstream
flooding.

Quality
A break or leak in the matrix  slurry  pipeline near a stream could
dramatically increase suspended solids  content, nutrients, and sediment,
and could result in  smaller increases in pH, fluoride, Ra-226, specific
conductance, and total dissolved  solids  in  the affected stream.  These
impacts on water quality  would be  for a short period until corrective
clean-up actions were taken.   At  preserved  wetland crossings, double
walled pipes and a low pressure shutoff system will be installed to
assist in controlling a  pipeline  leak.   At  Horse Creek, the pipeline
will also be underlain by temporary fill which will have grassed berms
on both sides of the corridor  to minimize erosion  should a leak or heavy
rains occur.

Conventional Matrix Processing (CF Industries'  Proposed Action)
Quantity
Conventional matrix  processing involves  the separation of the matrix
fractions by washing and  flotation processes.  The waste streams from
                               3-133

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the plant consist primarily of  sand  and  clay  in slurry form and are.
pumped from the beneficiation  plant  to  waste  settling areas.  These
transfer lines will also have  the  potential  for downstream flooding of
nearby streams, should  a break  occur.

Quality
Several reagents will be utilized  during the  feed preparation and
flotation processes.  Although  some  of  the  reagents  attach to sand
tailings, a portion remains in  the rinse water and flows to the waste
disposal areas with the waste clays.  The reagents used and their
expected dilution ratio in the  flotation discharge water, assuming the
reagents pass through the flotation  circuit without  chemically reacting
will b» as follows:
                            Average  Usage
     Reagent                    Gal/Day              Dilution Ratio
     Ammonia                     3,075                     9,821:1
     Fatty Acid                  6,111                     4,942:1
     Fuel Oil                    5,225                     5,780:1
     Amines                        909                    33,223:1
     Kerosene                       21                 1,438,095:1
     Sulfuric Acid               2,306                    13,096:1

Flotation discharge water is mixed with  other discharge streams from the
beneficiation process where the majority of these reagents react  forming
chemically insoluable complexes and  precipitates.  In addition, most
reagents have an affinity for  clay particles.  As a result of these
chemical reactions and  the subsequent  settling out of clay particles in
the disposal areas, only trace  concentrations of the reagents are
expected to be found in the plant  process recycle water.  However, a
break in a transfer line could  result  in the  contamination of surface
waters.
                              3-134

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Plant Siting
Quantity
The CF proposed beneficiation  plant  and  support  facilities  will  occupy
approximately 60 acres.  The impermeable  surface  area  of  the  plant will
result in an increase  in surface  runoff  from  this  area.   However,  this
runoff will enter the mine water  recirculation  system,  eliminating
runoff, contributing to stream flow  from  the  plant site.   The reduction
of streamflow in Shirttail Branch  as  a result of  the  removal  of  this
area from the basin will be minimal.

Quality
No significant  impacts should  occur  on surface  water  quality  from the
plant site since all plant site  runoff will  enter  the  recirculation
system.

Water Management
Process Water Sources
Ground Water Withdrawal—
     Quantity
The withdrawal  of ground water from  deep (three 1,200-foot and one
500-foot) wells should have no significant  impacts on surface water
quantity.

     Quality
The withdrawal  of ground water from  deep wells  should have no signifi-
cant impacts on surface water  quality.

Surface Water—
     Quantity
Rainfall collection  facilities will  include part of the mining areas,
waste disposal  areas,  and  water clarification and recirculation systems,
These  facilities  are expected  to recover approximately 70 percent of
the excess rainfall of 7  inches per  year, which is estimated from the
difference between  annual  precipitation  and evaporation.  Over the  life
                               3-135

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of the mine, this is an average  equivalent  flow  of  about 19 cfs,  or
about 13 percent of  the total  flow  in  the  recirculation system
(144 cfs).  This will result  in  a decrease  in  the surface  runoff  to
streams and a  reduction in  the demand  on ground  water  withdrawal.   Since
seasonal rainfall makes a surface water source unreliable,  CF Industries
does not plan  to construct  separate  catchment  areas.

Streamflow Diversion would  generally not be  permissible from on-site
streams during the dry months because  of the low flows  and  dry condi-
tions in these streams.  The most reliable  source of surface water  for
stream diversion would be Payne  Creek, which has an average dry season
streamflow of 32.4 cfs.  Since the proposed ground  water withdrawal  rate
of 7.5 cfs represents about 23 percent of  the  Payne Creek  dry season
flow, this source is a possible  alternative.   However,  a problem  with
using surface water as the  primary supply  for  processing is the need for
additional water treatment.

     Quality
The use of water from the rainfall collected in  the on-site facilities
should have no significant  impacts on  the  surface water quality of  the
existing streams.

Discharge
Discharge to Surface Waters (CF  Industries' Proposed Action)—Quantity
CF Industries' primary discharge of  clarified  water from the water
recirculation system is expected to  be into  Shirttail  Branch and/or  Doe
Branch.  Normally, there would be no discharge from the mine
recirculating system, because rainfall collection facilities would have
sufficient surge holding capacity to accommodate normal process flow and
rainfall variations.  However, during  the  rainy  season  when rainfall
exceeds the normal operating  levels  of the  recirculating system,  water
would be discharged.  The proposed water balance specifies  a total CF
discharge of 3.8 cfs (2.48  MGD).  CF proposes  primary  discharge points
on Doe Branch and Shirttail Branch and one  alternate discharge point on
Payne Creek (as shown in Figure  3.5.2-1).
                                  3-136

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 CF SID OSntilir,,
                                                                           ALTERNATE
                                                                         H?DES OUTFALL
                                                                             WEIR
          tfPOtS
       OUTFALL WEIR
                                              OUTFALL
                                           1\  COKTROL
                                             STROCTURJ!
                           INITIAL
                          SETTLING
                            AREA
                         COMPARTMENT 1
           HPDES
       -"/L_ OUTFALL WEIR
                         dfTEKIOR DAM
     SAND TAILINGS
     STORAGE AREA
                          COMPARTMENT 2
      TAILINGS WATER
                                                       INITIAL MINING  AREA
                                                           (FIRST YEAR)
                        SPILLWAY     SPILLUAT.
                        WATER RETURN DITCU
       SCAl E
                   2000 FEET
Figure  3.5.2-1
INITIAL START-UP AREAS FOR PLANT
CONSTRUCTION, WASTE DISPOSAL
AND MINING
SOURCE: CF INDUSTRIES. INC.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
     Draft Environmental Impact Statement
          CF INDUSTRIES
  Hardee Phosphate Complex II
                                         3-137

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 In order  to  assess  the  impacts  of the discharges, assumptions were
 necessary Co proportion Che expected average yearly flow discharged Co
 each receiving  stream.   FirsC,  45 percenc of the mine effluent was
 assumed to be discharged into  each of the primary points, i.e., Doe and
 Shirttail Branches,  and 10 percent was assumed to be discharged to Payne
 Creek  (the alternate point).   Next, 85 percent of the flow at each
 station was  assumed  to  occur during the four wettest months of the year,
 and 15 percent  was  assumed for  the remaining eight drier months.  The
 resulting discharge  rates  are  presented in Table 3.5.2-2.  The wet
 season/dry season flows were estimated from the streamflow data
 collected by CF since 1976.  Since a wet month can occur at various
 times of  Che year,  Che  four wettest months for each year of record were
 averaged  in  order to  obtain an  average weC period flow.  These weC
 periods are  Che most  likely times that CF would need to discharge water
 from the  mine.

 Included  in  Table 3.5.2-2  is an estimate of the receiving water stream-
 flow during  Che  period  of  mining when Che maximum area of each of Che
 receiving waCer  basins  has been removed from Che drainage neCwork, which
 occurs in Year  13.  .This condicion represents the worst case during
 mining, since streamflows  will  be reduced in proportion to the area
 removed from each basin.   A comparison of the predicted values shows a
 change of less  Chan  2 percent  is expected in Che existing flow in Payne
 Creek as  a result of  the direct discharge.  However,  in Doe and
 Shirttail Branches,  the streamflows are expected to increase by
 approximately 50 percent and over 100 percent,  respectively, from the
 estimated discharge.  These increases will be offset as mining
 progresses,  since streamflows will be reduced as the drainage areas of
 Che basins decrease.  For  example, under Che worse-case streamflow
 conditions,  the mine  discharge  will increase the flow in Doe Branch Co
 approximately its existing sCreamflow.

The discharge occurring during  Che rainy season and flood events Is not
expected  Co  significantly  increase flood conditions downstream of the
discharge points above  that which would normally occur.
                                    3-138

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Table 3.5.2-2.  Streamflow and Estimated CF Discharge Rates for
                Complex II
CF Discharge Point
Primary Discharge;
Doe Branch

Shirttail

Alternate Discharge:
Payne Creek Wetland
Season

Wet
Dry
Wet
Dry
Wet
Dry
Rate of
Discharge.
(cfs)

4.4
0.4
4.4
0.4
1.0
0.1
Receiving
Streamflow (cfs)
Existing

11.7
0.74
3.4
0.2
88.5
32.4
Worst Case*

5.7
0.35
1.3
0.08
78.8
28.8
*Worst case represents the estimated streamflows during  the year of
 maximum disturbed land within those basins (Mine Year 13 for all  three
 watersheds).

Source:  ESE, 1985.
                                    3-139

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      Quality
 Some  changes  in  the  water  quality of the receiving streams are expected
 as a  result of mine  effluent  discharge.   In order to assess these
 impacts,  data was  summarized  on the receiving streams and the mine
 discharge at  CF's  existing mine on Complex I.

 The water quality  data  base presented for the receiving streams was
 generated during the EIS baseline sampling from July 1981 to June 1982.
 The water quality  data  gathered during the EIS included 36 physical,
 chemical,  and biological parameters that have been summarized by
 statistical analyses.   The mean values for each of the parameters at the
 receiving streams  are presented in Table 3.5.2-3.  Also included in the
 table are the mean values  for the mining discharge waters (MDW1 and
 MDW2) from the OF  Industries  Complex I overflow weirs of the existing
 settling  area. These data  were used for  the Impact assessment
 discussions,  since they were  site-specific (Complex I).  However, the
 concentrations measured are probably worse than those expected from
 Complex II because the  samples collected represent mostly recycled water
 with  little ground water make-up water (approximately 0.08 percent of
 total recirculation  flow at Complex I).   On the other hand, the proposed
 water balance for  Complex  II, which specifies a total CF discharge of
 3.8 cfs,  assumes a ground  water pumping  rate of 7.5 cfs (approximately
 5.3 percent of the total recirculation flow).  Therefore, water quality
 concentrations on  Complex  II  should be diluted from those measured in
 Complex I.  However,  in the following discussion, a conservative
 approach  was  taken by using the measured values with no adjustment for
 dilution  from ground water pumping.

A comparison  of the  data shows that  Increases are expected above
background in all  three streams for  turbidity, specific conductance,
 fluoride,  sulfate, alkalinity,  pH,  ammonia,  un-ionized ammonia,
nitrate/nitrite, TKN, total organic  nitrogen, and dissolved oxygen.
With  the  exception of un-ionized  ammonia,  the average mine discharge
water quality data do meet the Class III surface water quality standards
of Florida Department of Environmental Regulation (FDER),  FAC,
Chapter 17-3, 1984.
                                    3-140

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Table 3.5.2-3.
Smroary of Water Quality Data for Receiving Streams and Mine Discharge
Waters

General Parameters:
Streanflow (csf)
Color (PCU)
MBAS (mg/L)
Oil and Grease (rng/L)
Suspended Solids (mg/L)
Turbidity (NTU)
Water Temperature ( 8C)
Dissolved Ions:
Specific Conductance — Field
(umhos/cm)
Cyanide (mg/L)
Chloride (mg/L)
Fluoride (mg/L)
Sulfate (mg/L)
Alkalinity and pH:
Alkalinity (mg/L as CaCOj)
PH
Nutrients:
Ammonia (mg/L-N)
Ammonia, un-ion. (mg/L-N)
NC3+N02 (mg/L-N)
TKN (mg/L-N)
T. Org. N (mg/L-N)
TN (mg/L-N)
T. Phosp. (mg/L-P)
Diss. O-PC-4 (mg/L-P)
Silica, Diss. (mg/L-Si^)
Oxygen and 02 Demand
• DO (mg/L)
BOD-5 Day (mg/L)
Metals;
Arsenic, total (ug/L)
Berylliun (ug/L)
Cadmiun, total (ug/L)
Chrcmiim, total (ug/L)
Copper, total (ug/L)
Payne
Creek
(WQ-3)

19.8
87
<0.50
<5
<5
1.43
20.3

297

<0.005
17
1.38
74

64
6.89

0.02
0.001
0.238
0.81
0.79
1.5
0.774
0.624
3.5

7.3
1.5

<15
<1.0
0.7
7.7
2.2
Dae
Branch
(WQ-8)

1.82
183
<0.50
<5
17
2.67
20.1

283

<0.005
35
0.36
48

45
5.98

0.17
<0.001
0.281
2.47
2,30
2.75
0.541
0.365
9.6

1.6
4.0

<11
<1.0
0.5
<6.0
2.1
Shirttail
Branch
(WHO)

2.23
236
<0.50
<5
9
2.71
21.3

194

<0.005
22
0.84
48

17
5.70

0.05
<0.001
0.008
1.67
1.62
1.68
0.772
0.576
6.9

2.3
3.2

<11
<1.0
0.3
4.2
3.6
MDW-1


30
<0.50
<5
19
11.7
25.8

396

<0.005
15
2.56
147

68
7.87

5.72
0.681
0.175
10.1
4.36
10.3
0.743
0.229
3.2

10.1
8.6

<21
14
0.3
<9.0
2.8
MDW-2


30
<0.50
<5
16
10.2
26.1

394

<0.005
15
2.55
207

70
7.72

6.08
0.723
0.146
9.72
3.06
9.87
0.592
0.288
3.4

10.9
11.0

<21
20.0
6.0-8.5

—
<0.02*
—
—
—
—
—
—
^™"

<5.0
~

50.0
11 or 1,100
0.8 or 1 .2
50.0
30.0
                                         3-141

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Table 3.5.2-3.  Sunnary of Water Quality Data for Receiving Streams and Mine Discharge
                Waters (Continued, Page 2 of 2)
Payne
Creek
(WQ-3)
Doe
Branch
(WQ-8)
Shirttail
Branch
(WQ-iO) MDW-1
17-3
Class III
MDW-2 Standards
Metals (continued):
  Iron, total (ug/L)                203      734       772       247      153   1,000.0
  Lead, total (ug/L)                3.6      3.7       4.6      3.2      3.2      30.0
  Mercury, total (ug/L)             0.2      0.4       0.5       0.2     <0.2       0.2
  Nickel (ug/L)                    <8.0      5.2       6.8      <8.0     <8.0     100.0
  Selenium, total (ug/L)            3.5      7.6       9.4       4.5      4.5      25.0
  Silver, total (ug/L)             <0.4      0.8       0.9      <0.4     <0.4      0.07
  Zinc, total (ug/L)               39.4     37.7      51.1      25.9     20.9      30.0

Microbiology:
  Coliform, Fecal (No./lOO mL)      138      233       149       149       51       800
*0.02 mg/L as NH3; equivalent to 0.017 mg/L-N.

Source:  ESE, 1985.
                                         3-142

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The data indicate that violations of criteria  for  the  following
parameters could occur in the receiving  streams before mixing:
(1) specific conductance in Shirt tail Branch (from an  increase of
greater than 100 percent), (2) pH in Doe  and Shirttail Branches  (from an
increase of greater than 1 pH unit), and  (3) un-ionized  ammonia  in  all
three streams.  The flow-weighted concentration (after mixing) in
Shirttail Branch and Doe Branch under the worst-case flow  conditions
(i.e., lowest dilution by receiving stream  following mixing  with the
discharge water) does meet Class III standards for conductivity  and pH.
The flow-weighted concentration of un-ionized  ammonia  would  be in
violation of Class III criteria in Doe and  Shirttail Branch.  However,
since pH is the major variable controlling  the ratio of  ammonia  to
un-ionized ammonia, a more representative value for un-ionized ammonia
would be calculated from the flow-weighted  value of pH and ammonia.
This analysis indicated that un-ionized  ammonia would  be below the
Class III criteria after mixing in all three streams under the
worst-case flow conditions shown in Table 3.5.2-2.

A comparison of the data also indicates  that the mine  discharge  water is
expected to improve the dissolved oxygen  concentration in  all three
streams and the alkalinity in Shirttail  Branch.  A decrease  in
concentration is expected in all three streams for color and dissolved
orthophosphorus as a result of the mine  disharge.   In  Doe  and Shirttail
Branches a decrease is expected for iron  as well.

Discharge to Surface Waters via Wetlands  (CF Industries' Alternate
Proposed Action)
Quantity—The impacts of CF's alternative discharge point, located  on
Payne Creek, on the streamflows have been included  in  the  previous
section "Discharge to Surface Waters."
                                  3-143

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 Quality—The  evaluation  of CF's  alternative discharge point on the
 resulting  instream  receiving  water quality has been included in the
 previous section  "Discharge  to Surface Waters."

 Connector  Wells
 Quantity—Connector wells  used to dewater the surficial aquifer in the
 vicinity of the mine  pits  would  reduce the water in the mine recircula-
 tion  system.  OF  estimates a  reduction of annual average discharge by
 approximately 0.14  MGD (0.21  cfs), thereby reducing the incremental
 increase in streamflow that  such a discharge would produce.

 Quality—The  quantity of water collected  in the mine recirculation
 system would  be reduced  if connector  wells were used,  thereby reducing
 the quantity of water discharged  to receiving  streams.   This would
 result  in  a slightly  reduced  impact on the surface water quality.

 Zero Discharge
 Quantity—The alternative  of  zero discharge to surface  waters would
 require higher retaining dams  and an  increase  in surface area of the
 disposal areas, and possibly  the  construction  of additional impoundment
 facilities.  This alternative  would further decrease streamflow and may
 infringe on areas designated  for  preservation,  such as  wetland  areas, by
 constructing the  additional catchment  areas  needed.  However, a  "no
discharge" situation could not be guaranteed at all times,  because
 spillways must be provided for all dams and  impoundments to provide
 relief and prevent  dam failure.

Quality—The zero discharge alternative should have no  significant
 impacts on surface water quality.
                                     3-144

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Waste Sand and Clay Disposal
Sand-Clay Mixing (CF Industries' Proposed Action)
Quantity—The mining and beneficiation processes will result  in  the
generation of 97 million short  tons of waste clay  and 305 million  short
tons of sand tailings.  CF proposes to use the  sand-clay mixing  method
as the primary waste disposal method.  Initially,  separate  areas will be
required for the storage of sand tailings and waste  clays before
disposal of the sand-clay mixture.

Waste clays will be stored in the initial settling area  (ISA)  until  the
solids content reaches 12 to 18 percent*  The ISA  will cover  an  area of
760 total acres with 580 storage acres*  Its storage volume of
20,000 acre-feet will require dam walls 40 feet high.  Clarified water
and collected rainfall from the ISA and the  sand  tailings storage  area
will enter the mine recirculatlon system.  This area will be  removed
from the surface water drainage basins for the  life  of the  mine.

The sand-clay mix disposal method will require  less  total land area  than
conventional disposal for above-ground clay  settling area.  This will
reduce the catchment and storage area for rainfall and make-up water,
and reduce the amount of discharge required  from  the recirculatlon
system compared to conventional waste disposal.  The sand-clay mixture
dewaters at a faster rate than  clays alone,  allowing for faster  recovery
of entrained water.  Sand-clay  mix disposal  areas  will have lower  dams
(14*7 feet above average normal grade) than  conventional clay disposal
areas, reducing the potential for dam failures  and clay  spills*

The site will consist of 9,083  acres of sand-clay mix disposal areas and
2.213 acres of sand tailings disposal areas.  Before these  areas are
reclaimed, they will be utilized to collect  rainfall for the  water
recirculation system, reducing  runoff to streams.  The Impact of this
reduction in runoff is discussed in the 'Reclamation  section.
                                     3-145

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Quality—Sand-clay mix disposal should have no  significant  impacts  on
surface water quality.  However, in  the event of  a  dam failure  of  the
clay settling area, clays and associated contaminants  may enter
Shirttail Branch or Doe Branch and degrade  their  water quality  as  well
as downstream receiving waters.  Failures in the  dam walls  that retain
the clay wastes have occurred in the past.  However, since  the
implementation of State of Florida construction and inspection  standards
in 1971, no dam built by the phosphate industry has failed.   Strict
compliance with the current standards should ensure the integrity  of  all
dams proposed by CF.

Conventional Sand and Clay Disposal
Quantity—Using conventional disposal methods,  waste sand and clay from
the beneficiation process would be disposed in  separate areas.   Waste
clays in the 2 to 5 percent solids range would  be disposed  in holding
areas and would consolidate to 20 percent solids  over  a number  of  years.
The large quantity of entrained water in the clays  would require that
the disposal areas have higher dams  and more surface area than  sand-clay
mix areas.  Although the entrained water would  be "lost" from the
recirculation system, the extra catchment and storage  area  provided
would increase the recovery of precipitation, resulting in  a slight net
gain in water supplies.

Quality—The potential for dam failure would be greater for conventional
clay disposal than for sand-clay mix disposal because  of the larger
number of clay disposal areas and the higher dam  heights required.
Therefore, the potential for surface water  contamination would  also be
greater.

Sand-Clay Cap
Quantity—The sand-clay cap disposal method would be similar to the
conventional waste disposal method in that  the  waste clays  and  sands  are
                                     3-146

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disposed in separate areas.  However,  the  dam  heights  for  the  clay
disposal areas would lower  and,  after  a period of  time,  a  sand-clay
mixture cap would be placed over  the waste clay.   This would provide
increased water recovery  for recirculation .when compared to conventional
disposal.  The impacts on surface water  quantity would be  similar  to
those of sand/ clay mix waste  disposal.

Quality—The impacts on surface water  quality  from a dam failure would
be similar to those described  for a dam failure of a conventional
clay disposal area (i.e., worse  than the sand-clay mix method).  The
potential for surface water contamination  would also be  greater  for the
sand-clay cap method than for  the sand-clay mixing method.

Reclamation
CF Industries' Proposed Reclamation Plan
Quantity—Under CF Industries' proposed  reclamation plan,  the  reclaimed
site would consist of 9,083 acres (60.9  percent) of waste  sand-clay mix
disposal areas; 2,399 acres (16.1 percent)  of  mined-out  areas  for
land-and-lakes; 2,213 acres (14.8 percent)  of  sand tailings fill areas
with overburden cap; and  1,230 acres (8.2  percent) of  overburden fill
areas and disturbed natural ground.  Grading of the entire  site  would be
completed within 2 to 3 feet of the original grade; however, the
topography and drainage basins would be  altered.

Infiltration rates for the reclaimed soils  will be different from  those
for the existing soils.   An overall reduction  in the soil  infiltration
is expected, resulting in increased runoff.  This  increase will  be
partially offset by decreases  in land  slopes and increases in  surface
water storage.  The net result Is expected  to  be approximately a
5 percent increase in average  annual flow  from the site  of 18.5 cfs to
19.4 cfs as presented in  Table 3.5.2-1  (see Dragline Mining section).
                                     3-147

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Quality-—Post-reclamation land use will  be  significantly  different  from
existing land use*  The  improved  pasture area  is  expected to  increase
from  1,310 acres to 6,659 acres,  and runoff  from  this  Increased  acreage
could result in increased concentrations of  suspended  solids  and
nutrients (if the pasture is fertilized)  in  streams  draining  these
areas.  Increases in fecal coliform levels  may also  occur if  livestock
production increases.

Conventional Reclamation
Quantity—Conventional reclamation of  the mine site  would result in
plateau-like terrain at elevations above natural  grade.   Surface water
drainage patterns would not be as easily reestablished in these  areas  as
in sand-clay mix areas.  Decreased permeability of the clay disposal
areas would result in Increased total  runoff quantities and peak flows.
Surface water runoff from sand tailings  fill areas and overburden fill
areas would be similar to pre-mining characteristics.

Quality—Impacts on surface water quality would be similar to those
described for CF's proposed reclamation  plan.   Possible increases in
sediment loading may occur due to increases  in surface runoff.

Sand and Clay Cap
Quantity—Impacts on surface water quantity  resulting  from the sand and
clay cap reclamation plan would be similar  to,  but slightly less than,
those Impacts resulting from conventional reclamation. Elevations  of
the waste clay disposal areas with a sand-clay cap would  be lower than
those for conventional waste clay disposal  areas.  The increased
permeability of the sand-clay cap would  result in less surface runoff
than from conventional waste clay disposal  areas.

Quality—Impacts on surface water quality would depend on future land
use.  However, less fertilizer would be  required  for agricultural uses
                                     3-148

-------
with the sand and clay cap plan than with  the conventional  reclamation
plan; therefore, nutrient loadings would probably  be  less.

Wetland Preservation
CF Industries' Proposed Preservation Plan
Quantity—Preserved areas will, occupy approximately 69 acres of wetlands
designated as Category I-A by  EPA, whereas 2 acres of Category  I-A
wetlands will be disturbed for a proposed  dragline crossing.  There  are
approximately 695 acres of Category I-C and I-D wetlands  on the site
which will be mined (upon EPA  approval) and reclaimed as  wetlands.
During the mining of lands adjacent to preserved wetlands,  a perimeter
ditch will be constructed and  the water level in the  ditch  will be
maintained at or above average water table elevations to  prevent
potential drawdown of the water table within the wetlands.   These mined
areas will be reclaimed as land-and-lakes  approximately 2 years after
mining the area.  Preserved wetlands will  serve to minimize extreme
streamflow conditions.

Quality—Preserved wetlands would improve  surface  water quality in
adjacent streams by serving as biological  filters  and nutrient  traps for
runoff waters.

EPA's Category I Preservation  Plan
Quantity—Only Category I-A wetlands would be scheduled for complete
preservation under this alternative if approved by EPA.   Other  Cate-
gory I wetlands are reserved for future mining, contingent  upon proof of
successful restoration of wetland habitats.  The impacts  on surface
water quantity would be similar to  those for CF's  proposed  preservation
plan.

Qual1ty—Impacts on surface water quality  under this  plan would be
similar to those of CF's proposed preservation plan.
                                     3-149

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Product Transport
Truck Product  Transport
Quantity—Product  phosphate  rock  must  be  removed  from the  mine/
beneficiation  plant location to a facility  for  further  processing  as
phosphoric acid.   A concern  associated with truck transport is  the
potential for  a spill.  The  impacts  on surface  water  quantity resulting
from such a spill  would not  be  significant.

Quality—If a  spill occurred at a stream  crossing,  suspended solids  and
suspended material in  the  stream  would increase and temporary
degradation of the stream's  water quality would occur.

Rail Product Transport
Quantity—The  impacts on surface  water quantity resulting  from  a spill
during rail transport would  not be significant.

Quality—The impacts on surface water  quality resulting from a  spill at
a stream crossing would be similar to  those discussed under "Truck
Product Transport;" however,  the  quantity spilled would probably be
greater.

3.5.2.2  THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE
Quantity
Under the no action alternative,  no  appreciable changes are expected in
existing surface water quantity.   The  present seasonal  water level and
streamflow fluctuations would not be altered.   The  hydrologic
characteristics of streams and  the rate of  baseflow to  them would  remain
the same.

Quality
Impacts on surface water quality  under the  no action  alternative plan
would depend on future land  uses.  If  future land use remains consistent
with present land use, no  significant  changes should  occur.  If  other
phosphate mining operations  are permitted in the  area,  selected  stream
waters may show increases  in total dissolved solids,  sulfate, phosphate,
nitrogen, fluoride, and specific  conductance.
                                     3-150

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                          3.6  AQUATIC ECOLOGY
3.6.1  THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
CF Industries' proposed Hardee Phosphate Complex  II  site  is  devoid  of
lakes.  The primary lentic (non-flowing water)  systems  within  the
project site are composed of either  seasonal  or permanent  wetlands.
Lotic or flowing-water systems within the  project  site  are comprised of
2nd and 3rd order streams which may  be intermittent  depending  on
seasonal rainfall patterns.

Ten drainage systems within the Peace River drainage basin have  been
identified on the CF Industries Hardee Phosphate  Complex  II  site:
     1.  Horse Creek
     2.  Brushy Creek
     3.  Shirttail Branch
     4.  Doe Branch
     5.  Plunder Branch
     6.  Coon's Bay Branch
     7.  Lettis Creek
     8.  Troublesome Creek
     9.  Gum Swamp Branch
     10. Hog Branch

Lettis Creek and Troublesome Creek  have poorly  defined  on-site
drainages, as they represent the  upper extremities of their  respective
watersheds.  All other drainage systems have  defined on-site streams  or
channels.  Horse Creek is the only  2nd order  stream on-site; all  others
are 3rd order streams.

Horse Creek is the only drainage  system which does not  begin as  a head-
water area on the proposed site.   It flows in a southerly direction,
eventually draining to the Peace  River.  The  major portion of Brushy
Creek's headwaters are within the project  site's  boundaries.  Brushy
Creek becomes a tributary to Horse  Creek  about  20 kilometers south of
the property.  Shirttail Branch,  Doe Branch,  Plunder Branch, and Coon's
                               3-151

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Bay Branch all begin as headwaters  on  the  project  site  and  flow inter-
mittently in a northerly direction  as  tributaries  to  Payne  Creek.   Gum
Swamp Branch and Hog Branch occupy  minor areas  in  the northwest and
eastern sections of the project  site respectively.

3.6.1.1  AQUATIC BIOTA
The aquatic communities on the CF Industries  Hardee Phosphate  Complex II
site were examined between July  1981 and February  1982.   The communities
studied included phytoplankton,  periphyton, benthic infauna, epifauna,
and fish.  Sampling stations were located  in  Horse Creek, Brushy Creek,
Shirttail Branch, Doe Branch, Plunder  Branch, Coon's  Bay Branch, and
Mitchell Hammock (see Figure 3.6.1-1).

In areas of extensive marsh with intermittent flooding,  rooted vascular
plants are the major primary producers  and the  importance of phytoplank-
ton is diminished.  However, periphyton and epifauna  may attach to  the
plant stems and the substrate.   Several genera  of  diatoms were usually
the dominant or codominant algae in these  shallow  areas. Areas with
permanent water receiving organic material (e.g.,  from  decomposing
natural vegetation and from surficial  runoff  from  agricultural lands)
were characterized by cryptophytes, chlorophytes,  and euglenophytes.

Benthic infaunal populations were numerically dominated  by  a relatively
limited variety of organisms.  Tubificid oligochaetes,  especially
Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, were ubiquitous  during all  sampling  periods.
Larval chironomids (midges) usually comprised the  remainder of the
samples.  Epifaunal populations  contained  more  species  than infaunal
populations, due to the wider diversity of habitats utilized by epi-
fauna 1 organisms.  Major groups  represented included  naidid oligo-
chaetes, molluscs, crustaceans,  and insects.  Several orders of insects
were normally represented in the epifauna  of  each  station.  Dipterans
were usually the most numerous insects  collected.

Most of the fish species collected  belonged to  the sunfish, catfish,
livebearer, and killifish families.  Areas characterized by soft
                                       3-152

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Figure  3.6.1-1
AQUATIC ECOLOGY SAMPLING STATION
LOCATIONS

SOURCE: ESE, 1982.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
          CF INDUSTRIES
   Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
 bottoms,  sluggish  flow,  dense aquatic vegetation,  and periodic low
 dissolved oxygen  (e.g.,  created  by high water temperatures of summer)
 were  inhabited  primarily by  the  smaller livebearers and killifish.
 Areas with more open,  flowing water;  sandy bottoms; and fewer periods of
 low dissolved oxygen were inhabited by larger,  predatory forms such as
 sunfish.

 Phytoplankton/Periphyton
Algal communities  found  on the CF  Hardee Phosphate Complex II site
generally comprise  two categories:   (1) phytoplankton (free floating),
 and (2) periphyton  (attached).  The two categories are integrated in
 shallow water.

Analyses  of  the algal  populations  found during  field surveys on the CF
Hardee Phosphate Complex II  site reveal two basic  phytoplankton taxa
groupings.   Several diatom genera  which were dominant or codominant at
many of the  sampling stations  are  characteristic  of shallow systems and
were of a benthic  or epiphytic origin.   In these  shallow areas, phyto-
plankton  supply a  small  portion  of  the  total primary production,  due to
the presence of vascular plants.  However, the  algae are important as
 food for  grazing macroinvertebrates.   The second  species group includes
cryptophytes, chlorophytes,  and  euglenophytes which are characteristic
of areas  with permanent  water  receiving organic  loading, such as  stock
ponds.  Indices of  phytoplankton community structure are presented in
Table 3.6.1-1.

Periphyton taxa identified from  the project site  were similar to  the
phytoplankton taxa.  The similarity in  populations of algae collected
 from different habitats  (attached versus free-floating) underscores the
significant  interaction  between  the phytoplankton  and periphyton  in the
predominantly shallow waters  of  the CF  Hardee Phosphate Complex II site.
Most of the  periphyton were  species typical of  shallow water bogs or
marsh systems.  Many of  these, particularly the diatoms, have resting
stages that  are resistant to  dessication.  The  resting stages remain
viable in  the soil  surface during  the dry season,  ready to initiate
                                        3-154

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Table 3.6.1-1.  Phytoplankton Abundance, Nmber of Taxa,  Species Diversity, Richness and Evenness Indices for CF Hardee Conplex II Sanpling Stations


Date                          BCDBICPBSBCBmHNMlM2K3>fc


July 1981

Nutnber of Taxa (66)*          36         28         26         32         27
Total Nmter/ml            1,914      2,070      3,483     10,110       607
Species Diversity           3.56       3.23       2.45       3.33       3.30
Species Richness            4.63       3.54       3.07       3.36       4.06
Evemess                    0.69       0.67       0.52       0.67       0.69

August 1981

Nmber of Taxa (60)*          26         37         28         26         24
Total Nutter/ml            1,512      1,945        548      7,132       324
Species Diversity           3.09       3.77       3.30       2.95       3.38
Species Richness            3.41       4.75       4.28       2.82       3.98
Evenness                    0.66       0.72       0.69       0.63       0.74

September 1981

Hunter of Taxa (55)*          21         28         31         29         17          12
Total Nunber/ml              735        249        480      1,600       209        148
Species Diversity           2.71       3.59       3.65       3.80       2.12        1.09
Species Richness            3.03       4.90       4.86       3.80       3.00        2.20
Evenness                    0.62       0.75       0.74       0.78       0.52        0.30

October 1981
Nmber of Taxa (64)*          24         26         28         22         16                   35         32
Total Nuiter/ml            7,376        943        478     13,455      4,510                  393        645
Species Diversity           2.68       3.12       3.48       2.83       2.05                  3.86       3.60
Species Richness            2.58       3.65       4.38       2.21       1.78                  5.52       4.79
Evenness                    0.58       0.66       0.72       0.64       0.51                  0.76       0.72
 10
  I

-------
Table 3.6.1-1.   Phytoplankton Abundance, Hunter of Taxa, Species Diversity, Riclmess and Evenness Indices for CF Hardee Complex II  Sanpling Stations
                (Continued, Page 2 of 2)
Date
February 1982
Nuifcer of Taxa (89)*
Total Nurber/ml
Species Diversity
Species Richness
Evenness
BC
44
23,791
3.44
4.27
0.63
DB
29
941
3.72
4.09
0.77
HC
35
4,223
3.38
4.07
0.46
PB
20
10,308
2.64
2.06
0.61
SB
29
2,575
3.48
3.57
0.72
CB
20
6,747
2.60
2.16
0.60
m
31
17,486
3.64
3.07
0.73
HN
27
1,298
3.97
3.63
0.84
Ml
30
7,424
4.08
3.25
0.83
M2
20
30,768
1.96
1.84
0.45
M3
23
1,501
2.92
3.01
0.65
tt+
27
6,851
4.03
2.94
0.85
* Total nunber of taxa per trip.

Source:  ESE, 1983.
LO
 I
Ul

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rapid asexual reproduction when  the  area  is  reflooded  (see Supplemental
Information Document  for phytoplankton  and  periphyton  species listing,
Section 8.0).

Benthos
Benthos are aquatic invertebrates  which live in (as-infauna)  or on (as
epifauna) the substrate and include  predominantly  oligochaete worms,
insects, crustaceans  and molluscs.   Benthic  invertebrates  feed on a
variety of organic materials  including  detritus, algae,  and other
invertebrates and are  important  food items  for  larger  invertebrates,
fish, and some water  fowl.  Benthic  invertebrate communities  have been
analyzed for their capacity to reflect  environmental quality, especially
degradation in water  quality  due to  organic  pollution.   Since benthic
invertebrates have relatively long life cycles, are  limited in mobility,
and occupy diverse aquatic habitats,  they are  indicators of present and
past water quality, substrate type,  and flow regime.

Approximately 100 taxa of infaunal  benthos  and  approximately 250 taxa of
epifaunal benthos were collected in  field surveys  from the CF Industries
Hardee Phosphate Complex II site.   A large  number  of taxa  were obtained
in both infaunal and  epifaunal collections.  The greater diversity of
epifaunal invertebrates probably results  from a greater  diversity of
habitat created primarily by  aquatic vegetation.   Table  3.6.1-2
illustrates the differences and  similarities for invertebrate
collections in Mitchell Hammock.

The benthic infauna in the streams on the CF Hardee Phosphate Complex II
site were numerically dominated  by a relatively limited  variety of
organisms.  Tubifieid oligochaetes,  especially  Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri,
were ubiquitous during all sampling  periods.  Several  species of insects
usually comprised the remainder  of the  samples, with larval chironomids
found most often.  A matrix of the  occurrence of benthic organisms found
in Mitchell's Hammock  sampling is  presented  in  Table 3.6.1-3.
                                       3-157

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Table 3.6.1-2.  Species Presence/Absence Matrix by Transect and Habitat,  Mitchell's
                Haimock, February 1982
                               	Infauna           Epifauna           Epixylous
                     Transect:  1234   S  M  1  2  3  4   SM1234   SM
Taxa
Nematoda sp.                             X      X
Annelida
  Oligochaeta
    Lunbriculidae sp.              X            X  X  X     X   X
    Naididae
      Naididae sp.              XXXXXXXXXXX
      Allonais paraguayensis                             X
      Dero digitata                X         XXXXXXX
      Dero nivea                                X  X  X  X  X
      Dero pectinata                            X
      Dero trifida                                       X
      Dero vega                                    X     XX
      Dero sp. Al                                           XX
      Dero spp.                                 X  X  X  X  X   X
      Haanonais waldvogeli      X               XX
      Nais cxmnunis                             X
      Pristina longiseta                                 X
      Slavina append kulat a                        X
    Tubificidae
      Tubificidae sp. A         XX     XXX     XX
      Tubificidae sp. B         X               XX

  Hirudinea sp.                    X               XXX

Crustacea
  Branchiopoda sp.              X        XX
  Copepoda sp.                  XX               X
  Anphipoda
    Crangonyx sp.                  X                  X  X  X   X
  Decapoda
    Procambrus sp.                 X               X  X  X  X   X

Insecta
  Gollumbola sp.                X        X      X  X  X

  Ephemeroptera
    Baetidae
      Caenis sp.                                         X
      Caliibaetis sp.                    X               X
                                        3-158

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 Table 3.6.1-2.  Species Presence/Absence Matrix by Transect and Habitat, Mitchell's
                Hamock, February 1982 (Continued, Page 2 of 5)
                                     Infauna           Epifauna          Epixylous
                     Transect:  1234   SM1234   SM1234   SM
Taxa
Odonata
  Anisoptera
    Ashnidae
      Anax sp.                                           X
    Libellulidae
      Erythemis sp.                                   XXX
      MLathyria sp.                                      X
      Libellula sp.             X                  XX
      Pachydiplax longipennis                   XXX     X
      Tramea sp.                   X

  Zygoptera
    Coenagriidae
      Enallagma sp.                             X     X  X     X
      Nehalemia sp. A                             X
      Nehalennia sp. B                             XX

Hemiptera
  Mesoveliidae
    Mesovelia sp.                                  X

  Gerridae
    Gerris sp.                                     X

  Naucoridae
    Pelocoris sp.                                        X

  Nepidae
    Ranatra sp.                          XXX

Megaloptera
  Corydalidae
    Chavliodes sp.                                  X

Lepidoptera
  Pyralidae sp.                                 X       X

Coeloptera
  Haliplidae
    Peltodytes oppositus                                X
                                       3-159

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 Table 3.6.1-2.   Species Presence/Absence Matrix by Transect  and Habitat, Mitchell's
                 Hammock, February  1982  (Continued, Page 3 of 5)
Transect:
Taxa
Dytiscidae
Bidessus gr sp.
Celina grossula
Copelatus caelatipennis
Coptotoous interrogatus
Hydroporus sp.
Hydrovatus conpressus
Laccophilus proscimus
Pachydrus princeps
Thermonectus bassilaris
Noteridae
Hydrocanthus oblongus
Hydrocanthus regis
Suphis inflatus
Suphisellus gibbulus (?)
Gyrinidae
Dineutus carolinus
Hydrophilidae
fierosus striatus
Cymbiodyta blanchardi (?)
Enochrus blatchleyi
Enochrus cinctus
Enochrus ochraceus
Hydrochus callosus
Tropistemus blatchleyi
Tropistemus lateralis
Tropistemus striolatus
Infauna Epifauna
1234 SM1234

X X
XXX
X
X XXX
X XX
X
X X
X
X X

X XXX
X
X XXX
X XXX

X

X X
X X
X X
X
X
X
X
X X X X
X X
Epixylous
S M 1 2 3 4 S M







X
X
X

X
X
X
X





X



X
X
X
    Dryopidae
      Pelonoraus sp.                                   X

    Helodidae
      Scrites sp.                                           X   X

    Curculionidae
      Hylobius sp.                                       X

Diptera
  Tipulidae
    Helius pos. flavipes                     X
    TipuLa sp.                                        X
                                        3-160

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Table 3.6.1-2.  Species Presence/Absence Matrix by  Transect and Habitat, Mitchell's
                Hammock, February 1982  (Continued,  Page 4 of 5)

Transect:
Taxa
Culicidae
Chaoborinae
Chaoborus sp.
Culicinae
Culex sp.
Chirononidae
Tanypodinae
Ablabesmyia peleenis
Ablabesmyia sp.
Larsia sp.
Psectrotanypus sp.
Lnfauna Epifauna Epixylous
1234 SM1234 SM1234 SM



X X

X


X X X X X
X X
XXX X X
X
    Tanypus carinatus           X

  Chironominae
    Chironcmini
      Chirononus cams                                  X
      Chironoraus sp.            X  X    X     X           X
      Endochirononus oigracans                          X
      Goeldichirononus holoprasinusX                 X  X
      Kief ferulus dux                   X  XXXXXX   X
      Parachironomjs carinatus                          X
      Parachironcmus hirtalatus                         X
      Polypedilun illinoense    X       XXXXXXXX

    Tanytarsini
      Calopsectra sp. 13 (Roback)                 X    X
      Tanvtarsus nr. xanthus                            X

  Tabanidae
      Chrysops sp.                 X                 X
      Tabanus sp.                                 X

  Ephydxidae
      Hydrelia sp.                          X       X

Gastropoda
  Physidae
    Physa sp.                                     XXX
                                       3-161

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Table 3.6.1-2.  Species Presence/Absence Matrix by Transect and Habitat, Mitchell's
                Hannock, February 1982  (Continued, Page 5 of 5)
                                     Infauna	      Epifauna	     Epixylous
                     Transect:   1234   SM1234   SM1234   SM
Taxa
  Ancylidae
    Laevapex sp.                             X     X  X X  X  X

  Limnaeidae
    Linnaea sp.                                    X
Source:  ESE, 1982.
                                        3-162

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Table  3.6.1-3.
Shannon-Weaver Diversity  (H'),  Margalef's  Species
Richness (J), and  Pielou's Evenness (E)  Indices for
Benthic  Infauna Identified from CF Complex  II Site,
July  1981 to February 1982
                       3IV"D*!TY <»'•>
                                         RICHNESS  
                                                         fVENNESS «tJ
              ec
              3f-
              •ic
                              2.1:4;
                              C.7219
                            0.57
1.7?B8
2.7057
1.4904

EVENNESS «c>
0.674?
0.7B29
                                    TR'IP  r   f

                      OIVPSITY (HM      RICH"CSS  
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Table  3.6,1-3.
Shannon-Weaver Diversity  (H1), Margalefs Species
Richness (J), and Pielou's Evenness  (E) Indices  for
Benthic Infauna Identified from CF Complex II Site,
July 1981 to February 1982 (page 2 of 2)
Key  to  Stations:
  BC * Brushy Creek
  DB » Doe  Branch
  HC - Horse  Creek*
  PB • Plunder Branch
  CB » Coons  Bay
  SB - Shirttail Branch
  HM - Horse  Creek Mid Station
                   HN
       Horse  Creek North Station
                  *When  three  stations were sampled in Horse Creek, HC
                    was  the  southern station at the property exit line.
 Source:   ESE,  1984.
                                      3-164

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Epifaunal invertebrates collected  from  the CF Hardee Phosphate
Complex II site were predominantly  oligochaete  worms, molluscs,
crustaceans, and insects.  The majority of the  animals  collected  were
insects; tubificid and naidid oligochaetes formed  the second  most
abundant group found at most stations during most  sampling  trips.
Complete data listings of  infaunal  and  epifaunal  invertebrates  appear in
Section 8.0 of the Supplemental  Information Document.

Fish
Fish are an important component  of  freshwater ecosystems  and  an integral
part of food webs.  They are consumers  of organisms within  the  phyto-
plankton and benthos and serve as  food  for higher  trophic levels,
including birds and man.   Cyprinodontidae (killifishes  and  topminnows)
and Centrarchidae (sunfishes and basses) are the most abundant  and
widespread freshwater fish families  in  Florida.  At least 21  species  of
fish and 2 species of amphibians were collected on the  CF Hardee
Phosphate Complex II site  between August 1981 and  February 1982.

Most of the fish specimens collected in field surveys belonged  to one of
four taxonomic families.   Representatives of the Centrarchidae  included
several species of sunfish (Elassoma evergladei, Everglades pygmy
sunfish; Lepomis macrochirus, bluegill; J^. marginatus,  dollar sunfish;
and 1^. punctatus, spotted  sunfish),  warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus),
and largemouth bass (Micropterus aalmoides).  Catfish species collected
included the native brown  and yellow bullheads  (ictalurus nebulosus and
I. natalis), and the tadpole madtorn (Notorus gyrinus),  as well  as the
exotic walking catfish (Clarias  batrachis).  Members  of the Poeciliidae,
or livebearer family, found on the  property  included  the  sail fin  molly
(Poecilia latipinna), mosquitofish  (Gambusia affinis),  and least  killi-
fish (Heterandria formosa).  The fourth family  represented  by several
species was the killifish  family,  Cyprinodontidae. The flagfish
(Jordanella floridae), bluefin killifish (Lucania  goodei),  and  an
unidentified killifish (Fundulus sp.),  are cyprinodontids which were
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 collected  on the site.  Table 3.6.1-4 shows the stations at which
 individual fish taxa were collected.

 The  fish species collected on the site can be roughly characterized  as
 two  habitat-associated assemblages.  The areas sampled with soft
 bottoms, sluggish flow, dense aquatic vegetation, and periodic low
 dissolved  oxygen were inhabited primarily by groups such as the live-
 bearers.  These types of fish are generally small and find refuge in
 aquatic  vegetation.   They are tolerant of low dissolved oxygen levels
 and,  because they are livebearers, their reproductive success is not
 dependent  upon substrate type.

 The  second habitat type was characterized by more open, flowing water,
 sandy bottoms,  and fewer periods of low dissolved oxygen.  These areas
 favor the  survival of the larger predatory species such as centrarchids.
 The  greater  flow in  these water bodies leads to a more scoured, sandy
 bottom,  which is conducive to nest building by egg-laying species.

 3.6.1.2  ENDANGERED  AND THREATENED SPECIES
 No endangered or threatened aquatic invertebrates or fish were identi-
 fied  from  the CF Industries Hardee Phosphate Complex II site.

 3.6.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALTERNATIVES
 3.6.2.1  THE  ACTION  ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING CFI'S PROPOSED ACTION
 Mining
 Dragline Mining (CF  Industries Proposed Action)
 Destruction  of  Aquatic Habitats—The CF Industries Hardee Phosphate
 Complex  II site presently contains 3,580 acres of aquatic habitat in the
 form of  freshwater marshes  and swamps (see Table  2.1.1-1).   The proposed
mining plan  would  directly  affect 3,511  acres  of  this aquatic habitat
 and the  inhabitant biota.   Approximately 2 percent (69 acres)  of  the
 aquatic  habitat is proposed for preservation.
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Table 3.6.1-4.
Presence/Absence Matrix of Fish and Amphibians Identified From
CF Complex II Site, August 1981 to February 1982
Station
Taxon HN HM
Teleostei
Notemigonus crysoleucas
Notropis sp.
Erimyzon obloTigus
Ictalurus natalis
Ictalurus nebulosus
Notorus gyrinus X
Notorus sp.
Clarius batrachus
Fundulus sp. X
Jordanella floridae X X
Lucania goodei
G ambus ia af Finis X X
Heterandria formosa X X
Poecilia latipinna X
Labidesthes sicculus
Elassoma evergladei X
Lepomis macrochirus
Lepomis marginatus
Lepomis punctatus
Lepomis sp.
Chaenobryttus gulosua
Micropterus salmoides
Etheostoma sp.
Unidentified fish
Unidentified fish larva
Unidentified fish egg
Amphibia
Rana spp. (tadpole)
Salamondridae
Key to Stations: HN » Horse Creek North
HM » Horse Creek Middle
HS * Horse Creek South
BC « Brushy Creek
B2 - Brushy Creek 2
HS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
SB
DB
PB
CB
BC B2 SB DB PB CB
X
X
X
X X X X X
X X X X X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X X X X
X
X X
- Shirttail Branch
a Doe Branch
» Plunder Branch
« Coon's Bay Branch
Source:  ESE, 1983.
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The majority of  the  inhabitant  aquatic biota is relatively non-motile
and,  therefore,  unable  to  escape the area of mining operations.  Motile
organisms  such as  fish  and  reptiles may be able to migrate to
undisturbed areas,  provided sufficient hydrologic connections exist to
serve as migration  pathways.   If no escape pathways exist, all aquatic
biota within a mining area  would be eliminated.

The Horse  Creek  aquatic  habitat  is  proposed for preservation and will
not be mined.  Two  acres of Horse Creek will be directly impacted by two
dragline crossings  proposed to  be constructed across Horse Creek.  The
crossings  will be constructed  during low flow conditions which should
minimize impacts during  construction.   During the wet season, the
2 acres of bottom will  be eliminated as aquatic habitat during the life
of these Horse Creek crossings  (2 years).   Additional impacts which
might occur due  to  erosion  of  the crossing's banks are increased water
turbidity  and sedimentation in  the  near field.   Planting vegetation on
the crossing's banks would  help  minimize impacts to the Horse Creek
aquatic habitat by  stabilizing  the  construction materials.  Sufficient
water flow will need to  be  maintained  under the crossings to prevent
reduction  in stream  flow and allow  downstream drift of invertebrates.

The Horse  Creek watershed  is scheduled to  be mined in mine years 18
through 24.  While  the  lands adjacent  to Horse  Creek are being mined,
Horse Creek would be encircled  by a perimeter ditch intended to maintain
the surrounding water table and  thereby maintain water levels in Horse
Creek.  The proposed ditching  plan  allows  for a 35-foot setback area
between the wetlands and the mine cut.   Mining  operations in proximity
to the wetlands may cause water  table  fluctuations in the adjacent
wetlands.  In certain cases, wider  setback between the wetlands and the
mining area could help  insure maintenance  of water table levels in the
nearby wetlands thereby  preserving  the  aquatic  communities.
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The mining plan calls  for raining  of  the CF Hardee Phosphate Complex II
site over a 27-year  period.   During  this mining period,  not all aquatic
habitat will be disrupted at  the  same  time,  although eventually approxi-
mately 98 percent of the  aquatic  habitat on-site would be mined.  As
mining proceeds, the ratio  of natural,  pre-mining aquatic habitat to
post-raining reclaimed  habitat will  decrease.   For the majority of the
mine's life, the mining plan  and  reclamation  schedule result in about 50
percent of the watershed  being in either a natural or reclaimed state.
The natural aquatic  habitat on-site  will provide a source for faunal
recolonization of restored  or reclaimed aquatic habitat.  This is
particularly true for  invertebrates  such as  insects with aerial
dispersal.  Less motile invertebrates  will require longer periods of
time to recolonize reclaimed  habitat,  and non-motile invertebrates and
fish will probably require  reestablishment of hydrologic connections
before recolonization  can take place.

Unionid mussels, Uniomerus  carolinianus, were found on-site in both the
Doe Branch and Plunder Branch drainage  systems.  Mining  of these systems
will eliminate these existing mussel populations on-site.  Freshwater
mussels may require  1  to  8  years  to  reach sexual maturity and require a
vertebrate (fish) host for  dispersal of larvae (Pennak,  1978; Clench,
1959).  Although the life cycle of JJ.  carolinianus in particular is
unknown, a relatively  long  life cycle  and the need for specific inter-
mediate larval hosts may  result in  no  recolonization or  a slow rate of
recolonization.  Recolonization of  reclaimed  habitat by mussels after
mining is dependent  upon  the  existence  of nearby undisturbed mussel
populations and the  recolonization  of  disturbed habitats by the required
fish host species.

Alteration of Stream Flow—Stream flow reductions resulting from mining
may result in the loss of fish and  invertebrates that become concen-
trated in the remaining' pools and wet  strearabed.  In addition, the
macrophyte abundance could  be reduced,  resulting in a loss of habitat
for fish and invertebrates.   The  severity of  the effect  of flow
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 reductions  depends  on the season in which they occur, as  the  streams
 on-site  are intermittent.  The plants and animals of such systems  are
 very  adaptable  to naturally changing water levels (Berra  and  Gunning,
 1970;  Grossman _e_t a±. ,  1974;  Larimore _e_t _aK , 1959).  If  flow reductions
 occur  during  a  time of  no stream flow, the fish will have moved
 downstream  or into  the  remaining pools.   The insect larvae may become  a
 greater  portion  of  the  drift  as  the flow slows (Minshall  and  Winger,
 1968); oligochaetes and molluscs will attempt to penetrate into the
 moist  bottom  but will be lost from any area that is mined.  However, if
 stream flow is  drastically reduced at a period of normally high flow,
 the fish  and  invertebrates will  not have an opportunity to move out of
 the area  and  may become stranded as observed by Kroger (1973).

 Increased Turbidity—A  potential for turbid runoff reaching aquatic
 habitats  will exist during land  clearing and operation of the mine.  The
 ecological  effects  of high levels  of suspended solids or turbidity on
 aquatic organisms are described  by Cairns, et al.  (1972) as:
 (1) clogging  or  irritation of gills; (2)  blanketing or sedimentation;
 (3) loss  of light penetration; (4)  adsorption and/or absorption of
 various chemicals;  and  (5) availability  as a surface for growth of
 microorganisms.  However,  turbidity should not persist for long
 distances downstream  nor should  it  remain in the water at the discharge
 (Burns, 1972).  Further,  fish can  either avoid high turbidity levels or
 can withstand them  for  short  periods (Ritchie, 1972).   Although some
 increases in  turbidity  are expected, impacts on aquatic organisms due to
 the discharge of turbid  water are  thought to be temporary, and the
 probability of the  release of any  highly turbid water is small.
 However,   some discharge  of moderately turbid water is  expected.

Matrix Transport
Slurry Matrix Transport  (CF Industries Proposed Action)
The matrix  slurry transport system  presents  the potential for adverse
 impacts to  the aquatic  system.   The greatest potential for adverse
 impacts from  the slurry  matrix transport  system is from pipeline breaks
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or leaks.  Should  the matrix  slurry escape from containment, surface
waters which  subsequently receive the slurry would have increased
turbidity which  could cause a decrease in primary productivity, burial
or elimination of  benthic organisms,  and suffocation of fish.  The
possibility of this  occurrence is minimized by the use of preventive
maintenance practices and safeguard systems.

Matrix Processing
Conventional  Matrix  Processing (CF Industries Proposed Action)
Conventional  processing  generates clay wastes in a suspension containing
about 3 to 5  percent solids.   Disposal of these clays would require
impoundments  from  which  the water can be decanted.  The volume of clay
generated and amount of  water entrapped in the clays would require the
clay settling areas  to be diked  above grade.  Although a remote
possibility,  dam failures pose a potential for significant damage to
aquatic ecosystems and degradation of water quality in the receiving
water systems.

Conventional  beneficiation requires the use of several reagents in the
flotation process.   The  reacted  reagent would be discharged from the
process with  the waste sand tailings  and clays, and most of the reagents
would adhere  to  the  clay  particles.  The discharge from the clear water
pool would contain trace  amounts of the reagents and reacted reagent-
sulfate compounds.

Plant Siting
The CF Industries' beneficiation plant and support facilities will
occupy apnroximately 60  acres.   The plant site will be located in an
area which consists  of pine flatwood  communities and will not require
the fill of any  regulated wetlands.

During the construction  phase,  perimeter ditches will be installed to
collect runoff from  the  plant site area.  Dam construction areas will
also be enclosed by  perimeter ditches to intercept runoff.  In the plant
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site area, all areas not permanently  surfaced  will  be landscaped and
revegetated.  Access road shoulders,  powerline right-of-ways,  and
pipeline corridors will be graded and  revegetated.   With these controls
on surface runoff, plant site construction  should have only temporary or
no impact on aquatic communities adjacent to the  plant site.

Water Management
Process Water Sources
Groundwater Withdrawal—CF Industries  proposes to use approximately 5.0
million gallons per day of ground water  for plant operations.   CF
Industries' compliance with their consumptive  use permit will  minimize
drawdown impacts to the water table and  thereby reduce potential impacts
to aquatic habitat and aquatic communities.  Using  ground water as a
supply source would not alter surface  water flows or affect downstream
aquatic communities.

Surface Water—CF Industries will not  directly use  surface water with-
drawal in the plant operations.  At present, surface water runoff at the
proposed site is distributed to on-site  streams and can be attributed
primarily to rainfall occurrences.  CF's  planned  water recirculation
system will reduce this runoff by retaining a  portion of the  rainfall
for use in the system.  The proposed  plan can  provide for rainfall
recovery of approximately 70 percent  of  rain  falling on the collection
system.  This rainfall will not be available to unmined and reclaimed
aquatic systems on-site and downstream.   Planned  post-mining  reclamation
activities within portions of each watershed will be designed  to return
flow characteristics of most downstream  draining  systems to approximate
pre-mining streamflow conditions.

Discharge
Discharge to Surface Waters—CF's primary  plant discharge of  clarified
water will be from the recirculating  water  system into Doe Branch and/or
Shirttail Branch.  These proposed discharge outfall locations  were
selected primarily due to their proximity to the  plant site.   Direct
discharging to other surface waters offers  no  particular advantage from
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either a  functional,  operational,  or environmental  standpoint.  Horse
Creek was  not  considered  for  discharge since its location is approxi-
mately 5 miles  from  the proposed  plant complex.   Since all process water
to be discharged will first  pass  through active  clay or sand-clay
settling  areas, contaminants  within this water should adsorb onto
suspended  clay  particles  in  these  areas and be retained with the settled
clays.  Concentrations  in  waters  discharged to surface waters should
therefore  be minimized.   At  times, the streams may actually experience a
net improvement in certain water  quality parameters as a result of the
treated process water discharge.

The discharge  from the clear  water pool would contain trace amounts of
reagents and reacted  reagent-sulfate compounds.

Discharge  to Surface  Water via  Wetlands—CF Industries'  alternate
discharge  of clarified water  from  the water recirculation system will be
via pipe/ditch  to wetlands by sheet flow into the floodplain of Payne
Creek.  The excess water  from the  system would be pumped through a
pipeline across Doe Branch by low-pressure  water pumps.  Beyond Doe
Branch, there would be enough head and capacity  to  carry this water
through a  ditch system where  water would flow by gravity to the
discharge  weir adjacent to the  Payne Creek  floodplain.   This discharge
will be into a control pond with a grass-covered sill which allows
overflow into the floodplain  paralleling Payne Creek.  There would be no
discharge  structure within waters  of the state.   The discharged water
will overflow this grassed, earthen sill and  flow into the Payne Creek
wetlands.  The pond overflow  would have a low exit  velocity.  Once the
effluent enters the floodplain, the existing  heavy  growth of vegetation
should retard movement of  this  water within the  floodplain and limit
velocity to 2 feet per second or less.

This discharge method would provide an alternative  direct discharge of
effluent to surface waters.   Additionally,  the sheet  flow through the
Payne Creek floodplain vegetation  should act  as  an  additional water
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purification system, removing nutrients  and other contaminants.  Payne
Creek may experience a net  improvement in certain water quality
parameters with this discharge of  treated process water.

Connector Wells—Connector  wells offer a means of dewatering the
surficial aquifer ahead of  the mining  operation while replenishing a
portion of the water pumped from the Floridan Aquifer for matrix
processing.  The use of connector  wells  could have the same effects as
mine pit dewatering.  The water table  could be lowered in areas adjacent
to wetlands causing a reduction in  aquatic  habitat.

Zero Discharge—The zero discharge  alternative would eliminate
discharges into aquatic habitats and,  therefore,  eliminate impacts to
aquatic communities which might result from the discharge.  Zero
discharge, however, would ,also eliminate water which is returned to the
aquatic system in the surface water and  wetlands  discharge alternatives.
To achieve zero discharge would require  the construction of more or
larger water impoundments increasing the potential for dike failures and
associated adverse impacts  on aquatic  communities.

Waste Sand and Clay Disposal
Sand-Clay Mixing (CF Industries Proposed Action)
Because entrained water losses from the  system will  most likely be
reduced by using sand-clay  mix methods than conventional methods, there
should be a greater chance  that a  discharge from the facility will be
required during periods of  heavy rainfall.   These discharges could cause
an increase in turbidity, introduce flocculants (if  used) into the local
aquatic environment, introduce other pollutants which might be in the
water into the aquatic environment,  and  introduce nutrients into the
aquatic environment.

Advantages of the sand-clay mix disposal technique are a reduction in
above-grade clay settling acreage,  a decreased potential for dike
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 failure,  and,  in  the  event  of a dike failure,  the sand-clay mix would
 not  flow  as  rapidly  or  as  far as clay waste alone.

 Conventional Sand  and Clay  Disposal
 The  conventional  sand and clay disposal technique would result in
 impounded clays during  the  life of the mine.  This  would result in the
 creation  of  additional  retention dikes and increase the probability
 (however  slight)  of a dike  failure.   Such an occurrence would have
 tremendous impacts on aquatic biota.  The large clay settling areas used
 in conventional clay  disposal would  consume water via adsorption and
 evaporation,  thus  reducing  the need  to discharge excess water to surface
 waters.

 Sand-Clay Cap
 Because this method  is  a combination of the conventional and sand-clay
mix disposal methods, environmental  considerations  relative to aquatic
 communities  are similar.  Negative impacts to  the aquatic environment
 would result  from  dike  failure and the release  of impounded water and
 sediments  into aquatic  habitats.

 Reclamation
CF Industries' Proposed Reclamation  Plan
 CF Industries' proposed reclamation  plan is to  reclaim approximately
 5,347 acres  of aquatic  habitat.   The reclaimed  habitats are intended to
be lakes,  freshwater  swamp,  freshwater marsh and stream channels.

 Approximately 1,467 acres of lakes will be created  under CF Industries'
 reclamation  plan.  This aquatic  habitat type does not currently exist on
 the project  site.  The  lakes will be designed  to create a productive
 littoral  zone to enhance habitat  values and water quality.   Phosphate
mine lakes can be  highly productive  systems which provide a diversity of
habitat for  invertebrates,  fish,  birds, and alligators.  Lakes would
 provide habitat for largemouth bass, bluegills,  and other sunfish
species which can  be  exploited as  recreational  fisheries.   Vegetated
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 littoral  zones  in the lakes would help support the fish populations by
 providing habitat for the fish as well as habitat for a diverse
 invertebrate  population.   Lake areas provide a relatively constant
 environment which in drought years could provide refuge for aquatic
 species and a source of  faunal recruitment to adjacent aquatic systems.
 The  deeper water  of the  lakes may have low dissolved oxygen during
 periods of stratification, but this should cause no water quality
 problems.  In general, reclaimed lakes have water quality within
 standards  for Class III  waters (ESE, 1984).

 Approximately 25  percent  (3,511  acres) of the project site consists of
 forested  and  non-forested wetland aquatic habitat planned for reclama-
 tion.  This acreage includes approximately 453 acres of Category I (see
 Section 2.9.1.1)  hardwood swamp  and 244 acres of freshwater marsh.
 These areas will  be preserved until such time that it can be
 demonstrated  that these  habitats can be restored once disturbed, and
 regulatory approval for  mining is granted.

 Assuming  the  ability to  restore  freshwater swamps, marshes and streams
 is demonstrated,  CF Industries will reclaim approximately 1,365 acres of
 freshwater swamp, most of which  will be contiguous with reclaimed
 streams and marshes, 2,446 acres of freshwater marshes, and all stream
 channels.  Stream channels will  be reclaimed to approximate original
 grade, and the  stream drainage basins will be reclaimed to their
 approximate original area.

 The majority  of wetlands  will be reclaimed on the decant end of the
 sand/clay mix disposal areas. Twenty-five to 30 percent of each sand/
 clay mix  area is  planned  as reclaimed wetlands.  The remainder of the
wetland aquatic habitat will be  created on sand tailings and overburden
areas.  Within  any particular area, approximately ten years will be
required from the  beginning of mining operations  until the reclamation
of aquatic habitat.   The  time necessary following reclamation for
recolonization of  floral  and faunal communities similar  to communities
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found in the natural  environment  is  not known.  To determine this will
require long-term monitoring of recreated wetlands.  Reclaimed wetlands
will undoubtedly be rapidly  recolonized by relatively few taxa of
opportunistic  or motile  forms.   Rare taxa, non-motile taxa, and taxa
which require  specific microhabitats will require longer to recolonize
the reclaimed  wetlands  and  streams.

Mining of the  proposed  tract is expected to require 27 years.
Reclamation of all mined  land will be completed within eight years after
mining ends.   Sand/clay disposal  areas will be completely reclaimed in
year 35; sand  tailings  areas reclamation will be complete in mine year
29; lakes reclamation will be completed in mine year 28; and overburden
will be reclaimed by  mine year  31.

The advantages  of sand/clay  mix reclamation over conventional clay
settling area  reclamation appear  to  be that the proposed method allows
consolidation  to near original  grade,  and reclamation can be completed
within a few years following the  cessation of mining.  This would allow
a more rapid establishment of permanent aquatic communities.  It should
be noted that  the sand/clay  mix technology is experimental  and has not
been completely proven in actual  full-scale mine projects.

Conventional Reclamation/Clay Settling
Conventional methodology requires  the  greatest acreage for  clay settling
areas.  These  clay settling  areas  can  provide aquatic habitat during the
life of the mine.  This habitat  is temporary however, as the clay
settling areas  will eventually  be  reclaimed and the established aquatic
communities destroyed, necessitating a second colonization  and
succession of  aquatic communities.  The reclamation of conventional clay
settling areas  is delayed over  the reclamation of sand/clay mix areas as
the consolidation time for clays  is  considerably longer.  Since conven-
tional clay settling  areas are  in  place longer and require  higher dikes,
the potential  for dike failure  and destruction of aquatic habitat and
communities is  increased over that for sand/clay mix areas.   Since the
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 objective  of  the  reclamation plan is to reclaim the mined land as
 rapidly  as possible,  the major disadvantages of conventional clay
 settling is the  long  time required until reclamation can be accomplished
 and  aquatic communities  can become established and proceed through a
 natural  successional  sequence.

 Sand Clay  Cap
 The  sand-clay  cap technique has not been utilized on a full-scale mine
 operation.  Since this method  requires  both temporary and permanent clay
 settling basins,  the  overall acreage covered by sand clay cap settling
 basins would be reduced  only slightly from that of conventional areas.
 Sand-clay  cap  would require dikes which are above ground and approxi-
mately as  high as  dikes  required  for conventional  clay disposal areas,
 thereby having the potential for  dike failure and destruction of nearby
 aquatic communities.

Wetlands Preservation
CF Industries' Proposed  Preservation Plan
 CF Industries  proposes to  preserve 69 acres of Class I-A wetlands
 contiguous with Horse Creek.  Preservation of this acreage will result
 in the preservation of the  inhabitant aquatic communities.  Although CF
 Industries proposes to mine an additional 695 acres of Class I-C and I-D
wetlands,  these wetlands  will  be  preserved until  such time as it can be
demonstrated that  these  wetland types can be restored should mining be
allowed.

EPA's Category I  Preservation  Plan
EPA's preservation plan  calls  for the preservation of 764 acres of
Class I-A, I-C, and I-D  wetlands.  EPA's preservation plan would
preserve the aquatic communities  preserved under  CF Industries'
preservation plan, plus  preserve  the aquatic communities  inhabiting the
Class I-C  and I-D  wetlands.  This will  result in  the preservation of a
wider variety of  habitat  and greater diversity of  aquatic fauna and
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 flora which  would  be  available for recolonization of reclaimed
 wetlands.

 Product  Transport
 Truck Product  Transport
 Transport  of the product by truck would have little or no impact on
 aquatic  communities.   The potential impact of truck transport is an
 accidental  spill of  product into an aquatic system which the truck route
 crossed.  A  spill  of  a truckload of product would cause a localized
 impact mainly  due  to  smothering of benthic communities and destruction
 of habitat.  The potential  of  such occurrences  is considered to be
 small.

 Rail Product Transport
 The environmental  consequences of rail  product  transport on aquatic
 communities would  be  the  same  as those  for truck product transport.

 3.6.2.2  THE NO  ACTION ALTERNATIVE
 Termination of the Project
Termination of the project  would result  in no changes  in aquatic
 communities due  to the  proposed  mining  plan.  Future changes in the
 aquatic communities from  present conditions might result due to natural
 successional processes  or changing land  use.

Postponement of  the Project
Postponement of  the project will result  in no mining-induced changes in
 aquatic communities during  the  postponement period.  However, depending
 on the postponement interval,  aquatic communities could change from
present conditions due  to natural  or man-induced perturbation or natural
 successional processes.   In this event,  impacts  of the proposed plan
once initiated could  be  increased, decreased, or remain the  same
depending on the nature  of  the  change which had  occurred.   Should no
 interim change in  community structure occur,  impacts due to  follow-on
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mining operations would be  identical  with  those which would occur with
initiation of the presently  proposed  plan  with no postponement.
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                        3.7  TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY
3.7.1  THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
3.7.1.1  VEGETATION TYPES
Vegetation within the CF Hardee Phosphate  Complex  II  site  generally is
typical of regional plant community  types.  The property consists  of
wetland and upland associations, most  of which have  been altered  by
logging, fire, draining, and other agricultural practices.   Currently,
the proposed mine site  is predominantly managed for  cattle (fire  main-
tenance, grass seeding  and combining,  cattle  rotation).  Wetland/
floodplain complexes exist along eight major  on-site  drainages  (i.e.,
Horse Creek, Brushy Creek, Shirttail Branch,  Doe Branch, Plunder  Branch,
Coon's Bay Branch, Lettis Creek, Troublesome  Creek)  and one minor
on-site drainage (Gum Swamp Branch).   A tenth minor  drainage area  on  the
CF mine site, Hog Branch, drains to  the east  by overland sheet  flow
through pine flatwoods  and palmetto  rangeland.

Vegetation within the CF Hardee Phosphate  Complex  II  mine  site  has been
separated into nine major groupings  based  upon the Florida Land Use and
Cover Classification System (FLUCCS, 1976).   Table 3.7.1-1  provides the
FLUCCS Level III legend, acreages, and percentages for the CF mine site
vegetation map.  The vegetation map  (see Figures 3.7.1-1 and 3.7.1-2)  is
divided into eastern and western portions  by  the Seaboard  System
Railroad.  Thirty-six species of trees (overstory  and understory), 40
species of shrubs and small trees, 321 species of herbs, 12 species of
epiphytes and 32 species of vines have been identified on  the CF mine
site.

3.7.1.2  PRINCIPAL WILDLIFE HABITATS
The CF Hardee Phosphate Complex II site is located within  a region that
is characterized by a climate of widely ranging temperatures and  high
rainfall, nearly level  topography resulting in large  or numerous  areas
of water drainage and retention (wetlands) and a complex soil structure
and plant community composition.  These combined factors produce  suit-
able habitat for a diverse composition of  wildlife species  represented
by amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
                               3-181

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Table 3.7.1-1.  Legend, Acreages, and Percentages for CF Industries Hardee Phosphate
                Complex II Proposed Mine Site Vegetation Map
FLUCCS* LEVEL III
211
212
213
231
321
411
422
621
641

Description
Ftow Crops
Field Crops
Improved Pasture
Orange Grove
Palmetto Prairies
Pine Flatwoods
Other Hardwoods
Freshwater Swamp
Freshwater Marsh
TOTAL
Acreage
13.1
44.1
1,310.3
2.6
6,957.2
732.7
2,354.0
1,240.4
2,339.6
14,994.0
Percent of Total Acreage
0.09
0.29
8.74
0.02
46.40
4.89
15.70
8.27
15.60
100.00
* Florida Land Use and Cover Classification System (FLUCCS).

Source:  FLUCCS, 1976.
         ESE, 1983.
                                        3-182

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A particular animal's  habitat  is  usually considered in terms of the
plant community  in  which  it  is  found.   Many animals have life require-
ments that are not  satisfied  by  a single plant  community.   An animal's
mobility enables  it  to move  to  numerous communities until  its needs are
met.  Some animals  spend  much  time on  the edge  of two different communi-
ties (ecotones)  where  they  benefit from "resources found in both.  Nine
major wildlife habitat types  have been identified on the CF mine site
(i.e., row crops,  field crops,  improved pasture,  orange grove, palmetto
rangeland, pine  flatwoods, hardwood forest,  freshwater swamp, and fresh-
water marsh).  Approximately  65  species of amphibians and  reptiles, 138
species of birds, and  36  species  of mammals  have  been identified as
inhabiting or potentially occurring within these  principal wildlife
habitacs.

3.7.1.3  GAME AND COMMERCIAL  FURBEARING SPECIES
The varied habitat  found  on  the  CF mine site supports several important
game and commercial  fur-bearing  animals.  These include upland game
birds, waterfowl, large mammals,  and small game and fur-bearing
mammals.

Bobwhite quail, mourning  doves,  and wild turkey are important game bird
species on the CF mine site.   Quail and mourning  doves are reported to
be abundant, while  turkeys  are  considered common. Quail and doves
utilize similar  habitat provided  by open areas—rangeland, pastures,
flatwoods, and ruderal areas.   Here they feed on  seeds and vegetation
provided by dense growth  of  herbs and  shrubs.  Several turkeys were
observed on the  site in both  ruderal and hardwood hammock communities.

The numerous wetlands  on  the  CF mine site are a valuable resource  for
waterfowl.  The  mottled duck is  believed to be the only breeding duck  in
the region.  Numerous  other  duck species utilize  marshland and wintering
areas.  The most  common migrants and winter residents include blue-
winged teal, green-winged teal,  American widgeon, ring-necked duck and
lesser scaup.  The  wood duck is  a year-round resident believed  to  breed
further north in Florida.
                                3-185

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Recent wildlife surveys indicated  healthy  populations  of large mammals
on the CF mine site.  White-tailed deer  were observed  often in flatwoods
and hammock edges and were  judged  abundant.   Wild  hogs were common to
abundant on-site.  Several  hogs  and their  characteristic "rooting" signs
were ooserved in hardwood hammocks, rangeland,  swamps, and marsh  edges.

The CF mine site supports a number of small  game and fur-bearing
mammals.  Some of the more  common  species  include  oppossum, raccoon,
marsh rabbit, eastern cottontail,  and gray squirrel.  Other more
secretive species include red  fox, gray  fox,  and bobcat.  The  round-
tailed muskrat, although not sighted,  is considered abundant in the
numerous marshes.  Many muskrat  feeding  platforms, dens, and scat were
sighted during field surveys.  Other species not sighted,  but  possibly
occurring on-site, are the  long-tailed weasel and  river otter.

3.7.1.4  ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES - FEDERAL
Four species of federally endangered plants  occur  in Florida (USFWS,
1984).  However, these protected  taxa do not exist within central
Florida.  Six federally listed wildlife  species which  are known (or
expected to occur) in the vicinity of the  CF mine  site consist of the
following:
     • American Alligator                  Threatened
     • Eastern Indigo Snake               Threatened
     • Woodstork                           Endangered
     • Red-Cockaded Woodpecker             Endangered
     • Southern Bald Eagle                 Endangered
     • Florida Panther                     Endangered

American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is currently federally
listed as threatened.  The  threatened designation  was  applied  to  the
American alligator because  heavy  poaching  for hides and destruction of
wetland habitat threatened  the continuation  of  this species.  Since its
classification as a protected  species, the alligator has made  a remark-
able recovery.  The American aligator is now fairly common throughout
Florida and within the CF mine site.  American  alligator has been
sighted in almost every drainage  basin within the  CF mine site.
                                3-186

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The eastern indigo snake  (Drymarchon corais couperi)  is designated
threatened by both federal  and  state agencies.   The decline of the
indigo snake is attributed  to collection  by snake  enthusiasts and
destruction of habitat  by development.  At least three indigo snakes
have been observed on the CF mine  site  (CF DRI,  1976).  Several
unconfirmed recent sightings of indigo  snake on  the property also have
been reported.  Due to  these observations  and suitable habitat and
range, the indigo snake's occurrence on the CF mine site is judged as
common.

The woodstork (Mycteria americana)  is  a colonial wading bird considered
endangered by both state  and federal agencies.   The decline of woodstork
populations is attributed to man's  manipulation  of wetland water levels
which alter or eliminate vital  feeding  areas. Woodstorks have been
observed in the vicinity  of the CF  mine site. These  endangered birds
also are expected to feed in suitable wetlands within site boundaries.

The southern bald eagle (Haliaeetus 1.  leucocephalus) is a federally
endangered bird which nests in  large trees next  to rivers and lakes.  No
eagles have been sighted  on the CF  mine site. Furthermore, eagles are
not expected to occur on  the CF mine site  due to unsuitable habitat
requirements.

The red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides boreales)  is currently considered
endangered by the U.S.  Fish and Wildlife  Service.   This woodpecker is
found in pine flatwoods,  however,  an inspection  of the remaining stands
of pine on the CF mine  site revealed neither nest  nor roost cavities.
Therefore, this protected woodpecker is judged  as  absent from the CF
mine site.

The Florida panther (Felis  concolor coryi) is classified as endangered
by federal and state agencies.   No  recent  substantiated sightings of
panther have been made  in the vicinity  of the CF mine site.  Due to the
altered condition and openness  of  the  property,  suitable habitat is not
provided, and no Florida  panthers  are  expected  to occur.
                                3-187

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 3.7.1.5   ENDANGERED  AND  THREATENED SPECIES AND SPECIES OF SPECIAL
          CONCERN  - STATE
 Populations  of  endangered  native plant species have diminished in both
 size  and  distribution  in Florida by man's disturbances or complete
 alterations  to  their specific  habitat requirements.  Several govern-
 mental agencies and  private  institutions  have produced endangered plant
 species  lists in  order to  protect these Florida plant taxa, or otherwise
 educate  the  populace of  the  existing condition and importance of these
 -axa  (USFWS, 1984; FCREPA,  1979;  FDA, 1978;  SI, 1978;  CITES, 1973; IUCN,
 1972; USFS,  1970).

 Three of  these  state listed  plant species (spoonflower,  Florida coontie
 and needle palm)  either  have a  high likelihood of occurrence or are
 present on the  CF mine site.   Spoon-flower [Peltandra sagittifolia
 (Michx.)  Morong.] is considered  a rare plant  within the  State of Florida
 (FCREPA,  1979).   Although  not  identified, it  is believed that this rare
 aroid occurs within  the  hardwood  swamps on the CF mine site.  Florida
 coontie (Zamia  pumila  L.)  has  been listed as  a threatened (FDA, 1978;
 FCREPA, 1979),  a vulnerable  (IUCN, 1972;  CITES, 1973)  and an endangered
 (SI,  1978) species within  the  State of Florida.

 Since its discovery  in 1976  (CF  Industries DRI, 1976),  the Florida
 coontie has  been  been  identified  on the CF mine site.   It is doubtful
 that  this cycad has  disappeared  since 1976.   However,  since the
 occurrence of the Florida  coontie was not verified during field
 reconnaissance,  it is  rated with  a "high  probability  of  occurrence"  on
 the site.

During the drainage  walkover surveys,  needle  palm [Rhapidophyllum
hystrix (Pursh)  Wendl, and Drude]  was  discovered  within  a mixed hardwood
 swamp just south  of  northern site boundaries  where Plunder Branch exits
 the property (Unit PI).  Needle  palm  has  been designated  as  both  a
threatened (SI,  1978;  FDA, 1978;  FCREPA,  1979)  and a  vulnerable species
(IUCN, 1972).   Interspersed throughout  the  tree swamp  were 45 healthy
                                3-188

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specimens of the palms.  Herbarium records  (USF Herbarium,  1982),
pertinent literature (FCREPA, 1979; Shuey and Wunderlin,  1977),  and
personal communications with needle palm experts  (Shuey,  1982;
Wunderlin, 1982) agree that needle palms have never  been  discovered
within a mixed hardwood swamp type such as  the habitat  situated  on the
property.  Only one other known  location of needle palm exists  in Hardee
County, some 8 miles due south along  the Peace River drainage.   The  two
Hardee County populations, together with a  population  center  in
Highlands County, constitute the southernmost limit  of  the  needle palm
in the United States.

Fifteen animal species listed by the  Florida Game and  Fresh Water Fish
Commission as endangered, threatened, or species  of  special concern  have
been observed or have a potential  to  occur  on the CF mine site.  Six of
these taxa have been discussed in  the previous section  on federally
listed species.  The remaining nine state protected  species are  provided
in the following listing:
     • Gopher Tortoise                    Species of Special  Concern
     • Southeastern American Kestrel      Threatened
     • Florida Sandhill Crane             Threatened
     • Wading Birds (Little Blue Heron,   Species of Special  Concern
       Snowy Egret, Tri-Colored Heron,
       Roseate Spoonbill)
     • Florida Burrowing Owl              Species of Special  Concern
     • Florida Black Bear                 Threatened

Southeastern American kestrel (Falco  sparverius paulus),  roseate
spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja), Florida burrowing  owl (Athene cunicularia
floridana), and Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) have
not been identified on the CF mine site, but have a  high  potential  for
occurrence.  Gopher tortoise (Gopherus  polyphemus) is  judged  as  common
throughout the high, dry sandy soil areas (pine flatwoods,  palmetto
rangeland) of the CF mine site.  Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis
pfatensis) also is common throughout  the CF mine  site.  Although not
                                3-189

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confirmed,  it  is  believed  that  cranes nest within the shallow marshes on
the  site.   Wading  birds  [little blue heron (Florida caerulea), snowy
egret  (Egretta thula), and  tri-colored heron (Hydranassa tricolor)] are
common throughout  the CF mine site,  however, no nesting colonies have
been identified.

3.7.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALTERNATIVES
3.7.2.1  THE ACTION ALTERNATIVES,  INCLUDING CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED
         ACTION
Mining
Dragline Mining (CF Industries'  Proposed Action)
Terrestrial biological resources on  and adjacent  to the CF mine site
will be affected  by activities  associated with the proposed action of
dragline mining.   These  activities  include clearing of vegetation,
excavation  of  overburden and  phosphate matrix, and construction of
access roads,  railspurs, powerline  and pipeline corridors, waste
settling areas  and other related facilities.  Dragline mining operations
will have a direct impact on  the site's fauna and flora.  Short- and
long-term secondary impacts  to  biota on and in areas adjoining the CF
mine site may  also occur as a result of the proposed mining.

Acreage Altered—Approximately  99.5  percent (14,925 acres) of the mine
property will  be disturbed during  the life of the mine.  The remaining
acreage (i.e., 69  acres  of wetlands  contiguous to Horse Creek) will be
protected from  the effects of the  proposed mining operations.  Reclama-
tion conducted  during and after  the  planned mine  life will incorporate a
diversity of land  uses and covers  including improved pasture, pine and
hardwood forests,  forested and  non-forested wetlands, and lakes.
Table 3.7.2-1  lists the  acreages  of  each vegetation type which would be
disturbed,  preserved or  reclaimed.

The most adverse  impact  associated with dragline  mining is the direct
loss of plant  communities/wildlife habitats and a portion of the
                                3-190

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Table 3.7.2-1.   Existing and Post-Reclamation Land Use
Land
Code*
211
212
213

231
321

411

422

520
621

641

Use
Type
Row Crops
Field Crops
Improved
Pasture
Orange Grove
Palmetto
Prairie
Pine
Flatwoods
Other
Hardwoods
Lakes
Freshwater
Swamp
Freshwater
Marsh
TOTAL
Existing
Acres %
13.1 0.09
44..1 0.29
1310.3 8.74

2.6 0.02
6957.2 46.40

732.7 4.89

2354.8 15.70

—
1239.9 8.27

2339.3 15.60

14994 100.00
Proposed Post-
Disturbance Reclamation
Acres % Acres
13.1 0.09
44.1 0.30
1310.3 8.78 6659

2.6 0.02
6957.2 46.61

732.7 4.91 1500

2354.8 15.78 1900

1055
1194.8 8.00 1410

2315.4 15.51 2470

14925 100.00 14,994
%
—
—
44.41

—
—

10.00

12.67

7.04
9.40

16.47

99.99
* Based on Florida Land Use and Cover Classificaton System, 1976.




Source:  CF Industries, 1984.
                                 3-191

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associated resident animal populations.   However,  the  overall signifi-
cance of this impact depends  upon  the  relative ecological value,
regional abundance and restorability of  the  altered  resource.

All of the plant communities  that  will be affected by  the construction
and operation of the mine are common in  Hardee County.   The proposed
mining will result in the eventual  removal of 2.6  acres (0.004 percent)
of the 69,120 acres of groves and  nurseries;  6,957.2 acres (4.8 percent)
of the 144,723 acres of rangeland;  1,367.5 acres (1.3  percent) of the
102,971 acres of pasture/cropland;  3,086.7 acres (27.3  percent) of the
11,299 acres of upland forest land; and  3,511.0 acres  (5.1 percent)  of
the 69,412 acres of wetlands  in Hardee County.   Regional losses could be
more pronounced than indicated, since  percentages  were  calculated from a
1978 data base (EPA, 1978).   In addition,  losses could  become even more
significant if the cumulative losses of  these communities due to
possible future mining and development in the county are considered.

However, much of the loss of  these  plant communities will occur
gradually over the life of the mine.   Therefore, reclamation efforts
could reduce the severity of  community alterations,  depending upon the
resultant habitat quantity and quality.

Agricultural lands are highly disturbed,  managed areas  that provide a
limited wildlife resource.  Through reclamation activities, mined agri-
cultural lands on the CF mine site  will  be increased by 386 percent.
Generally, the removal of natural  uplands  and wetlands  will pose a
greater impact on terrestrial ecology  than the temporary displacement of
agriculturally managed lands.  The  undisturbed freshwater wetlands and
forested uplands on the CF mine site are functionally  valuable communi-
ties that provide an essential synergistic support to  the regional
ecosystem.  Natural upland oak and  pine  forests will collectively be
increased in areal extent by  10 percent  through post-mining
reclamation.
                                       3-192

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These  upland  forest  types  are  unlikely to be restored to their native
condition  on  rained  land.   However,  reclaimed oak and pine woodlands will
offer  some wildlife  benefits,  if managed  properly.   All  of the palmetto
prairie  on the CF mine  site  will be eliminated through mining with no
plans  for  reclamation of the vegetative  type.   The  existing palmetto
prairie  on the CF mine  site  has  been modified  through the harvesting of
pines  and  periodic burning of  remaining vegetation  to maintain grazing
conditions for cattle.  Since  pasture is  a much better producer of
forage for cattle, it is anticipated that  palmetto  prairie would be
further modified in  the future even without mining.

Therefore, the creation of greater  improved pasture  acreages  through
reclamation would be compatible  with the  growth of  agriculture in Hardee
County.  However, for certain  types of wildlife,  which require a dense
shrub  layer of saw palmetto  for  cover and  food,  the  mining of palmetto
prairie will   result  in a permanent  loss of habitat.   Reclamation plans
provide  for the restoration of 1,366.6 acres of freshwater swamp and
2,444.4 acres of freshwater marsh.   Thus,  an increase of 300  acres over
mined wetland acreages will be reclaimed  on the CF mine  site.  Current
freshwater marsh revegetation  techniques  have  been  shown to be success-
ful in several small scale plots on mined  land (Carson,  1983; Clewell,
1981; Conservation Consultants,  1981;  Swanson  and Shuey, 1980).
However, to date neither the phosphate industry nor  any  other research
organization  has demonstrated  that  the functional values of forested
wetlands or large scale, diverse marsh systems can  be recreated on mined
land.

Disruption of Wetlands—Forested and non-forested wetlands occupy
approximately 23.9 percent (3,580 acres)  of the proposed mine site.
Under CF Industries' proposed  action, 98.1 percent  (3,511 acres) of the
wetlands will be disturbed during the life of  the mine.   The  remaining
wetlands (69  acres)  will be  protected from the adverse effects of
                                  3-193

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mining.   These  preserved  wetlands are contiguous to Horse Creek on the
 far western portion of the property.  However, to gain access to mining
west  of  Horse  Creek beginning in mine year 20, a proposed dragline
corridor will  be  required for crossing two areas of Horse Creek
(Figure  3.7.2-1).   Approximately 2 acres  will be altered for the planned
corridor.   These  disturbed areas will be  restored before the end of mine
year  22.

Adjacent or downstream wetlands  that are  not directly disturbed by
construction or mining activities may be  indirectly affected.  Secondary
effects  could  include  a temporary lowering of water levels,  increased
sedimentation,  lowered ground water tables, increased surface runoff,
erosion,  and long-term hydroperiod alterations (Darnell ji_t _al, 1976).
However,  the intermittent nature of all  streams on-site ameliorates a
great  deal  of  this  concern.

The water  table level  in  the  vicinity of  the open mine pits  will be
lowered  and  then  restored in  sequential  sections for the life of the
mine.  Wetlands adjacent  to mined areas are expected to be affected by a
temporary lowering  of  the water  table.  Mining into the shallow aquifer
can decrease the  amount of soil  moisture  or standing water in adjacent
wetlands within 1,000  feet  for 3 to 6 months.  Drawdowns of  2 to 4
months can  result in substantial changes  in plant biomass, species
composition, and  the proportion  of perennial  plants in wetlands  during
the following  season (Milleson,  1976; Goodrick and Milleson, 1974;
Davis, 1978).  However, the magnitude of  this impact will  depend upon
the rainfall level  experienced at that time.   The potential  for  crown
fires within adjacent  swamps  would also increase  with mining drawdowns
during prolonged  periods  of low  rainfall.

Clearing of  vegetation  and subsequent excavations will  expose soils to
erosion by winds  and stormwaters.   Increased  stonnwater runoff and
erosion into downstream wetlands  may  accelerate  eutrophication.
Eutrophic waters exhibit  an increase  in turbidity,  nutrient  and
bacterial levels,  and  oxygen  demands, and  a decrease  in dissolved
oxygen, producing an environment that favors  plant  over animal life.
                                   3-194

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COMPLEX I
        COMPLEX II
Figure 3.7.2-1
RECLAMATION SEQUENCE YEAR 21:
COMPLEX II, WESTERN SECTION
            U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                       CF INDUSTRIES
               Hardee Phosphate Complex

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Impacts on Faunal Populations—The construction and operation of the CF
mine, which will ultimately disturb nearly 14,925 acres of wildlife
habitat, will directly cause the  elimination of small resident fauna
(amphibians, mice, shrews).   Sequential clearing of 80-acre parcels in
preparation of dragline mining  would permit the migration of mobile
species (deer, wild hog,  raccoon,  birds)  to adjacent undisturbed
habitats.  Secondary impacts to both the  displaced populations and those
occupying similar adjacent  habitat during mining can be anticipated.
Species-specific impacts  will vary depending upon species interactions
and external influences such as mortality from predators and disease;
shortage of food in certain  seasons; decrease in reproduction; and
increased road kills.  The  noise,  water and air pollution associated
with dragline mining will stress  intolerant vertebrate species within
adjacent habitats.  Habitat  fragmentation also will reduce the carrying
capacity of the adjacent, unmined  habitats for larger species (deer,
bobcat).  In some cases, movement  of individuals to off—site areas may
be largely successful if off-site  population levels are below carrying
capacity.  Eventually, populations would  stabilize with a resultant net
loss in faunal resources.

On—site, the impact of mine  operation on  local populations of certain
species will be severe.  Overall,  the elimination of less mobile species
and the losses to species populations that move out of the site areas
initially will represent an  incremental loss.   However,  this loss  alone
will not be significant to  terrestrial faunal populations in the region
unless the loss is considered together with ongoing and planned develop-
ments as a cumulative impact.

Of the 14,925 acres that will be  altered,  8,327 acres (56 percent)
presently consist of disturbed, managed lands.  The loss of this ruderal
habitat will not affect most species populations as severely as the loss
of less disturbed habitats.   The ruderal  habitat results from the
frequent disturbance and manipulation of  vegetation (e.g.,  rangeland
management, pasture, citrus  groves,  cropland)  primarily for agricultural
                              3-196

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purposes.  As  a  consequence  of this  management,  these areas generally do
not  support  as diverse  a fauna as is found in less disturbed habitats.
Although  several  stages  of  the ruderal  communities are an important
habitat component  for some  of the site's faunal  species such as the
sandhill  crane,  cattle  egret,  and numerous invertebrates (e.g.,
herbivorous  insects), the majority of the site's species' basic habitat
requirements are  provided by  the  less disturbed, natural plant
communities.

Loss of the  less  disturbed  upland forest (3,087  acres) and wetland
(3,511 acres)  habitats  will  affect a variety  of  fauna.  The bayheads,
shrub swamps,  mixed  hardwood  swamps, floodplain  forests, and pine and
oak-dominated  upland woodlands  provided  cover and habitat for many of
the  faunal species  inhabiting the site.   Approximately 98.1 percent of
the  site's wetlands  and  100  percent  of  its upland forest will eventually
be removed.  Loss of these  habitats  and  the resulting influx of dis-
placed individuals  should result  in  greater competition in similar
adjacent  undisturbed habitats  and, to an unknown degree, a resultant
loss of individuals  because of  reduced nesting success,  food
availability,  and/or cover.

Long-term mining  impacts to  resident wildlife populations may be
lessened  (mitigated) through  future  reclamation  plans.  Many species are
expected  to  repopulate  disturbed  areas  following reclamation.  The
animal species repopulating  the reclaimed areas  will  depend largely on
the  type  of  habitat  created.

Effects on Endangered or Threatened  Species—None of  the federally-
listed endangered plant  species that occur in Florida are present on the
CF mine site.  However,  three  state-listed important  plant taxa are
either present or have a high  likelihood of occurrence on the property.
Fifteen federal and/or  state-listed  endangered,  threatened or special
concern wildlife species are  known or expected to occur  in the vicinity
of the CF mine site.  Short-  and  long-term impacts to these important
                               3-197

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plants and animals as a result  of  the  proposed CF mining  operations are
evaluaced below.

     Plants
     Spoon-Flower [Peltandra sagittifolia  (Michx.)  Morong]
Although not identified, spoon-flower  has  a "high  potential  for  occur-
rence within the bayheads and mixed  hardwood  swamps on the  CF mine site.
Since this plant species is somewhat specialized,  disruption  of wetlands
habitat would be expected to affect  the  species  on the property,  if it
exists.

     Florida Coontie (Zamia pumila L.)
Although a past study of the CF mine site  listed  Florida  coontie  as
present (CF Industries DRI, 1976), recent  surveys  did  not confirm the
occurrence.  Therefore, no adverse impacts to  the  Florida coontie are
expected as a result of mining.

     Needle Palm [Rhapidophyllum hystrix (Pursh)  Wendl. & Prude]
Approximately 45 individuals of needle palm are  present within  the PI
drainage unit.  These palms and their  associated  habitat  will be
eliminated through proposed mining operations.   Long-term effects of
this action will be a decrease  in  population  size along  the southernmost
limit of the needle palm in the United States.

     Wildlife
     Reptiles
     American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)—The American
alligator is judged to be common within  wetland  and aquatic habitats on
the CF mine site.  The proposed mine plan  will  eliminate  98.1 percent
(3,511 acres) of existing or potential alligator  habitat  during the
planned mine life of 27 years.  Although some  alligators  may  die, most
will disperse and relocate to adjacent habitat  during  pre-mining,
clearing operations.  The reclamation  plan, which  provides  for  the
creation of 1,055 acres of lakes,  1,364.9  acres of  freshwater swamp, and
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2,446.1 acres of freshwater marsh, will  increase  alligator  habitat  on
the property by 38.6 percent (1,355  acres)  over  a 35-year  period.   A
short-term loss of alligator habitat  and decrease in  alligator  popula-
tion size will be a consequence of mining  operations  on  the CF  mine
site.

However, alligators readily colonize  reclaimed  phosphate pits  (lakes).
Therefore, the proposed wetlands/lakes  system should  provide ample
habitat for the future establishment  of these adaptive,  resilient
reptiles.

     Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)—The  gopher tortoise is
considered common within  the highland communities on  the CF mine site.
All of the available gopher tortoise  habitat  on  the site will  be
disturbed during the mine life.   It  is  anticipated that  some of the
gopher tortoises will not be able  to  avoid the  disturbances associated
with the proposed mining  operations.  Although  3,400  acres  of  potential
gopher tortoise habitat will be reclaimed,  the  suitability of this
habitat for future recolonization  by  gopher tortoise  is  not known.

     Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon corais  couperi)—The indigo
snake's occurrence within the CF  mine site's  undisturbed upland and
wetland habitat is judged as common.  The  proposed mining  operations
will eliminate almost all of the  existing  indigo  snake habitat  on the CF
mine site.  The habitats  to be created  by  the reclamation  program may
not be suitable for the indigo snake.  Therefore, the long-term impact
of the proposed project will be a reduction in  available indigo snake
habitat and population size within the  property.   To  mitigate this
impact, a indigo snake relocation plan  will be  submitted for review to
both the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission and  the U.S.  Fish
and Wildlife Service.

     Birds
     Woodstork (Mycteria  americana)—Woodstorks  feed  within suitable
wetland habitat on the CF site.   However,  during  the  wildlife surveys,
no woodstorks or their nests were identified  within property boundaries.
Therefore, the only anticipated impacts to woodstorks as a result of the
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proposed mine plan is the temporary  loss  of  potential  wetlands  habitat
(3,511 acres).  Potential woodstork  habitat  should be  increased by 8.6
percent (300 acres) through the  proposed  reclamation  plan.   Therefore,
although habitat will be temporarily displaced  through mining,  no
long-term adverse impacts to woodstorks  are  anticipated.

     Southern Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus 1.  leucocephalus)—No  bald eagle
nests were identified on the CF  mine site and due  to  limited food
resources, bald eagles are not expected,  except as transients.
Consequently, the mining operations  are  not  expected  to have an adverse
effect on the southern bald eagle.

     Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis)—An  examination of
suitable red-cockaded woodpecker  habitat  revealed  that this  protected
woodpecker is absent  from the CF  mine  site.  Therefore, it  is not
expected that the proposed mining of longleaf pine stands on the
property will adversely impact red-cockaded  woodpecker populations in
the region.

     Southeastern American Kestrel (Falco sparverius  paulus)—Although
not observed, it is expected that the  southeastern American  kestrel
could inhabit pasture, rangeland  and other ruderal open areas on the CF
mine site.  The southeastern American  kestrel primarily occupies
modified, open lands.  Since suitable  habitat is  available  throughout
Hardee County, mining should not  impact  regional  or  local populations of
southeastern American kestrel.

     Florida Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis pratensis)—Suitable crane
habitat such as flooded pasture  and  shallow  marshes  exists  throughout
the CF mine site.  Sandhill cranes have  been observed  feeding in
locations throughout  the property.   Although not  confirmed,  it  is also
believed that cranes  nest within  the site's  numerous  isolated,  shallow
marshes.  The Florida sandhill crane is  basically  sedentary  and highly
territorial during the breeding  season.   Therefore,  the disruption of
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breeding sites  associated  with  mining operations  may affect the resident
breeding crane  population.

     Wading Birds—The  little  blue  heron,  tri-colored heron, snowy egret
and roseate spoonbill have  been observed  feeding  throughout the
freshwater marshes,  shrub  swamps,  flooded  pastures,  open channel reaches
and drainage ditches on  the CF  mine site.   The temporary loss of these
communities as  a result  of  mining  the site will reduce the habitat of
these wading birds in the  region.   However,  since no nesting colonies
are located in  the areas  to be  disturbed,  wading  birds should easily
avoid the mining operations and disperse  to  adjacent undisturbed
habitat.  No adverse effects resulting from  mining are expected on these
adaptable, wide-ranging  species.

     Burrowing Owl (Athene  unicularia floridana)—Burrowing owls have
not been observed on the CF mine site.  Therefore, burrowing owls are
expected to be  absent from  the  site.   A large amount of potential
habitat exists  in the immediate area  (improved pasture),  and the
reduction of pasture through mining should not have  an adverse impact on
burrowing owls  in the region.

     Mammals
     Florida Panther (Felis concolor  coryi)—The  open, disturbed nature
of upland habitat on the CF mine site is judged somewhat  unsuitable for
the Florida panther.  Therefore, no adverse  impacts  to Florida panther
populations are expected as a result  of mining operations.

     Florida Black Bear  (Ursus  americanus  floridanus)—Bears may be
expected to occur on the CF mine site,  however, no recent sightings have
occurred.  A potential impact to black bear  as a  result of mining could
be a reduction of potential habitat.   Since  bears occur within Hardee
County, the elimination  of  wooded drainages  will  also limit protective
travel corridors.  Future use of reclaimed habitat types  by black bear
is unknown.
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 Matrix Transport
 Slurry Matrix Transport (CF Industries' Proposed Action)
 Potential  impacts  to wetlands associated with the proposed slurry matrix
 transport  system include alterations of protected wetland areas from
 pipeline crossings,  increases  in turbidity to downstream water courses
 from potential  pipe  leakages,  and soil  erosion into stream channels
 along  pipeline  corridors.   These adverse effects  could be minimized
 through  proper  planning and preventive  maintenance practices.

 Plant  Siting
 The  CF Industries beneficiation  plant and  support facilities  will  occupy
 an area of  land  in the  northeast corner of the western portion of  the
 Hardee Phosphate Complex II site.   Development of the  property will
 result in the loss of 60 acres of upland habitat  (palmetto rangeland,
 raesic  oak hammock).  Due to a  well-developed drainage  and erosion
 control plan, little or  no  impacts  are  expected  to wetlands within the
 adjacent Doe Branch  system.

 Water  Management
 Process Water Sources
 Ground Water Withdrawal—CF plans  to utilize approximately 5.0 million
 gallons of  ground water  per  day  for  total  plant operations.  Drawdown
 impacts to  adjacent  plant communities along  property boundaries could
 occur  as a  result of ground water  withdrawals. However,  these adverse
 effects would be minimized  by mining and engineering  techniques (i.e.,
 back filling mine cuts  and  digging  rim  recharge ditches)  if drawdowns
 become excessive.

 Surface Water—Direct discharge  to  surface waters is planned  for the CF
mining operations.  Process  waters  that  exceed the  system's water
 handling design capacity will be discharged  via CF's NPDES permitted
 outfalls (primary outfall - Shirttail Branch and  Doe Branch;  alternate
 outfall - floodplains bordering  Payne Creek).  The discharge  from  the
 clear  water pool would  contain trace amounts of reagents  and  reacted
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reagent-sulfate compounds.   Thus,  an  increase  in  water quality
degradation  to on-  and  off-site  downstream reaches  could  result.

Discharge
Discharge to Surface Waters  (CF  Industries'  Proposed  Action)—At  the  CF
mine site, surface  water  runoff  from  precipitation  is distributed  to
on-site streams.  CF's  planned water  recirculation  system will reduce
runoff by retaining a portion of the  rainfall.  This  action  will  reduce
stream flow  and water quantities to downstream  reaches which could
adversely affect the primary productivity  of vascular plants.   This
alteration of base  link food production  could  in  turn affect higher
trophic levels in the food chain.  However,  post-mining reclamation
activities will attempt to return  the flow characteristics of  most
downstream drainage systems  to the approximate  pre-mining streamflow
conditions.

Discharge to Surface Waters via Wetlands (CF Industries'  Alternate
Proposed Action)—When required  for water  quality considerations,  clear
water pond effluent will  be  pumped via pipeline and open  ditch to  the
Payne Creek  floodplain where a diffuse discharge  is planned.   This
action is considered to possess both  positive and negative impacts when
compared to other discharge methods.  Wetlands vegetation provide  a
treatment to the discharge by assimilation of nutrients and  heavy  metals
and entrapment of particulates before waters enter  receiving bodies.
Therefore, possible adverse effects to vegetation and wildlife
associated with the aquatic environment would be buffered, when compared
with a direct, non-treated discharge.  The diffused discharge  within
wetlands also eliminates  possible channelization and  soil  erosion  into
surface waters.

Connector Wells—Connector wells dewater the surficial  aquifer while
replenishing a portion of the ground  water that was withdrawn  from the
Floridan Aquifer for processing of the phosphate matrix.   Connector
wells would potentially produce similar effects as mine pit  dewatering.
Therefore, a temporary lowering of the water table  by use of connector
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wells could cause detrimental  effects  to vascular plants in wetland
systems.  A reduction  in  this  primary  productivity and cover could also
cause secondary adverse effects  to  animals  associated with the wetland
ecosystem.

Zero Discharge—Lf no  surface  discharges occur to off- and on-site
streams, anticipated environmental  impacts  potentially associated with
these discharges should not  take place.   However, to eliminate zero
discharge, larger settling areas  with  higher dams would have to be
constructed.  This water  impoundment construction would increase the
potential for breaks and  leakages in dikes.   Therefore, suspended
solids, nutrients, sediment  and  other  pollutants  would be increased and
may damage affected wetland  and  aquatic  systems.

Also, the positive benefits  associated with  the creation of upland and
wetland communities in future  reclamation could be significantly reduced
on the mine site.

A zero discharge would alleviate  any concerns over water quality
degradation that might result  from  a wetlands or  surface water
discharge.  However, a reduction  in offsite  water quantity and stream
flow characteristics may  also  seriously  affect wetlands vegetation and
associated wildlife.

Waste Sand and Clay Disposal
Sand/Clay Mixing (CF Industries'  Proposed Action)
The sand/clay waste disposal technique will  allow more rapid reclamation
since waste sand/clay mix stabilize faster  than conventional clay
settling areas.  Waste disposal materials  are placed  above-grade to
settle at or near grade,  thus  eliminating the need for high dams.
Compared to conventional methods, the  sand/clay mix  case would have less
above-grade settling acreages  and would  have a reduction in potential
dike failures.  Since the sand/clay mix  material  would consolidate more
rapidly and would have higher  density  than  the clay  waste impounded
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separately, the  flow  and  volume  of a sand/clay mix spill  during dike
failure would  be  less  than expected from a clay settling  basin spill.
Therefore, the sand/clay  mix  method would limit the overall area (upland
and wetland systems)  utilized and reduce impacts to downstream wetland
and aquatic habitats  as a result of pollutant discharges  when compared
to a conventional  sand  and clay  disposal system.

Conventional Sand  and Clay Disposal
Conventional sand  and  clay disposal would require large clay settling
areas to be constructed.   Thus,  the likelihood for dike failure would be
increased, when  compared  with the sand/clay mix case.  Dike failure
could result in  discharges into  on-site drainages.  Should large volumes
of clay be discharged  into streams adjacent to property boundaries,
vegetation and fauna  at the spill would be destroyed, while downstream
aquatic organisms  could be lost  due to water quality degradation
(sulfates, fluorides,  total dissolved solids) and excessive
sedimentation.

Adjacent upland  habitat (vegetation and soils) and associated less
mobile fauna (amphibians, mice,  shrews) would be damaged  by flooding
and/or smothered by clay  wastes.

Total acreage  (upland  and wetland habitats) necessary for conventional
sand and clay  disposal  is generally greater than the proposed sand/clay
mix method.  Thus, direct areal  and temporal losses of habitat would be
more significant with  the sand and clay disposal method than the sand/
clay mix procedure.                                               '

Sand/Clay Cap
The sand/clay  cap  method  involves a combination of the conventional and
sand/clay mix disposal methods previously discussed.  It  is expected
that impacts associated with  the above disposal procedures would be
simila^ for the  sand/clay cap.  Therefore, degradation to aquatic,
wetland and upland habitats as a result of potential dike failure
                                3-205

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(spills) and active  settling acreages necessary for construction would
potentially occur with  the sand/clay cap waste disposal case.

Reclamation
CF Industries'  Proposed  Reclamation Plan
Approximately 14,925  acres of the CF mine site will be disturbed through
mining operations (98.1  percent), plant siting (0.4 percent), and set
backs from roads and  the property line (1.5 percent).  Through the
reclamation plan, altered  wetland (3,511 acres) and forested upland
(3,086.7 acres) acreages will be increased by 8.6 percent and 10.2
percent, respectively.   Approximately, 92.7 percent of the existing
managed uplands (8,327.3 acres)  on the CF mine site will be replaced
primarily with improved  pasture  (80 percent) and lakes (12.7 percent).
To achieve the restoration of pre-mined land forms, CF plans to utilize
an experimental sand/clay  waste  disposal technique on 60.9 percent of
the site.  The use of the  sand/clay waste disposal technique will reduce
the amount of conventional clay  settling areas required, allow reclama-
tion to near original grade,  produce a desirable growing medium for
vegetation, reduce the  time needed for stabilization of waste clays,
allow more rapid reclamation (i.e.,  within 7 years after filling),
eliminate the need for  high dams, and increase soil moisture retention
capacities.  Depending  upon the  desired land use,  the sand/clay mix and
overburden soils used for  capping will be graded,  channelized and
contoured for the reclamation of wetlands,  stream channels, and improved
pasture.  Other techniques that  will be used for reclamation of the CF
mine site include sand  tailings  fill areas with overburden cap (14.8
percent), mined-out  areas  for land-and-lakes (16.1 percent), and over-
burden fill areas and disturbed  natural ground (8.2 percent).  Capped
sand tailings fill area  will be  graded and revegetated (improved
pasture, wetlands, and  upland forest) within 2 years after filling.

Mined-out areas will  be  reclaimed to land-and-lakes.  The remaining
spoil piles surrounding  mined areas  will be graded and revegetated
within 2 years.  The  planned reclamation of the land surface is for
                               3-206

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pine flatwoods and upland  hardwoods.   Lakes  reclamation with 25 percent
of the surface area  to  be  reclaimed  to emergent littoral zone (fresh-
water marsh) will be completed  one year after  mining ends.   Overburden
fill areas and disturbed ground will  be reclaimed within 2  years for
agricultural purposes.  Revegetation  of mined  land will follow
established and  future  reclamation methodologies (see Section 2.6.4).
Mining of the proposed  tract  is expected to  require approximately 27
years.  Reclamation  of  all  mined lands will  be completed within 8 years
after mining ends.

The sand/clay mix technique consolidates faster and near original grade
which will allow for a  more rapid reclamation  of land forms in the
proposed method  over conventional clay settling area reclamation.  The
sand/clay mix may also  prove  to be a  better  medium for plant growth and
wetland hydroperiod  maintenance than  the conventional clay settling area
substrates.  However, it should be noted that  sand/clay mix technology
is experimental  and  has not been completely  proven in mine scale
projects.  Restoration  of  small scale freshwater marsh on mined land has
been successful  in various  research  projects.   The proposed sand/clay
mix technology also  has been  demonstrated to approximate the water
retention capacities and fertile qualities of  wetlands soils.  There-
fore, the use of a sand/clay  mix, together with proven revegetation
techniques, to restore  the  equivalent functions of on-site freshwater
marsh types is encouraging.   Presently, CF is  conducting and planning
experimental projects in hardwood swamp and  stream reclamation utilizing
the sand/clay mix together  with aquatic hardwood plantings  to test
future wetlands  restoration success  for the  Hardee Phosphate Complex II
site.  However,  currently  the ability to restore hardwood swamps and
diverse, expansive marsh systems on mined lands has not been adequately
demonstrated by  CF or any  other research organization.

It is not likely that upland  forest  types can  be restored to a native
condition on mined land using the proposed reclamation techniques.
Plant species diversity and composition is changed permanently within
                              3-207

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mature, old age  hammocks  and  uplands  supporting a saw palmetto layer.
Reclamation of  these  upland  forests  also produces a uniform habitat,
reducing diversity of  community  structure in the region.  Thus,
eliminating a diverse  assortment of  habitat types and replacing them
with uniform landscapes  increases  the potential for decreased regional
floral and faunal diversities.

However, the future quality  of  reclaimed habitats (i.e., recolonization
success) in comparison to  natural  habitats  is  not known.  It is antici-
pated that reclaimed  cover may maximize habitat suitability for ubiquit-
ous and pest species  and  restrict  recolonization by animals requiring
specific requirements  for  survival.   Commercial and recreational species
such as deer, squirrel,  dove, quail,  and wild  hog may successfully
recolonize reclaimed  lands if they are managed properly.

Waterfowl populations  may  actually be enhanced through reclamation with
the potential increase in  wetland  habitat and  the introduction of lakes
with broad littoral zones.  However,  most threatened and endangered
vertebrate species within  the region  or animals that are important to
the formation of a well-balanced ecosystem  may or may not utilize
reclaimed habitats.

The remainder of the CF mine  site  (6,659 acres) will be reclaimed as
agricultural land.  Furthermore,  reclaimed  upland forests will probably
be utilized for  cattle management  and timber production.  These future
land uses will potentially restrict wildlife usage on 10,059 acres or
67 percent of the total CF mine  site.   However, future growth of agri-
culture within Hardee  County  is  compatible  with the goals and policies
of the Hardee County Comprehensive Plan.  Therefore, impacts to wildlife
associated with  the modification or management of native habitats would
be a consequence of projected agricultural  development even without the
advent of mining.
                              3-208

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Conventional Reclamation/Clay  Settling
Conventional clay  settling  reclamation has been the typical reclamation
plan practiced over  the  past years  within the Florida phosphate
industry.  The use of  this  technique over the sand/clay mix would
typically reduce the variety of  land forms and concentrate improved
pasture and lakes  acreages.  Conventional clay settling areas require
greater acreages and longer consolidation times than the sand/clay mix
case.  Thus, initial acreage losses are greater and reclamation
sequences are longer in  the conventional  methods  over the sand/clay mix.
Due to resultant soil  compositions, diversity and quality of reclaimed
upland and wetland communities would be considered  greater in the sand/
clay mix than the  conventional clay settling areas.

Sand/Clay Cap
Since the sand/clay  cap  is  a combination  of both  the sand/clay mix and
conventional clay  settling  area  reclamations,  attributes and short-
comings previously described for both types should  be similar for the
sand/clay cap technique.

Wetlands Preservation
CF Industries' Proposed  Preservation Plan
CF plans to preserve 69  acres of Category IA—Mains tern Stream Wetlands
(Horse Creek drainage) on the mine  site.   A perimeter ditch will be
constructed around all preserved wetlands when adjacent lands are being
mined.  The water  level  in  this  ditch will be maintained at or above the
average water table elevation to prevent  potential  drawdown of the water
table within the wetland  (see Figure 3.7.2-2).

Every effort will  be expended to reduce soil erosion into the Horse
Creek channel from construction  of  the dragline crossing (see
Figures 3.7.2-3 and 3.7.2-4).  Mined lands adjacent to the preserved
areas and dragline crossings will be reclaimed within 2 years of
mining.
                               3-209

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                                 APPROXIMATELY 35 FEET
                       PRESERVED
                       WETLANDS
                      PERIMETER DITCH
             DITCH SPOIL
 WATER TABLE
  WITH DITCH
MINE CUT
                                                    WATER TABLE
                                                    BEFORE MINING
                                    OVERBURDEN
                                         MATRIX
          //\y///§^y^^
 NOT TO SCALE
   NOTE: Water level \r\ ditch maintained at or above
        average water table elevation.
  Source: Gurr  &  Associates. Inc.
Figure 3.7.2-2
PERIMETER DITCH AROUND
PRESERVED WETLANDS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
           CF INDUSTRIES
    Hardee Phosphate Complex
                                      3-210

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    V
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                                                                     81
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                                   U>|(
                                   &\\
                                   Q.\\
                                   U»\\
DRAGLINE CROSSING
S  ^
                                          TEMPORARY FILL AREA
 20' DOUBLE-WALLED
  MATRIX PIPELINE
                                                       24' HYDRAULIC
                                                      WATER PIPELINE
                                                               PLAN
  GRASSED BERM
                           20* DOUBLE-WALLED MATRIX PIPELINE
                           24* HYDRAULIC WATER PIPELINE
                        DRAGLINE CROSSING

            W//S////////^^^^
                                              TEMPORARY FILL
                              DRAINAGE PIPE
             STREAM BED
                                                           SECTION A-A'
                                    ai
    120

    118
 5 1 14

 < 112

 ^ 110
     TEMPORARY FILL
          FOR
    DRAGLINE CROSSING
                                               NATURAL GROUNDI
          HORIZ. SCALE iMOO1
                                                         120

                                                         lie
                                                         116
                                                         1 14

                                                         112
                                                         110
                                                           SECTION B-B'
Zellars-Williams. Inc.
Figure 3.7.2-3
CONCEPTUAL DRAGLINE CROSSING
AT HORSE CREEK SECTION 32,
T33S, R23E
                                 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                     Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                           CF INDUSTRIES
                                    Hardee Phosphate Complex II
                                     3-211

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      B
                                                     A/
      L
                                 on
            DRAGLINE CROSSING   
-------
Designated EPA Category  I  (i.e.,  other  than  the  69  acres  of preserve),
II, and III wetlands within  the CF  mine site (3,511  acres)  are scheduled
for mining operations by CF.

Restoration of wetlands  on the reclaimed CF  mine site is  proposed to
serve as mitigation for  wetlands  lost  through mining.  Mining and
subsequent restoration of  EPA Category  1C and ID wetlands will begin
once the recreation of functional  tributary  hardwood swamps and large,
diverse marsh systems can  be proven to  EPA.   If  wetland restoration does
progress as proposed, then an increase  (8.6  percent  or 300  acres) in
wetland habitat and associated functional values would result within the
CF mine site following mining activities.

EPA's Category I Preservation Plan
EPA conducted a site-specific study of  CF on-site wetlands  in order to
determine what wetlands  should be  protected  from the adverse environ-
mental effects of mining.  Wetlands that were evaluated to  provide
essential synergistic support to  the ecosystem and  that would have an
unacceptable adverse impact  if they were altered, modified, or destroyed
were placed within a Category I-Protected status.  Wetlands that either
received high scores on  site relative,  functional values  from the
modified U.S. Army Corps of Engineers  wetlands evaluation procedure, or
were considered to be unrestorable, diverse, mature hardwood swamps that
could provide refuges for  aquatic  and  terrestrial organisms during
mining and function as a source of  benthic organisms and vegetative
propagules for restored  functional  tributaries were also  classified as
Category I-Protected.

Approximately 766 acres  of forested and non-forested wetlands were
classified as Category I-Protected  on  the CF mine site.  Category II
wetlands, which are wetlands that  should be  restored after  mining to
perform useful wetland functions,  amounted to 2,264 acres.
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 Insignificant,  isolated  wetlands  of  less  than 5 acres in size
 (550  acres) were  classified  as  Category Ill-Mine With No Restoration to
 Wetlands.

 Although  some wetlands have  been  classified  by EPA to be protected or
 preserved  from mining activities  (Category  I),  EPA recognizes the
 possibility that  reclamation technology may  proceed to the  extent that
 fully functional  wetlands can be  restored.   Therefore, EPA may at some
 future  time re-evaluate  the  areas which have been placed in preservation
 status  because of unproven restoration  potential,  and remove some or all
 restrictions on mining these areas.   Such a  decision would  be based on
 the assurance that the important  functional  roles  of the wetlands
 approved  for mining are  being,  or have  been, successfully replaced by
 reclamation projects conducted  by CF  Industries or others.   However,
 there should be at all times a  minimum  of 25 percent by area of either
 preserved or restored functional  wetlands for  each tributary.  At no
 time will the Horse Creek channel and associated floodplain (i.e., HI,
H2, H3,  H4, and H7) be considered for mining or any other  adverse
alteration.  Until experimental revegetation plots can be  demonstrated
to simulate Category I wetland  functions, all  Category I wetlands will
be protected from the harmful effects of  mining.

 If successful restoration of Category I wetlands  cannot  be  demonstrated,
only EPA Category II and III wetlands may be mined.   However, should the
ability to restore equivalent wetland functions be demonstrated,  98.1
percent (3,511 acres) of the wetlands on  the CF mine site  will  be mined.
Then, the resultant increase in wetland area through reclamation  efforts
(i.e., 8.6 percent or 300 acres)  would  be considered as  a  positive
impact on the regional ecosystem.

Product Transport
Truck Product Transport
Truck transport of the phosphate  rock would  potentially affect  wetlands
and associated wildlife  if a spill occurred  at  drainage  crossings.  If
                                   3-214

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such an event should occur,  phosphate  rock  would  enter  the stream
channels and contiguous  floodplains,  increasing suspended solids and
sediment material and temporarily  degrading the water quality.   Noise
and air pollution associated with  increased vehicular activity  could
stress intolerant animal  and plant  populations  along  truck routes.
Increased road kills also would  be  a  consequence  of increased traffic.

Rail Product Transport
Rail transport of the phosphate  rock  would  affect the biota and flora in
the same way as truck transport.   However,  the  size of  a potential  spill
and noise and air pollution  would  be  greater for  rail product transport
than for truck product transport.

3.7.2.2  THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE
Termination of the Project
Under the no action alternative,  the  terrestrial  ecology of the CF  site
should remain basically  as described  in Section 9.0 of  the Supplemental
Information Document.  The major  land  use of the  site should continue to
be agriculture.  Presently,  almost  9.1  percent  (1,370.1  acres)  of the
site has been completely  altered  or converted for orange grove, truck
and wildlife management  crops, improved pasture,  borrow  pits (stock
ponds), unimproved roads, maintained  drainage ditches,  railroad peri-
meters, fence rows, and  transmission  line corridors.   It is estimated
that 46.4 percent (6,957.2 acres)  of  the site (i.e.,  palmetto prairies)
has been logged for merchantable  timber. Currently,  the majority of the
palmetto prairie on the  CF mine  site  also  is being managed as rangeland
for cattle.  Additional  conversion  of  some  palmetto prairie, pine flat-
woods and isolated, shallow  marshes for agricultural  purposes would be
expected in future management  of  the  property.   If the  prevailing
drought conditions were  to continue,  combined with the  existing and
future ditching of wetlands, some  hardwood  swamps on  the site could
prematurely develop into  upland  forest. Also,  shallow marshes  could dry
up and grasses may become established.   This altered  condition  would be
further enhanced by fire  and livestock grazing.  Therefore, long-term
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changes to the existing vegetation  and  wildlife  populations will
probably be a consequence of  future  agricultural  activities (cattle
foraging, drainage, logging,  land conversions)  and  natural  succession.

Postponement of the Project
Postponement of mining operations on the  CF mine  site is  expected to
result in similar changes to  the  terrestrial  ecology  as  presented in the
above section, relative to the  time  interval  of  the postponement period.
Depending upon the degree of  change  to  vegetation  and associated
wildlife populations induced  by  future  land use  conversions and natural
succession during the postponement  period,  impacts  would  be similar to
those resulting from the proposed action.
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                          3.8  SOCIOECONOMICS

3.8.1  THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
Hardee County is located within a phosphate resource-based  socioeconomic
region that includes as Hardee, Desoto, Highlands, Hillsborough,
Manatee, and Polk Counties.  The socioeconomic elements discussed  in
this section include population, income, employment, land use, trans-
portation, community services and facilities, public finance, cultural
resources, and visual resources.

3.8.1.1  POPULATION, INCOME, AND EMPLOYMENT
Population
In 1983, Hardee County had a population of 19,782 residents, or
approximately 1.5 percent of the regional population of 1,293,877  (see
Table 3.8.1-1), and a population density of 31 persons per  square  mile
[University of Florida, Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR),
1984].  The county is characterized by rural development, with
65 percent of the 1983 population residing in unincorporated areas.  The
remaining 35 percent is located within the three  incorporated
municipalities.  Wauchula, the county seat, had a 1983 population  of
2,971 inhabitants (BEBR, 1984).  Bowling Green and Zolfo Springs had
2,305 and 1,592 persons, respectively, residing within municipal
boundaries (BEBR, 1984).

Between 1970 and 1983, population growth in Hardee County was less than
that recorded for both the region and Florida (see Table 3.8.1-1).
During this period, Hardee County's population increased by 33.0 per-
cent, for an average annual growth rate of 2.5 percent.  Municipal
population growth in the county averaged 31.8 percent, varying  from a
70.0 percent increase in Bowling Green to a 1.2 percent decrease in
Wauchula.
Income
Per capita incomes in 1982 for Florida  and Hardee County  were $10,907
and $7,792, respectively.  Florida  per  capita  income  increased by
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Table 3.8.1-1.   Population and Growth Rates for Hardee County,  the
                Central Florida Region, and Florida
County
Hardee
DeSoto
Highlands
Hillsborough
Manatee
Polk
TOTAL REGION
FLORIDA
Population
1970
14,889
13,060
29,507
490,265
97,115
228,515
873,351
6,791,418
Counts
1980
19,379
19,039
47,526
646,960
148,442
321,652
1,202,998
9,739,992
Population
Estimate 1983
19,782
20,594
53,661
693,152
161,464
345,224
1,293,877
10,591,701
Growth Rate
1970-1983
33.0%
57.7%
82.0%
41.4%
66.3%
50.1%
48.1%
56.0%
Sources:  U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1981.
          BEBR, 1984.
          ESE, 1984.
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$5,337 between 1975 and 1982.  During the same period, Hardee County per
capita- income increased by $3,560 (Florida Statistical Abstract, 1984).
Similarly, three of the six regional counties have experienced slower
increases per capita income than the statewide average.  Manatee and
Highlands Counties increased their per capita income  above  the statewide
level, while DeSoto County remained constant. .

The agricultural sector is the largest source of earned  income in Hardee
County, followed by the governmental sector and the retail  trades.
Total labor and proprietors' income in the farm sector for  Hardee County
during 1982 was $31,399,000.  Non-farm income totalled $50,181,000.
Government-related personal income totalled $13,717,000  (BEBR, 1984).
The breakdown of 1982 private non-farm income indicates  that retail
trades contributed $9,015,000.  Service industries provided $7,429,000
and manufacturing contributed $5,278,000.

Employment
The total 1982 labor force in the six-county region was  608,204 persons
(Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security, 1984).  As
expected, Hillsborough County had the largest labor force (348,289
persons) and DeSoto County the smallest (7,578 persons).  Average annual
employment in the region during 1982 was 550,640 persons.   The total
number of regional labor force unemployed (1982 annual average) was
51,430 persons or 9.3 percent.  County level unemployment rates ranged
from a high of 14.4 percent for Polk County, to 7.5 percent for Manatee
County.  Hardee County's unemployment rate for 1982 was  10.4 percent
(Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security, 1984).

Total non-farm employment during 1980 averaged 3,330  persons. In Hardee
County, 36.9 percent of non-farm employment were located in government,
wholesale, and retail trades industries.  For the region, these
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same industries totalled 33.9 percent  (BEBR,  1983).   Agricultural
employment in 1980 for Hardee County totalled approximately 1,173 farm
proprietors and 911 agricultural wage  and  salary  positions (U.S.
Department of Commerce, 1981).

Projections
Using 1980 census information, BEBR (1984) projected  future population
growth for each county in the state.   Utilizing the medium growth
projections identified by BEBR,  it is  estimated that  Hardee County will
grow in population from 20,000 persons  in  1982 to 24,600  persons  in
2000.  This represents a 23.0-percent  increase.   The  growth rate  is
anticipated to continue between  the years  2000 and 2020,  when  a
26.8-percent growth rate is expected (24,600  to 31,200  persons).   Growth
for the region and the state from 1982  to  2000 is expected to  occur at
39.0 and 42.8 percent levels, respectively—higher than population
growth projections for Hardee County.   With respect to  other counties  in
the region, Hardee County's growth is  also characterized  as small, with
1982 to 2000 growth rates ranging from Hardee County's  low of
23.0 percent to Highlands County's high of 56.5 percent (52,000 persons
in 1982 to 81,400 persons in 2000).

Employment levels in Hardee County are  expected to increase in the
future as phosphate mining activities  move south  from both Polk County
and eastern Hillsborough County.  Agricultural activity will also remain
an important factor in the local economy.  Per capita income should
accelerate toward statewide averages as phosphate-related employment is
characterized by higher than average county and state wages.

3.8.1.2  LAND USE
In general, land use throughout  the six-county region varies from
intense urban development (along the coastal  areas of Hillsborough and
Manatee Counties and the Interstate 4  corridor which  traverses
Hillsborough and Polk Counties)  to sparsely populated range, agri-
cultural land, forested uplands, and wetlands throughout  the remainder
of the region.
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Land Use in Hardee County
Hardee County is predominantly rural, a characteristic  of many  of  the
interior counties of central and south Florida.  Agriculture occupies
42.7 percent of the land area (Table 3.8.1-2).  This  use  includes  crop-
land, pasture, orchards, groves, nurseries, etc.  Major crops grown
include cucumbers, beans, tomatoes, and watermelons.  Grove  land
includes various types of citrus which occupy mostly  areas along Polk
and Highlands County borders and areas west of Wauchula and  Bowling
Green.

Rangeland and wetlands are additional major land use  categories occupy-
ing significant portions of Hardee County.  Rangeland occupies
35.9 percent of the county while wetlands  occupy 17.2 percent.  Both
land uses are dispersed throughout the county.

Developed land use in Hardee County consists of approximately
4,600 acres of residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation
development.  Residential land use comprises 76.2 percent of the total
developed land use and is located in what  historically has been the
growth corridor—an area encompassing U.S. Highway  17 from Bowling Green
to Zolfo Springs.  Commercial and industrial development  is  also
concentrated in the growth corridor, but  this development is orimarily
centered in the City of Wauchula.  Other  communities  exist in Hardee
County outside the growth corridor.  With limited public  facilities  and
services, they assist the growth corridor  cities in supporting  outlying
agricultural areas.  These small communities include  Limestone, Ona,  Ft.
Green Springs, Buchanan, Gardner, Sweetwater, and Lemon Grove.

Future land use patterns are expected to  remain similar to present
conditions with urban growth remaining along the existing growth
corridor.  Mined land is expected to increase with  a  shift in
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Table 3.8.1-2.  Hardee County and On-Site Land Use
Land Use Type
Urban or Built Up
Agriculture
Rang el and
Forested Land
Water
Wetland
Barren Land
TOTAL
1975 Hardee
Acreage
4,600
172,091
144,723
11,299
948
69,412
128
403,201
County Land Use
Percent
1.14
42.68
35.89
2.80
0.24
17.22
0.03
100.00
On-Site
Acreage
—
1,312.9
7,014.4
3,086.7
—
3,580.0
—
14,994.0
Land Use
Percent
—
8.8
46.8
20.5
—
23.9
—
100.0
Sources:   EPA, 1978.
          ESE, 1984.
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phosphate operations.  This will alter rangeland and pasture, but
reclamation will return  land to similar uses.

On-Site Land Use
The proposed mine site consists of approximately 14,994 acres  in  north-
west Hardee County. More specifically, the site is situated  south of
State Road (SR) 62 and adjacent to the community of Ft. Green  Springs.
The site occupies an area approximately 10.0 miles by  2.5 miles,  is
bisected by a Seaboard Systems Railroad (SSR) corridor, and  is  situated
generally northwest of Wauchula.

On-site land use consists primarily of rangeland, wetlands,  and  forested
upland (see Table 3.8.1-2).  Several tributaries and creeks, including a
portion of Horse Creek,  flow through the proposed site.  Although
agriculture constitutes  1,312.9 acres on-site (8.8 percent), all but
59.8 acres are utilized  as  improved pasture.  The remainder  is  culti-
vated in millet (44.1 acres) to establish a grain crop for local game
birds such as doves and  quail, row crops (13.1 acres), or citrus grove
(2.6 acres).  The majority of the site has been disturbed by logging,
fire, draining, and other agricultural practices.

One occupied mobile home is located on the western portion of  the site,
Other on-site structures include five outbuildings utilized  for
agricultural activities  (barns, sheds, etc.) and a private hunting
lodge.  An electric power transmission corridor traverses the  eastern
portion of the site in an east-west direction and turns south,  adjacent
to the SSR railroad corridor and Ft. Green-Ona Road, which bisects the
property in a northwest-southeast direction.

Adjacent land uses are in large part similar to on-site uses, with
rangeland and agricultural land predominating.  Citrus groves are
located in several areas adjacent to the site along SR 62.   Built-up
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 land  is  also  present  in Ft.  Green Springs  which consists of residences,
 a  post office,  church,  restaurant,  and a combination convenience store/
 gas station.   The  built-up  area  in  and around Wauchula is situated
 approximately two  miles southeast of the southeast corner of the
 proposed site.

 Zoning throughout  the proposed  site is designated  M-l, which permits
 phosphate mining activities.  Most  adjacent  areas  are  zoned A-l for
 agricultural  activities.  Small  areas  within the community of Ft.  Green
 Springs  are zoned  commercial, industrial,  and farm residential  to  denote
 existing developed  land uses.

 Prime and Unique Farmland
 The U.S.  Soil Conservation  Service  (SCS) considers 19  soil series  unique
 in Hardee County; none  of the soils  is- considered  prime  farmland soil.
 Seventy-five  percent  of the  proposed site  consists of  unique soils (SCS,
 1980).   These soils are distributed  throughout  the site  but  are not
 utilized  for  crop production.  Adjacent  areas,  and many  other areas
 throughout Hardee County, contain similar  levels of unique farmland.

 3.8.1.3  TRANSPORTATION
 The existing  transportation  network in the -six-county  region consists  of
 state highways, local roads, railroads,  airports,  and  seaports. Hardee
 County transportation facilities  consist of  state  highways,  local  roads,
 an SSR railroad line, and Wauchula  Municipal  Airport (see
 Figure 3.8.1-1).

Highway Transportation
 State highways  in the region include the primary arterial highways  as
well as the interstate highway system.   Highway U.S. 17  is  the  major
north-south corridor  in the  county  and  directly  connects  each of the
 three municipalities  in Hardee County,  as well as  several smaller
outlying communities.  U.S.  17 is primarily  a two-lane,  undivided
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ports in Tampa totalled 43,597,171  in  1983, while Port Manatee  handled
5,744,331 tons in  fiscal 1982-1983.  Approximately  3,868  and  1,050
vessels entered ports  in Tampa  and  Port  Manatee, respectively,  in  1983
(Tampa Port Authority, 1984; and Port  Manatee Tonnage Report, 1983).

Air Transportation
Several commercial and numerous general  aviation facilities are  located
in the region, primarily along  the  highly  populated coastal areas of
Manatee and HilLsborough Counties.  The  only public aviation  facility  in
Hardee County is Wauchula Municipal Airport, located five miles  west of
Wauchula on Vandolah Road.  The facility consists of 3,450- and
2,200-foot turf runways; hangars, and  tie-downs (FAA, 1985).

3.8.1.4  COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES
Housing
The majority of dwelling units within  the  region are owner-occupied
units.  Within each county there were  approximately two to three times
more owner-occupied units than  renter-occupied units.  This ratio  is
greatest (3.1:1 times) in Highlands and  Hardee Counties (U.S. Bureau of
the Census, 1980).

Owner-occupied units in Hardee County  total 4,716 with a  vacancy rate  of
3.1 percent (146 units); renter-occupied (1,537 units) have a vacancy
rate of 10.2 percent (157 units).   In  the  region, Hillsborough  County
contains the most units (260,391 units).

Schools
Hardee County is served by one school  district, containing one  senior
high, one junior high, and four elementary schools.  Bowling Green and
Zolfo Springs each contain an elementary school.  The Zolfo Springs
elementary school is slightly over  enrollment capacity, while the
Bowling Green elementary school is  slightly under enrollment capacity.
Wauchula has two elementary schools and  the junior and senior high
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schools.  Enrollment for January 1985 is under the estimated enrollment
capacity for the senior and junior high schools and  the North Wauchula
Elementary School (Hardee County School Board, 1986).

Fire Protection
Fire protection in Hardee County is provided by the  Division of
Forestry, the Wauchula Fire Department, and several  small volunteer  fire
departments.  The Division of Forestry maintains brush fire fighting
equipment for Hardee County and several other counties in the region.
The Wauchula Fire Department station is equipped with three pumpers, one
tanker, one rescue vehicle, and several support vehicles (Wauchula Fire
Department, 1986).

Police Protection
The Hardee County Sheriff's Department serves all unincorporated areas
in the county and has a staff of 49 persons, including 14 patrolmen, and
an auxiliary posse of 14 persons.  Detention facilities consist of a
jail designed for a maximum of 32 persons.  Historically, the average
inmate population has been about 50 persons (Hardee  County Sheriff's
Department, 1986).

Health Services
The only hospital facility in Hardee County is Hardee Memorial Hospital.
Located in Wauchula, this facility has 50 licensed beds and 100 full-
time employees.  Emergency and postoperative recovery services are among
the medical services provided (Hardee Memorial Hospital, 1986).

Because of low utilization of the hospital, the capacity of the existing
facility is sufficient at the present time.  For 1985, the Bureau of
Economic and Business Research indicates 10 active physicians in Hardee
County.  Based on an acceptable planning ratio of one physician for
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every 2,000 persons, 10 physicians are sufficient  for existing
population levels.

Recreation
Recreational  facilities in Hardee County  include  approximately  10  local
recreational parks located in or adjacent to the  county's munici-
palities, one State Fish and Wildlife management  area,  portions of a
state park, and a portion of a state canoe trail.  Located on the  Peace
River, Pioneer Park in Zolfo Springs is a Florida Fish  and Wildlife
Management Area.  Approximately 280 acres of the  Highlands Hammock State
Park are located in eastern Hardee County, with the remainder of the
park's 3,800 acres lying in adjacent Highlands County.  The Peace  River
Canoe Trail traverses the entire width of Hardee  County from north to
south.  Also located in Hardee County is the Payne's Creek Historical
Site, a 341-acre state special-feature site.

Public Utilities
In Hardee County, the incorporated municipalities  of Bowling Green,
Wauchula, and Zolfo Springs provide potable water  to their residents and
households situated just outside their corporate  boundaries.  Due  to
capacity and the extent of distribution networks,  there are no  plans by
any of these municipalities to expand their potable water service  areas.
Households residing outside of service areas depend upon individual
wells for water supply.

Wastewater treatment is not available in most of  Hardee County.  The
municipalities of Bowling Green and Wauchula provide wastewater treat-
ment for households situated in their own wastewater service areas.
Bowling Green's wastewater treatment plant has a  licensed capacity of
320,000 GPD (DER, 1986).

Wauchula currently treats an -average 500,000 gallons per day (GPD) of
wastewater which is 50 percent of its capacity.   Secondary level
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treatment is provided by a plant located east of downtown Wauchula.
Households  located  in the southern half of Hardee  County are  not
serviced by a wastewater network.  The more remote, sparsely  populated
areas rely  upon individual private treatment systems.

Hardee County has one Class I landfill, located approximately 3 miles to
the northeast of the City of Wauchula.  This landfill occupies 97.5
acres and has a life expectancy of 20 years.  All  refuse collected in
Hardee County and its three municipalities is disposed  in this landfill.
Residents are charged for disposal on their annual tax  bills.

Electric power is provided throughout the county by the Florida Power
Corporation (FPC) and the Peace River Electric Cooperative.   Head-
quartered in Wauchula, the Peace River Electric Cooperative does  not
have its own generating facility.  It does, however, own and maintain a
distribution network, which provides electricity primarily to  rural
customers in ten Florida counties including Hardee County.

There are no natural gas distributors or pipelines in Hardee  County, but
liquid petroleum is available from distributors serving the area.
Telephone service is provided by United Telephone  Company throughout the
county.

3.8.1.5   PUBLIC FINANCE
Revenues and expenditures for counties in the region are summarized in
Table 3.8.1-3.   In general,  property taxes, intergovernmental transfers,
and charges for services are major revenue sources for  county
governments.  Together these sources contribute from 63.9 to
84.7 percent of total county revenues.  In 1982-1983, the- rural counties
(Hardee, DeSoto, and Highlands) relied on taxes, transfers, and service
charges  for an average of 81.9 percent of county revenues, while  the
urban counties (Hillsborough, Polk, and Manatee) relied on these  sources
for 71.0 percent of total revenues.
                                      3-230

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        Table 3.8.1-3.  Revenues and Expenditures of County Governments in Region—Fiscal  "fear 1982-1983
V
K3
U)

Revenues
-Property Taxes
-Licenses & Permits
-Intergovernmental Revenue
-Charges for Services
-Fines and Forfeitures
-Miscellaneous
-Other Financing Sources
TOTAL
Expenditures
-General Governmental Services
-Public Safety
-Physical Environment
-Transportation
-Economic Environment
-Hunan Services
-Culture/Recreation
-Debt Service
-Other Financing uses
TOTAL
Revenues Less Expenditures
Hardee

2,064,722
99,917
2,499,766
1,523,947
170,709
166,277
731,000
7,256,338

1,477,100
2,572,031
607,409
1,940,040
18,427
459,346
123,260
3,854
176,000
7,377,467
(121,129)*
DeSoto

2,517,048
75,293
2,203,148
280,110
150,950
176,142
501,265
5,903,956

1,594,757
1,590,740
68,076
1,563,271
8,862
259,855
36,984
233,684
501 ,265
5,857,494
46,462
Highlands

6,845,316
277,731
3,735,811
1,424,086
288,015
1,778,906
685,043
15,034,908

4,229,212
4,253,005
553,713
4,128,410
46,775
933,855
32,847
428,699
52,187
14,658,703
376,205
Hillsborough

91,157,497
3,353,791
63,735,591
44,489,170
1,836,814
33,549,567
19,363,623
257,486,053

48,500,168
55,134,732
26,379,965
27,568,628
8,878,848
30,370,439
13,351,905
6,194,645
36,195,333
252,574,663
4,911,390
Manatee

27,304,629
968,664
12,929,177
68,682,099
934,250
16,070,398
35,551,925
162,441,142

14,903,462
16,847,205
21,011,538
12,791,321
878,456
45,366,688
4,183,913
9,499,610
39,129,763
164,611,956
(2,170,814)
folk

28,251,854
1,398,626
45,840,843
18,757,431
1,661,813
10,273,964
39,170,272
145,354,803

19,477,268
21,273,719
4,019,288
9,321,820
3,812,944
20,951,280
623,818
2,240,483
25,870,110
107,590,730
37,764,073
        * Parentheses indicate expenditures exceeded  revenues.



        Source:  Florida Department  of Banking and Finance,  1981.

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Millage rates for Hardee County have been  reduced  from 10.886  in 1978 to
9.518 in  1984.  The raillage breakdown  for  1984  is  as  follows:
     Board of County Commissioners                      3.704
     Board of Public Instruction                        5.404
     SWFWMD                                             0.200
     Peace River Basin                                  0.210
       County-Wide Total                                9.518

Major expenditures for counties in  the region are  variable, depending
upon the urban or rural nature of the  particular county.   The  three
urban counties (Hillsborough, Polk, and Manatee) expend large  portions
of revenue for human services, transportation,  and public  safety.  The
rural counties (Hardee, DeSoto, and Highlands)  expend  revenues  for
transportation, public safety, and general governmental services.
Hardee County expended over $1,500,000 for each of these  expenditure
categories, representing 81.2 percent of all expenditures  in  fiscal year
1982-1983.

For the fiscal year 1982-1983, Hardee  and Manatee  Counties incurred
expenditures greater than revenues earned.  The remaining  counties had
revenue surpluses.

3.8.1.6  CULTURAL RESOURCES
Overview
Hardee County is located between two discrete and  well-defined  pre-
historic culture regions.  The first,  the coastal  portion  of Manatee  and
Sarasota Counties, was the southern extent of the  various  cultures which
inhabited the peninsular Florida Central Gulf Coast from  about  2000 B.C.
to the historic period.  The second, to the southeast,  is  the  Belle
Glade culture region, centered in the Lake Okeechobee  Basin and
extending northward up the Kissiramee River drainage and west along the
Caloosahatchee River (Sears, 1974).  Hardee County served  as a  buffer
zone between the Gulf coastal cultures and the  cultures of the  Lake
                               3-232

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Okeechobee Basin.  Ac no  time  during  Che  prehisCoric  period was Che
Hardee County  area an important  culture area.

Caucasian and  Seminole  Indian  occupation  began  in Hardee CounCy prior to
Che mid-nineteenth century.  Non-military fortified homesteads and other
forts were built along  the Peace  River  and  Payne  Creek during  the 1850's.
In the 1880's  and 1890*s, railroads,  small  towns, and  large- scale
agricultural activities were established.   In 1921, modern Hardee County
was created by legislative act.   Since  that time, agriculture  and cattle
production have continued to develop  as primary economic activities.

Qn-Site Resources
A cultural resource survey of  the proposed  mine area  was conducted in
1976.  The survey, entitled "An Archaeological  and Historical  survey  of
the CF Mining  Corporation Property in Northwestern Hardee County,
Florida" revealed eight sites  that  contained regionally significant
archaeologic resources  (8Hr9,  SHrlO,  SHrll,  8Hrl5,  8Hrl6,  8Hrl7,  8Hrl8,
and 8Hrl9).

Each of these  sites were categorized  as either  artificial  mounds  or
aboriginal sites of lithic scatter  including projectile points, flakes,
knives, and pottery.  Of these eight, regionally  significant sites, six
are located within the  proposed mine  site boundaries.   Site SHrlO has
been purchased by the State of Florida, and Site  SHrll is no longer
within mine site boundaries.

3.8.1.7  VISUAL RESOURCES
The visual resources in the area  of the proposed  mine  site can be iden-
tified through a description of the physical environment.   The existing
topography of  the proposed mine site  is nearly  flat to slightly rolling.
Several creeks traverse the property, creating  variations  in relief.
Vegetation characteristics also vary, breaking  the landscape into seg-
mented parts.  Irregular-shaped clusters  and bands of  trees are inter-
spersed throughout the  site, especially along creeks  and certain  wetland
areas.  Wetlands themselves provide variety to  the terrain.  Improved
pastures and canals or  ditches, as  well as  citrus groves adjacent to  the
site, are indicative of past cultural activity.   Several one-story homes
                                     3-233

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and agricultural outbuildings exist on-site,  and  additional  homes,
outbuildings, and several commercial  structures exist  along  SR 62,
especially in and around Fort Green Springs.

The proposed mine site can be viewed  from SR  62 and CR 663,  with
occasional vegetative and structural  obstructions.  There is,  however,
no designated place to stop and view  the site.  The mine site  cannot  be
viewed from the Peace River Canoe Trail to the east or other recreation-
al areas because of distance and vegetation.  Observation of the  site is
only possible by highway travelers and local  residents.

3.8.2  ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF  THE ALTERNATIVES
3.8.2.1  THE ACTION ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING CF INDUSTRIES' PROPOSED
         ACTION
Descriptions of alternatives for phosphate mining  are  identified  in
Chapter 2.  Capital costs for construction of the  proposed mine and
beneficiation plant is estimated at 5145 million  (1989 dollars).
Construction is scheduled to begin in January 1988, and  should be
completed within 19 months.  Mining operations are scheduled to begin
immediately after construction completion for a period of 27 years at an
initial estimated cost of $42.4 million (1989 dollars) per  year.

Construction activities  are divided into three elements  (see
Figure 3.8.2-1):  disposal, beneficiation,  and raining.  The  first stage
will consist of the preparation of the disposal area.  This  stage of
construction will encompass  the entire  19-month construction schedule.
All construction for  this particular  stage  will be subcontracted  and
employment  figures  are presently estimated  to average  22 persons.
Construction of the beneficiation  plant will  require an  average of 358
employees during the  14-month  plant construction  period, with  an
estimated peak employment of 575 employees  occurring in  the  llth  month
of construction.  The  final  stage  of  construction will be  the
preparation of the  first mining area. An average of 26  employees will
be required  for this  stage, with peak employment  of 44 employees  2-
months before construction completion.
                                   3-234

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 CF CIS Oin T/8S
                                                YEAR
CONSTRUCTION ELEMENT

1  DISPOSAL
  INITIAL SETTLING AREA
  SAND-CLAY MIX
2 BENEFICIATION PLANT

3 MINING OPERATION
  MATRIX TRANSPORT
  WASTE TRANSPORT
                        1988
                                                            1989
                     .JAN.FEB.MAR.APR.MAY.JUN.JUL .AUG.SEP.OCT.NOV.PEC.JAN.FEB.MAR.APB.MAY.JUN. JUI.AUG.
EMPLOYMENT
              o
              o
              o
                  600-

                  500-

                  400

                  300.

                  200

                  100

                    0
                            22
                                     22 + 358
                                                            380 + 26
                NOTE: PEAK CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT FOR BENEFICIATION PLANT WILL
                      BE 575 EMPLOYEES.

                     PEAK CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT FOR MINING OPERATIONS WILL BE
                      44 EMPLOYEES.
Figure 3.8.2-1
CONSTRUCTION  DURATION AND
MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS

SOURCE: CF INDUSTRIES, 1984; ESE. 1984.
                                            U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                                Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                     CF INDUSTRIES
                                              Hardee  Phosphate Complex II
                                         3-235

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 Following  construction,  initial  employment  for  the mine and beneficia-
 tion  plant  operations  will  require 139 employees (see Figure 3.8.2-2).
 By  year  8,  with  the  installation of  a  second  dragline, the total
 estimated  workforce  for  operations will average 301 employees for the
 duration of  the mining schedule.

 Employment,  Population,  and  Income
 Direct Employment
 It  is assumed  that  the construction  and operational workforce will
 consist of  workers commuting  from their residences in Hardee County and
 other counties in  the  region.  Approximately  90 percent of the
 construction workforce will  commute  to the  project.   Few construction
 workers and  their  families  are expected to  relocate to Hardee County
 because of  the relatively short  commuting distance from Polk and
 Hillsborough Counties.   In  addition,  the construction period is
 relatively  short, and no particular  group of  construction  employees will
 be  required  for  the  entire  construction period.

 Approximately 25 percent of  operations personnel  requirements (75
 employees,  after year 8) will be  employed  from  Hardee County, the
 remaining 75 percent will commute  from the  other  regional  counties.
 Operations employees will commute  primarily from Polk County, as the
 county presently contains most of  the  phosphate  industry activity, the
 center of which  is approximately  33 miles north of the proposed mine
 (Florida Phosphate Council  1984).  Similar  to construction employees,
 few operational employees are expected to relocate because of the
 relatively short commuting distance  (approximately 45 minutes from the
 center of present phosphate  activity).

The proposed phosphate mine may  also provide  some  employment  opportuni-
 ties for the presently unemployed  phosphate employees that were affected
by the reduction in overall  phosphate  production  during  recent  years.
                                     3-236

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U)
ro
to
                                                                 YEAR
                       AUG
                       1989 1990
                   2000
                    i
                                               2010
                                                                   2017
                                                                                                                2020
OPERATIONS

EMPLOYMENT:^

          300-


       Wc/> 25°'
       2u200-

       50 150-

       O  10O-

           50

           QJ
                                                                 301
139
     Figure 3.8.2-2
     OPERATIONS DURATION AND MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS
      SOURCES: CF INDUSTRIES, 1984; ESE, 1984.
                                        U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                             Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                                        CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                                 Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
Secondary Employment
The Florida Phosphate Council estimates  that each direct  phosphate
industry employment position creates  five  indirect employment  positions
(Florida Phosphate Council, 1984).  Because  the  phosphate  industry  is
only beginning activity in Hardee County,  new employment opportunities
will accrue to supporting businesses  and  industries  that  are  presently
established in other counties in the  region, primarily Polk and
Hillsborough Counties.  As the phosphate  industry opens new mines  in
Hardee County, more indirect employment will become  established within
the county.

Assuming a full indirect employment multiplier of 5  for project opera-
tions and using peak average workforce statistics for mining  operations,
respectively (139 employees between years  1  through  7, and 301 employees
for years 8 through 27), secondary employment maintained by the proposed
phosphate mine is estimated to be 695  and  1,505  employment opportunities
throughout the region.  These indirect employment opportunities occur in
transportation (such as railroad, truck,  and maritime shipping),
equipment and material supplies, and  service industries.

Using another type of employment multiplier, the Regional  Input-Output
Model System (RIMS II), the estimated  indirect employment  for  the  first
7 years of the project will be 7,000  work-years, approximately 1,000
indirect employment opportunities per  year.  Between years 8  and 27,  an
estimated  increase of 40,000 work-years  are maintained, or approximately
2,100 employment opportunities per year.   For the overall  project,  a
total of 47,000 work-years of employment  will be maintained  in indirect
employment opportunities.  Construction of the phosphate mine  facilities
will create 4,500 indirect employment opportunities, using the RIMS II
multiplier.

Population
Because of the location of the proposed  phosphate mine in Hardee County
and low expected reloction of employees,  the population increase as a
result of  the proposed action for Hardee  County  will not  be  significant.
                                   3-238

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Hardee County's projected population  increase will be  attributed  to
natural increase and net migration  into  the  county and will  not be
directly related to the plant and mine construction  or operations.

In 1985, the population projection  for Hardee County is 20,800 persons,
which will increase to 22,000 persons and  24,600  persons  by  the years
1990 and 2000, respectively.  However, these projection figures are
expected to change as the phosphate industry expands into Hardee  County.
The increase in mining activity  in  Hardee  County  will  create a certain
amount of relocation into the county  because commuting distances  from
regional counties will increase  to  undesirable  lengths and indirect
employment will create new employment opportunities  in the county.
Income
The capital cost estimate  for  the  construction  of  the  mine  and bene-
ficiation plant is $145 million  in 1989  dollars.   Construction labor
expenditures will be  approximately $16.4 million  (1989 dollars),  and
materials, equipment, and  administrative overhead  will be $128.6  million
(1989 dollars).  Approximately 45  percent  of all materials  and equipment
required and 70 percent of  administrative  overhead will be  supplied by
the region, the rest  will  be purchased  through  regional representatives
from out of state or  other  regions of Florida.  Most  (60 percent)
construction expenditures  will benefit  the 6-county region, $3.9  million
(5 percent) of which  will  go directly to Hardee County businesses
through direct sales  and  commission.

The purchasing of goods and services, re-spending  of  income,  and  the
resulting economic impact  is known as the  "multiplier  effect."  The
multiplier effect measures  the total economic impact  associated with the
initial increase in  economic activity.   The Regional  Input-Output Model
System  (RIMS II), developed by the U.S.  Department of  Commerce, utilizes
regional employment  data  to produce employment  and income multipliers
for 39  economic sectors of  each  region  in  Florida.  The employment and
income  multipliers reflect  work-years of employment and income generated
                                 3-239

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 in other sectors of the region  (indirect  and  induced)  for  the  given
 employ-lent and  income  statistics  (direct).

 Based on the multiplier for Region 4  in Florida  and  employment and  cost
 projections, estimated  increases  in employment  and  income  accruing  to
 the region from construction are  approximately 4,500 work-years of
 employment and $95.6 million (1989 dollars).

 All operations labor expenditures will accrue to  the 6-county  region, 25
 percent to Hardee County.  Initial operations will  require 139
 employees, with an annual average payroll of  approximately $4.3 million
 (1989 dollars); overall operation expenditures  will, be $42.4 million
 (1989 dollars).  In year 8 of operation,  the  number  of employees will
 increase to 301 and the average annual payroll will  increase  to $9.3
million (1989 dollars).  Approximately $2.3 million  (1989  dollars)  will
 accrue to Hardee County phosphate employees after  year 8.   Payroll
 figures are expected to fluctuate throughout  the  27-year mining period
because of inflation, cost of living  increases  or  decreases,  and the
demand for phosphate products.  At the present  time, salaries  for
 phosphite employees are significantly higher  than  the  Florida  average
 annual wage.  This is also expected to continue  throughout the proposed
mining operations.

Based on the RIMS II multipliers  and  the  domestic  value for phosphate
 [$20.30/ton (1984 dollars)], the  estimated  amount  of employment and
 income accruing to the  region from operations are  47,000 work-years of
employment and $1.2495 billion  (1989  dollars).

The previous figures are based  on the total removal  of all phosphate
 resources on the project site.  However,  if the  766  acres  of  the
 Category I wetlands are preserved, approximately 5.7 million  tons of
 reserves will be lost ($11.6 million, 1984  dollars).   This will result
 in a reduced mine life, associated jobs,  and  tax  revenue  for  1.5 years.
                                    3-240

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Land Use
The proposed phosphate mine  constitutes  14,994  acres  (or  4.0 percent)  of
the total land area in Hardee County.  The  mine is  located  along  the
southern portion of SR 62, approximately 2.5  miles  west  of  U.S.  17.   The
site is primarily a combination of  rangeland  (46.8  percent), wetlands
(23.9 percent) and  forested  uplands (20.5 percent)  (Texas Instruments,
Inc., 1978; U.S. EPA CF  Industries  Hardee Phosphate Complex II DEIS  SID,
in progress).  Agricultural  activity is  prominent  adjacent  to the mine
area and accounts for 8.8 percent of the land area  on-site  and 0.8
percent of the county's  total agricultural  land use.   Few development
features are present on-site  (3 mobile homes, 1 wooden house, and 5
outbuildings).  Adjacent development activity is centered at Fort Green
Springs.  The zoning designation of the  mine  sita  is  M-l  (Mining) to
reflect known mineral resources, and the surrounding  areas  remain zoned
for agriculture, with small  areas of Fort Green Springs  zoned for
commercial and industrial uses.

Initial construction on-site  will consist of  the clearing of 60 acres
(0.4 percent of the site) approximately  0.5 miles  south  of  Fort Green
Springs for construction of  the beneficiation plant.   An additional  460
acres (3 percent of site) will be utilized  for  clay settling areas which
will be developed in areas that have undergone  mining operations.  The
initial acreage utilized for  dam construction will  be 234 acres south of
the beneficiation plant.  In addition to the  beneficiation plant and
clay settling areas, a railroad spur will be  constructed, linking the
plant with the rail line that bisects the property.

Mining will have the largest  impact on  the  area with an average of
80 acres being cleared and mined  at any  given time.  Mining operations
are planned for 27  years and, by  the end of operations period,
99 percent of the proposed site will have been  disturbed by mining or
related activities.  The proposed mine  site is  composed of five
watersheds.  Mining will occur  in  all of these.  However, only 50
                                  3-241

-------
percent of each watershed will be  in  a  disturbed  state at any point in
time.

Reclamation of the mine  site  is  expected  to  be completed eight years
after mining has been completed.   The planned  reclamation program is
extensive.  Sand/clay waste disposal  will  occupy  approximately 9,083
acres (60.9 percent of the site).   After  settling,  these areas will be
graded and revegetated for agricultural purposes  or reclaimed as
wetlands.  Sand tailings and  overburden will be used  to backfill mine
cuts and will be revegetated.  This will  account  for  2,213 acres (15
percent of the site).  Land-and-lakes reclamation (2,399 acres) and
overburden fill areas (1,230  acres) will  return mined areas to their
original grade and be revegetated  to  create  new terrestrial habitats and
water resource areas.

The property has approximately 766  acres  identified as Category I
wetlands (wetlands that  are protected from mining).   Once the wetlands
are placed in protective status, a  35-foot buffer strip will be
established to prevent mining from  disturbing  these  areas.   The wetland
areas on-site represent  23.9  percent  of the  total acreage.   Only 2
percent of the wetlands will  be  preserved..  The remaining acreage will
be mined, but will be reclaimed  and will  represent  a  major portion of
the land-and- lakes reclamation  program.

Construction and raining  operation  impacts  will have short-term effects
on land use because the reclamation program  is designed to  return the
disturbed area to pre-raining  functions  and provide  for wetland systems,
runoff, and stream flow.   Reclamation will create an  area that is
capable of returning to  agricultural  activities which will  be compatible
with existing activity in the immediate vicinity.   The disturbance of
unique farmland, which at the present time accounts  for 75  percent of
the site, will create no adverse impact because the  land area is not
utilized for crop production.  Only 0.8 percent of  Hardee County's
agricultural land area will be disturbed by  the mining process which
                                   3-2A2

-------
will not create a  large  loss  to  agricultural revenues.   During mining,
increased  traffic  and  noise  levels  will occur.   These increased levels
may conflict with  nearby  agricultural  and  residential areas, although
this impact will be  temporary.

The proposed phosphate mine  will remain in compliance with the Hardee
County Comprehensive Plan  throughout  the life of the project.  The mine
is located in a sparsely  populated  area of Hardee County, and the
designated land uses will  not be affected  because of the reclamation
program. The mine  also complies  with  the designated zoning of M-l
(mining).

Transportation
The Hardee Phosphate Complex  II  mine  will  become an integral part of CF
Industries' regional operations.  Ore  will be excavated on-site and
processed  through  an on-site  beneficiation plant to remove unwanted
material from the  phosphate  rock.   This wet rock will then be trans-
ported by  railroad to CF  Industries' Plant City and Bartow chemical
plants where it will be  processed into fertilizer.   The finished product
will then  be transported  by  truck to CF Industries'  marine loading
terminal in the Port of Tampa for shipment by seagoing  barge out of the
region or  shipped  by railcar  out of Florida.

The proposed mine  site will  be brought into production  to replace mines
that will  be depleted  and  removed from production in the region.  The
net effect will be to keep production  constant  at the Plant City and
Bartow chemical plants.  This will  result  in increases  in highway
traffic surrounding the new  mine site, and increases in rail shipments
from there to the  Plant City  and Bartow chemical processing plants.
Highway traffic volumes will  remain constant in the vicinity of the
chemical processing plants and for  truck shipments  of the finished
products to the Port of Tampa.   Barge  traffic out of the Port of Tampa
will also  remain constant.   Some decrease  in traffic on the highway
                                  3-243

-------
network surrounding current producing mines  is  also  likely  as  these
mines go out of  production.

Highway Transportation
Since the phosphate ore  to be obtained  at  the  proposed  mine will  not
result in traffic increases to CF  Industries' other  facilities  in the
regional processing chain (the Plant City  and Bartow chemical  processing
plants and the Port of Tampa marine loading  terminal),  the  review of
probable impacts to the  highway network will be  limited to  traffic
destined for the proposed mine site.  Figure 3.8.2-3 indicates  the
highway network  surrounding the project site.

Impacts to the highway network will be  maximum  when  the facility  is
under construction.  Construction  of the beneficiation  plant  is expected
to start on June 1, 1988 and be completed  by August  1,  1989.  A peak
employment of 575 workers are expected  to  be on-site as of  April  1,
1989.  The raining operation, matrix transport and waste transport
facilities will  be under construction between January 1,  1989 and
August 1, 1989 and will have a peak employment  of 44 workers by June  1,
1989.  The initial settling area,  sand/clay  mix and  disposal  plan
facilities will be constructed between  January  1, 1988  and  August 1,
1989.  It is estimated that a peak employment  of 22  persons will  be
on-site as of February 1, 1989.  For purposes of this impacts assess-
ment, it has been assumed that the maximum employment for each  of the
above-listed elements of the facility construction will occur at  the
same time.  This results in a maximum employment level  of 641 workers.

After the facility is constructed, mining  operations will begin.   In
1989, it is expected that permanent employment  will  total 139 workers.
This level of employment will gradually increase to  301 workers by 1997.
This level will  remain constant thereafter until the ore is depleted
on-site and the mine is  closed.  In order  to obtain  maximum efficiency,
the mining operations will be conducted 24-hours per day, 7 days  per
week, using three shifts per day.  Operating three shifts per day will
                                    3-244

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                                                                                         BOWLING
                                                                                         GREEN
I
.
                                                                                                    POLK CO._
                                                                                                    HARDEECO.
                                                                                          WAUCHULA
                                                 PROPOSED BENEFICIATION-.
                                                 PLANT AND DRIVEWAY
               KEY
         	2 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY
         	2 LANE GRADED UNPAVED ROAD
             - PROPOSED SITE BOUNDARY
         l"::--<::../'"I MUNICIPALITIES
         	COUNTY BOUNDARY
                                   4 Mi
                             4 Km
           •FORT GREEN-
           '.  ONA ROAD
SR 64
       Figure 3.8-2-3
       HIGHWAY NETWORK
       SOURCES: FOOT MAPS. 1975; ESE, 1984
                     U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                         Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                                           CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                                    Hardee  Phosphate Complex

-------
spread peak traffic loads throughout  the  day  instead  of concentrating
them in the morning and  afternoon  if  only one shift  were used.

To accurately assess impacts on  the highway network,  traffic  to  be
generated by the proposed mine was  reviewed  for the  peak construction
workforce in 1989, the 1989 permanent workforce,  and  the maximum
permanent employment expected  in 1997.  The average  number of trips to
be generated per day by  the site in each  of these  stages of development
has been estimated based upon  Institute of Transportation Engineers
(ITE) rates.  ITE publishes rates  for many land use  classifications;
however, they do not list rates  for construction or  mining activities.
The closest land use types to  these are listed  in  the industrial group.
"General Heavy Industry" produces  average trip  rates  of 2.05 trips per
employee, while the average for  the "Industrial"  classification  is 3.0
trips per employee.  The type  of activities that  occur during
construction or when mining operations are underway  are quite similar to
those of General Heavy Industry  because the number of deliveries by
motor vehicle and number of visitors  to the site  will be small.   In
estimating the number of trips generated, the average for the Industrial
classification (3.0 trips per  employee) was used  for  this analysis.  The
number of trips generated per  day  on-site for Under  Construction,
Operational, and Operational/Full  Employment  are  indicated in
Table 3.8.2-1.  The greatest number of trips  are generated when  the
maximum number of construction workers are on-site in 1989 when  a total
of 1,923 vehicles per day will be  added to the  highway network.

Origin distribution of trips headed to the mine site  and destination of
trips leaving the site has been  estimated and is  shown in Figure
3.8.2-4.  This distribution places most of the  trips  with an origin or
destination to the north of SR 62  leading to  Polk and Hillsborough
Counties.  These counties have the highest concentration of phosphate
workers in the State of  Flprida  and,  due  to  their large populations, are
likely to have the greatest number of construction workers that  will be
employed on this site.   Minor  shifts  in these travel  patterns may occur
                                3-246

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Table 3.8.2-1.   Daily Nutfcer  of Trips Generated by the Site
Stage
Under Construction
Operational
Operational/Full
Employment
Year
1989
1989
1997
Number of
Employees
641
139
301
Trips
Per Employee
3.0
3.0
3.0
Nunber of Trips
Generated Daily
1923
417
903
Sources:  Institute of Transportation Engineers  Informational Report:  Trip Generation,
            Third Edition, 1982.
          ESE, 1984
                                                 3-247

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HILLSBOROUGH CO
MANATEE CO
  SR 62
       KEY
      -COUNTY BOUNDARY
       2 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY
       2 LANE GRADED UNPAVAED ROAD
      - PROPOSED SITE BOUNDARY
       MUNICIPALITIES

       PERCENT VEHICLES PER HIGHWAY

       CUMULATIVE TOTAL TRIPS
            FORT GREEN
           :  ONA ROAD
                           4 Mi
                      4 Km
                                          PROPOSED BENEFICIATION
                                          PLANT AND DRIVEWAY
SR 64
                                        LU
                                          (J
Figure 3.8.2-4
VEHICULAR TRIP DISTRIBUTION FOR CONSTRUCTION
AND OPERATION

SOURCES: FOOT MAPS. 1975; ESE. 1984
                     U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                         Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                CF INDUSTRIES
                        Hardee Phosphate Complex  II

-------
in the future as phosphate workers relocate  closer  to  their  place  of
employment.

Trips to be generated by  the  proposed  mine  were  added  to the projected
background traffic on the highway network  to determine the  total  traffic
volume on the adjacent highways  under  the various  stages of  development.
The background traffic is made up of existing traffic  counts which have
been increased at a rate  of 3 percent  per  year compounded from the year
the count was taken to the year  under  review.  Counts  were  available for
state highways, but not for county roads.   In the  case of county roads,
estimates were made based upon traffic levels on the  surrounding  state
highway system.

Figure 3.8.2-5 shows the  total traffic,  background  traffic,  and project
traffic volumes on the surrounding highway  network  for traffic generated
during peak construction  employment on the  site  in  1989.  Figure  3.8.2-6
shows the area traffic impacts in 1989 once  the  mine has begun
operation, and Figure 3.8.2-7 shows traffic  on the  highway network in
1997 when full employment at  the mine  and beneficiation plant is
reached.

These traffic volumes were compared with the daily  service volumes that
could be carried on the roadway  network then in  place  by the year  under
review.  To determine what the future  highway network would  be, Florida
Department of Transportation  (FDOT) and Hardee County  were contacted to
obtain a list of any planned  improvements.   Table  3.8.2-2 contains a
list of planned FDOT improvements.  The only improvement which will
significantly increase capacity  within the  primary  impact area of the
project is the proposed construction of a 4-lane divided pavement  on
U.S. 17 between Wauchula  and  Bowling Green.   This  project is tentatively
scheduled for 1992 to 1993 and should  be in  place by  the year 1997 when
full employment is reached at the proposed  mine. The  county has  no firm
plans for road improvements within the primary impact  area  of the
project.
                                       3-249

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 .
 -
c
          2,590(2,302)[288]
                                   2,315(1,681)[634] |
            AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC
       XXX(XX)[X]
                 TOTAL TRAFFIC
                 BACKGROUND TRAFFIC
                 PROJECT TRAFFIC
             KEY
       	 2 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY
       	2 LANE GRADED UNPAVED ROAD
           - PROPOSED SITE BOUNDARY
       r-:".^':1 MUNICIPALITIES
       	COUNTY BOUNDARY
                                             O
                                                o
                                             UJ'
                                             h- IUJ

                                             l»g

                                             112
                      FORT GREEN
                       ONA ROAD
PROPOSED BENEFICIATION
PLANT AND DRIVEWAY
      Figure 3.8.2-5
      DAILY TRAFFIC VOLUMES - 1989 UNDER PEAK
      CONSTRUCTION CONDITIONS

      SOURCES: FOOT MAPS, 1975; ESE, 1984.
                               U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                          CF INDUSTRIES
                                   Hardee Phosphate Complex

-------
J
     HILLSBOROUGH CO.
     MANATEE CO
                                                                                           BOWLING
                                                                                           GREEN
                                                   1,959(1,681)[278]
                                                                                             9,491(9,367)[124]
                                    1,820(1,681)[139] I
   2,365(2,302)163]
           AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC
       XXX(XX)[X|
                                                 PROPOSED BENEFICIATION
                                                 PLANT AND DRIVEWAY
                                                                   FORT GREEN
                                                                    ONA ROAD
                                                                                                11,569(11,527)[42)
                                                                                               ZOLFO
                                                                                               SPRINGS
           TOTAL TRAFFIC
           BACKGROUND TRAFFIC
           PROJECT TRAFFIC
       KEY
 	 2 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY
 	2 LANE GRADED UNPAVED ROAD
      - PROPOSED SITE BOUNDARY
 I    ] MUNICIPALITIES
	COUNTY BOUNDARY
                 SCALE
                                 4 Mi
                           4 Km
     Figure 3.8.2-6
     DAILY TRAFFIC VOLUMES - 1989 WITH PROJECT
     SOURCES: FOOT MAPS, 1975; ESE, 1984.
                                                                            U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                                                                 Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                                             CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                                     Hardee Phosphate Complex  II

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  SR62
  *•
   3,052(2,917)1135]
2,431(2,130)[301]   I
      AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC
 XXX(XX)[X]
           TOTAL TRAFFIC
           BACKGROUND TRAFFIC
           PROJECT TRAFFIC
       KEY
 	 2 LANE PAVED HIGHWAY
  	2 LANE GRADED UNPAVED ROAD
      - PROPOSED SITE BOUNDARY
 {    1 MUNICIPALITIES
 	COUNTY BOUNDARY
                            4 Mi
                      4 Km
               PROPOSED BENEFICIATION
               PLANT AND DRIVEWAY
                                                                •FORT GREEN
                                                                '. ONA ROAD
Figure 3.8.2-7
DAILY TRAFFIC VOLUMES - 1997 WITH PROJECT
SOURCES: FOOT MAPS, 1975; ESE, 1984.
                                              U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                                   Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                                     CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                              Hardee  Phosphate Complex II

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Table 3.8.2-2.  Planned Florida Deportment of Transportation Highway Improvements
Road
Limits
Proposed Construction
Year of
Tin lytyffffsn t
SR 61        Manatee County line  to
             3.25 miles east of county line

U.S. 17      Will Duke Road to Carleton Street
             (in City of Wachula)

U.S. 17      College Street to Rainey Street
             (in City of Wachula)

U.S. 17      At CR35A (0.5 miles total)

U.S. 17      Wauchula north limit to Bowling
             Gre*n south limit

U.S. 17      Wauchula south limit to
             Zolfo Springs north limit
                                      Resurface existing pavement         1987 - 1988


                                      Intersection improvanent            1986 - 1987


                                      Intersection improvement            1986 - 1987


                                      Widen Road                          1986 - 1987

                                      Construct 4-lane pavement           1992 - 1993


                                      Construct 4-lane pavement           1992 - 1993
Source:  Florida Department of Transportation, Bartow District Office, 1984.
                                                           3-253

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The highway network chat would be  in  place  in 1989 will  have Che same
basic capacity as  the existing systems.   This consists of 2-lane,
undivided, paved arterials  for roads  within the  primary  area that will
carry project traffic.  The only  change  that  will  be made for the 1997
network is to provide a 4-lane divided arterial  pavement on U.S. 17 both
north and south of SR 62.   Table  3.8.2-3  identifies the  maximum daily
service volumes for the various Levels of Service  (LOS)  on the highways
within the primary impact area of  this project.

The expected 1989  traffic volumes  on  roads  in the  primary impact area
are indicated in Table 3.8.2-4.   This table lists  the background
traffic, total traffic including  the  traffic  generated by the peak
construction employment, and  total  traffic  including that generated by
the employment with the mine  in operation.   The  LOS daily service volume
for each road segment under the various development stages is also
indicated.  As indicated, all of  the  road segments, with the exclusion
of U.S. 17, operate at LOS  A  both  with and  without the project.  Traffic
on U.S. 17 operates at LOS  C  both  with and  without the project.

Traffic impacts that will result  when the mine is  at full employment in
1997 are indicated in Table 3.8.2-5.   Due to  the expected construction
of 4-lane divided  pavement  on U.S.  17, U.S. 17 is  expected to operate at
LOS B both north and south  of SR  62 even  though  background traffic will
increase.  LOS B will be achieved  with project traffic included.  The
other road segments will operate  at LOS A both with and  without project
traffic.

Tables 3.8.2-4 and 3.8.2-5  indicate the highway  segments will operate at
the same LOS with  and without the  project.   The  level of service for the
highway network in the project vicinity  is  satisfactory.  It is
therefore concluded that highway  impacts  will be relatively minor and
traffic impacts should not  result  in  any  operational problems.
                                3-254

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Table 3.8.2-3.  Daily Service \tolunes
                                          Two-Lane                              Four-lane
Level of Service                    Undivided Arterials*                    Divided Arterial
A                                        4,700                                  11,200
B                                        7,900                                  18,600
C                                       11,800                                  27,900
D                                       14,200                                  33,500
E                                       15,700                                  36,000
* Based on 10 percent peak hour characteristics.

Sources:  Pinellas County Planning Council, 1983
          Florida Department of Transportation, 1965.
                                                 3-255

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Table 3.8.2-4.  1989 Traffic Volunes
Background Traffic







Co
N3
Ul
o\




Roai
SR 62
SR 62

SR62

SR 62
U.S. 17
U.S. 17
CR 35B
CR 663
CR664
SR37
CR39
Location
West of CR 39
West of CF Industries
Drive
East of CF Industries
Drive
East of CR 663
North of SR 62
South of SR 62
South of SR 62
North of SR 62
East of CR 663
North of SR 62
North of SR 62
ADT
2,302
1,681

1,681

1,722
9,367
11,527
400
900
500
838
1,000
LOS
A
A

A

A
C
C
A
A
A
A
A
With Construction Traffic
ADT
2,590
2,315

2,970

2,530
9,%5
11,719
438
1,285
5%
8%
1,288
LOS
A
A

A

A
C
C
A
A
A
A
A
With Mine in Operation
ADT
2,365
1,820

1,959

1,896
9,491
11,569
408
983
521
851
1,063
LOS
A
A

A

A
C
C
A
A
A
A
A
Source:  ESE, 1984.

-------
Table 3.8.2-5.   1997 Traffic With Mine at Full Employment
Road
SR 62
SR 62
SR62
SR62
U.S. 17
U.S. 17
CR35B
CR663
CR664
SR37
CR39
location
West of CR 39
West of CF
Industries Drive
East of CF
Industries Drive
East of CR 663
North of SR 62
South of SR 62
South of SR 62
North of SR 62
East of CR 663
North of SR 62
North of SR 62
Background
AOT
2,917
2,130
2,130
2,182
11,868
14,604
507
1,140
633
1,062
1,267
Traffic
LOS
A
A
A
A
B
B
A
A
A
A
A
With Project
ACT
3,052
2,431
2,732
2,558
12,136
14,694
525
1,321
678
1,093
1,402
Traffic
LOS
A
A
A
A
B
B
A
A
A
A
A
Source:  ESE, 1984.
                                               3-257

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Rail Transportation
The Seaboard Systems  Railroad  (SSR)  has an existing rail line running in
the north-south direction  that  roughly bisects  the  proposed mine (see
Figure 3.8.2-8).  This  rail  line  will  be used to transport the phosphate
wet rock which has been  processed through the beneficiation plant to a
chemical plant where  further  processing will  produce various fertilizer
products.   It is expected  that  the CF  Industries'  Plant City and Bartow
chemical processing plants will  receive the proposed mine's wet rock
production.

Probable rail routes  to  the chemical processing plants are highlighted
in Figure 3.8.2-8.  Rail traffic  to  the chemical processing plants will
consist of  one fully  loaded  train of up to 110  rail cars per day leaving
from the proposed mine  and a  return  trip with the  same number of empty
cars.  Since the mine is being  put into production  to replenish drops in
ore production at other mines,  and SSR is the primary provider of rail
transportation in the region,  the proposed mine will result in a
regional shift in rail operations.   Moving one  fully loaded train out of
the mine site and returning one  train  with empty rail cars will not
significantly impact  the regional rail  system.   Some of the finished
product will be shipped by railcar out of Florida.

Water Transportation
There will  be no transportation  of goods or materials by water from the
proposed mine.  Regionally, however, material will  be transported from
the mine and processed  into  finished products at CF Industries' Plant
City and Bartow facilities.  A  portion of the finished fertilizer will
be transported by truck  to CF  Industries'  marine loading terminal in the
Port of Tampa.  From  there, the  fertilizer will be  placed on sea-going
barge and transported out  of  the  region.  Since the mine's production
will not increase regional supplies, there will be  no increase in barge
traffic resulting from  this mining operation.

Air Transportation
The proposed mine will  not rely  on air transportation for day-to-day
operations.  Company  executives  and  visitors  may occasionally fly into
the region  to visit the mine.   It is expected that  Tampa International

                                   3-258

-------
.
-
                                                                                                  CF INDUSTRIES CHEMICAL
                                                                                                  PROCESSING PLANT
                                                                                 • CF INDUSTRIES CHEMICAL
                                                                                   PROCESSING PLANT

                                                                                    - '"•! '"Vjr*
                                                                                         u,
                                                                                                    . W,nle.
                                                                                                  	•••
                                                                                       i     i  Fountain i
                                                                                    ;r~ij  -.*.A'*rr\
                                                                                   J       ! K£*\
                                                                    BOR QUJGHH
                                                                                                '      '
                                        t.  •    ifl..    \^W
                                        \E L L A S
                                                                              tr  I
                                                                           )il I on* torn* ,
                                             /
                                      -;	" /„>
                                                                    / 10      '1   I   22
                                                                    h-r-r-r+-.t—r-4,	.
                                                                                          CF INDUSTRIES

                                                                                          SOUTH PASTURE MINE

                                                                                                   A  R ',D  E  E
                                                                                                         [ /«'!} Sflt.ntl
           PROBABLE RAIL
           SHIPMENT ROUTE

           0          10
Figure 3.8.2-8

PROJECT CONNECTION TO REGIONAL
OPERATIONS


SOURCES: USGS, 1967; ESE. 1984.
                                                                               U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
                                                                                   Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                                         CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                                  Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
Airport (the nearest major air-carrier  airport)  would  be  used  in these
instances.  There  is sufficient  capacity  at  Tampa International  Airport
to accommodate this demand.

Transportation Facilities Costs
Due  to the minimal  impact of  this  project  on the adjacent highway and
railroad network,  the only transportation  facility improvements  to  be
made will be those  on-site.   Internal road  improvements will  include a
paved access road  leading from SR  62 to the  beneficiation plant  and a
paved parking lot.

Railroad improvements will include  a spur  track  leading from  the SSR
main line onto the  site with  sufficient length for on-site  layover  of
rail cars and the  required facilities to  load the cars with the  wet
ore.  Costs for construction  and maintenance of  these  facilities would
be borne by CF Industries.

Community Services  and Facilities
Housing
The proposed phosphate mine will not create  a need for an increase  in
residential building activity because relocation of a  significant number
of phosphate employees for CF's  proposed project is not expected.   In
general,  as the entire phosphate industry moves  southward into Hardee
and DeSoto Counties, some family relocations will occur because  of
generally increased commuting distances.  These  relocations and  any net
migration into the  county will be  accommodated by currently available
vacant dwellings or by small-scale  construction  of new housing units.
At the present time, the vacancy rate in Hardee  County is approximately
305 units (5 percent).  Of the 305  available units, 158 are rental
units.

Schools
Because the number  of relocations  of phosphate construction and
operations employees and their families is expected to be insignificant,

-------
Che Hardee County school system will not be affected by  the  proposed
phosphate complex.  If minor relocations were  to  occur,  the  capacity  of
existing school facilities would generally be  adequate to  receive
additional students.  The only exception would be Wauchula and  Zolfo
Springs Elementary Schools.

Fire Protection
The proposed phosphate complex will  provide  its own  fire lines  and
control equipment and will train personnel for emergency situations.
Should a fire on-site become a threat,  assistance could  be provided from
municipal fire departments or volunteer stations  located throughout the
county.  With no direct  population and  resultant  housing increase
expected in the county due to construction or  operation  employment, fire
protection presently provided by the municipalities  will not be burdened
by the proposed project.

Police Protection
The proposed phosphate project will  have little impact on public law
enforcement services.  The mine and beneficiation plant  will have  its
own security system to keep unauthorized personnel out of specific  areas
and to avoid public injury.  Fences will enclose  the plant operations,
and inspection checks of dams and pipelines will  occur under security
enforcement procedures.  Additional  public enforcement services will  not
be necessary because no  increase in  population is expected as a result
of the proposed project.

Medical and Health Services
First aid services will  be provided  through  a  dispensary on-site.   The
project site will be equipped with an emergency vehicle  to transport
persons needing additional medical treatment  to local hospitals.  At  the
present time, health facilities are  adequate  for  the county.
                                 3-261

-------
Recreation
The proposed  phosphate  mine  will  have no impact on recreational
facilities because  the  area  being  mined  is  not included as part of, or
adjacent to,  recreational  areas  in the county.  Also, the mine will not
be in viewing distance  of  county  recreational areas.

Public Utilities
The proposed  phosphate  mine  will  utilize approximately 21.73 million
gallons per day (MGD) of both  surface water and ground water deep-well
pumping to supply the plant  with  potable and process  water.  Four wells
will supply the mining  facilities.   These will be located in the Lower
Floridan Aquifer.   Three wells will  provide nonpotable water for plant
processing.  The fourth well will  provide domestic potable water which
would be treated on-site.  The water supply to the plant will not be
connected to the potable water supply of the incorporated
municipalities.  As  a result of  independent water supply and the
expected minor relocations of employees,  the proposed project will not
burden existing water supply systems in  the county.

Public sewage treatment facilities will  not be affected by mine opera-
tions because the mine  will  provide  for  secondary sewage treatment
on-site.  The facilities will  treat  sanitary discharges and the effluent
from the beneficiation  plant.  When  treated, the wastewater will be
incorporated into the recirculating  process water system as a water
conservation  feature.  The municipal treatment facilities will not be
affected because the minor relocation of phosphate employees will not
create the need for  additional treatment capacity.

All solid waste produced by  the plant support facilities and a small
amount produced by  the  beneficiation plant  will be disposed in an
on-site landfill.   The debris  produced by the beneficiation process will
be discarded in the  clay settling  ponds.  Because all solid waste will
be disposed of on-site  and only minor employee relocations are expected,
there will be no impact on the county solid waste management system.
                                3-262

-------
Florida Power Corporation (FPC) will  provide electric  utility  service
for the proposed raining operations.   The highest  estimated  requirement
for mine operations is 38 MW.  Service will be  provided  from a 69kv
substation south of the site on Vandolah Road.  The mine  will  be  on  a
Rate Schedule 1ST 1-Interruptable General Service, Time of  Use.   This
service allows FPC to curtail power  service during critical  load  periods
(see Section 2.3.9).  If a brown-out  situation  occurs,  it would be
possible for CF Industries to obtain  power  from Florida Power
Corporation through alternate sources (for example, Florida Power and
Light and Tampa Electric Company) because of the  grid  system set  up  by
the electric companies in Florida.

Public Finance
The proposed phosphate mine  is located within  the unincorporated  area  of
Hardee County, and all site  and capital improvements will be taxed by
the County Tax Assessor's office.  Table 3.8.2-6  presents assessed
property value, capital improvements  values, and  property tax  revenues
generated from these assessments.  The combined property  and capital
improvements will be assessed at a value of approximately $117 million
(1984 dollars); $1.1 million (1984 dollars) in  tax revenues will  be
generated from this assessment.  Capital improvement assessments  will
increase an additional $5 million (1984 dollars)  in year  8  of  mine
operations when the second dragline  becomes operational;  property tax
revenues will correspondingly increase at that  time approximately 4.3
percent to $1.2 million (1984 dollars).

The tax revenues generated from  the  assessed property  value and  capital
improvements is equal to approximately 50 percent of  the  revenues
generated by the county in fiscal year 1982-1983  (U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, 1978).  Because of increased assessments and  revenue,
it is probable that the mi11age  rates will  be  decreased creating  an
indirect economic benefit to all property owners  in Hardee  County.
                                     3-263

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Table 3.8.2-6.  Assessed Value and Tax Revenue Generated by the Proposed Mine  ($l,000's)
Years
Assessed Property     Assessed Capital     Total Assessed
     Value*          Improvements Value        Value
    Annual
County Revenue
  Generated!
1-7
8-27
$59,976
$59,976
$57,000
$62,000
$116,976
$121,976
$1,U3
$1,161
* Assunes $4,000.OO/acre mine site.
t 1984 millage rate totalling 9.518.

Sources:  Hardee County Tax Appraiser, 1984
          CF Industries, 1984
          ESE, 1984
                                             3-264

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The proposed mine will generate  two  types  of  public  expenditures:  public
facilities operations/maintenance  and  administrative services.   These
are considered indirect expenditures and will  not  be greatly  affected by
the new mine because there will  be no  substantial  employee  relocations
to generate additional expenditures.

In addition to ad valorem taxes, additional public revenues that will be
generated by the proposed phosphate complex will come  from  the  5 percent
sales tax on electricity, gasoline,  leased equipment,  etc.  and  from the
10.56 percent severance tax on phosphate rock  mined.  Approximately $4
million annually will be generated from  severance  taxes.  Not only do
the counties benefit from the severance  tax, but monies  from  the tax are
also used to support the Florida Institute of  Phosphate  Research (FIPR)
and the Conservation and Recreation Lands  trust  fund.

Cultural Resources
Historical and archaeological resources  are considered to be  an
important part of cultural heritage  and  are protected  by the  National
Historic Preservation Act of  1966, Presidential  Executive Order 11593,
"Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment," and the
"Procedures for the Protection bf  Historic and Cultural  Properties."
These laws protect known sites and properties  against  possible  adverse
impacts and protect resources which  are  eligible for listing  in the
National Register of Historic Places.   In  addition,  if there  are areas
of potentially unknown  resources,  surveys  of  these areas may be required
to locate new sites and determine  their  significance.

An archaeological survey was  required  for  the proposed phosphate mine
because of the potential for  cultural  resources  to occur on the
property.  The survey revealed  six sites containing archaeological
resources (one a concentration of  lithic scatter and five being
artificial mounds, three of  these  mounds contained both  ceramics and
lithic components.
                                   3-265

-------
Land clearing and grubbing activities associated with mining  would
destroy these sites between years  12 and 24 of  the  proposed mining
operation schedule.  These sites were not determined to be of National
Register quality.  However, the Florida Division of Historic  Resources
(DHR) recommends further systematic testing of  the  impacted sites prior
to the onset of mining activities  in the vicinity of the  sites.  This
additional testing would be conducted by a professional archaeologist in
such a manner that the results could be reviewed and approved by DHR
prior to mining the site(s).  Therefore, destruction of these sites does
not constitute an adverse impact and mitigation is  not required.

If, during the mining process, an  area containing evidence of
archaeological or historical resources is uncovered, mining activity
should be suspended in the area, and a professional archaeologist would
be retained to verify the site and determine  its significance.  If  the
material is determined to be of archaeological  significance,  proper
protective measures would be taken to preserve  the  site or the  resources
would be removed by a professional archaeologist after appropriate
coordination with DHR.  If the area is determined to have no  significant
data, mining would continue.

Visual Resources
Hardee County is predominantly rural with agriculture being the main
economic activity throughout the county.  The county is relatively  flat
with relief created by streams that traverse  the county in various
directions.  The topography at the mine site  is slightly rolling, with
small tributaries that feed into Payne Creek  to the north.  Vegetation
is a mixture of marshes, grassland, pine and  oak woods.  Citrus groves
are located along the northern periphery of the site, surrounding Fort
Green Springs.  The mine site is directly accessible by SR 62 and CR 663
to the north, and Fort Green-Ona Road that bisects  the property linking
SR 62 with SR 64.
                                    3-266

-------
Major construction activities  planned  are  the  construction of the
beneficiation plant, assembly  of  the draglines,  building  of the  slurry
matrix pipeline, and erection  of  the dams  to  retain the waste clay
suspension.  The beneficiation plant will  be  located on land at  approxi-
mately 130 feet above ground level  (AGL) and will  be located 0.5 miles
south of SR 62 and west of Fort Green-Ona  Road.  The plant will  not  be
visible from the junction of SR 62  and CR  663  because of  the stands  of
trees that are present adjacent to  the mine boundary. However,  the
plant will be viewed occasionally along SR 62  and  Fort Green-Ona Road
because of breaks in wooded areas.  As more vegetation is  removed  for
mining purposes, the beneficiation  plant will  become visible from
additional areas and distances.

During some periods of the mining schedule, the  draglines  will be  highly
visible along the local transportation routes.   Because of the height  of
the draglines, the tops of the structures  will be  visible  from several
viewpoints over the top of vegetation. At present,  the initial  dragline
that has recently been constructed  on-site is  partially obscured from
view because of the existing vegetation.   Continual  removal of
vegetation for mining will allow  dragline  operations to become highly
visible from SR 62 and Fort Green-Ona  Road.

The construction of the slurry matrix  pipeline will occur  only a few
feet above ground level.  The  pipeline will not  be visible until mining
occurs along the northern boundary  (SR 62) and Fort Green-Ona Road.  The
berms that will be constructed around  the  beneficiation plant and  in the
mined areas for the waste clay suspension  will be  seeded  to prevent  soil
erosion and leakage.  The berms will rise  several  feet above the
surface, obscuring the view of the  mines.   Sand  tailings  piles and
reclamation of the mined areas will be visible from the transportation
routes.  Progress of reclamation  will  be noticeable as the barren  land
                                  3-267

-------
 Because  of  the  short  time span between mining and reclamation, overall
 visual  resources  will not be significantly degraded.  Phosphate mining
 is  a  common occurrence in the region and the disturbed landscape is
 routinely  observed  by residents throughout the eastern portion of  the
 region.  Also,  there  is  very little traffic activity along the immediate
 transportation  routes.   Therefore,  few persons will be in constant
 visual contact  with the  mine.  The continual reclamation of land that
 has previously  been mined will also keep the degree of change to a
minimum.  Persons that will  be in continual visual contact with the
disturbed landscape will be  primarily phosphate employees.  Impacts on
visual resources are  considered  to  be minimal.

3.8.2.2  THE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE
The no action alternative would result in several negative impacts to
Hardee County and residents  of west central Florida.  Revenue earned by
Hardee County through ad valorem taxation of real property would be lost
without  mining  activity  and  associated capital facility  improvements.
Local and regional businesses would also be deprived of  a portion of
CF's annual  expenditures  for  goods  and services.   State  sales tax
revenue  would also decrease  from a loss of estimated mine expenditures.

Both local  and  regional  residents  would have less of an  opportunity for
employment  under the  no  action alternative.  Current unemployment rates
for phosphate industry classifications indicate surplus  labor throughout
the region.

Other socioeconomic variables would not be affected by the no-action
alternative.  Population  and  housing  trends would continue at historic
rates.  Land use patterns  would  remain similar to existing levels  of
agricultural activity.  The demand  for community  services  and
facilities,  including transportation networks, would not increase at an
accelerated rate over historic trends.   In addition, archaeological
resources would not be affected.
                                      3-268

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                            3.9  REFERENCES

Addley and Associates.  1980.  Hardee County Comprehensive Flan.
     Sarasota, Florida.

Airline Owners and Pilots Association.  1982.  AOPA, Aviation Fact Card.
     Bethesda, Maryland.

American Hospital Association.  1981.  Personal Communication.
     Wauchula, Florida.

Applin, P.L., and Applin, E.R.  1944.  Regional Subsurface Stratigraphy
     and Structure of Florida and Southern Georgia.  Am. Assoc.
     Petroleum Geologists Bull., 28(12):1673-1753.

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                                     3-269

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                                      3-270

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                                      3-271

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                                     3-272

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                                     3-273

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                                     3-275

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                                     3-277

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                                      3-278

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           4.0  SHORT-TERM USE VERSUS LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY
The proposed mining and processing of phosphate matrix  from the Hardee
Phosphate Complex II mine site involves the progressive use of
14,925 acres during an expected 27-year mine  life.  Approximately 69
acres of the 14,994-acre site would be left undisturbed from mining
under the proposed CF project action.  Current productivity of  the site
includes pasture, limited agricultural uses,  wildlife,  and water.  The
following discussion of short-term use versus long-term productivity  is
arranged by environmental discipline groups.

                4.1  METEOROLOGY, AIR QUALITY, AND NOISE
4.1.1  SHORT-TERM
As a result of the plant construction, mining, beneficiation and
transshipment of phosphate rock, emissions of gases and particulates
would be increased.  Emission sources would include the beneficiation
plant (e.g., flotation reagents); internal combustion engines
(e.g., earthmovers); land clearing operations (e.g., wind-blown dust);
and dust particles from increased vehicle traffic, mining, and
processing operations.  Noise levels would increase in  the immediate
vicinity of active land clearing, mining, and reclamation operations,
near the beneficiation plant, and near the railroad spur  and roadway
systems into the plant.  At times, these emissions and  noise levels may
disturb adjacent land uses and nearby wildlife and disrupt existing
wildlife usage patterns.

4.1.2  LONG-TERM
Since mining and processing will continue for 27 years  and reclamation
activities an additional 8 years thereafter,  the short-term effects
generated by these activities may also be viewed as long-term.  At the
conclusion of the mining and reclamation operations, project-generated
emissions and noise would cease.
                                     4-1

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                         4.2   GEOLOGY  AND  SOILS
4.2.1  SHORT-TERM
Soils  and  surface geology  will  be  totally  disrupted  over the 14,925
acres.  Agricultural  productivity  in the short term  will be  increasingly
diminished over  the  life of the mine until  reclamation  activities  "catch
up" and overtake acreages  under mining.

4.2.2  LONG-TERM
The reclaimed sand/clay mix areas  would have  certain improved  agronomic
properties compared  to the existing soils  characteristic to  the  site.
The high nutrient availability  and enhanced moisture and nutrient
retention capacity of the  reclaimed soils  would  improve  the  agricultural
productivity of  the  site.  The  reduced structural  stability  of the
reclaimed sand/clay mix areas may  preclude  certain intensive uses  over
the long terra.  In addition, the physical  properties of  the  shallow,
non-artesian aquifer will be substantially  altered by the  proposed  sand/
clay reclamation.

                             4.3   RADIATION
4.3.1  SHORT-TERM
Increased levels of  radioactivity  would result during mining.   These
short-term exposure  levels would not present  significant problems  to  the
workers or the environment.

4.3.2  LONG-TERM
Radon gas emissions  from the reclaimed areas  would continue  at low
concentrations for a significant time  into  the future.

                           4.4  GROUND WATER
4.4.1  SHORT-TERM
Ground water withdrawal for matrix processing would  create a cone  of
depression in the Lower Floridan Aquifer; however, this  drawdown is not
expected to have a significant offsite impact.  Withdrawals  and  pit
seepage of water from the surficial aquifer during active  mining periods
would slightly reduce the baseflow contributions to  adjacent streams.
                                    4-2

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4.4.2  LONG-TERM
The proposed  sand/clay  reclamation of the site would alter the physical
characteristics of ground  water  flow in the  surficial  aquifer.  The
reclaimed areas will  have  higher  water retention capacities and lower
vertical and  horizontal  transmissivities.  Resultant long-term effects
would be to reduce recharge  locally and to reduce base seepage to area
streams.

                           4.5   SURFACE WATER
4.5.1  SHORT-TERM
The raining/processing of phosphate matrix at the CF site will result in
the disturbance of existing  surface  water flow patterns,  water quality,
and water quantity.   Flood flows  and low flows of all  creeks downstream
of the site would be  altered by  land form changes,  stream severance,-
diversions, and rerouting  by artificial structures.

Discharges of excess  water from  the  recirculating water  system will
degrade the quality of  the receiving waters  (primarily Shirtail and
Doe).  Water discharged  from this  system is  likely to  have higher micro
nutrient levels (e.g.,  calcium, magnesium)  than the receiving waters,
and contain increased concentrations of other undesirable constituents
(e.g., dissolved solids, silica,  fluoride,  radium-226).

4.5.2  LONG-TERM
Some minor.alterations  of  surface  runoff quality and peak flow
characteristics would be observed  after reclamation.  The clay content
of the reclaimed sand/clay mix areas would cause increases in the total
runoff quantitites and  the peak  flows expected after precipitation.
Additional areas with agricultural vegetation would also increase peak
runoff flows.  Soil characteristics  and stability would  increase  the
potential for erosion and  resultant  turbidity.  Long-term changes in
land use would result in reduced water quality.   Reclaimed marsh  areas
and shallow pools would  provide  water storage.
                                     4-3

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After reclamation,  water  quality of the streams would be primarily
influenced by  pollutants  carried in the runoff.  The site would be
reclaimed predominantly  to  agricultural and silvicultural uses.  In
addition, the  streams  and adjacent wetlands would be restored and would
accumulate surface  runoff from surrounding upland areas, trap much of
the  sediment,  and  filter  much  of the excess nutrients.   As the reclaimed
streams mature, the channels would form natural meanders.  The water
quality found  within the  mature reclaimed  streams should be similar to
that presently found in the streams.

                       4.6  BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
4.6.1  SHORT-TERM
Development of the CF mine  site would result in the  destruction of
14,925 acres of terrestrial and wetland habitat.   Most  of the mobile
vertebrate species are expected to be displaced to unaffected areas as
mining gradually progresses.   Some individuals  of sensitive species such
as the indigo  snake and gopher tortoise and less  mobile vertebrates
(shrews, mice) could be lost.

4.6.2  LONG-TERM
Approximately  56 percent  of the existing site  is  currently managed for
cattle or produce.  Reclamation plans propose  the use of a majority
(67 percent)  of the site  for agriculture,  which represents a 21 percent
increase in agricultural  use on the  reclaimed  site which represents a
21 percent increase in agricultural  use on the  reclaimed site.  Such
areas would not provide all of the habitat  requirements for the species
which now inhabit the  site; thus,  a long-term  loss in the wildlife
productivity of these  areas would  occur.   Additional  changes  in habitat,
such as replacing relatively undisturbed freshwater  swamp, freshwater
marsh and forested stream channesl  with reclaimed wetlands would occur.
The reclaimed wetlands may or  may  not provide  an  adequate habitat and
cover for avian, aquatic, and  terrestrial  organisms.  The addition of
lakes to the CF mine site are  expected  to  increase the  density of
certain animals in the region  (e.g.,  ducks, fish, alligators).  It
should be noted that impacts to wildlife associated  with uplands would
most probably be a consequence of  future agricultural development even
without mining.

                                   4-4

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                          4.7  SOCIOECONOMICS
4.7.1  SHORT-TERM
The mining/processing of phosphate matrix  at  the  CF  site  wilL  result  in
increased employment and income levels in  Hardee  County and  the
seven-county region.  Associated with this employment  increase will be
an increase in the population of Hardee County.   This  increase would
result in increased demands  for housing and services.  Tax  revenues
generated by the project would more than pay  for  the increased services
required to meet existing levels.

Mining will destroy six regionally significant  archaeological  sites
present on the property.  The loss will be mitigated by salvage
excavation so that their scientific value  will  be preserved  through
proper analysis and recording of findings.

Mining of the CF site would  also have an impact on aesthetics.   The
clearing of existing vegetative cover and  post-mining  condition  of the
land would reduce the aesthetic values of  the  site during the
short-term.  However, the land features associated with its  current
aesthetic value are not considered unique  to  the  area.

4.7.2  LONG-TERM
The CF project will help support long-terra economic  growth within Hardee
County.  CF is not the only  phosphate mining  company within Hardee
County.  If the CF project and other  similar  mines are permitted to
operate in the county, population levels,  income  levels,  and tax
revenues should increase significantly over present  levels.   It  is  also
probable that such development would  bring additional  employment in
related industries (e.g., pumping supplies, etc.).
                                   4-5

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      5.0  IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES

This section presents a discussion of those resources that would be
consumed, depleted, permanently removed, destroyed or irreversibly
altered by the proposed mining operation on CF Industries' Hardee
Complex II site.

                  5.1  DEPLETION OF MINERAL RESOURCES

The extent of recoverable U.S. phosphate reserves has been estimated at
2.2 billion metric tons (U.S. General Accounting Office,  1979).  World
reserves of phosphate rock are estimated by the U.S. Bureau of Mines to
be about 27 billion metric tons, but may be much larger (e.g., in 1971
the British Sulphur Corp. estimated world reserves of all grades to be
130 billion metric tons).  The estimated current annual world phosphate
rock production is about 120 million metric tons.  The U.S., USSR, and
Morocco are by far the largest producers of phosphate rock, accounting
for 41, 26, and 15 percent of world production, respectively.  Morocco,
however, is the leader in identified reserves with 66.7 percent of the
world's supply, with the U.S. and USSR accounting for only 8.1 and
3.3 percent of the identified reserves, respectively.

The Bone Valley formation of central Florida is the source of most of
the U.S. production, accounting for about 75 percent of total U.S.
production (which approached 50 million metric tons in 1978).

Two projections of U.S. phosphate rock production have been made—one by
the U.S. Bureau of Mines and one by Chase Econometric Associates (U.S.
General Accounting Office, 1979).  The Chase forecast indicates that
domestic production will increase to 112 million short tons by 2025, but
fails to identify the source of these reserves.  The U.S. Bureau of
Mines, on the other hand, predicted that U.S. production  would peak in
1985, and then decline.  Because the U.S. Bureau of Mines has not
identified any future potential reserves, their forecast  predicts that
high grade reserves will be virtually exhausted by 2010.
                                   5-1

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The phosphate rock product recoverable during  the  27-year life of the
proposed mine would amount to 97.0 million  short  tons.   While this
represents an irreversible and irretrievable  loss  of  reserves, data are
not available to evaluate this loss with  respect  to  future domestic
needs and availability.

Additional resources commitments will be  required  as  a  result of the
consumption of oil, gas, electrical power,  and various  reagent
materials.

                         5.2  LANDFORM CHANGES

The mining and phosphate ore beneficiation  process at CF Industries
would result in an irreversibly altered  landform.  Natural soil profiles
would be destroyed, and existing vegetation would  have  to be  cleared.
In addition, the storage of waste sand/clay mix would result  in the
creation, after subsidence, of disposal areas  approximately 2 feet
higher than original grade.

The mining of phosphate matrix in the final years  of  the mine plan would
result in the formation of Iands-and-lakes  terrain in several upland
areas.  The land use of the reclaimed site  would be mostly improved
pasture, rather than the pine flatwoods/palmetto range  which  now
predominates.

                   5.3  COMMITMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

At an average pumping rate of 7.85 mgd, water will be pumped  from the
ground water under the authorization of the SWFWMD Consumptive Use
Permit.  CF Industries plans for the total volume  of water withdrawn
from the Floridan Aquifer over the 27-year  life of the  mine to be
77.4 billion gallons.
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The disruption of streams during raining activities,  the  impoundment of
water, the discharge of excess water,  and  the  reclamation  of  the  mine
site will have resultant changes in water  quality  within downstream
segments.

                              5.4  ENERGY

The annual energy usage for all purposes is  expected  to  be approximately
200,000 MWh during raining years 1 through  7;  350,000  MWh during mining
years 8  through 24; and 150,000 MWh during mining  years  25 through  27.
The total energy use of the 27-year life of  the  project  will  be about
7.8 million MWh or about 80 kWh per ton of phosphate  rock  produced.   It
is estimated that an average 400 gal/day of  gasoline  and 100  gal/day  of
diesel fuel will also be used.

                            5.5  AESTHETICS

If CF Industries' reclamation plan is  successful,  the resulting
landscape could be visually acceptable.  This  man-made landscape  would
be entirely different from that which  now  occurs.   However,  future
generations are likely to accept the new landscape as the  characteristic
landscape.

Permitting of the CF Industries' project will  also contribute to  the
evolution of the existing environment  of this  area in Hardee  County  to
semi-industrial.  Existing life styles, with their emphasis on
agriculture, may be radically altered  as such  changes occur.

                     5.6  FISH AND WILDLIFE  HABITAT

Existing fish and wildlife habitats on 14,925  acres of the 14,994 acres
comprising the proposed CF mine site would be  disturbed  during the
operation of the mine.  Therefore, approximately 69 acres  of  hardwood
swamp and marsh habitat will be preserved  and  protected  from the  adverse
effects  of mining.  The changes in wildlife  habitat acreage due  to  the
proposed action are identified in the  following  table:
                                  5-3

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Fish and Wildlife
Habitat Types
Row Crops
Field Crops
Improved Pasture
Orange Grove
Palmetto Prairie
Pine Flat woods
Other Hardwoods
Lakes
Freshwater Swamp
Freshwater Marsh
TOTAL
Existing
(Acres)
13.1
44.1
1,310.3
2.6
6,957.2
732.7
2,354.0
0
1,240.4
2,339.6
14,994.0
Proposed
Disturbance
(Acres)
13.1
44.1
1,310.3
2.6
6,957.2
732.7
2,354.0
0
1,195.3
2,315.7
14,925.0
Post-
Reclamation
(Acres)
0
0
6,659
0
0
1,500
1,900
1,055
1,410
2,470
14,994
Change
(Acres)
-13.1
-44.1
+5,348.7
-2.6
-6,957.2
+767.3
-454
+1,055
+169.6
+130.4
0
As indicated in the table, a large portion of  habitat  types  removed  by
mining are scheduled to be replaced through reclamation.   These habitats
will be altered and recreated in sequential sections  for  a 27-year
period during the proposed life of the mine and reclamation  program.
Wildlife populations will temporarily change during the mine life with  a
net decrease in species densities and diversities.  The future quality
of fish and wildlife populations on the CF mine site will  ultimately
depend upon the successful recolonization of reclaimed habitats.

Approximately 5,288.9 additional acres would be committed  to agricultur-
al use after reclamation is completed.  The additional 313.3 acres of
reclaimed pine and hardwood forest would also  be  used  for  agricultural
purposes (i.e., timber production and cattle management).  The managed
reclaimed upland forests and pastureland would have marginal value as
wildlife habitat.  Wetland habitat would be reproportioned,  with an
additional 169.6 acres of hardwood swamp and 130.4 acres  of  additional
freshwater marsh.  Wildlife usage of reclaimed wetlands will depend upon
the quality of the restored resource.  Currently, the  ability to restore
functional values of large scale freshwater marsh and hardwood swamp has
not been adequately demonstrated.  Lakes will  also be  created on the
reclaimed mine land.  Except for a few stock ponds, no permanent surface
                                    5-4

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water features presently exist on the CF mine  site.   Therefore,  this
additional aquatic resource will  increase  the  sites'  capacity to support
invertebrates, fish, alligators and waterfowl.   Lakes  will  provide
habitat for largemouth bass, bluegills, and  other  sunfish species which
can be exploited as recreational  fisheries.  A few threatened vertebrate
species such as the American alligator  are expected  to utilize reclaimed
habitats.  However, most of the threatened and/or  special concern
animals present on the CF mine site will be  lost due to the proposed
action of mining (e.g., indigo snake, gopher tortoise).

It also should be noted that except  for the  phosphate pits (lakes)
associated with mining, the majority of upland  forest  habitat would
probably be converted  for  an agricultural  use  even without the
intervention of mining operations.  Therefore,  wildlife populations
associated with upland  forests on the CF mine  site are expected to be
impacted by future agricultural development  regardless of phosphate
mining.

              5.7  HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

There  are no significant historical  sites  on the proposed mine site.
However, there are six  regionally significant  archaeological sites.  The
excavation of overburden and phosphate  ore from these sites would not
destroy  the contents of these sites  since  artifacts will be recovered
prior  to mining by salvage  excavation.  Mining could remove previously
undiscovered archaeological  sites,  unless  their presence is noticed
during the mining process.   Their destruction  would be an irreversible
loss of  future scientific  interpretation.

                             5.8   REFERENCES

U.S. General Accounting Office.   1979.   Phosphates:  A Case Study  of a
     Valuable, Depleting Mineral  in  America.  Report by  the Comptroller
     General  to  the Congress,  EMD-80-21.
                                      5-5

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            6.0   COMPARISON OF PROPOSED ACTIVITY WITH AREAWIDE
                           EIS RECOMMENDATIONS

The Final  Areawide  Environmental  Impact  Statement  for the  Central
Florida Phosphate Industry published  by  EPA in November 1978, evaluated
the impact  of various  alternatives  for phosphate mining in central
Florida.   The EPA recommendations  represent a scenario of  phosphate
development determined  to  be  as compatible  as practicable  with other
desired and intended  land  uses.  These recommendations provide a
decision-making  tool  for consideration for  all new phosphate  mines in
central Florida.  The  following discussion  compares CF Industries'
proposed action  with  the Areawide EIS recommendations for  mining and
beneficiation.

               6.1  MINING AND BENEFICIATION REQUIREMENTS

6.1.1  ELIMINATE THE ROCK-DRYING PROCESSING AT BENEFICIATION  PLANTS  AND
       TRANSPORT WET ROCK  TO  CHEMICAL PLANTS.
CF Industries' proposed project does  not  include a rock dryer.   All  rock
would be transported  from  the  project  site  in a wet condition.

6.1.2  MEET STATE OF FLORIDA AND LOCAL EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS FOR ANY
       DISCHARGES
Pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as
amended (33 USC  1251),  the State of Florida issues  certification to  each
applicant  for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
permit.  All recent NPDES  permits issued  by the state for  phosphate
mining facilities have  been certified  subject  to the  following
conditions:
     • The applicant must  comply with  all applicable  requirements of
       Chapter 403,  Florida Statutes,  and Chapter  17  series,  Florida
       Administrative Code  (FAC).
     • Issuance of certification does  not constitute  state certification
       of any future land  alteration  activities  which require  other
                                   6-1

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       Federal permits pursuant  to  Section  404 of P.L.  92-500,  as
       amended, nor does  it  constitute  approval or disapproval  of any
       future  land alteration  activities  conducted in waters  of the
       state which require separate  department permit(s)  pursuant to
       Section 17-4.28, FAC.
     • In accordance with Section 17-6.01(2)(a)2a.D., FAC,  the  following
       effluent limitations  apply to  all  discharges  designated  as
       possibly containing contaminated runoff, process  generated
       wastewater, or mine dewatering discharges  from the mining and
       beneficiation of phosphate rock.

If the above requirements are  met,  the  discharge  from this  facility  will
comply with Sections 301, 302, and  303  of the  Federal Water Pollution
Control Act, as amended.

This certification must indicate that the terms and  conditions  of the
NPDES permit will result in  compliance  with  Sections  301, 302,  and 303
of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,  as amended.   The  state mav
impose, as additional requirements,  applicable state  law  or regulations
related to water quality standards.

6.1.3  ELIMINATE CONVENTIONAL  ABOVEGROUND SLIME-DISPOSAL  AREAS
The elimination of conventional  aboveground  clay  disposal areas is
recommended by the Areawide  EIS.  To meet this recommendation,  the
Areawide EIS encouraged the  use  of  waste  clays, or a mixture  of sand
tailings and waste clays, in reclamation.   At  the  same time,  the need
for an initial aboveground storage  area and  for retaining dikes around

sand/clay mix areas was recognized.  The  Areawide  EIS also  noted that if
the percentage of waste clay at  a mine  exceeds the proportionate amount
that can be utilized, the incremental amounts  beyond that which can  be
handled by new clay dewatering methods  may  be  placed  in a holding pond
for reclamation after adequate settling (i.e.,  conventional settling).
                                  6-2

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CF Industries' proposed  project  conforms  with  this  recommendation.   CF
Industries has committed  in  their  mining  plan  to use  a sand/clay mix in
land reclamation and thereby  reduce  the need  for traditional,  separate
disposal areas.  The initial  760-acre  initial  clay  settling  area planned
by CF Industries will receive  all  clay wastes  generated  before the
sand/clay mix procedure  becomes  operational.   Clays stored here will
eventually be used in designated sand/clay  disposal areas.   These
disposal areas are designed  to receive sand/clay mix  over previously
mined lands to allow final fill  elevations  that  consolidate  to within
approximately 2 to 3 feet above  the  original average  premining
elevations.  During the  last  3 mining years, 563 acres of the  initial
settling area will be mined  and  reclaimed.  At the  conclusion  of all
mining activities, the mix technique will be used to  remove  the clays in
the remaining section by mixing  with stored sand tailings, and the  dam
walls will be contoured  to near  natural grade.

6.1.4  MEET SOUTHWEST FLORIDA CONSUMPTIVE USE  PERMIT  REQUIREMENTS
The Areawide EIS recommends  that any new  source  mine  and beneficiation
plant meet the Southwest Florida Water Management District's (SWFWMD)
Consumptive Use Permit (CUP)  requirements.  CF Industries is obligated
by the terms and conditions  of their SWFWMD CUP  approved and issued in
April 1976 and renewed (SWFWMD CUP No. 203669) on January 6, 1982.
Should CF Industries fail to  comply  with  all of  the conditions set  forth
in the permit, the permit would  automatically  become  void.

6.1.5  PROVIDE STORAGE THAT  ALLOWS RECIRCULATION OF WATER RECOVERED FROM
       SLIMES
The Areawide EIS recommends  that a new source  mine  provide storage  that
allows recirculation of water  recovered from clays.   The water recircu-
lation system for CF Industries' proposed mining and  beneficiation
facility would provide for containment and  recycling  of  approximately
93.5 mgd, so that a discharge  should be required only during oeriods of
heavy rainfall.  Over 90 percent of  the water  to be used in  this project
                                   6-3

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will be  supplied  from  the  recirculation system, and less than 5 percent
will come  from  freshwater  sources  (to meet flotation process demands).

6.1.6  USE CONNECTOR WELLS
The Areawide EIS  recommends  the  use of connector wells.  CF Industries
does not propose  to use  connector  wells to recharge the Floridan Aquifer
with ground water from the  surficial aquifer,  nor was the use of
connector wells made a condition of CF Industries' Consumptive Use
Permit.

The use  of connector wells  has been precluded  from CF's proposal action
since, at some  locations, an  adequate head differential between the
lower  surficial aquifer  and  the  deeper aquifers does not exist.
However, connector wells are  potentially feasible, from a technical
prospective, to discharge water  from the upper surficial aquifer to the
deeper aquifers.   The  use of  connector wells would decrease the net
property discharge by  whatever amount the connector wells drained from
the advancing mine area.  If  this  amount equaled the estimated rate of
surficial aquifer  water  into  the mine pit (gpm), the average annual
discharge could be reduced by 0.14 mgd.

Connector wells could  partially  mitigate the  lowered head which would
occur  in the upper Floridan  aquifer as a result of pumping for mine pit
dewatering by replenishing  a  portion of the process water pumped from
the Floridan Aquifer with water  from the surficial aquifer.  However,
the use of connector wells would provide the potential  for contamination
of the higher quality  water of deep aquifers with lower quality water
from the surficial aquifer.   Connector wells would also dispose of
surficial aquifer  water which could otherwise  be used in place of deep
aquifer water as makeup water to the recirculation water system during
water-shortage periods.
                                   6-4

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6.1.7  ADDRESS PROPOSED REGULATIONS  REGARDING RADIATION LEVELS TO BE
       PUBLISHED BY EPA AND PROJECTED  BY  MINING AND RECLAMATION PLANS
       FOR NEW SOURCE MINES BASED  ON TEST BORINGS  OF MATERIAL TO RE
       ENCOUNTERED, AND DEVELOP A  RECLAMATION PLAN THAT CONSIDERS
       RADIATION OF SPOIL MATERIAL AND REDUCES AS  MUCH AS  POSSIBLE THE
       AMOUNT OF RADIONUCLIDE-BEARING  MATERIAL LEFT WITHIN 3 TO 4 FEET
       OF THE SURFACE
Three land use scenarios are most  probable  for the proposed mine after
reclamation:  (1) construction of  private or  commercial developments,
(2) farmland, or (3) natural systems.   Any radiation-related impacts to
human beings would potentially be  greatest  in developed areas.   Should
buildings, such as residences, be  located on  the reclaimed areas of the
proposed mine site, indoor radon and radon  progeny concentrations would
occur at higher levels in these buildings than would be found in
adjacent outdoor areas.  Roessler  et_ a\_.  (1978) proposed three equations
to predict indoor Ra-progeny WL standards for dwellings on reclaimed
mined lands.  The equations used   ,  Rn-flux,  and soil-Ra concentrations
to calculate indoor WL.  The WLs predicted from these equations were
found to be poorly correlated to actual measured indoor WLs.  Due to
these poor correlations, the most  current (January 1985) proposed
environmental radiation standards  regulations will depend  on actual
measured indoor WLs in dwellings built on reclaimed mined  lands.  The
proposed standards include gamma radiation in dwellings of 20 uR/hr and
an annual average radon decay product  concentration of 0.02 WL
(including background).  Dwellings that do not meet the standards will
not be approved for occupancy.

The indoor WL equations can still  be used to  compare estimated indoor
radon WL to background conditions, with an understanding of the possi-
bility of extreme variability of these estimates.

The sand/clay mix land forms are not as suitable as the overburden areas
for residential development.  The  indoor  WL (as calculated from radon
flux values) is predicted to be as high as 0.023 WL for the sand/clay
mix areas.  If the dwellings were  built with  a 2-foot thick topsoil cao
over the sand/clay mix, the estimated  indoor  WL would be reduced to
0.021.  The overburden land forms  are  more desirable building sites and
                                  6-5

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are estimated to have an indoor WL of  0.011 on  overburden  in  land-and-
lakes or on overburden  fill areas.   Sand  tailings  fill  land  forms,
capped with 2 feet of topsoil, are estimated  to have a  WL  of  0.017.

6.1.8  MEET COUNTY AND  STATE RECLAMATION  REQUIREMENTS AND  INCLUDE AN
       INVENTORY OF TYPES OF WILDLIFE  HABITAT IN THE AREA  TO  RE  MINED
       AND THE AREA IMMEDIATELY SURROUNDING IT

CF Industries' proposed Hardee Phosphate  Complex II mine is defined  in
Section 380.06, Florida Statutes, as a Development of Regional Impact
(DRI).  In accordance with Florida regulations  for DRIs, CF  Industries
submitted an Application for Development  Approval, including  a Mining
and Reclamation Master Plan, for review and approval by both  Hardee
County and the State of Florida.  On June 30,  1976, Hardee County  issued
a Development Order to CF Industries for  the  proposed project.   A
Mineral Extraction Permit and zoning variance aporoval  were also granted
to CF Industries by Hardee County on June 30,  1976.

An inventory of the types of wildlife  habitat  found in  the area  to be
mined by CF Industries and in the adjacent surrounding  area has  been
conducted and is included within this  Environmental Impact Statement.

6.1.9  THE MINING AND RECLAMATION PLAN WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE
       PROTECTION AND RESTORATION OF HABITAT  SO SELECTED SPECIES OF
       WILDLIFE WILL BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED  DURING MINING AND
       RECLAMATION

CF's mining plan calls  for 80-acre parcels of land to be sequentially
cleared in preparation of dragline mining.  Approximately  14,925 acres
would be altered and reclaimed during  the life  of the proposed Hardee
Phosphate Complex II mine.  Mining is  expected  to require  approximatelv
27 years.  Reclamation of all mined  lands will  be completed within
8 years after mining ends.  CF's proposed reclamation plan would restore
the 14,925 acres to various land use and  cover  categories.  A
                                  6-6

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significant  percentage  of  the  restored  land cover types could
potentially  be  utilized as wildlife  habitat.

Table  6.1.9-1 indicates the net  effect  of reclamation on the  extent  of
the  general  vegetation  associations.  As  indicated in Table 6.1.9-1, in
addition  to  improved  pasture,  the  proposed reclamation plan will
increase  the amount of  potential wildlife habitat on the mine site in
the  form  of  pine  flatwoods and other  hardwoods (13.7 percent),  fresh-
water  swamp  (10.1 percent),  freshwater  marsh  (5.6 percent)  and  lakes
(100 percent).  The reclaimed  land forms  will  be  scattered  throughout
the mine  site,  and all  forested  and  non-forested  habitats will  be
planted with native plant  species.

Among  the animal  species that would  be  adversely  affected by  the project
is the Eastern  Indigo snake  listed as a threatened species  by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service  (USFWS).   To  assess  the impact which  the
project will have on  this  species' population, consultation procedures
are being implemented with the USFWS  (see Section 7.0 Coordination).
The USFWS will be providing EPA with  a  biological opinion regarding  the
effects of the  project  on  endangered  and  threatened species.   Based  on
site investigations,  it  is  felt  that  the  proposed project is  not likely
to jeopardize the continued  existence of  any  listed species or  adversely
modify habitat essential for their existence.   However,  if  listed
species are  identified,  any mitigating  measures recommended by  USFWS
will be incorporated as  conditions to the NPDES permit.

6.1.10  PROTECT OR RESTORE  WETLANDS UNDER THE  JURISDICTION  OF THE CORPS
        OF ENGINEERS, SECTION 404, FEDERAL WATER  POLLUTION  CONTROL ACT,
        PURSUANT TO 404(b) GUIDELINES (40 CFR  230)

Federal jurisdiction over  wetlands is based primarily on Section 404 of
the Clean Water Act of  1977  (33 USC,  1344), formerly known  as the
Federal Water Pollution  Control Act,  in which  wetlands  are  defined,
their uses and values described, and  a  basis  for  regulation presented.
                                  6-7

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 Table  6.1.9-1.   Existing  and  Post-Reclamation Land Use
Land
Code*
211
212
213

231
321

411

422

520
621

641


Use
Type
Row Crops
Field Crops
Improved
Pasture
Orange Grove
Palmetto
Prairie
Pine
Flat woods
Other
Hardwoods
Lakes
Freshwater
Swamp
Freshwater
Marsh
TOTAL
Existing
Acres iJT
13.1 0.09
44.1 0.29
1310.3 8.74

2.6 0.02
6957.2 46.40

732.7 4.89

2354.8 15.70

—
1239.9 8.27

2339.3 15.60

14994 100.00
Proposed Post-
Disturbance Reclamation
Acres % Acres
13.1 0.09
44.1 0.30
1310.3 8.78 6659

2.6 0.02
6957.2 46.61

732.7 4.91 1500

2354.8 15.78 1900

1055
1194.8 8.00 1410

2315.4 15.51 2470

14925 100.00 14,994
%
—
—
44.41

—
—

10.00

12.67

7.04
9.40

16.47

99.99
* Based on Florida Land Use and  Cover  Classificaton  System,  1976.
t Less than 100 percent, due  to  rounding.

Source:  CF Industries, 1984.
                                     6-8

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Subsequently, vegetation  lists were developed  to  assist  in defining
wetlands (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,  1978),  and  a functional  and
physical approach to wetland classification  has been developed  (Cowardin
et^ al_. , 1977).  Reppert et_  al_.,  (1979) provide  a  technical concept  and
procedure for evaluation of wetlands  based on  the requirements of the
Clean Water Act.  The procedure  emphasizes ecosystem functional  criteria
and structural characteristics rather than the  presence  of certain
species as criteria.  This  provides a basin-wide  assessment among widely
varying wetland types and allows an evaluation  of a particular  site as a
unit within a large system.

In the Final Areawide Environmental Impact Statement for the Central
Florida Phosphate Industry  (EPA, 1978),  the  U.S.  Environmental
Protection Agency established a  wetlands  categorization  system  to serve
as a guideline for regulating the mining  and reclamation of wetlands.
This system entailed the assignment of wetlands on  new source mine  sites
into one of three categories:
Category 1:  Preserve and Protect—Wetlands  that  must be preserved  and
protected without disruption.  Wetlands  within  and  contiguous to rivers
and streams having an average annual  flow exceeding 5 cubic feet per
second as well as other specific wetlands determined to  serve essential
environmental functions,  including water  quality.  (These are wetlands
that provide an essential synergistic support  to  the ecosystem  and  that
would have an unacceptable  adverse impact if they were altered,
modified, or destroyed.)  This generally  includes cypress swamps, swamp
forests, wet prairies, and  certain freshwater marshes.

Category 2:  Mine and Restore Equivalent  Acreage—Wetlands that  should
be restored as wetlands to  perform useful wetland functions. This  also
includes certain isolated noncategory wetlands  that serve a primary
function or several minor functions that  may be maintained through
proper restoration.
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 Category 3:   Mine  With No Restoration of Wetlands—Wetlands that would
 not  have to  be restored as wetlands.  These are isolated and normally
 intermittent  in nature, have less significant hydrological functions
 than Category 2,  and  minimal life-support value.

 CF  Industries'  proposed reclamation plan will result in an increase in
 post-mining wetland  acreage:
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
TOTAL
Acres
Existing
766
2,264
550
3,580
Acres
Disturbed
697
2,264
550
3,511
Acres
Protected
by CF
69
0
0
69
Percent
Protected
9
0
0
2
Acres
Reclaimed
697
2,264
850
3,811
The disturbance of  Category  1 wetlands  by CF has  not  been approved  by
EPA.  Mining  of these  wetland areas  will  not be allowed until CF has
demonstrated  the  ability  to  restore  the functional integrity and value
of these onsite wetlands.  After  CF  provides a demonstrated successful
restoration program, EPA  will reevaluate  its position on mining these
Category 1 areas.

CF's reclamation  plan  would  preserve 69 acres of  wetlands and ultimately
increase the  amount of wetland  acreage  on the mined  site through
restoration operations by approximately 300  acres.

6.1.11  MAKE  EFFORTS TO PRESERVE  ARCHAEOLOGICAL OR HISTORICAL SITES
        THROUGH AVOIDANCE  OR MITIGATE BY  SALVAGE  EXCAVATION PERFORMED BY
        A PROFESSIONALLY  COMPETENT AGENCY ANY SITES  DEEMED SIGNIFICANT
        BY THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES. HISTORY, AND RECORDS
        MANAGEMENT.  IF MITIGATION IS CHOSEN,  THE RESULTING REPORT
        SHOULD BE SUBMITTED  TO  THAT  STATE AGENCY  FOR  EXAMINATION AND
        COMMENT
An archaeological and historical  survey of the proposed CF Industries
site was conducted  in  1976,  and the  results  were  submitted to the
                                  6-10

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Florida Department of State, Division of Historic  Resources  (formerly

the Division of Archives, History,  and Records  Management).   It  is  the
opinion of that agency that six regionally significant archaeological

sites (SHrlO and SHrll are no  longer on mine property) be subjected  to

further systematic testing.  A professional archaeologist will perform

salvage excavation, and a report will be submitted to the Division of

Historic Resources for review and acceptance of conclusions  prior to

mining of these archaeological resources.


                            6.2  REFERENCES


Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golef, and E.T. LaRue.   1977.
     Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United
     States.  Operational Draft, U.S. Fish and Wildlife  Service.

Florida Department of Rehabilitation Services.  1978.  Study of  Radon
     Daughter Concentrations in Structures in Polk and Hillsborough
     Counties.

Reppert, R.T., W. Sigleo, E. Stakhiv, L. Messman,  and D. Meyers.  1979.
     Wetland Values:  Concepts and Methods for Wetland Evaluation.   IWR
     Research Report 79-R1.  U.S. Army Engr. Inst. for Water. Res.
     Kingman Bid., Ft. Belvoir, Va.

Roessler, C.E., Wethington, J.A., and Bolch, W.E.  1978.  Radioactivitv
     of Lands and Associated Structures.  Fourth Semiannual  Technical
     Report Submitted to Florida Phosphate Council by University of
     Florida College of Engineering.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  1978.  Preliminary Guide  to Wetlands  of
     Peninsular Florida.  Major Associations and Communities  Identified.
     Technical Report Y-28-2.  Environmental Effects Lab., Vicksburg,
     Miss.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  1978.  Final Environmental Impact
     Statement for the Central Florida Phosphate Industry.
     EPA 904/9-78-026a.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  1979a.  Draft Environmental
     Impact Statement, Estech General Chemicals Corporation, Duette
     Mine.   EPA 904/9-79-044.
                                   6-11

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U.S.  Environmental Protection Agency.  1979b.  Indoor Radiation Exposure
     due to Radium-226 in Florida Phosphate Lands.  Office of Radiation
     Programs,  Washington, D.C.  EPA 520/4-78-013.
                                     6-12

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                           7.0  COORDINATION
      7.1  DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT COORDINATION LIST
The following federal, state, and local agencies; public officials;
organizations; and interest groups have been requested to comment on
this impact statement.
7.1.1  FEDERAL AGENCIES
• Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
• Bureau of Mines
• Coast Guard
• Corps of Engineers
• Council on Environmental Quality
• Department of Agriculture
• Department of Commerce
• Department of Education
• Department of the Interior
• Department of Transportation
• Department of Health and Human
    Services
• Department of Housing and Urban
    Development
• Department of Energy
• Federal Highway Administration
• Fish and Wildlife Service
• Food and Drug Administration
• Forest Service
• Geological Survey
• National Park Service
• Economic Development
    Administration
• Public Health Service
7.1.2  MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
• Honorable Lawton Chiles
    United States Senate
  Honorable D. Robert Graham
    United States Senate
• Honorable Andy P. Ireland
    U.S. House of Representatives
7.1.3  STATE
• Honorable Robert Martinez,
    Governor
• Toby Holland,  State Representative
• Marlene Woodson, State Senator
• Coastal Coordinating Council
• Department of Natural Resources
  Environmental Regulation
    Commission
  Department of State
                                   7-1

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•  Department of  Agriculture  and
     Consumer Services
•  Department of  Community  Affairs
•  Geological Survey
•  Game and  Freshwater  Fish Commission
•  Department of  Administration
• Department of Commerce
• Department of Health and
    Rehabilitative  Services
• Bureau of Intergovernmental
    Relations
• Department of Environmental
    Regulation
• Department of Transportation
7.1.4  LOCAL AND REGIONAL
• Hillsborough County  Commission
• Polk County Commission
• Manatee County Commission
• DeSoto County Commission
• Hardee County Commission
• Hardee County Building & Zoning
    Department
• Tampa Bay Regional Planning
    Council
• Central Florida Regional
    Planning Council
• Southwest Florida Water
    Management District
7.1.5  INTEREST GROUPS
• The Fertilizer Institute
• Florida Phosphate Council
• Florida Audubon Society
• Florida Sierra Club
• Manasota 88
• Florida Defenders of the
    Environment
• Izaak Walton League of
    America
• Florida Wildlife Federation
                 7.2  PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND  SCOPING
On May 29, 1981, EPA published a Notice of Intent  to  prepare  an  EIS  for
the proposed project which at that time included plans  for a  chemical
fertilizer plant.  A scoping meeting  for  the project  was held by EPA in
Wauchula, Florida, on July 13, 1981.   It  should be noted that among  the
issues discussed at the scoping meeting were CF's  initial plans  for  a
chemical fertilizer plant on the project  site.  Such  plans for the
chemical plant have now been abandoned.

As a result of these efforts to foster public participation,  comments
regarding the project have been solicited and received  by EPA during the
interviewing period leading to the publication  of  this  Draft  EIS.
                                    7-2

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          7.3   CONSULTATION WITH THE U.S.  DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR
EPA has  performed  all  consultation procedures in accordance with the
requirements of  Section  7  of  the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended.  On February  19,  1982,  EPA requested the Fish and Wildlife
Service  (FWS)  to provide a list  of threatened and endangered  species
that may be present  onsite.   On  February  25,  1982,  FWS provided a list
of species that could  occur in  the area of  CF's  proposed  new mine.   On
December  3, 1986,  FWS  was  provided a biological  assessment of the
proposed  construction, operations, and associated activities; the
impacts  of such  actions  on listed  species and their habitats; and the
proposed  efforts to  be taken  to  eliminate,  reduce,  or  mitigate any
adverse  effects.   On December 11,  1986, FWS commented  that this informa-
tion "adequately addresses endangered species concerns."   EPA determined
that the  issuance  of an NPDES permit for  the  proposed  project may effect
certain  listed species and on March 4, 1987,  officially requested that
Section  7 consultation procedures  with FWS  be implemented.  On March 26,
1987,  FWS responded  to this request by providing  a  Biological Opinion
regarding the  effects  of the  proposed project on  threatened and
endangered species (FWS, 1987).

FWS stated that, in  their  opinion, "the endangered  and threatened
species occurring on the CF site  are the  wood stork and the eastern
indigo snake...No  direct harm to wood storks  is  expected  from the mining
operations, but wood storks will  be temporarily  displaced during mining.
Extensive areas of feeding habitat will be  temporarily lost during
mining and in  the  initial  stages  of reclamation...Based on our review of
the reclamation  plan suitable feeding habitat will  be  created and
available for  wood stork feeding."

FWS did  find,  however, that a "long-term  impact  of  the proposed project
will be a reduction  in available  eastern  indigo  snake  habitat.  This
permanent loss of  habitat  will reduce the potential for complete
recolonization of the  site by eastern indigo  snakes...An  acceptable
relocation program for snakes could eliminate some  of  these
problems.. ."
                                   7-3

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Based on FWS's review of  the  project,  their  Biological  Opinion stated
that "this project  is not  likely  to  jeopardize  the  continued  existence
of the eastern indigo snake or wood  stork."   FWS did  recommend,  however,
that EPA require an acceptable relocation  program  for eastern indigo
snakes.  This program is  presented as  a  project mitigation measure  in
Section 2.11.5.2.   FWS also recomended that  all relocation  activities
conducted as part of this mitigation program be coordinated with the
Florida Game and Fresh Water  Fish Commission and  should follow an
accepted and approved eastern indigo snake relocation protocol.

     7.4  CONSULTATION WITH THE STATE  HISTORIC  PRESERVATION OFFICER

EPA has conducted all the consultation requirements established  by
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.  In  1976
the State Historic Preservation Officer  (SHPO)  of the Florida Department
of State, Division  of Historic Resources (DHR)  (formerly,  the Division
of Archives, History and  Records Management) was provided a description
of the proposed project and a research report entitled  "An Archaeo-
logical and Historical Survey of the CF  Mining  Corporation Property in
Northwestern Hardee County, Florida."   This  report  was  submitted
pursuant to the procedures for consultation  and comment  promulgated by
the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in 35 CFR 800.   DHR (1986)
determined that the survey established the location of  all regionally
significant sites.  DHR recommended  that regionally significant  sites be
subjected to systematic testing by a professional archaeologist  prior to
the onset of any mining activities in  the  immediate vicinities of the
sites if mining could not be  avoided.   CF  Industries  should retain  a
professional archaeologist to perform  salvage excavation on  the
regionally significant sites  with enough lead time  that  the field work
and results could be reviewed by  SHPO  and  the conclusions  accepted  prior
to mining within the immediate vicinity  of these sites.
                                   7-4

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        7.5  COORDINATION WITH THE U.S. ARMY  CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Some of the wetlands on  the CF site  fall  under  the regulatory
jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps  of Engineers (COE) by  Section 404,
Federal Water Pollution  Control Act  (FWPCA).  For CF to  accomplish  the
proposed action in those wetland areas onsite,  a Section 404 permit
would be required.

In 1981, EPA, COE, and CF Industries executed a joint Memorandum of
Understanding which established EPA  as the lead agency and COE as a
cooperating agency in the preparation of  this EIS.  COE was provided  the
opportunity for review and comment on the Plan  of Study and on all work
performed by the third-party consultant,  including the Preliminary Draft
EIS.

                            7.6  REFERENCES

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  1987.  Correspondence from David J.
     Wesley to Patricia  A. Brooks dated March 26, 1987.
Division of Historic Resources, Florida Department of State.  1986.
     Correspondence from George Percy, Chief, Bureau of Historic
     Preservation, to Richard Zwolak, dated October 23, 1986.
                                   7-5

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                         8.0  LIST OF PREPARERS

This Draft EIS for the proposed CF Industries  phosphate mining  and
beneficiation project was prepared for EPA by  Environmental  Science  and
Engineering, Inc. (ESE-Tampa and Gainesville,  Florida) and Reynolds,
Smith and Hills (RS&H-Tampa, Florida) using  the  Third  Party  EIS
preparation method.  The names and qualifications  of the  ESE/RS&H staff
responsible for the preparation of this EIS  are  presented  in Table 8-1.
An independent evaluation of all information presented in  this  EIS was
also performed by the following EPA officials:
    Name
    Robert B. Howard
    A. Jean Tolman/Patricia A. Brooks
    Andrea E. Zimmer
    Louis Nagler
    Doyle T. Brittain
    Richard Boone
    Gail D. Mitchell
    H. Richard Payne
    Andrea E. Zimmer
    John T. Marlar
    William L. Kruczynski
    Delbert B. Hicks
Responsibility
Chief, NEPA Compliance Section
EIS Project Officer
NPDES Permit Coordinator
Air Quality/Noise
Air Quality/Noise
Geology and Ground Water
Geology and Ground Water
Radiation
Surface Water
Surface Water
Terrestrial Ecology
Aquatic Ecology
For information on the material presented  in  this  Draft  Environmental
Impact Statement, contact  Robert  B.  Howard at (404)  347-3776
(FTS/257-3776).
                                   8-1

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Table 8-1.  Nanes, Qualifications and Responsibilities of Persons who are Primarily
            Responsible fbr Preparing the CF Industries, Inc. Draft Environmental Impact
            Statement
Name
Responsibility
       Qualifications
Jack D. Doolittle
Project Director
J. Ibnald Ratliff
Project Manager
Clay A. Alans
Project Coordinator
David A. Buff
Air, Meteorology
Michael J. Geden
Geology
Robert G. Gregory
Ground Water
B.A. Economics; Vice President,
Ehvironnental Science and
Engineering, Inc.; 14 years
experience in the management of
interdisciplinary projects
including Environmental Impact
Statements.

M.S. Planning; Vice President,
Reynolds, ftiith and Hills, Inc.;
16 years experience in the
direction and managanent of
interdisciplinary environmental
studies and permit compliance
prograns.

M.S. Efcology/ZDology; Associate
Vice President, Ehvironnental
Science and Engineering, Inc.;
15 years experience in biologi-
cal studies and management of
interdisciplinary projects,
including permit applications.

M.E. Environmental Engineering,
Environmental Science and
Engineering, Inc.*; 15 years
experience in environnental
studies, including meteorology,
air quality, and impact
studies.

B.S. Earth Science; Site Geo-
logist, Environmental Science
and Engineering, Inc.; 5 years
experience in geophys cal
investigation, geologic struc-
ture and process, geonorpholcgy,
and field sanpling.

M.S. Geology; Project Geologist,
Ehvironnental Science and
Engineering, Inc.; 8 years
experience in hydrology, geo-
hydrology, and impact studies.
                                            8-2

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 Table 8*1.   Danes,  Qualifications and Responsibilities of Persons  wto are Primarily
             Responsible for Preparing the CF Industries,  Inc.  Draft Environnental  Impact
             Statement (Continued, Page 2 of 2)
 Nane
Responsibility
        Qualifications
Gregory Gensheimer
Radiation
Gary H. Tburtellotte
Aquatic Ecology
Anthony N. Arcuri
Terrestrial Ecology
Warren Pandorf
Surface Water
Richard A. Zwolak
Socioeconcmics
Annette Ball
Editor
 Ph.D.  Soil  Science;  Soil
 Scientist,  Environnental Science
 and Engineering,  Inc.; 6 years
 experience  in  soil contamination
 studies and risk  assessments.

 Ecologist, Environmental Science
 and Engineering,  Inc.; 7 years
 experience  in  the assessment of
mining impacts on aquatic
 cotmunities.

 M.S. Botany; Head, Department of
 Ecological Services; 8 years
 experience in  field  surveys,
 wetland and wildlife impact
 statments, and biological
 systems evaluations  for permit
 applications.

 Department Ifead Water Resources
 Engineering; Environnental
 Science and Engineering, Inc.; 7
 years experience  in  conducting
 surface and ground water
baseline monitoring  studies for
environmental  studies.

M.A. Geography; Ifead,
Environnental  Planning
Department; Reynolds, 9nith and
Hills, Inc.; 8 years experience
 in assessing impacts on
 transportation, housing, labor/
employment, recreation, and
 public services and  government
 finances.

BFA Communications; Manager,
Document Production, Reynolds,
Smth and Hills,  Inc.;  5 years
experience in coordination and
editing documentation for
environmental  studies.
*Mr. Buff is currently employed at KBN Engineering and Applied Science, Inc.,
 Gainesville, Florida.
                                            8-3

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                                9.0   INDEX

Aesthetics:  3-233, 3-266,  5-3
Air Quality:   3-1, 3-4, 4-1
Alternatives
     EPA's Preferred:  2-123
     Matrix Processing:  2-1, 2-31,  2-44
     Matrix Transport:  2-1, 2-49, 2-50
     No Action:  2-118, 3-12, 3-32,  3-58, 3-103, 3-150
     Plant Siting:  2-1, 2-52
     Product Transport:  2-1, 2-108
     Reclamation:  2-1, 2-32, 2-83
     Waste Sand and Clay Disposal:   2-1, 2-32, 2-71
     Water Management:  2-1, 2-56
     Wetlands  Preservation:  2-1, 2-105
Agricultural Resources:  3-221
Aquatic Ecology:  2-113, 3-151
Aquifers
     Floridan:  2-69, 3-66, 3-83
     Secondary Artesian:  3-83
     Surficial:  2-66, 3-65, 3-144
Connector Wells:  2-66, 3-144,  6-4
Conventional Sand/Clay Disposal:  2-74
Coordination:  7-1
Endangered and Threatened Species:   3-166, 3-186, 3-188, 3-197
Energy:  5-3
Geology:  2-110, 3-13, 4-2
Ground Water
     Quality:  3-72, 3-91, 3-135, 4-2
     Quantity:  3-59, 3-92, 3-135, 4-2
Historical and Archaeological Resources:  5-5, 6-10
Human Resources
     Community Services:  3-227, 3-260
     Land Use:  3-220, 3-241
     Transportation:  3-224, 3-243
                                      9-1

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 Hydrology:   2-110
 Matrix Processing:   2-31,  2-44,  3-9,  3-51,  3-88,  3-133,  3-171,  3-202
 Matrix Transport:  2-31, 2-38, 2-50,  3-9,  3-88,  3-133,  3-170,  3-202,
     6-1
 Meteorology:   3-1, 4-1
 Mining:  2-29, 2-34, 2-37,  3-7,  3-129,  3-166,  3-190,  6-1
 Mitigation Measures:  2-110
 No Action Alternative:  2-118, 3-12,  3-32,  3-58,  3-103,  3-150,  3-179,
     3-215,  3-268
 Noise:  3-1, 3-6, 4-1
 Plant Siting:  2-1,  2-52,  3-25,  3-135,  3-171
 Process Water  Sources
     Ground Water Withdrawal:  2-59,  3-172, 3-202
     Surface Water:  2-60, 3-172, 3-202
 Product Transport:   2-108, 3-11, 3-179, 3-214
 Proposed Action
     Matrix Processing:  2-44, 3-9, 3-51,  3-88,  3-133,  3-171,  3-202
     Matrix Transport:  2-31, 2-38, 2-43,  2-50,  3-9,  3-88, 3-133, 3-170,
          3-202
     Mining:   2-29,  2-34,  2-37,  3-7,  3-23,  3-129, 3-166, 3-190
     Mitigation Measures:  2-110
     Product Transport:  2-108,  3-11, 3-179, 3-214
     Reclamation:  2-32, 2-83, 3-10,  3-31,  3-57,  3-100, 3-102,  3-147,
          3-175, 3-206, 6-2
     Plant Siting:   2-52,  3-171
     Waste Sand and  Clay Disposal:  2-32,  2-71,  3-26, 3-53, 3-97, 3-145,
          3-174
     Water Management:  2-32, 2-56, 3-91,  3-135,  3-202
     Wetlands Preservation:  2-105, 3-96,  3-149,  3-178, 6-8
Radiation:   2-110, 3-33, 4-2, 6-4
Reclamation:  2-83,  2-103, 3-31, 3-100, 3-102, 3-147, 3-175, 3-206, 6-2
Recommended Action:  2-123
                                     9-2

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Rivers, Creeks, and Streams
     Brushy Creek:  3-105, 3-116, 3-120, 3-129, 3-151, 3-181
     Coon's Bay:  3-105, 3-120, 3-121, 3-151, 3-181
     Doe Branch:  3-105, 3-120, 3-121, 3-126, 3-130, 3-133, 3-136,
          3-138, 3-143, 3-146, 3-151, 3-169, 3-181
     Gum Swamp Branch:  3-111, 3-121, 3-122, 3-126, 3-151, 3-181
     Mickey Branch:  3-105, 3-121, 3-122, 3-126, 3-151, 3-181
     Hog Branch:  3-152, 3-151, 3-181
     Horse Creek:  2-5, 3-105, 3-108, 3-111, 3-116, 3-121, 3-122, 3-129,
          3-151, 3-168, 3-181
     Lettis Creek:  3-105, 3-116, 3-120, 3-151, 3-181
     Payne Creek:  3-105, 3-114, 3-120, 3-121, 3-122, 3-127, 3-129,
          3-131, 3-136, 3-151, 3-173, 3-181
     Peace River:  3-105, 3-114, 3-151, 3-181
     Plunder Creek:  3-105, 3-121, 3-130, 3-133, 3-151, 3-169, 3-181
     Shirttail Branch:  3-105, 3-120, 3-126, 3-130, 3-133, 3-136, 3-138,
          3-143, 3-146, 3-151, 3-181
     Troublesome Creek:  3-105, 3-127, 3-129, 3-151, 3-181
Sand/Clay Cap:  2-76, 2-101
Sand/Clay Mixing:  2-72
Socioeconomics:  2-116, 2-217, 4-5
Soils:  3-13, 3-18, 4-2, 5-2
Surface Water
     Quality:  2-111, 3-93, 3-96, 3-111, 3-128, 3-131, 3-133, 3-134,
          3-135, 3-136, 3-140, 3-144, 3-146, 3-147, 3-148, 3-149, 3-150,
          4-3
     Quantity:  3-93, 3-96, 3-105, 3-129, 3-133, 3-135, 3-136, 3-143,
          3-144, 3-145, 3-147, 3-148, 3-149, 3-150, 4-3
Terrestrial Ecology
     Vegetation:  2-111, 3-181, 4-4,  5-2
     Wildlife:  2-113, 3-181, 4-4, 5-3, 6-5, 6-6
Waste Sand and Clay Disposal:  2-71,  3-26, 3-97, 3-145, 3-174
Water Management
     Process Water Sources:   2-58, 3-91, 3-135, 3-172, 3-202
     Discharge:  2-62, 2-121, 3-136,  3-172, 3-203, 6-1
Wetlands:  2-65, 2-83, 2-93,  2-105,  3-96, 3-143, 3-149, 3-173, 3-178,
     3-193, 6-8

                                 9-3

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                  APPENDIX A
DRAFT NPDES PERMIT FOR THE CF INDUSTRIES,  INC.
        HARDEE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROJECT

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                                                   Pennit No:   FL0040177
   I         UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

                                  REGION IV
                             345 COURTLAND STREET
                            ATLANTA. GEORGIA 30365
                    AUTHORIZATION TO DISCHARGE UNDER THE
               NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
In compliance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act,  as  amended
(33 U.S.C. 1251 et. seq; the "Act"),

    C. F. Mining Corporation
    Post Office Box 1549
    Wauchula, Florida  33873

is authorized to discharge from a facility located at

    Hardee Phosphate Complex II
    Section 20, 29, and 30;
    Township 33 South, Range 24 East
    Hardee County, Florida


to receiving waters named

    Outfall 001 - Shirttail Branch
    Outfall 002 - Doe Branch
    Outfall 003 - Payne Creek

in accordance with effluent limitations, monitoring requirements and  other
conditions set forth in Parts I, II, III, and IV hereof.   The permit  consists
of this cover sheet, Part I  11  pages, Part II  15  pages, and Part  III  7
pages, Part IV  2  pages, Table 1  1  page, and Table 2  6  pages.


    This permit shall become effective on

    This permit and the authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight
    Date Signed                              Bruce R. Barrett, Director
                                             Water Management Division

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                                                                                 Page 1-1
                                                                                 Permit No.
                                                                                     FL0040177
                                                     PART I
       A.   EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

            1.   During  the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting through the term
                of this permit,  the permittee is authorized to discharge trom outtall(s) serial number(s) 001,
                process generated and mine dewatering discharges from the mining and beneficiation of phosphate
                rock.

                Such discharges  shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:
 i
•J
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Part I.A. continued, Outfall 001:
                                       Page 1-2
                                       Permit No. FL0040177
EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTIC
                          kg/day
                        Daily Avg
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen(e)  —
Total Sulfate (e)           —
 DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS
(Ibs/day)
   Daily Max
Other Units (Specify)
Daily Avg   Daily Max
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Measurement    Sample
 Frequency     Type
                                            I/Week
                                            I/Week
                                          24-Hr. Composite
                                          24-Hr. Composite
2.  The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units and shall be monitored
    I/Week during discharge with a grab sample.

3.  The Biological Integrity Standard, Chapter 17-3.121(7), Florida Administrative Code, shall not be violated
    by the facility's discharge of wastewater.  Within sixty (60) days after the effective date of the permit,
    the permittee shall submit to EPA a plan of study to establish a program sufficient to demonstrate compliance
    with the Biological Integrity Standard.

    The plan of study shall include sufficient monitoring stations for Shirttail Creek and an appropriate back-
    ground station; a rationale for station selection; and a format for sampling.  Such sampling shall be
    conducted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17-3.121(7) and acceptable biological field
    investigation practices.  The plan of study shall also include a sampling program for pertinent chemical
    parameters, to include artmonia-nitrogen, specific conductance, alkalinity, and temperature at a minimum.

4.  There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.

5.  Samples taken in compliance with the monitoring requirements specified above shall be taken at the
    following location(s):  nearest accessible point after final treatment but prior to actual discharge or
    mixing with the receiving streams.

6.  Any requirements specified in the attached state certification supersede any less stringent requirements
    listed above.  Other conditions of the certification requiring submission of data or documents, not
    identified in Part I of this permit, shall also be conditions of this permit and subject to the reporting
    schedule of Part III A.

    Notes:

a.  Total phosphorus shall be for monitoring and reporting only, except as provided in Part III-B.

                                       (Continued on next page)

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                                             Page 1-3
                                             Permit No. FL0040177
Part I.A.. continued, Outfall 001;
Notes, continued


b.  Monitoring for combined radium 226 and 228 is required only if the value
    for gross alpha particle activity, including radium 226 but excluding
    radon and uranium, is greater than 15 pCi/1.

c.  Monitoring for specific conductance, unionized ammonia, and dissolved
    oxygen shall be discontinued after fifteen (15) months of sampling,
    unless the results of monitoring demonstrate that monitoring for some
    or all of these parameters should be continued and EPA notifies the
    permittee of such in writing.  However, after nine (9) months of sampling,
    the permittee may request that monitoring for some or all of these
    parameters be discontinued.  If the monitoring results to that date
    clearly demonstrate compliance, then monitoring for the corresponding
    parameters(s) may be discontinued upon receipt of written approval from
    EPA.

d.  The maximum concentration of unionized ammonia in the effluent shall not
    exceed the value listed in Table 1 (attached) for the appropriate pH
    and temperature.

    The effluent limitation for unionized ammonia shall be calculated as
    follows:

    Grab samples for pH and temperature shall be taken simultaneously with
    the ammonia sample.  Unionized ammonia shall be calculated in accordance
    with Table 2 (attached).  The calculated concentration of unionized
    ammonia in the effluent shall not exceed the value listed in Table 1
    tor the appropriate pH and temperature.  The measured values for pH,
    temperature, and ammonia; the calculated unionized ammonia concentration
    from Table 1; and, the appropriate effluent limitation from Table 2
    shall all be reported in the monthly discharge monitoring report (DMR).

e.  Monitoring and reporting for total kjeldahl nitrogen and total sulfate
    will be continued for a period of one year.
                                     A-5

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                                                                         Page 1-4
                                                                         Permit No. FL0040177
                                             PART I
A.  EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

    1.  During the period beginning on the ettective date of this permit and lasting through the term
        of this permit, the permittee  is authorized to discharge trom outfall(s) serial number(s) 002,
        process generated and mine dewatering discharges tran the mining and beneficiation ot phosphate
        rock.

        Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTIC
                          ky/day
                        Daily Avg

Flow, M3/day (MGD)
Total non-volatile,
non-tilterable residue      —
Total non-tilterable
     residue                —
Total Phosphorus
  (as P)  (a)
Fluorides                   —
Gross alpha particle
activity including
radium 226, but excluding
radon and uranium           —
Combined radium 226
   ana 228 (b)
Specific Conductance (c)    —

Ammonia (unionized) (c)(d)  —
Dissolved Oxygen (c)        —
 DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS
(Ibs/day)
   Daily Max
Other Units (Specify)
Daily Avg   Daily Max
                12 my/1

                30 ntj/1
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Measurement    Sample
 Frequency      Type
   (During Discharge)
Continuous     Recorder
            2b my/1

            6U my/1


            10 my/I



            15 pCi/1
I/Week

I/Week

I/Week
I/Week



I/Month
                             5 [Ci/1        I/Month
                            1275 micrcmhos  I/Week
                              cm
                                            I/Week
                            5.0 my/1 (min.)  I/Week
24-Hr, Composite

24-Hr, Composite

24-Hr. Composite
24-Hr. Composite



24-Hr. Composite

24-Hr. Composite
24-Hr. Composite

Grab
Grab
                                        (Continued on next paye)

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                                                                         Page 1-5
                                                                         Permit No. FL0040177


Part I.A. continued, Outfall 002:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTIC            DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS                      MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
                          kg/day   (Ibs/day)other Units  (Specify)       Measurement    Sample
                        Daily Avg    Daily Max    Daily Avg    Daily Max        Frequency      Type
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen(e)  -           _           _          -           I/Week         24-Hr. Composite
Total Sulfate (e)                        -           -          -           l/*eek         24-Hr. Coiposzte


2.  The pH shall not be less than  6.0 standard  units nor  greater than 9.0  standard units and shall be monitored
    1/Vveek during discharge with a grab sample.

3   The Biological  Integrity Standard, Chapter  17-3.121(7),  Florida Administrative Code, shall not be violated
    by the facility's discharge of wastewater.   Within  sixty (60) days after the  effective date  of the permit,
    the permittee shall submit to  EPA a plan of  study to  establish a  program sufficient to demonstrate compliance
    with  the Biological Integrity  Standard.

    The plan of study shall include  sufficient monitoring stations for Doe Branch and an appropriate back-
    ground station; a rationale for  station  selection;  and a format  for  sampling.  Such sampling shall be
    conducted in accordance with the provisions of  Chapter 17-3.121(7) and acceptable biological field
    investigation practices.  The  plan of  study shall also include a sampling program for  pertinent chemical
    parameters, to  include annonia-nitrogen, specific conductance, alkalinity,  and temperature at a minimum.

4.  There shall be  no discharge of floating  solids  or visible foam in other than trace amounts.

5.  Samples taken in compliance with the monitoring requirements specified above shall be  taken  at the
    following location(s):  nearest  accessible point after final treatment but prior to actual discharge or
    mixing with the receiving streams.

6.  Any  requirements specified  in  the attached state certification supersede any less stringent  requirements
    listed above.   Other conditions  of  the certification requiring submission of data or documents, not
    identified  in Part  I  of this permit,  shall also be  conditions of this permit and subject to  the reporting
    schedule of Part  III A.
     Notes:
 a.  Total phosphorus shall be for monitoring and reporting only, except as provided in Part III-B.

                                        (Continued on next page)

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                                             Page 1-6
                                             Permit No. FL0040177
Part I.A. continued, Outfall 002;


Notes, continued


b.  Monitoring for combined radium 226 and 228 is required only if the value
    for gross alpha particle activity, including radium 226 but excluding
    radon and uranium, is greater than 15 pCi/1.

c.  Monitoring for specific conductance, unionized ammonia, and dissolved
    oxygen shall be discontinued after fifteen (15) months of sampling,
    unless the results of monitoring demonstrate that monitoring for some
    or all of these parameters should be continued and EPA notifies the
    permittee of such in writing.  However, after nine (9) months of sampling,
    the permittee may request that monitoring for seme or all of these
    parameters be discontinued.  If the monitoring results to that date
    clearly demonstrate compliance, then monitoring for the corresponding
    parameters(s) may be discontinued upon receipt of written approval from
    EPA.

d.  The maximum concentration of unionized ammonia in the effluent shall not
    exceed the value listed in Table 1 (attached) for the appropriate pH
    and temperature.

    The effluent limitation for unionized ammonia shall be calculated as
    follows:

    Grab samples for pH and temperature shall be taken simultaneously with
    the ammonia sample.  Unionized ammonia shall be calculated in accordance
    with Table 2 (attached).  The calculated concentration of unionized
    ammonia in the effluent shall not exceed the value listed in Table 1
    for the appropriate pH and temperature.  The measured values for pH,
    temperature, and ammonia;  the calculated unionized ammonia concentration
    from Table 1;  and, the appropriate effluent limitation from Table 2
    shall all be reported in the monthly discharge monitoring report (EMR).

e.  Monitoring and reporting for total kjeldahl nitrogen and total sulfate
    will be continued for a period of one year.
                                     A-8

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                                                                         Page  1-7
                                                                         Permit  No.  FL0040177
                                             PART  I
A.  EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMtNTS

    1.  During the period beginning on the effective date of  this permit  and  lasting  through the term
        of this permit, the permittee is authorized to  discharge from outtall(s)  serial  number(s)  003,
        process generated and mine dewateriny discharges from the mining  and  beneficiation of phosphate
        rock.

        Such discharges shall be limited and monitored  by the permittee as specified  below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTIC            DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS
  kg/day  (Ibs/day)
Daily Avg    Daily Max
                                                  Other Units  (Specify)
                                                  Daily Avg    Daily Max
Flow, M3/day (MGD)
Ibtal non-volatile,
non-filterable residue
Total non-filterable
     res idue
Total Phosphorus
  (as P)  (a)
Fluorides
Gross alpha particle
activity including
radium 226, but excluding
radon and uranium
Combined radium 226
   and 228 (b)
Specific Conductance (c)

Ammonia (unionized) (c)(d)
Dissolved oxygen (c)
12 ny/1

30 mg/1
                            MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
                            Measurement    Sample
                             Frequency      Type
                               (During Discharge)
                            Continuous     Recorder
2b mg/1

60 my/1


10 my/I



15 pCi/1

 5 pCi/1
1/Vveek

I/Week

1/Vveek
I/Week



I/Month

I/Month
            1275 micrcmhos  I/Week
              cm
                            I/Week
            5.0 ny/1 (min.) 1/Vveek
                                                                    24-Hr. Composite

                                                                    24-hr. Composite

                                                                    24-Hr. Composite
                                                                    24-Hr. Composite



                                                                    24-Hr. Composite

                                                                    24-Hr. Composite
                                                                    24-Hr. Composite

                                                                    Grab
                                                                    Grab
                                        (Continued on next page)

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                                                                                Page 1-8
                                                                                Permit No.  FL0040177
      Part  I.A. continued. Outfall  003:
      EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTIC             DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS                     MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
                                 kg/day   (Ibs/day)Other  Units (Specify)       MeasurementSample
                               Daily Avg     Daily Max    Daily  Avg    Daily Max         Frequency      Tvoe

                                           ~~          ~~~   ~~~~
      Total sulfate  (e)           -           -            __          __            1/Week


      2"  ?AG Pu f1*11 "^ ^ lGSS than 6'° standard  units  nor greater than 9.0 standard units and shall be monitored
          1/Vveek during discharge with a grab sample.                                                           ^teu

      3.  The Biological Integrity Standard, Chapter  17-3.121(7), Florida Administrative Code, shall not be violated
          by the facility s discharge of wastewater.  Within sixty  (60) days after the effective date of the permit
          the permittee shall submit to EPA a plan of study  to establish a program sufficient to demonstrate compliance
>         with the Biological Integrity Standard.
o
          The plan of study shall include sufficient monitoring stations for Payne Creek and an appropriate back-
          ground station; a rationale for station selection; and a  format for sampling.  Such sampling shall be
          conducted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17-3.121(7) and acceptable biological field
          investigation practices.  The plan of study shall  also include a sampling program for pertinent chemical
          parameters, to include antnonia-nitrcgen, specific conductance, alkalinity, and temperature at a minimum.

      4.  There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.

      5.  Samples taken in compliance with the monitoring requirements specified above shall be taken at the
          following location(s):  nearest accessible point after final treatment but prior to actual discharqe or
          mixing with the receiving streams.

      6.  Any requirements specified in the attached state certification supersede any less stringent requirements
          listed above.  Other conditions of the certification requiring submission of data or documents,  not
          identified in Part I of this permit,  shall also be conditions of this permit and subject to the  reporting
          schedule of Part III A.                                                                           t^    v

          Notes:

      a.  Total  phosphorus shall be tor monitoring and reporting  only, except  as provided in Part  Ill-b.

                                             (Continued on next page)

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                                                Page 1-9
                                                Permit No. FL0040177
Part I.A. continued, Outfall 003;
Notes, continued


b.  Monitoring for combined radium 226 and 228 is required only if the value
    for gross alpha particle activity, including radium 226 but excluding
    radon and uranium, is greater than 15 pCi/1.

c.  Monitoring for specific conductance, unionized ammonia, and dissolved
    oxygen shall be discontinued after fifteen (15) months of sampling,
    unles$ the results of monitoring demonstrate that monitoring for some
    or all of these parameters should be continued and EPA notifies the
    permittee of such in writing.  However, after nine (9) months of sampling,
    the permittee may request that monitoring for some or all of these
    parameters be discontinued.  If the monitoring results to that date
    clearly demonstrate compliance, then monitoring for the corresponding
    parameters(s) may be discontinued upon receipt of written approval from
    EPA.

d.  The maximum concentration of unionized ammonia in the effluent shall not
    exceed the value listed in Table 1 (attached) for the appropriate pH
    and temperature.

    The effluent limitation for unionized ammonia shall be calculated as
    follows:

    Grab samples for pH and temperature shall be taken simultaneously with
    the ammonia sample.  Unionized ammonia shall be calculated in accordance
    with Table 2 (attached).  The calculated concentration of unionized
    aninonia in the effluent shall not exceed the value listed in Table 1
    for the appropriate pH and temperature.  The measured values for pH,
    temperature, and ammonia;  the calculated unionized ammonia concentration
    from Table 1;  and, the appropriate effluent limitation from Table 2
    shall all be reported in the monthly discharge monitoring report (CMR).

e.  Monitoring and reporting for total kjeldahl nitrogen and total sulfate
    will be continued for a period of one year.
                                    A-ll

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                                                             Part I
                                                             Page 1-10
                                                             Permit No.  FL0040177


2.   DEFINITIONS

     A.  For Mine Discharges

         (a) The term "mine dewatering"  shall  mean any water that  is impounded  or  that collects
             in the mine and is pumped,  drained, or  otherwise removed from the  mine  through the
             efforts of the mine operator.  However, if a  mine  is also  used for  the treatment of
             process generated wastewater, discharges of commingled water from the  mine shall be
             deemed discharges of process generated wastewater.

         (b) The term "mine" shall mean  an area of  land,  surface or underground,  actively used
             for or resulting from the extraction of a  mineral from natural  deposits.

         (c) The  term  "process  generated wastewater"  shall mean  any  wastewater  used  in  the
             slurry transport of mined material, air emissions control, or processing exclusive
             of mining.  The  term shall also  include  any other  water  which becomes  commingled
             with  such  wastewater in a  pit,  pond, lagoon, mine,  or  other  facility used  for
             settling or treatment of such wastewater.

         (d) The term "total  non-filterable residue (total  suspended solids)" shall  mean  those
             solids which are retained by an approved filter and dried  to  a constant  weight at
             103°  to  105°  C as  described at  page 94  of  the 14th  edition  of  Standard  Methods
             for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.

         (e) The  term  "non-filterable,  non-volatile residue  (fixed solids)" shall  mean  those
             solids which represent  the  difference between the total non-filterable  residue and
             the total volatile residue determined in accordance  with the test methods specified
             at page 95 of  the 14th edition of Standard Methods for  the  Examination of Water and
             Wastewater.

         (f) The term "total phosphorus" shall mean  the total phosphorus in an unfiltered sample
             measured in milligrams per liter using the manual or automated ascorbic  acid method
             following persulfate digestion as referenced at  pages  476,  481,  and 624  of the 14th
             edition of Standard Methods for the Examination  of Water and Wastewater  or measured
             in accordance  with a comparable analytical method approved  by EPA and DER.

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                                                     Part I
                                                     Page 1-11
                                                     Permit No. FL0040177
B.   SCHEDULE OF COMPLIANCE

     1.  The permittee  shall  achieve compliance with  the effluent limitations
         specified for discharges in accordance with the following schedule:

         Operational Level Attained 	 Effective Date of the Permit
         No  later  than 14  calendar  days  following  a  date  identified  in  the
         above  schedule of  compliance,  the  permittee  shall  submit  either  a
         report of progress or/ in the  case of specific actions being required
         by   identified   dates,   a   written   notice   of   compliance   or
         noncompliance.   In the  latter  case,  the  notice  shall  include  the
         cause  of   noncompliance,   any   remedial   actions   taken,   and  the
         probability of meeting the next scheduled requirement.
                                      A-13

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                                                           Part XX
                                                           Page XI-1
                                     PART XX

                      STANDARD CONDITIONS FOR NPDES  PEWITS
SECTION A.  GENERAL OONDITIOHS

1.  Duty to Comply

The  permittee Bust  comply  with  all  conditions  of  this  permit.  Any  permit
noncompliance  constitutes • violation of  the Clean  Water  Act and is  grounds
for  enforcement  action; for permit termination,  revocation  and reissuance,  or
modification; or for denial of a permit renewal application.

2.  Penalties for Violations of Permit Conditions

Any person who violates a permit condition  is  subject to a civil  penalty not
to  exceed $10,000  per day  of such  violation.   Any  person vbo willfully  or
negligently violates  permit conditions is subject to a fine of  not  less  than
§2,500 nor more  than $25/000 per day  of  violation,  or by imprisonment  for not
•ore than 1 year, or both.

3.  Duty to Mitigate

The  permittee shall  take  all reasonable steps  to  minimize  or prevent  any
discharge  in  violation of  this permit which has a  reasonable  likelihood  of
adversely affecting human health or the environment.

4.  Permit Modification

After  notice  and  opportunity  for •  bearing,  this  permit  may be  modified,
terminated  or revoked for  cause  (as described  in  40  OTR  122.62 et  seq)
including, but not limited to, the following:

    a.   Violaticr. of any terms or conditions of this permit)

    b.   Obtainit.3  this  permit by misrepresentation or  failure  to disclose
         fully all relevant facts;

    c.   A   change   in  any   conditions  that   requires  either   temporary
         interruption or elimination of the permitted discharge; or

    d.   Information  newly  acquired  by  the Agency  indicating  the  discharge
         poses a threat to human health or welfare.
                                       A-15

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                                                           Part II
                                                           Page ZI-2


 If  the permittee believes that  any  past  or  planned  activity would be cause for
Modification  or revocation and  reissuance  under 40 CFR  122.62,  the permittee
Bust  report such information to the Permit Issuing Authority.   The submittal
of  a  new  application  may be  required  of the  permittee.   Hie  filing of  a
 request by  the  permittee  for  a  permit modification, revocation and reissuance,
or   termination,   or   a   notification  of  planned  changes   or  anticipated
nonconpliance, does not stay any permit condition.

5.  Itoxic Pollutanta

Notwithstanding  Paragraph  A-4,  above,   if   a  toxic  effluent  standard  or
prohibition  (including  any schedule of  compliance  specified in  such effluent
standard or prohibition)  is established under Section  307(a) of the Act for a
toxic  pollutant which  is  present in  the discharge and  such  standard  or
prohibition is  acre stringent  than any  limitation for such pollutant in this
permit, this  permit shall  be modified or  revoked  and  reissued to  conform to
the toxic effluent standard or prohibition and the permittee so notified.

Hie permittee shall comply  with effluent standards  or  prohibitions established
under Section 307(a)  of  the  Clean Water Act  for toxic  pollutants  within the
time  provided   in  the   regulations  that   establish  those   standards   or
prohibitions, even  if the permit has not yet  been  modified to incorporate the
requirement.

6.  Civil and Criminal Liability

Accept as  provided in  permit conditions on  •Bypassing* Section  B,  Paragraph
B-3, nothing  in this  permit shall  be  construed  to relieve  the  permittee from
civil or criminal penalties for nonconpliance.

7.  Oil and Hatardous Substance Liability

Nothing in  this permit shall be construed to preclude the  institution of any
legal action  or relieve the permittee fron any  responsibilities,  liabilities,
or penalties  to which  the permittee is or  may be subject under Section 311 of
the Act.

8.  State Laws

Nothing in  this permit shall be construed to preclude the  institution of any
legal action  or relieve the permittee from any  responsibilities,  liabilities,
or  penalties  established  pursuant  to any  applicable  State law or  regulation
under authority preserved by Section 510 of the Act.

9.  Property Rights

The issuance  of this permit  does not convey  any property rights  of any tort,
or  any  exclusive  privileges,  nor  does  it authorize  any  injury to  private
property or any invasion  of personal rights,  nor any  infringement of Federal,
State or local laws or regulations.

                                         A-16

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                                                           Part XX
                                                           Page II-3
10. Onshore or Offshore Construction

This  permit  does not authorise  or approve the construction of  any onshore or
offshore physical  structures or facilities or  the undertaking of  any  work in
any waters of the Ohited States.

11. Severability

The  provision* of  this pernit  are severable, and  if  any  provision  of  this
permit,  or   the  application  of  any   provision  of  this  permit   to   any
circumstance,  is held  invalid, the  application  of such  provision to  other
circumstances, and  the remainder of this permit, shall not be affected thereby.

12. Duty to Provide Information

The  permittee  shall  furnish  to  the  Permit  Issuing  Authority,  within  a
reasonable  time,  any  Information which  the Permit   Issuing  Authority  may
request  to   determine  whether  cause  exists  for  modifying,   revoking   and
reissuing, or terminating  this  permit  or to  determine compliance with  this
permit.  The  permittee  shall also  furnish to the Permit Issuing Authority upon
request, copies of  records required to be  kept by this permit.


SECTION B.  OPERATION AWD MAINTENANCE OF POLLUTION ODNTROIfi

1.  Proper Operation and Maintenance

The permittee  shall at all  times  properly operate and maintain all facilities
and  systems  of  treatment and  control  (and  related appurtenances) which are
installed or  used by the  permittee to achieve compliance  with  the conditions
of  this permit.    Proper  operation  and  maintenance  also includes  adequate
laboratory  controls  and  appropriate  quality  assurance  procedures.   This
provision requires  the  operation of back-up or auxiliary facilities or similar
systems  which  are  installed  by  a  permittee only  when  the operation  is
necessary to achieve compliance with the conditions of  the permit.

2.  Meed to Halt or Reduce not a Defense

It  shall  not  be  a defense  for  a  permittee  in an enforcement  action  that it
would have been necessary to halt  or  reduce the permitted activity in order to
maintain compliance with the condition of  this permit.

3.  Bypass of Treatment Facilities

    a.   Definitions

         (1)   "Bypass*  metni tht  intentional  diveriion of waste  streams   from
              •ny portion of a  treatment  facility, which is not a designed or
              established operating mode for the facility.


                                        A-17

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                                                       Part II
                                                       Page 11-4

      (2)   "Severe  property damage"  Beans substantial  physical  damage  to
           property*  damage to  the  treatment  facilities which  causes them
           to  become  inoperable,  or  substantial  and  permanent loss  of
           natural  resources which can  reasonably  be expected  to occur  in
           the  absence  of a bypass.   Severe  property danage does not mean
           economic loss caused  by delays in production.

b.   Bypass not exceeding limitations.

     The  permittee  may  allow  any  bypass to  occur which  does  not  cause
     effluent  limitations  to  be exceeded,  but only  If  it also is  for
     essential maintenance  to assure efficient operation.   These bypasses
     are  not  subject to  the  provisions of  Paragraphs c.  and  d. of this
     section.

c.   Itotice

     (1)   Anticipated bypass.   If the permittee knows  in  advance of  the
           need for a bypass,  it shall submit prior notice,  if  possible  at
           least  ten days before  the  date  of  the bypass;  including  an
           evaluation of the anticipated quality and effect of the bypass.

     (2)   Chanticipated bypass.  The permittee shall  submit notice  of  an
           unanticipated  bypass  as  required  in  Section D,  Paragraph  D-8
           (24-hour notice).

d.   Prohibition of bypass.

     (1)  Bypass is  prohibited  and  the Permit Issuing Authority may take
          enforcement action against a permittee for bypass, unless:

           (a)   Bypass was unavoidable  to  prevent loss  of life, personal
               injury,  or severe property damage;

           (b)   There were  no  feasible alternatives to the  bypass, such  as
               the  use  of  auxiliary  treatment facilities,  retention  of
               untreated  wastes,  or maintenance during normal periods  of
               equipment  downtime.   This  condition  is not  satisfied  if
               adequate back-up equipment should  have  been installed  in
               the exercise of  reasonable engineering judgment  to prevent
               a bypass which occurred during normal  periods of equipment
               downtime or preventive maintenance;  and

           (c)   The permittee submitted  notices  as  required  under Paragraph
               c. of this section.

     (2)  The Permit Issuing  Authority may approve an  anticipated bypass,
          after  considering its  adverse effects,  if  the  Permit  Issuing
          Authority  determines   that it  will  meet the  three  conditions
          listed above in Paragraph d.(l) of  this  section.

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                                                            Part  II
                                                            Page  II-5
 4.   Opsets
     •Cpset" Beans an exceptional  incident  in  which there in unintentional and
     teaporary nonconpliance with  technology based  permit effluent limitations
     because of  factors beyond  the reasonable control  of the  permittee.   An
     upset does not  include noncoopliance to  the extent  caused by operational
     error*   improperly  designed  treatment facilities,   inadequate  treatment
     facilities,   lack   of  preventive   maintenance,  or   careless  or  improper
     operation.    An  upset  constitutes  an  affirmative  defense  to an  action
     brought for  non-compliance with such technology based permit limitation if
     the  requirements of 40 CFR 122. 41 (n) (3) are met.

 5.   Removed Substances

 This permit does  not  authorize discharge of  solids,  sludge,  filter backwash,
 or   other  pollutants   removed  in  the  course  of  treatment  or  control  of
 wastewaters to waters  of the United States unless specifically limited in Part
 1.
SECTPN  C.  MONITORING AND RECORDS

1.  Bepresentative  Sampling

Samples  and measurements  taken  as  required herein shall  be  representative of
the volume  and nature of the monitored discharge.  All  samples  shall be taken
at  the  monitoring  points  specified in  this  permit  and,  unless  otherwise
specified,  before  the effluent  joins  or  is diluted by  any other wastestream,
body of  water, or  substance.   Monitoring points shall  not be changed without
notification to and  the approval of the Permit Issuing Authority.

2.  Plow Measurements

Appropriate  flow  measurement  devices and methods  consistent  with  accepted
scientific  practices shall  be selected and  used to  insure  the  accuracy  and
reliability  of  measurements  of  the  volume of monitored  discharges.   Ibe
devices  shall  be   installed,  calibrated  and maintained  to  insure that  the
accuracy of the measurements  are consistent with  the  accepted  capability of
that type  of  device.   Devices  selected  shall  be capable of measuring flows
with a maximum  deviation  of  less  than  + 10%  from  the  true discharge rates
throughout  the range  of expected  discharge  volumes.   Once-through condenser
cooling  water  flow  which  is monitored by pump logs, or  pump hour meters as
specified In Part I  of  this permit  and based  on  the  manufacturer's pump curves
shall  not  be   subject   to    this   requirement.    Guidance   in  selection,
installation,  calibration  and  operation of acceptable  flow measurement devices
can be obtained from the following references:

    1.    "A Guide of Methods and Standards for the Measurement of Water Flow*,
         U.S.  Department  of  Comae rce,  National  Bureau  of  Standards,  N3S
         Special Publication 421,  May 1975,  97  pp.   (Available from  the O.S.
         Government  Printing  Office,  Washington, D. C.    20402.    Order  by  SO
         catalog No. C13.10i421.)

    2.    "Water  Measurement Manual",   U.S.  Department -of  Interior, Bureau  of
         Reclamation,   Second    Mition,   Revised   Reprint,   1974,  327   pp.
         (Available  from  the  U.S.   Government  Printing  Office,  Washington,
         D.C   20402.    Order  by catalog  No.  127.19/2iW29/2,  stock  No.  S/N
         24003-0027.)
                                  A-19

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                                                           Part  II
                                                           Page  II-6


     (3)   "now   Measurement   in   Open  Channels   and  Closed  Conduits',  U.S.
          Department  of  Commerce, National  Bureau  of  Standards, .IBS Special
          Publication  484,  October 1977,  982  pp.   (Available  in paper copy or
          Microfiche   from  National  Technical   Information  Service   (KTE),
          Springfield, VA  22151.  Order by NT IS Mo.  PB-273 535/SST.)

     (4)   "KPDES   Compliance   Flow  Measurement   Manual",   0. S.  Environmental
          Protection  Agency,  Office of  Water Enforcement,  Publication MCD-77,
          September   1981,  135  pp.    (Available  from  the  General  Services
          Administration  (8BRC),   Centralized  Mailing Lists  Services,  Building
          41, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CD  80225.)

3.  Monitoring Procedures

Monitoring  Bust  be conducted  according to  test  procedures  approved  under  40
CFR Part  136, unless other test procedures have been specified in this permit.

4.  Penalties for Tampering

The Clean Mater  Act provides  that any person who  falsifies, tampers  with,  or
knowingly  renders  inaccurate,  any monitoring device or method  required  to be
maintained  under this  permit shall,  upon conviction, be  punished by a fine of
not more  than f 10,000 per violation, or by  imprisonment  for not more  than 6
months per  violation, or by both.

5.  Retention of Records

The  permittee shall  retain  records  of all monitoring  information,  including
all  calibration  and   maintenance  records  and  all  original  strip  chart
recordings  for  continuous monitoring instrumentation, copies  of all reports
required  by  this permit,  and   records  of  all  data  used  to complete  the
application for  this permit,  for  a period of at least 3 years from the date of
the sample, measurement,  report  or application.   This period may  be extended
by the Permit Issuing Authority at any time.

6.  Record  Contents

Records of monitoring information shall include:

    a.   Die date, exact place, and time of saapling or measurements;

    b.   The individual(s) who performed the sampling or measurements;

    c.   The date(s) analyses were performed;

    d.   The individual(s) who performed the analyses;

    e.   The analytical techniques or methods used; and

    f.   The results of such analyses.
                                     A-20

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                                                           Part II
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7.  Inspection and Ritry

The  permittee  shall allow  the  Permit Issuing  Authority, or  an  authorized
representative,  upon the presentation  of  credentials  and  other documents  as
•ay be required by law, to:

    a.   Biter  upon  the  permittee's premises  where a regulated facility  or
         activity is  located or conducted, or where  records Bust be  kept under
         the conditions of this permit;

    b.   Have access to and copy,  at  reasonable tines, any records  that Bust
         be kept under the conditions of this permit»

    C.   Inspect  at  reasonable  time  any  facilities,  equipment  (including
         monitoring  and control equipment), practices,  or operations  regulated
         or required under this permit} and

    d.   Sample  or  monitor  at reasonable  times,  for the purposes of  assuring
         permit compliance or  as  otherwise authorited  by the  Clean Mater Act,
         any substances or parameters at any location.
SECT K>N D. REPORTING
1.  Change in Discharge

The  permittee shall give  notice to  the Permit  Issuing  Authority as soon  as
possible  of  any  planned  physical  alterations  or  additions  to  the  permitted
facility,  fotice is required only whent

    a.   The  alteration  or addition  to a permitted  facility may meet one  of
         the criteria for determining whether a facility is a new source;  or

    b.   The  alteration  or addition  could  significantly change  the  nature  or
         increase  the  quantity  of  pollutants  discharged.   This notification
         applies   to   pollutants  which  are  subject  neither   to   effluent
         lieitations  in  the  permit,  nor  to notification  requirements  under
         Section D, Paragraph D-lO(a).

2.  Anticipated Non compliance

The permittee shall give advance  notice to  the  Permit Issuing Authority of any
planned  change  in  the permitted facility  or  activity  which may   result  in
noncompliance with  permit  requirements.  Any maintenance of  facilities,  which
Bight  necessitate unavoidable  interruption of  operation  and degradation  of
effluent quality,  shall  be scheduled during noncritical water quality periods
and carried out in a Banner approved by the Permit Issuing Authority.
                                      A-21

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                                                           Part II
                                                           Page II-8


3.  Transfer of Ownership or Control

A permit Bay be automatically transferred to another party if:

    a.   The permittee  notifies  the Pernit  Issuing  Authority  of  the  proposed
         transfer at least 30 days in advance of the proposed transfer  date;

    b.   The notice  includes  a written agreement between the  existing  and new
         permittees  containing   a   specific  date  for  transfer   of   permit
         responsibility, coverage, and liability between them;  and

    c.   The Permit  Issuing Authority does  not notify the  existing permittee
         of bis or her  intent  to  modify  or revoke and reissue  the  permit.   If
         this notice  is not  received,  the  transfer  is  effective on the date
         specified in the agreement mentioned in paragraph b.

4.  Monitoring Reports

See Part III of this permit.

5.  Additional Monitoring by the Permittee

If the permittee monitors  any  pollutant more frequently  than  required  by this
permit,  using  test procedures approved under  40 C7R 136  or  as  specified  in
this  permit,  the  results  of  this  monitoring  shall  be  included   in   the
calculation  and  reporting of  the data submitted in the Discharge  Monitoring
Report (CKR).  Such increased frequency shall also be Indicated.

6.  Averaging of Measurements

Calculations  for limitations  which  require averaging  of  measurements shall
utilise  an  arithmetic mean  unless  otherwise specified  by  the  Permit  Issuing
Authority in the permit.

7.  Compliance Schedules

Reports  of compliance  or  noncompliance  with,  or  any  progress reports  on,
interim  and  final requirements contained in any compliance schedule  of  this
permit shall be  submitted no later than  14  days  following  each schedule date.
Any  reports  of  noncompliance  shall  include the  cause  of  noncompliance,  any
remedial  actions taken,  and  the probability  of meeting  the  next scheduled
requirement.
                                     A-22

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                                                            Part  IX
                                                            Page  XI-9
 8.   T*enty-ft>ur Hour  Reporting
 The permittee shall orally report any  noncompliance  which may endanger health
 or  the environment, within 24 hours from the  time  the permittee becoaes aware
 of  the circumstances.   A written submission  shall also  be  provided within 5
 days of  the  time  the  permittee becoaes  aware  of  the  circumstances.   The
 written submission  shall  contain a description  of the  noncompliance  and its
 cause,  the period  of  noncompliance,  including exact  dates and  times;  and if
 the noncompl iance has not been corrected, the anticipated time it is expected
 to  continue,  and steps taken  or planned  to  reduce,  eliminate,  and  prevent
 reoccurrence  of the noncompliance.  The Permit  Issuing  Authority may verbally
 waive  the written  report,  on a  case-by-case basis, when the oral  report is
 made.

 The following violations  shall  be  included  in the  24  hour  report  when  they
 might endanger health  or the environment:

    a.   AD  unanticipated  bypass which exceeds any effluent  limitation in the
         permit.

    b.   Any upset  which exceeds any effluent limitation In the permit.

 9.  Other Npnconpliance

 The  permittee  shall report in narrative  fora, all  instances of noncompliance
not previously reported  under  Section  D,  Paragraphs D-2,  D-4,  D-7,  and D-8 at
 the  time  monitoring reports  are submitted.   The  reports  shall contain  the
 information listed  in  Paragraph D-8.

10-  Changes in Discharges of toxic Substances

The  permittee shall notify the Permit Issuing  Authority  as soon as it knows or
has  reason to believe:

    a.   That  any activity has  occurred  or will  occur  which  would  result in
         the  discharge,  on  a   routine  or   frequent  basis,  of  any  toxic
         substance (a)  (listed  at  40 CFR 122,  Appendix  D,  Table XX and  XXI)
         which is not  limited in  the permit,  If  that  discharge will exceed the
         highest of the following "notification levels":

         (1)  One hundred micrograns  per liter (100 ug/1)t

         (2)  Two  hundred  micrograms  per  liter  (200 ug/1)  for  acrolein  and
              acrylonitrile; five hundred micrograma  per liter  (500  ug/1)  for
              2,4-dinitrophenol  and  for  2-aethyl-4,6-dinitrophenol;  and  one
              milligram per liter (1  mg/1)  for antimony;  or

         (3)  Five  (5) times the maxinun concentration value  reported for  that
              pollutant (8)  in  the permit application.

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                                                           Part  II
                                                           Page  11-10
     b.   That  any activity baa  occurred  or will  occur which would  result in
         any  discharge,  on  a  non-routine  or  infrequent  basis,  of a  toxic
         pollutant  (listed  at 40 CFR 122, Appendix D.  Table  II  and III)  which
         is  not  limited in  the  perait, if  that discharge  will exceed  the
         highest of  the  following  •notification levels"s

          (1)   Five hundred micrograns per liter  (500 ug/1);

         (2)   Che milligram per liter  (1 mg/1) for antimony; or

         (3)   Ten  (10)  tines  the maximum concentration value reported for that
               pollutant (a)  in the permit application.

11.  Duty to Reapply

If the permittee wishes  to  continue an activity regulated by this permit after
the  expiration date  of  this permit, the permittee Bust apply  for  and obtain  a
new  permit.  The  application  should be submitted  at  least  180 days before the
expiration  date  of  this  permit.   The  Permit  Issuing  Authority may  grant
permission  to  submit an application  less  than  180  days  in  advance but  not
later than the permit expiration date.

Nhere EPA  is   the  Permit Issuing Authority, the terms and conditions of this
permit are automatically  continued  in accordance with  40  CFR 122.6, only  where
the  permittee  has  submitted a timely and sufficient application for  a renewal
permit and  the Permit  Issuing  Authority is  unable  through  no fault of  the
permittee to issue a new permit before the expiration date.

12. Signatory Requirements

All  applications,  reports,  or  information submitted to  the  Permit  Issuing
Authority shall be signed and  certified.

    a.   All permit applications shall be signed as follows:

         (1)   For  a  corporation!    by  a responsible  corporate officer.   For
              the   purpose of  this  Section,  a  responsible corporate officer
              means:  (1) a president,  secretary,  treasurer or  vice  president
              of the corporation in charge  of a  principal  business  function,
              or  any   other   person   who   performs   similar  policy   -   or
              decision-caking   functions  for   the corporation,  or   (2)  the
              manager of one  or more  manufacturing  production or  operating
              facilities  ••ploying  more than  250  persons   or having  gross
              annual sales  or expenditures  exceeding  25  million  (in  second
              quarter I960  dollars), if  authority to  sign documents  has been
              assigned  or  delegated   to  the  manager  in   accordance   with
              corporate procedures.

         (2)   For  a  partnership  or sole proprietorship:  by a general partner
              or the proprietor,  respectively»  or

         (3)   For  a  municipality,  State,  Federal,  or other public  agency:   by
             tithtr • principal  executive officer  or  ranking tltcttd  official.

    b.   All reports required by the permit and other  information  requested by
         the Permit  Issuing Authority  shall  be signed by  a  person  described
         above  or  by  a  duly authorised  representative of  that  person.   A
         person is a duly authorised representative only if:

                                          A-24

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                                                           Part II
                                                           Page 11-11

          (1)   fl»e  authorization  is Bade in writing by a per»on described above;

          (2)   The  authorisation specifies cither  an individual  or  a position
               having  responsibility  for the  overall  operation of  the regulated
               facility  or  activity,  such as  the position  of plant manager,
               operator  of a well or a well  field, superintendent,  position of
               equivalent  responsibility,  or an  individual or  position having
               overall   responsibility  for  environmental  Batters   for   the
               company.   (A duly authorized representative Bay thus  be cither a
               named individual  or  any  individual occupying a named  position.);
               and

          (3)   The  written  authorization  is submitted  to  the Permit  Issuing
               Authority.

    c.    Certification.   Any  person  signing  a  document  under paragraphs (a) or
          (b) of  this section  shall Bake the following certification:

               •I certify  under penalty  of  law  that  this  document and  all
               attachments  verc  prepared under  the direction  or supervision in
               accordance  with  a  system  designed  to  assure  that  qualified
               personnel   properly   gather   and   evaluate   the   information
               submitted.   Based on  By inquiry of the person  or persons  who
               Banage  the  system,  or  those  persons  directly responsible  for
               gathering the information,  the  information  submitted  is*  to the
               best of  my  knowledge and belief,  true, accurate,  and complete.
               I  am aware  that  there are  significant penalties for  submitting
               false  information,   including  the  possibility   of   fine   and
               imprisonment for  knowing violations."

13. Availability of Reports

fccept for  data  determined to be confidential  under  40 CFR Part 2,  all reports
prepared  in accordance with  the tens of this permit  shall be  available  for
public inspection  at the  offices of the Permit Issuing Authority.  Aa required
by  the  Act,   permit  applications,  permits  and  effluent data  shall  not  be
considered  confidential.

14. Penalties  for  Falsification of Reports

The  Clean  Hater Act  provides  that  any person who  knowingly Bakes  any false
statement,  representation, or  certification in  any  record  or other document
submitted or required  to  be maintained under this permit, including monitoring
reports  or  reports of  compliance  or noncompliance shall, upon conviction, be
punished  by a  fine of not more than 110,000 per  violation,  or by imprisonment
for not acre than  6 months per violation,  or by both.


SECTION E.  DEFINITIONS

1.  Permit  Issuing Authority

The  Regional  Administrator of  EPA Region XV  or  his designee, unless  at  some
time  in  the  future  the  State receives  authority  to  administer   the  HIDES
program and assumes  jurisdiction over the permit; at which  time, the Director
of the State program receiving authorization becomes the issuing authority.
                                          A-25

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                                                          Part  II
                                                          Page  11-12
2.  Act
•Act" ceans  the Clean Hater  Act  (formerly referred  to as  the  Federal Hater
Pollution Control Act)  Public Law  92-500, as amended  by Public Law 95-217 and
Public Law 95-576,  33 D.5.C.  1251 et  seq.

3.   Mas s /Cay  Measurements

    a.    ttie  "average Monthly discharge"  is  defined as  the  total suss of all
         daily discharges saapled  and/or  »easured  during a  calendar  month on
         which  daily discharges  are  sampled  and  Measured,  divided  by  the
         nuBber   of  daily discharges  saapled  and/or   Measured  during  such
         Month.   It  is  therefore, an  arithmetic  Mean found  by adding  the
         weights of  the  pollutant  found each  day  of  the  Month   and  then
         dividing this  sun by the nunber  of days the tests were reported.  The
         limitation is  identified  as  "Daily  Average" or  "Monthly  Average" in
         Part I of  the   permit  and the  average Monthly  discharge  value is
         reported in the  " Average"  colusn under "Quantity" on  the  Discharge
         Monitoring Report (EUR) .

    b.    The  "average weekly  discharge"  is defined as  the  total  Mass  of all
         daily discharges  sampled and/or  Measured during the calendar week on
         which  daily discharges  are  sampled  and  Measured,  divided  by  the
         nuMber  of  daily discharges sampled and/or  Measured  during such week.
         It  is,  therefore, an  arithmetic  mean  found by adding the weights of
         pollutants found  each day of  the week  and  then dividing  this  BUB by
         the  number  of days  the  tests   were  reported.   H»is limitation  is
         identified  as  "Weekly  Average"  in  Part  I of  the  permit  and  the
         average weekly discharge  value   is  reported in the ^taximum" column
         under "Quantity"  on the  EKR.

    c.    Ihe   "maxiMun  daily  discharge"  is  the total Mass  (weight)  of  a
         pollutant  discharged during a calendar day.   If  only one sample is
         taken during any  calendar day the weight of pollutant calculated from
         it  is the  "Maximum daily discharge".   This limitation  is identified
         as  "Daily Maximum",  in  Part  I  of  the permit  and   the  highest  such
         value  recorded   during  the   reporting  period  is   reported   in  the
                 "  column  under "Quantity" on the EMR.
   d.   The  "average annual discharge"  is  defined as  the  total Mass  of all
        daily  discharges sampled and/or Measured during  the  calendar year on
        which  daily  discharges  are  sampled  and  Measured,  divided by  the
        nunber  of daily discharges sampled and/or  measured during  such year.
        It  is,  therefore,  an arithmetic mean  found by adding  the  weights of
        pollutants  found each day of  the  year and then  dividing this  SUB by
        the  number  of  days  the  tests were  reported.  Ibis   limitation  is
        defined  as  "Annual Average" in  Part  I of  the  permit and  the average
        annual  discharge  value  is  reported  in  the  "Average" column  under
        "Quantity" on  the  »R,   Tht  CKR for this report shall tt submitted in
        January  for  the  previous reporting calendar year.
                                         A-26

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                                                          Part  II
                                                          Page  11-13
4.   Concentration Measurements

    a.    The "average  monthly concentration", other  than for  fecal col i form
         bacteria, is  the  SUB of  the  concentrations of  all  daily discharges
         •ajnpled  and/or  Measured  during  a  calendar  month   on  which  daily
         discharges are sampled  and  measured, divided by  the  number  of daily
         discharges sampled and/or measured during such month  (arithmetic mean
         of the daily concentration values).  The dally concentration value is
         equal  to  the  concentration of a  composite  sample or  in  the case of
         grab samples is the  arithmetic mean  (weighted by flow value)  of all
         the samples collected during  that calendar  day.   The average monthly
         count  for fecal  col if or » bacteria Is  the geometric mean of the counts
         for samples collected during a  calendar month.  This limitation is
         identified  as  "Monthly  Average"  or  "Daily  Average" under  "Other
         limits" in Part I of the permit and  the average monthly concentration
         value  is  reported  under the "Average" column  under  "Quality"  on the
    b.    She  "average  weekly  concentration %  other  than  for  fecal  ooliform
         bacteria,  is  the  sum of  the  concentrations of all  daily discharges
         sampled and/or  measured  during  a   calendar  week  on  which  daily
         discharges  are sampled  and measured  divided by the number  of daily
         discharges  sampled and/or  measured  during such week (arithmetic mean
         of  the daily concentration values).   The daily concentration value is
         equal to the  concentration of a  composite sample or  in  the case of
         grab  samples is the  arithmetic mean  (weighted by  flow value)  of all
         the samples collected during  that calendar  day.   The  average weekly
         count for  fecal  coll form bacteria  is the geometric mean of the counts
         for  samples  collected during  a   calendar week.   Tbis  limitation is
         identified  as  "Weekly Average" under  "Other  Units'  in Part  I of the
         permit and  the  average weekly concentration value is  reported under
         the "Maximum"  column  under "Quality" on  the  D1R.

    c.    The Maximum daily concentration"  is the concentration of a pollutant
         discharge  during a calendar day.   It is identified as  "Daily Maximum"
         under "Other  Limits" in  Part  I  of the permit and  the highest such
         value recorded  during the reporting  period  is  reported under  the
         •Maximum" column under "Quality" on  the  OMR.

    d.    The  "average  annual   concentration ",  other  than  for  fecal  col i form
         bacteria,  is  the  sum of  the  concentrations of all  daily discharges
         sampled and/or  measured  during  a   calendar  year  en  which  daily
         discharges  are sampled  and measured  divided by the number  of daily
         discharges  sampled and/or Measured during  such year (arithmetic mean
         of  the daily concentration values).   The daily concentration value is
         equal to the  concentration of a  composite  sample  or in  the  case of
         grab  samples  is the  arithmetic mean  (weighted  by  flow value)  of all
         the samples collected during  that calendar day.   The  average yearly
         count for  fecal ooliform bacteria  is the geometric mean of the counts


                                         A-27

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                                                           Part II
                                                           Page 11-14


 for  samples collected during  a  calendar  year.   This limitation  is Identified
 as  'Annual  Average"  under  "Other  Limits"  in  Part  I  of the permit  and  the
 average  annual  concentration  value  is  reported  under  the  'Average* column
 under  "Quality" on the  EMR.  ttie  EKR for  this  report shall  be submitted in
 January  for  the  previous reporting year.

 5.   Other Measurements

     a.   the effluent flow  expressed  as  M3/day  (MGD)  is the  24 hour average
         flow  averaged monthly.   It  is the arithmetic mean  of the total daily
         flows  recorded  during   the   calendar   month.   Where  monitoring
         requirements for  flow are specified in Part I of the permit  the flow
         rate  values  are  reported in the  "Average" column under  'Quantity" on
         the CMR.

    b.   An  'instantaneous flow measurement* is a measure of flow taken at the
         time   of   sampling,  when   both   the   sample  and   flow   will   be
         representative of the total discharge.

    c.   Where  monitoring  requirements  for pH,  dissolved  oxygen  or  fecal
         coliform bacteria  are specified in Part  I of the  permit,  the values
         are generally  reported  in  the "Quality or  Concentration* column  on
         the EKR.

6.  "types of Samples

    a.   Composite Sample:   A  'composite  sample*  is a combination of  not less
         than  8  influent  or  effluent portions,  of  at least 100  ml, collected
         over  the  full  time  period  specified  in  Part I.A.    7&e composite
         sample must be flow proportioned  by either  time  interval between each
         aliquot or by  volume as it  relates to effluent flow at the  time  of
         sampling or  total  flow since collection  of  the  previous  aliquot.
         Aliguots may be collected manually or automatically.

    b.    Grab  Sample:  A  "grab  sample*  is a single  influent or  effluent
         portion which  is  not a composite sample.   The sample(s)  shall  be
         collected at  the period (s)  most representative  of the total discharge.

7.  Calculation of Means

    a.    Arithmetic Mean:   The arithmetic  mean of  any set of values  is  the
         summation  of  the  Individual  values   divided  by  the  number   of
         individual values.

    b.    Geometric Mean:   The  geometric mean of any  set of values is  the  Xth
         root of the product of the individual values where  M is  equal  to  the
         number of individual values.   The geometric mean is equivalent to  the
         antilog of the  arithmetic  s*an  of the logarithms  of the  individual
         values.  For purposes of calculating  the geometric  mean, values  of
         tero  (0) shall  be considered  to be one  (1).


                                             A-28

-------
                                                           Part II
                                                           Page 11-15


    c.   Weighted by  Flow Value:  Weighted by  flow value Beans  the summation
         of  each  concentration  tines  its  respective  flow  divided  by  the
         •summation of the respective flows.

8.  Calendar Day

A  calendar day is  defined as the  period fron Midnight  of one day  until
•idnight  of  the  next  day.   Bow ever,  for  purposes  of  this  permit,  any
consecutive 24-hour period  that reasonably represents the calendar  day may be
used for sampling.

9.  Batardous Substance

A  hacardous  substance  means any  substance  designated under  40 CFR  Part  116
pursuant to Section 311 of the Clean Water Act.

10. toxic Pollutant

A toxic  pollutant  is  any pollutant listed as  toxic under  Section 307(a)(1) of
the Clean Water Act.

-------
                                                 PART III
                                                 Page III-1
                                                 Permit Mo. FL0040177
                                    PART III
OTHER REQUIREMENTS

A.   Reporting of Monitoring Results

     Monitoring  results obtained  each  calendar month  must be  summarized for
     that month  and reported on  a Discharge Monitoring  Report Form  (EPA No.
     3320-1), postmarked no later  than  the 28th day of the month following the
     completed  calender  month.    (For  example,  data  for  January  shall  be
     submitted by February  28.)   Duplicate  signed copies  of  these,  and all
     other  reports  required  by Section D of Part  II,  Reporting Requirements,
     shall  be submitted  to  the  Permit   Issuing  Authority at the  following
     addresses:

     Environmental Protection Agency  Florida Dept.  of Environmental Regulation
     Region IV                        Southwest District
     Facilities Performance Branch    4520 Live Oak Fair Boulevard
     Water Management Division        Tampa, Florida 33610-7347
     345 Courtland Street, N.E.
     Atlanta, Georgia 30365


B.   if monitoring  data show  total  phosphorus levels exceed  3 mg/1  monthly
     average  for  more  than   one  30-day  period  per   calendar   year,   the
     discharger,  upon written notification by EPA or  the  Florida Department of
     Environmental Regulation  (DER),  shall  prepare and  file  within 120  days
     (unless the time is extended  by  the  requesting agency) a study consisting
     of the following:    (1)  a chronology of  at  least  one year's  discharge
     data;   (2)   an  assessment  of  the  cause  and  origin  of  the  phosphorus
     constituent  of  the  discharge;   (3)  a  description   of the  discharger's
     current 'maintenance, operation and management practices  directly related
     to the control of phosphorus;   (4)  an evaluation  of the  environmental
     significance of the phosphorus levels;  and  (5)  an identity of reasonable
     methods  to  abate,  to  the extent  practicable, the  influx of  phosphorus
     into the discharge.  Upon receipt  of  the report  the  requesting agency may
     require  the applicant  to  publish  a public  notice  in   a  newspaper  of
     general circulation in the the affected area which states  that the report
     was  received and  where  it  is  available for  public inspection.   The
     requesting   agency  shall  evaluate   the  report   and  may   amend   the
     discharger's permit  (pursuant  to 40 CFR  122.62  or  122.63)   to  reflect
     additional requirements  (subject to   administrative  and judicial review),
     including the  implementation  of cost-effective  management practices  or
     technological advances  v/hich  reduce  or eliminate the phosphorus  in the
     discharge to the maximum extent practicable.
                                           A-31

-------
                                                         Part III
                                                         Page II1-2
                                                         Permit No. FL0040177
C.  National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Requirements

    The site specific Environmental Impact Statement for the CF Industries,
    Inc. Hardee Phosphate Complex II lists specific mining and management
    alternatives.  The EPA selected preferred alternatives to minimize the
    impact on the environment.  As a condition for the NPDES permit
    application, CF shall comply with the preferred alternatives listed in
    the EIS and the EIS shall become a technical reference for the issued
    NPDES permit.

    The below listed requirements, conditions and limitations were reccrmended
    in the CF Industries, Inc. Hardee Phosphate Complex II Environmental
    Impact Statement, and are hereby incorporated into National Pollutant
    Discharge Elimination System Permit No. FL0040177 in accordance with 40
    CFR 122.44 (d)(9).

    1.  CF shall pile overburden such that the volume available for below-
        ground waste disposal is maximized.

    2.  CF shall use "toe spoiling" to reduce the radioactivity of reclaimed
        surface soils.

    3.  CF shall restrict mining along the preserved portion of Horse Creek
        to only one side of the stream channel at a given time.

    4.  CF shall protect upstream wetland areas and use as a seed source
        to recolonize the disturbed downstream unit after mining ot a stream
        segment is complete and restoration begins.

    5.  CF shall use the best available scientific information to reestablish
        the desired surficial zone in restoration areas and habitat-specific
        topsoil and root mass to the extent feasible.

    6.  CF shall design a productive littoral zone in newly created lake
        systems to enhance habitat values and water quality.

    7.  CF shall implement a program prior to conmencement of mining and
        approved by both the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
        and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to reduce impact on the
        eastern indigo snake, a threatened species which occurs on the
        site.  A copy of the approved program shall be sent to EPA.

    8.  CF shall control fugitive emissions by reducing premine land
        clearing during the dry season and by utilization of approved
        dust control techniques on internal access roadways.

    9.  CF shall develop and implement a program, acceptable to the SHPO,
        to minimize loss of cultural/historical artifacts and sites.

   10.  CF shall assure the quality of the surficial aquifer in the
        vicinity of the sand-clay mix disposal areas and CF shall
        monitor both the surface and ground water quality to assess
                                      A-32

-------
                                                     Part III
                                                     Page III-3
                                                     Permit No. FL0040177
    the impacts of mining and reclamation by compliance with specific
    permit conditions of the Florida Department of Natural Resources
    (FDNR) (reclamation plan approval), Florida Department of Environ-
    mental Regulation (FDER) (groundwater rules compliance) and SWFWMD
    
-------
                          CENTRAL FLORIDA LAND PEBBLE
                          PHOSPHATE DISTRICT

                                                 EXISTING NORTH MINE
                                                | HAROEE PHOSPHATE COMPLEX I
                                                * ;fM»M» "•-•
                                    HARDEE PHOSPHATE,"
                                     ;rCOMPLEX I '

Figure  1.1.1-1
GENERAL LOCATION OF CENTRAL FLORIDA .PHOSPHATE
DISTRICT AND THE CF INDUSTRIES EXISTING MINE
AND PLANNED AAINE  EXPANSION
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
    Draft Environmental Impact Statement
          CF INDUSTRIES
   Hardee  Phosphate Complex II

-------

                       GUM SWAMP

                        BRANCH
                                                          '
                 v,   .  . . .,. .   ^y,
                 V	1- J txf ^
                 'X? -£ W
              V
                  X
                -'
                     o.
  /Cv,

• \^)
C> W •
                       Q
                       -
r
t>

             :•  J
                 I
                                 \   • o O  r/  CA %
                              * \   V^Vv
                                                                     /
                                 %o
                              SHIRTTAIL .»    ._ P
                          \   o  °  ^  ^	-,
                          \    ; BRANCH/»i-
                                                                              BRANCH
                                                 r}
      i?.       '   J /^
      m-k^
t ^1*)'. o -    -.V
.   0^'fO.yiMOv
           •;  *  V  • \ -JROUBLESOME
   •  ^ CREEK  V   ' A  J  V\
  •     * /*J    \ •' ( m/ ^"EEK
         ,/x.   v^^o
          ''^ 
                    s
          HET:

           WETLAND CATEGORIES:

          HUH CATEOOBY I - PROTECTED

          I  I CATEOOdY II - MINE t HESTORE WETLANDS

          •I CATEGORY III - MINE WITH NO RESTORATION
                   TO WETLANDS
                    r-^^, 25-YEAR FLOOOPLAIN OF
                    N\N MAINSTEM STREAM

                    	-. HYDROLOGIC CONNECTION

                    __- DRAINAGE BASIN BOUNDARY
WETLANDS DELINEATION MAP - WESTERN PORTION
SOURCE: ESf. 1WJ. DAHC • MOOAE. 't7T
                                                                     U.S. Emmonmentil ProtKtion Ajencr. Rejion IV
                                                                       Drift Emironmentil Imp«c1 Statement
                                                                           CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                       Hardee Phosphate Complex

-------
;
                                                                                                                                                           BRANCH
                                                                                                                            /TROUBLESOME CREEK Nx
                                                                                                                                                      S
                       WETLAND '•ATEQORIES:
                      BTO1  CATI-MBVI- PROTECTED
                      I   I  CATtoonrn- MINE 1 RESTOBE WETLANDS
                      HI  CATEOonv in - MINE WITH NO RESTORATION
                                     TO WETLANDS
   JS-YEAR FLOOOPLAIN OF
   MAINSTEM STREAM

   HVDROLOGIC CONNECTION

— DRAINAGE BASIN BOUNDARY
       WETLANDS DELINEATION MAP - EASTERN PORTION
                                                                                                                                       US. En»iroonwntnl Ptoteclion Agencv. R»gian IV
                                                                                                                                            Or»*t En»ironm^ntBl Imptcl Stltemtnt
                                                                                                                                                  CF INDUSTRIES
                                                                                                                                           Hardee Phosphate Complex II

-------
                                                  Page III-7
                                                  Permit No. FL0040177
                                                                     ALTEJIKATT:
                                                                   NFDES OUTFALL
                                                                       WEIR

                                                                       003
                      PLANT SITE
                   ;
        NPDES
     OUTFALL WEIR
         001
                                          OUTFALL
                                          CONTROL
                                         STRUCTURE
                        INITIAL
                       SETTLING
                         AREA
                      COMPARTMENT
      ,f NPDES
 — - -
-------
                                                        Bart IV
                                                        Page iv-l
                                                        Permit No. FL0040177
                                     PART IV

                      BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES CONDITIONS
SECTION A. GENERAL CONDITIONS

1.  BMP Plan

    For purposes of  this part,  the terms "pollutant" or  "pollutants"  refer  to
    any substance  listed as toxic under Section  307(a)(l)  of the  Clean  Water
    Act,  oil,  as defined  in Section 311(a)(l) of  the  Act, and any  substance
    listed as  hazardous under  Section  311 of  the Act.   The permittee  shall
    develop  and  implement  a  Best  Management  Practices  (BMP)   plan  which
    prevents, or minimizes the potential for,  the release of pollutants from
    ancillary activities,  including material storage  areas; plant  site runoff;
    in-plant  transfer,  process  and  material  handling  areas;  loading and
    unloading operations,  and sludge and waste  disposal areas,  to the waters
    of the United States through  plant  site runoff;  spillage or leaks; sludge
    or waste disposal; or drainage from raw material storage.

2.  Implementation

    The plan shall be developed within six months  after  the  effective date  of
    this permit and shall  be implemented  as soon as  practicable but  not  later
    than 18 months after the effective date of  this  permit condition unless a
    later date is specified by the Director.

3.  General Requirements

    The BMP plan shall:

    a.   Be documented in  narrative form, and  shall include any  necessary plot
         plans, drawings or maps.

    b.   Establish specific objectives for the control of pollutants.

         (1)  Each facility component  or  system shall  be  examined   for  its
              potential  for  causing  a  release  of  significant   amounts  of
              pollutants  to  waters  of  the  United  States due  to  equipment
              failure, improper operation,  natural phenomena such as  rain  or
              snowfall, etc.

         (2)  Where experience  indicates  a reasonable potential for  equipment
              failure  (e.g.,  a tank  overflow or leakage),  natural  condition
              (e.g.,   precipitation),  or  other  circumstances  to  result  in
              significant  amounts  of pollutants  reaching surface  waters,  the
              plan should  include a prediction of the direction, rate of  flow,
              and total  quantity  of  pollutants which could be discharged from
              the facility as a result of each condition or circumstance.
                                      A-39

-------
                                                        art IV
                                                        Page IV-2
                                                        Permit No.  FL0040177


    c.   Establish specific  best management practices  to meet  the objectives
         identified  under   paragraph   b   of   this  section,   addressing  each
         component  or system capable  of  causing  a   release  of  significant
         amounts  of  pollutants  to  the   waters   of  the  United  States,  and
         identifying  specific   preventative  or   remedial   measures   to   be
         implemented.

    d.   Include any special conditions established in Section B of this part.

    e.   Be reviewed by plant engineering staff and the plant manager.

4.  Documentation

    The permittee  shall  maintain the BMP plan at the  facility  and shall make
    the plan available to the permit issuing authority upon request.

5.  BMP Plan Modification

    The permittee  shall  amend the  BMP  plan whenever there is a  change in the
    facility  or change  in  the  operation of  the  facility  which materially
    increases  the  potential for  the  ancillary  activities  to  result in  a
    discharge of significant amounts of pollutants.

6.  Modification for Ineffectiveness

    If  the  BMP  plan proves  to  be   ineffective  in  achieving  the  general
    objective of  preventing  the  release  of significant amounts  of pollutants
    to  surface waters  and  the  specific  objectives  and requirements under
    paragraphs  b  and  c  of  Section  3,  the  permit  shall  be  subject  to
    modification pursuant  to 40  CFR 122.62 or  122.63 to  incorporate  revised
    BMP requirements.  Any such  permit  modification shall be subject to review
    in accordance with the procedures for evidentiary hearings set forth in 40
    CFR Part 124.

SECTION B.  SPECIAL CONDITIONS

    NONE.

-------
                                                             TABLE 1
                                                    UNIONIZED AMMONIA (ing/1 NH3j


 PH             0 C              5 C             10 C             15 C             20 C             25 C             30 C

6.50          0.0007           0.0009           0.0013           0.0019           0.0026           0.0026           0 0026
6.75          0.0012           0.0017           0.0023           0.0033           0.0047           0,0047           0.0047
7.00          0.0021           0.0029           0.0042           0.0059           0.0083           0.0083           0 0083
I'll          °-°037           °-°°52           °-0074           °-0105           °-0148           0.0148           0.0148
7-50          0.0066           0.0093           0.0132           0.0186           0.02             0 02             0 02
7-75          0-0109           0.0153           0.02             0.02             0.02             O.'o2             0*02
8-°0          0.0126           0.0177           0.02             0.02             0.02             0 02             0 02
8-25          0.0126           0.0177           0.02             0.02             0.02             0.02             o'o2
8.50          0.0126           0.0177           0.02             0.02             0.02             0 02             o'o2
8>75          0.0126           0.0177           0.02             0.02             0.02             0 02             o'o2
9.00          0.0126           0.0177           0.02             0.02             0.02             0 02             o'o2

-------
                                          Table 2

                     Percent  Un-1on S     5.0
6.0
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
7.0
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7J
7.8
7.9
8.0
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8
8.9
9.0
9.T
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
5.7
9.8
9.9
.0.0
.00827
.0104
.0131
.0165
.0208
.0261
.0329
.0414
.0521
.0656
.0826
.104
.131
.165
.207
.261
.328
.413
.519
.652
.820
1.03
1.29
1.62
2.0J
2.55
3.19
3.98
4.96
6.16
7.64
5.43
n.e
14.2
17.:
20.7
-a g
29!3
34. J
39. f
45.3
.00862
.0109
.0137
.0172
.0217
.0273
.0343
.0432
.0544
.0685
.0862
.108
.136
.172
.216
.272
.342
.430
.541
.680
.855
1.07
1.35
1.69
2.12
2.65
3.32
4.14
5.16
6.41
7.94
9.79
12.0
14.7
17.8
21.4
25.6
30.2
35.2
40.7
46.3
.00899
.0113
.0143
.0179
.0226
.0284
.0358
.0451
.0567
.0714
.0893
.113
.142
.179
.225
.284
.357
.449
.564
.709
.891
1.12
1.41
1.76
2.21
2.77
3.46
4.31
5.37
6.67
8.25
IS. 2
12.5
15.2
18.4
22.1
26.4
31.1
36.2
41.7
47.3
.00937
.0118
.0149
.0187
.0235
.0296
.0373
.0470
.0591
.0744
.0937
.118

'.187
.235
.296
.372
.468
.588
.739
.929
1.17
1.46
1.84
2,30
2.88
3.60
4.49
5.59
6.93
8.57
10.6
12.9
15.8
19.1
22.9
27.2
32. C
37. Z
42.7
48.4
.00977
.0123
.0155
.0195
.0245
.0309
.0389
.0490
.0616
.0776
.0977
.123
.155
.195
.245
,308
.388
.488
.613
.770
.968
1.22
1.53
1.91
2.40
3.00
3.75
4.67
5.81
7.20
8.90
n.o
13.4
16.3
19.7
23.5
28.3
32.9
38.1
43.7
49.4
.0102
.0128
.0161
.0203
.0256
.0322
.0405
.0510
.0642
.0808
.102
.128
.161
.203
.255
.321
.404
.508
.639
.803
1.01
1.27
1.59
1.99
2.49
3.12
3.90
e!c4
7.49
9.24
11.4
13.9
16.9
20.4
24.4
28.9
33.8
39.1
44.7
50.5
.0106
.0134
.0168
.0212
.0267
.0336
.0422
.0532
.0669
.0843
.106
.133
.168
.211
.266
.335
.421
.529
.665
.836
1.05
1.32
1.65
2.07
2.60
3.25
4.06
5.05
6.28
7.78
9.60
11.8
14.4
17.5
21.1
25.1
29.7
34.7
40.1
45.8
51.5
.0111
.0139
.0175
.0221
.0278
.0350
.0440
.0554
.0697
.0878
.110
.139
.175
.220
.277
.349
.438
.551
.693
.871
1.09
1.37
1.72
2.16
2.70
3.38
4.22
5.25
6.52
e.oa
9.96
12.2
14.9
18.1
21.7
25.9
30.6
35.7
41.1
46.3
52.5
.0115
.0145
.0183
.0230
.0289
.0364
.0459
.0577
.0727
.0915
.115
.145
.182
.229
.289
.363
.457
.574
.722
.907
1.14
1.43
1.79
2.25
2.81
3.52
4.39
5.46
6.78
8.39
10.3
12.7
15.4
18.7
22.4
26.7
31.4
36.6
42.1
47.8
53.5
.0120
.0151
.0190
.0239
.0301
.0379
.0478
.0601
.0757
.0953
.120
.151
.190
.239
.301
.378
.476
.598
.752
.944
1.19
1.49
1.87
2.34
2.93
3.66
4.56
5.67
7.04
8.70
10.7
13.1
16.0
19.3
23.2
27.5
32.3
37.6
43.1
48.6
54.6
.0125
.0157
.0198
.0249
.0314
.0395
.0497
.0626
.0788
.0992
.125
.157
.198
.249
.313
.394
.495
.623
.783
OP3
1.23
1.55
1.94
2.43
3.04
3.80
4.74
5.90
7.31
9.03
11.1
13.6
16.5
20.0
23.9
28.3
33.2
38.5
44.1
49.3
55.6
                                                                                 (continued)
                                                         A-

-------
(Table  2, confinued)


                                                4
              Percent Un-1on1red NH3 1n Aqueous  Amonia Solutions
                                Temp«rature,  *C

pH         5.5     6.0     6.5     7.0     7.5     8.0     8.5     9.0     9.5    10.0
6.0
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
7.0
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
8.0
a.i
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8
8.9
w« *
9.0
9.1
f • •
9 2
» • fc
9.3
9 4
y • ^
9.5
9.6
9 7
7. '
9.8
9!9
1C.O
.0130
.0164
.0206
.0260
.0327
.0412
.0518
.0652
.0821
.103
.130
.164
.206
.259
.326
.410
.516
.648
.815
1.02
1.29
1.61
2.02
2.53
3.17
3.95
4.93
6.13
7.59
9.37
11.5
14.1
17.1
20.6
24.6
29.2
34.1
39.5
-5.1
50.8
" £
.0136
.0171
.0215
.0270
.0340
.0429
.0539
.0679
.0855
.108
.135
.170
.214
.270
.339
.427
.537
.675
.84*
1.07
1.34
1.68
2.10
2.63
3.29
4.11
5.12
6.36
7.88
9.72
11.9
14.6
17.7
21.3
25.4
30.0
35.1
40,5
46.1
51.9
57.6
.0141
.0178
.0224
.0282
.0354
.0446
.0562
.0707
.0890
.112
.141
.177
.223
.281
.353
.444
.559
.702
.883
1.11
1.39
1.75
2.19
2.74
3.42
4.27
5.32
6.61
8.18
10.1
12.4
15.1
18.3
22.0
26.2
30.9
36.0
41.4
47.1
52.9
58.5
.0147
.0185
.0233
.0293
.0369
.0464
.0585
.0736
.0926
.117
.147
.185-
.232
.292
.368
.462
.582
.731
.919
1.15
MS
1.82
2.28
2.85
3.56
4.44
5.53
6.86
8.48
10.5
12.8
15.6
18.9
22.7
27.0
31.7
36.9
42.4
48.1
53.9
59.5
.0153
.0192
.0242
.0305
.0384
.0483
.0608
.0766
.0964
.121
.153
.192
.242
.304
.383
.481
.605
.760
.955
1.20
1.51
1.89
2.37
2.96
3.70
4.61
5.74
7.12
8.80
10.8
13.3
16.1
19.5
23.4
27.7
32.6
37.8
43.4
49.1
54.8
60.5
.0159
.0200
.0252
.0317
.0400
.0503
.0633
.0797
.100
.126
.159
.200
.252
.316
.398
.501
.629
.791
.994
1.25
1.57
1.96
2.46
3.08
3.84
4.79
5.96
7.39
9.12
11.2
13.7
16.7
20.1
24.1
28.6
33.5
38.8
« « •
* ". ^
£s!s
si ••
.0166
.0208
.0262
.0330
.0416
.0523
.0659
.0829
.104
.131
.165
.208
.262
.329
.414
.521
.655
.823
1.03
1.30
1.63
2.04
2.56
3.20
3.99
4.97
6.18
7.66
9.46
11.6
14.2 '
17.2
20.8
24.8
29.4
34.4
39.7
45.3
51.1
56.8
62.3
.0172
.0217
.0273
.0344
.0432
.0544
.0685
.0862
.109
.137
.172
.216
.272
.342
.431
.542
.681
.856
1.07
1.35
1.69
2.12
2.66
3.32
4.15
5.16
6.42
7.95
9.80
12.0
14.7
17.8
21.4
25.6
30.2
35.3
40.7
46.3
52.1
57.6
£3.3
.0179
.0225
.0284
.0357
.0450
.0566
.0713
.0897
.113
.142
.179
.225
.283
.356
.448
.563
.708
.890
1.12
1.40
1.76
2.21
2.76
3.45
4.31
5.36
6.66
8.24
10.2
12.5
15.2
18.4
22.1
26.3
31.0
36.2
41.6
47.3
53.1
58.7
64.2
.0186
.0235
.0295
.0372
.0468
.0589
.0741
.0933
.117
.148
.186
.234
.294
.370
.466
.586
.736
.925
1.16
f.46
1.83
2.29
2.87
3.58
4.47
5.56
6.91
8.54
10.5
12.9
15.7
19.0
22.8
27.1
31.9
37.1
42.6
48.3
54.9
59.7
65.1
                                                                        (continued)
                                                     A-1J3

-------
(Table 2, continued)
               Percent Un-ionized  NH.  in Aqueous Armenia Solutions
                                 Temperature,  "C
pH        10.5    11.0    11.5     12.0     12.5   13.0    13.5    14.0    U.5    15.0
6.0
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
7.0
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
8.0
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8
8.9
9.0
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
3.6

c|c
3.9

.0194
.0244
.0307
.0386
.0487
.0612
.0771
.0970
.122
.154
.193
.243
.306
.385
.484
.609
.766
.962
1.21
1.52
1.90
2.38
2.98
3.72
4.64
5.77
7.16
8.85
10.9
13.3
16.2
19.6
23.5
27.9
32.7
38.0
43.5
49.3
£5.0
tO.6
£6.0

















1
1
1
1
2
3
3
4
S
7
9
11
13
16
20
24
23
33
3P
4J
S.'
; ^
61

,0201
.0254
.0319
.0402
.0506
.0637
.0801
.101
.127
.160
.201
.253
.318
.400
.504
.633
.796
.00
.26
.58
.97
.47
.09
.86
.82
.99
.42
.17
.3
.8
.S
.2
.2
.7
.6
.9
.5

.*"
:
• t ^
.0209
.0264
.0332
.0418
.0526
.0662
.0833
.105
.132
.166
.209
.263
.331
.416
.523
.658
.827
1.04
1.30
1.64
2.05
2.57
3.21
4.01
5.00
6.21
7.70
9.50
11.7
14.3
17.3
2C.9
24.9
29.5
34.5
39. S
45.5
51.2
£6.9
62.5
67.7
.0218
.0274
.0345
.0434
.0547
.0688
.0866
.109
.137
.173
.217
.273
.344
.433
.544
.684
.359
1.08
1.36
1.70
2.13
2.67
3.34
4.16
5.19
6.44
7.98
9.S4
12.1
14.7
17.9
21.5
25.7
30.:
35.4
4C.fi
46.4
s:.:

63^4
cr',5
.0226
.0285
.0358
.0451
.0568
.0715
.0900
.113
.143
.179
.226
.284
.357
.449
.565
.710
.893
1.12
Ml
1.77
2.21
2.77
3.46
4.32
5.38
6.68
8.26
10.2
12.5
15.2
18.5
22*2
26.4
31.1
36.2
41.7
47.4
53.1
58.9
64.3
69.3
.0235
.0296
.0373
.0469
.0590
.0743
.0935
.118
.148
.186
.235
.295
.371
.467
.587
.738
.927
1.16
1.46
1.83
2.30
2.87
3.59
4.48
5.58
6.92
9.56
10.5
12.?
15.7
19.0
22.3
27.1
31.9
37.1
42.6
4
-------
 (Table 2, continued)

               Percent Un-lonired NH   1n Aqueous Ammonia Solutions
                                Temperature, *C
PH        15.5    16.0    16.5    17.0    17.5    18.0    18.5    19.0    19.5    20.0
6.0
6*
.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
7.0
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
8.0
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8
8.9
9.0
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
9.7
9.S
9.9
10.0
.0284 .029!
5 .0301
5 .0318
.0358 .0372 .0386 .0401
.0451 .0468 .0486 .0504
.0567 .0589 .0611
.071^
» .074
1 .076!
1 .0635
» .0799
.0898 .0933 .0968 .101
.113
.142
.179
.225
.284
.357
.449
.564
.709
.891
1.12
1.41
1.76
2.21
2.77
3.46
4.31
5.37
6.67
8.25
10.2
12.5
15.2
18.4
22.1
26.4
31.1
36.2
41.7
47.3
53.1
58.8
£J.2
69.3
74.0
.117
.148
.186
.234
.294
.370
.466
.586
.736
.925
1.16
1.46
1.83
2.29
2.87
3.58
4.47
5.56
6.91
8.54
10.5
12.9
15.7
19.0
22.8
27.1
31.9
37.1
42.6
4R.3
£4.0
55.7
£5.1
v • •
*a. 7
.122
.153
.193
.243
.306
.384
.483
.608
.764
.960
1.21
1.51
1.90
2.38
2.97
3.72
4.63
5.76
7.15
8.84
10.9
13.3
16.2
19.6
23.5
27.8
32.7
38.0
43.5
49.2
55.C
60.6
65.9
70.9
75.4
.127
.159
.200
.252
.317
.399
.502
.631
.793
.996
1.25
1.57
1.97
2.47
3.08
3.85
4.80
5.97
7.40
9.14
11.2
13.8
16.7
20.2
24.1
28.6
33.5
38.8
44.4
50.2
55.9
61.5
66.8
71.7
76.1






1
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
6
7
9
11
14
.0330 .0343 .0356 .0369 .0383 .0397
.0416 .0431 .0448 .046L
5 .0482
1 -Q5DO
.0523 .0543 .0564 .0585 .0607 .0629
.0659 .0684 .070!
J .0736 .0763
.0829 .0860 .0893 .0921
.104
.131
.165
.208
.262
.329
.414
.521
.655
.823
.03
.30
.63
.04
.56
.20
.99
.98
.18
.66
.46
.6
.2
17.2
20.8
24.8
29.4
34.4
39.7
45.4
51.1
56.8
62.3
67.6
72.4
76.3
.108
.136
.172
.216
.272
.342
.430
.540
.679
.854
1.07
1.35
1.69
2.12
2.65
3.31
4.14
5.15
6.40
7.93
9.78
12.0
14.7
17.8
21.4
25.5
30.1
35.2
40.6
46.3
52.0
57.7
63.2
68.4
73.1
77.4
.112
.141
.178
.224
.282
.355
.446
.561
.705
.886
1.11
1.40
1.75
2.20
2.75
3.44
4.29
5.34
6.63
8.20
10.1
12.4
15.1
18.3
22.0
26.2
30.9
36.1
41.5
47.2
52.9
58.6
64.1
69.2
73.9
78.1
.117
.147
.185
.232
.292
.368
.463
.582
.731
.919
1.15
1.45
1.82
2.28
2.85
3.56
4.44
5.53
6.86
8.49
10.5
12.8
15.6
18.9
22.7
27.0
31.7
36.9
42.4
48.1
53.9
59.5
64.9
70.0
74.6
78.7
5 .0961
.121
.152
.192
.241
.303
.381
.480
.603
.758
.953
1.20
1.50
1.88
2.36
2.95
3.69
4.60
5.72
7.10
8.77
10.8
13.2
16.1
19.5
23.3
27.7
32.5
37.8
43.3
49.0
54.8
60.4
65.7
70.7
75.3
79.3
1 .0792
.0997
.125
.158
.199
.250
.315
.396
.498
.626
.786
.988
1.24
1.56
1.95
2.44
3.06
3.82
4.76
5.92
7.34
9.07
11.2
13.7
16.6
20.0
24.0
28.4
33,3
38.6
44.2
49. S
55.7
61.3
56.5
71.5
75 9
79.9
                                                                      (continuec)
                                                  A_l|5

-------
(Table 2, continued)



               Percent  Unionized NH. 1n Aqueous Armenia Solutions
                                Temperature, *C

pH        20.5    21.0    21.5    22.0    22.5    23.0    23.5    24.0    24.5    25.0


6.0       .0412   .0427    .0443   .0459   .0476   .0493   .0511   .0530   .0549    .0569
6.1       .0518   .0538    .0557   .0578   .0599   .0621   .0644   .0667   .0691    .0716
6.2       .0653   .0677    .0702   .0727   .0754   .0782   .0810   .0839   .0870    .0901
6.3       .0821   .0852    .0883   .0916   .0949   .0984   .102    .106    ,109    .113
6.4       .103    .107    .111    .115    .119    .124    .128    .133    .138    .43
6.5       .130    .135    .140    .145    .150    .156    .162    .167    .173    .180
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
7.0
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
8.0
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8
8.9
9.0
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
9.7
9.8
9.9
10.0
.164
.206
.259
.326
.410
.516
.649
.815
1.02
1.29
1.61
2.02
2.53
3.17
3.96
4.93
6.13
7.60
9.38
11.5
14.1
17.1
20.6
24.7
29.2
34.2
39.5
45.1
5C.9
56.6
62.1
67.4
72.2
76.6
8C.5
.170
.214
.269
.338
.425
.535
.673
.845
1.06
1.33
1.67
2.10
2.63
3.28
4.10
5.10
6.34
7.86
9.69
11.9
14.5
17.6
21.2
25.3
29.9
35.0
40.4
46.0
51.8
57.5
63.0
68.2
72.9
77.2
81.0
.176
.222
.279
.351
.441
.555
.697
.876
1.10
1.38
1.73
2.17
2.72
3.40
4.24
5.28
6.56
8.12
10.0
12.3
15.0
18.2
21.8
26.0
30.7
35.8
41.2
46.9
52.7
58.3
63.8
68.9
73.7
77.9
81.6
.183
.230
.289
.364
.457
.575
.723
.908
1.14
1.43
1.80
"77EF
3.5Z
4.39
5.47
6.79
8.39
10.3
12.7
15.5
18.7
22.5
26.7
31.5
36.6
42.1
47.8
53.6
59.2
64.6
69.7
74.3
78.4
82.1
.189
.238
.300
.377
.474
.596
.749
.941
1.18
1.48
1.86
2.33
2.92
3.64
4.55
5.66
7.02
8.68
10.7
13.1
15.9
19.3
23.1
27.4
32.3
37.5
43.0
48.7
54.5
60.1
65.5
7C.5
75.0
79.1
82.6
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1.
1.
1.
2.
3.
3.
4.
5.
7.
8.
11.
13.
16.
19.
23.
28.
33.
38.
43.
49.
55.
60.
66.
71.
75.
79.
83.
196
247
310
390
491
617
776
975
22
54
93
41
02
77
70
85
25
96
0
5
4
8
7
2
0
3
9
6
4
9
3
2
7
7
2
.203
.256
.322
.405
.509
.640
.804
1.01
1.27
1.59
2.00
2.50
3.13
3.90
4.87
6.05
7.50
9.26
11.4
13.9
16.9
20.4
24.4
28.9
33.8
39.2
44.8
50.5
56.2
61.8
67.1
71.9
76.3
80.3
83.6
.211
.265
.333
.419
.527
.663
.833
1.05
1.31
1.65
2.07
2.59
3.24
4.04
5.03
6.26
7.75
9.56
11.7
14.4
17.4
21.0
25.1
29.6
34.6
40.0
45.7
51.4
57.1
62.6
67.8
72.7
77.0
B0.8
84.1
.218
.275
.345
.434
.546
.687
.863
1.08
1.36
t.71
2.14
2.68
3.35
4.18
5.21
6.47
8.01
9.88
12.1
14.8
17.9
21.6
25.7
30.4
35.5
40.9
46.5
52.3
ss.c
63.5
68.6
73.-
77.5
81.-
84.:
.226
.284
.358
.450
.566
.711
.894
1.12
1.41
1.^77
2.22
2.77
3.47
4.33
5.38
6.69
8.27
10.2
12.5
15.3
18.5
Z2.2
26.4
31.1
36.3
41.7
47.4
53.2
53.9
64.3
69.4
74.0
'8.2
51.9
55.1

-------
(Table 2, continued)
               Percent Un-lonized NH- in Aqueous Amnonla  Solutions
                                  Temperature, "C
pH        25.5     26.0    26.5    27.0    27.5     28.0    28.5    29.0    2r.£     30.0
6.0
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
7.0
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
•7,5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
8.0
8.1
8.2
8.3
e.4
8.5
£.6
8.7
e.e
8.9
9.0
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
9.7
9.C
9.;
ic.e
.0589
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1.
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
8.
10.
12.
15.
19.
22.
27.
31.
37.
•*2.
-a.
:4.
59.
55.
"?"*
' -• •
™ •
~ •
; ^
3 . •
0742
0933
117
148
186
234
295
371
466
586
737
926
16
46
83
^
29
87
59
47
57
91
54
5
9
7
C
8
*
1
9
1
6
i
0
7
1
1
7
•
i
t
.0610
.0768
.0967
.122
.153
.193
.242
.305
.384
.483
.607
.763
.958
1.20
1.51
1.89
2.37
2.97
3.71
4.63
5.75
7.14
3.82
',0.9
13.3
16.2
19.6
23.4
27.8
32.7
37.9
43.5
49.2
54. 9
ec.s
65. S
7C. 8
75.4

52.3
i?.?
.0632
.0796
.100
.126
.159
.200
.251
.316
.397
.500
.628
.790
.992
1.25
1.56
1.96
2.46
3.07
3.84
4.78
5.95
7.37
9.11
11.2
13.7
16.7
20.1
24.1
28.5
33.4
38.7
44.3
50.1
55.8
61.4
56.7
71.6
76.0
eo.o
33.4
?6.3
.0654
.0824
.104
.130
.164
.207
.260
.327
.411
.517
.651
.818
1.03
1.29
1.62
2.03
2.54
3.18
3.97
4.94
6.15
7.62
9.40
11.6
14.1
17.2
20.7
24.7
29.2
34.2
39.6
45.2
50.9
56.6
62.2
67.4
72.3
76.6
30.5
63.9
36.3
.0678
.0853
.107
.135
.170
.214
.269
.339
.426
.536
.674
.846
1.06
1.33
1.67
2.10
2.63
3.29
4.10
5.11
6.35
7.87
9.70
11.9
14.6
17.7
21.3
25.4
30.3
35.0
40.4
46.1
51.8
57.5
53.0
68.2
73.0
77.3
81. 1
34.3
37.1
.0701
.0883
.111
.140
.176
.221
.279
.351
.441
.554
.697
.876
1.10
1.38
1.73
2.17
2.72
3.40
4.24
5.28
6.56
8.12
10.0
12.3
15.0
18.2
21.8
26.0
30.7
35.8
41.2
46.9
32.7
58.3
63.8
68.9
73.6
77.9
SI. 6
S4.8
27.5
.0726
.0914
.115
.145
.182
.229
.289
.363
.456
.574
.722
.907
1.14
1.43
1.79
2.25
2.81
3.51
4.38
5.46
6.78
8.38
10.3
12.7
15.4
18.7
22.4
26.7
31.4
36.6
42.1
47.8
53.5
59.2
64.6
69.7
74.3
78.5
82.1
35.2
37.9
.0752
.0946
.119
.150
.189
.237
.299
.376
.472
.594
.747
.938
1.18
1.48
1.85
2.32
2.91
3.63
4.53
5.64
7.00
8.65
10.7
13.0
15.9
19.2
23.0
27.4
32.2
37.4
42.9
48.6
54.4
60.0
65.4
70.4
75.0
79.0
32. 6
35.7
68.3
.0778
.0979
.123
.155
.195
.246
.309
.389
.489
.615
.772
.970
1.22
1.53
1.92
2.40
3.01
3.75
4.68
5.82
7.22
8.92
11.0
13.4
16.4
19.8
23.7
28.1
32.9
38.2
43.8
49.5
55.2
60.8
66.2
71.1
75.6
79.6
83.1
36.1
88.6
.0805
.101
.128
.160
.202
.254
.320
.402
.506
.636
.799
1.00
1.26
1.58
1.98
2.48
3.11
3. 88
4.84
6.01
7.4w
9.21
11.3
13.8
16.8
20.3
24.3
28.8
33.7
39.0
44.6
50.4
56.1
61,6
66.9
71.8
76.2
8C.1
33.6
86.5
89,0
                                                                                           .  fit.
                                                      A-4 7
                                                                   *U. S. Government Printing Office 1988:  533-375/60670

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