Resumé for Scott Effner (pdf format)

Developed  water resource and geochemical evaluations for the North Rasmussen Ridge Mine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  Prepared numerical model (MODFLOW/MT3D) of contaminant fate an transport.  Senior review and evaluation of geochemical modeling.  A successful Record of Decision (ROD) was issued in September, 2003.  The EIS received the highest rating from the EPA that has been given to any mining project in the region, due largely to strength of the analysis presented in the water resources section.

Developed a 12,000 gpm water supply for the construction and operation of a large copper mine and mill in northern Argentina.  Project work included evaluation of ground water potential, numerical modeling of the aquifers capacity, and the installation of 7 large-diameter production wells.  The well field successfully met its design capacity and observed drawdowns are in good agreement with modeled pumping.

Prepared hydrologic characterization analysis for closure of the Swartzwalder Uranium Mine.  The scope of the project was to provide analysis of the rate of mine flooding, evaluate potential impacts to water resources and to develop a geochemical model (PHREEQci) to predict uranium and other metal mobility in mine discharge.  Project work also included the development and evaluation of monitoring and mitigation strategies to reduce impacts Ralston Creek.

Performed an audit of the surface and ground water monitoring network for Toquapala and Cuajone mines, related tailings facilities, analytical laboratory, and smelter and port facilities.  Mr. Effner also presented short courses to SPCC staff about the design of ground water monitoring networks, ground water and contaminant transport modeling using MODFLOW and MT3D, and equilibrium based geochemical modeling using PHREEQci and MINTEQA2.

Developed a predictive geochemical model for the Ortiz Pit Lake.  Equilibrium methods were used to identify and constrain geochemical controls on water quality.  The model incorporated humidity cell, acid-base accounting, XRD, microprobe and limnologic data to estimate the long-term pit water quality.  Depth profiles were developed to investigate the potential for chemical stratification of the lake.

Developed hydrogeologic characterization and water control recommendations for shaft sinking and and mining.  Project work consisted of underground mapping, drilling, and packer permeability testing.  The final characterization report contained estimates of construction and long-term inflows to shafts, and strategies for cover grouting, dewatering, and mine water management.

Performed third party review and hydrogeologic / geochemical characterization study for 180 mt. run of mine heap leach facility.  Project work included the review of consultant reports and the development of an integrated hydrogeologic model for the site.  Geochemical characterization testing included the development and performance of column leaching and attenuation studies for substrate materials using a synthetic pregnant leach solution.  The main focus of the study was to support permitting of the facility and to determine the potential impacts to down stream water users.