The Smith River is 19 stream miles (12 air miles) from the confluence of Sheep Creek and the Smith River. To protect all water resources, the cemented tailings facility will be located one mile south of Sheep Creek, and all facilities including the tunnel opening will be located out of the valley, in a saddle south of Sawmill Hill. This distant location was purposely chosen to ensure a superior job of environmental management for the mine site and for protection of all local waterways.