Laserfiche WebLink
<br />. ~~. . I <br /> <br />-3- <br /> <br />enough nahcolite (possible source of sodium bicarbonate) on the tract to <br /> <br />warrant commercial development. Potential of dawsonite (potential aluminum ore) <br /> <br />recovery is not yet known, but is still under study. <br /> <br />Spielman said Rio Blanco's drilling for hydrology programs is underway <br /> <br />to study surface water and both the upper and lower groundwater zones, or aquifers, <br /> <br />below the surface of C-a. He aaid pump testing for hydrology studies will begin <br /> <br />by early December. The deep subsurface hydrology monitoring program began in <br /> <br />October. Also, he said, six surface stream gauging stations are being operated <br />~- -------------,--- <br /> <br />by the U. S, Geological Survey to measure both water quantity and quality on <br /> <br />and around the tract. <br /> <br />He noted that preliminary data indicates relatively good water quality <br /> <br />of the upper aquifer which ranges from 700 to 1,000 parts per million of total <br /> <br />dissolved solids. Water in the lower aquifer is expected to contain about 1,500 <br /> <br />to 3,500 parts per million total dissolved solids. He said that to date, one <br /> <br />well in the lower aquifer had found a higher volume of solids and that drilling <br /> <br />at that site was immediately suspended. Spielman also said that Rio Blanco now <br /> <br />believes that spent shale disposal may be more desirable from environmental <br /> <br />and economic points of view in areas ranging from northeast to southeast of <br /> <br />Tract C-a. Original estimates were north and west of the tract. <br /> <br />In discussing corridor planning, K. L. Berry, Vice President of <br /> <br />Processing, said that Rio Blanco is in full agreement with the concept that <br /> <br />multiple-use corridors should be planned for the flow of people, products, goods, <br /> <br />and services to and from Tract C-a. He said that the firm would cooperate with <br /> <br />federal, state and county people to insure that the master planning required by <br /> <br />Rio Blanco for that part of the program is adequately carried out. <br /> <br />Berry said that it will only be about 6 months before Rio Blanco's <br /> <br />studies are completed. He listed 16 areas of study including population trends, <br /> <br />0225 <br />