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o N c..., o CHAPTER VI , PRELIMINARY FINDINGS Verification Program Results The information obtained during the verification program supported the well-related flow hypothesis. The following data support this hypothesis. 1. A confined saline aquifer exists in the upper 120 feet of the Morrison Formation. This aquifer is extensive and approaches the surface along the center of the south face of Meeker Dome where most of the saline springs and seeps occurred. 2. Data on all springs and seeps and flowing and nonflowing aquifers indicated very similar water quality, suggesting a common source for the water in the aquifers which issued from the springs and seeps. 3. The Marland Well was drilled through numerous deep flow- ing artesian aquifers and penetrated the confining beds between 715 and 2,000 feet. Data suggested that signifi- cant differences in quality existed among some of the aquifers when the Marland Well was first drilled. 4. The bores of the James, Marland, and Scott Wells were proven to have a direct hydraulic connection with the shallow aquifers and thus provided the pathway for saline water recharge. 5. After pumping cement into a zone at 1,350 feet at the Marland intercept well, water levels in observation wells and spring flows issuing from the shallow Morrison aqui- fer declined rapidly. This indicated that a direct con- nection existed between deep and shallow aquifers at the Marland Well. Initial Monitoring Results From the date of last plugging until September 1982, the contractor monitored the observation wells and seeps, made water level and seep flow measurements, and took water quality samples. Reclamation then began the monitoring activities. The most obvious change observed during the monitoring program was the drastic reduction of ground water levels and spring flows after June 1981. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the effect of this plugging. Figure 4 19