2014-01-13_REPORT - C1981041 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Tonya Hammond January 13, 2014 Page 2 the Year which is also below the PHC prediction of 1,000 tons. Chemical analysis of the 016 discharge remains consistent Surface water flows are measured on Cottonwood Creek, Rapid Creek and on Coal Creek drainages. Monitoring of Jerry Creek was suspended in 2011 with approval of TR -62. There were no discernible trends in flow detected during the 2012 Water Year in Cottonwood and Rapid Creeks. From Table S 12 -1 of the AHR, overall there appears to be a decrease in surface flow at SWGSOI (below confluence of Cottonwood and Rapid), SWGS02 (upstream Cottonwood), and SWGS03 (upstream Rapid Creek). The table presents data as compared from 1986 to 2012. There is no evidence to suggest that this decrease in flow is a result of mining effects. It could be due to drought conditions resulting in decreased flows. The flow in these Creeks is largely controlled by the City of Palisade, depending upon their need for domestic water. Also, irrigation water is diverted from the creeks by private water right holders at various locations. Coal Creek is ephemeral and flow amounts were reported to be dry or damp throughout the year. No impact on Coal Creek is observed. Groundwater monitoring data is generally consistent with data from previous years. There appears to be little impact on Rapid and Cottonwood Creeks based on the relatively stable static water level exhibited by the alluvial monitoring wells installed in 1984 along these Creeks and below the confluence. Static water levels monitored along Cottonwood Creek and below the confluence of Cottonwood and Rapid Creeks remained stable or increased slightly over the monitoring period from 1984 to present. Water levels monitored along Rapid Creek decreased slightly over that same time period of approximately 20 years. Water levels remain very stable at the N -1 Monitoring Well located at the North Decline. Seep monitoring was discontinued in 2006 per approval by the Division. Consumptive use from this point forward should be minimal since water use will only be for very limited seeding and dust control during any future reclamation operations. The Division has the following minor comments regarding the 2012 AHR. No response is necessary from SCC at this time. Please note the following comments and make any changes that are appropriate in the upcoming 2013 AHR. On the AHR Index pages i and ii, numerous monitoring points are listed for surface water, groundwater and mine inflows that are no longer actively monitored. It would helpful to differentiate on these pages which are the active monitoring points and which have been discontinued. 2. In the last paragraph of Page 2 there is incorrect reference to the date January 13, 3012. 3. On page 3 of the AHR in the second paragraph reference is made to the clock mechanism not working 11/16/11 through 11/28/11 at site SWGS -01. This is not relevant to the 2012 AHR and should be removed in future AHR submittals. Also on page 3 third paragraph there is reference to data taken during the Year listed on SS -3 for Jerry Creek. This is not correct since no data was collected for the Year as monitoring was suspended on Jerry Creek in 2011.