Laserfiche WebLink
West Elk Mine 2013 Annual Hydrology Report 56 <br />The water level in well SOM- 23 -H -4 has been dropping steadily since WY 2010. The <br />water level in May 2013 was 180 feet btoc, compared to 139 feet btoc in May 2010. <br />During the May 2013 sampling event, the well casing was found to be compromised and <br />obstructed at about 83 feet btoc. The continuing drop in water level and failure of the <br />well casing in in SOM- 23 -H -4 in WY 2013 is most likely the result of mining related <br />activities. <br />Water levels in monitoring well 03 -11 -1 have dropped slowly but consistently since WY <br />2005. The water level in August 2013 was 175 feet btoc, compared to 161 feet btoc in <br />September 2005. The decreasing water level in Well 03 -11 -1 since WY 2005 may be the <br />result of mining activities, and the water level is expected to continue to fall in WY 2014. <br />The lowering of the groundwater level at Well RAV -4b through WY 2006 is likely due to <br />mining of the Northeast Panel area and dewatering of the B -Seam. The water level <br />rebounded at this site from 2007 to 2009 and may be the result of natural recharge after <br />mining in the area ceased. The water level has stabilized from WY 2009 through WY <br />2013, and is expected to remain steady in WY 2014. <br />Water levels in monitoring Well 01 -11 -1 generally dropped about 126 feet from WY <br />2002 through WY 2007. From WY 2008 through WY 2010, excessive gas venting in the <br />well casing caused the water level to continually fluctuate and prevented accurate water <br />level measurements. In WYs 2011 through 2013, the gas venting had subsided, and <br />accurate water level measurements were recorded. Since June 2011 the water level in <br />well 0 1 -11 -1 has risen 48 feet. The previous water level lowering at this site is likely due <br />to mining, and current water level recovery is most likely due to post- mining recharge. <br />The water level in Well 01 -1 -1 is expected to continue to recover in WY 2014. <br />No other monitoring wells showed significant water level changes during WY 2013. <br />June 2014 HydroGeo, Inc. <br />