Laserfiche WebLink
The water quality test results, obtained from the data collected in the field <br />and from the analytical ground water quality reports, support the contention <br />that the overall groundwater quality in the area has not been adversely <br />affected by; 1) the earlier Keenesburg Coal Strip Mine operations, or 2) the <br />subsequent reclamation activities (which include both the ash and the mine <br />waste rock disposal operations). While questions may have arisen with <br />respect to specific analytes in certain wells (manganese in the SMW -2 well, <br />for example), overall parameters are within the scope of what should be <br />considered acceptable. Any results that are at issue likely reflect recharge <br />of the groundwater through the disturbed soils /spoils from previous <br />operations, as opposed to one of the aforementioned activities. <br />While they have been altered within the Keenesburg Mine site itself, general <br />ground water flow patterns in the vicinity of the mine appear not to have <br />been significantly changed (or interrupted) by the past mining activities, or <br />by the ongoing ash disposal and mine reclamation. <br />The six ground water monitoring wells were sampled by CEC on a semi- <br />annual basis in 2014. These wells are designated: AMW -1, AMW -2, DH- <br />96, DH -122, FPW and SMW -2. Water quality analysis incorporates both <br />the fieldwork and the analytical laboratory testing of water samples <br />collected from these wells. <br />Field Measurement Protocol: <br />Static water level is a tape measurement from the top of the well casing (a <br />known ground elevation) to the current water level in the well. This <br />measurement is taken following a visual inspection of the area surrounding <br />the well casing, and precedes any sampling activity. Water sample <br />temperature, specific conductance and pH are determined using a probe <br />placed in each sample as soon as it is collected. Samples are collected and <br />analyzed both before and after the appropriate well purge procedures are <br />conducted. All data collected during field testing is recorded in a field <br />logbook that is kept at the Keenesburg Mine office. A graphic display of <br />the information for each well (for the most recent five year period) can be <br />found in the following section of this Report titled, "Analysis of Water <br />Sampling Field Data ". <br />35 <br />