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101 provide graphical representations of water levels and selected water quality parameters recorded at each site. <br />For the most part, typical seasonal flow patterns were observed. Water quality parameters for these sites are <br />typically within previously established ranges. <br />Middle Creek: 2014 data for site 29, located on Middle Creek below the confluence with Foidel Creek, is <br />provided in Table 49. An historical summary of water quality data is provided in Table 49a. Figures 106 through <br />108 provide graphical representations of water levels and selected water quality parameters recorded at site 29. <br />Water quality parameters for these sites were typically within previously established ranges. TC anticipates <br />making a revision request in 2014 to move the location of site 29 upstream. At this time bulls are kept in the area, <br />and present a safety hazard. <br />3.4 Spoil Spring Monitoring <br />Generally, groundwater migrates along bedding planes, faults, joints, or fracture zones. Given adequate head <br />pressure, if these zones of water migration intercept the surface, a spring or seep results. The TC spoil spring <br />monitoring program was initiated in 1986 and is conducted annually. In accordance with the approved plan, the <br />annual mine wide survey is conducted during May, with springs measured for flow and field parameters. If a <br />spring is discharging at or above 35 gallons per minute, it is monitored for the next year in accordance with the <br />monitoring plan. A few samples are typically collected each year even when the 35 GPM mark is not met. Two <br />spoil spring sites, 7 and the 303 series (303 -1 through 303 -3), require monitoring under Exhibit 14 -10. In <br />addition to the spoil spring monitoring requirements, Spring 7 is monitored quarterly for field parameters, and <br />sampled on a semi - annual basis for water quality (if flowing). In 2014, site 7 flowed the second and third quarter <br />of 2014. The 303 Spring series is monitored/sampled semi - annually for field parameters and water quality. The <br />303 springs were all dry in September 2014. <br />Tables 50 provides a summaries of the 2014 Water Year data collected at the 303 spoils spring site. <br />3.5 Natural Spring Monitoring <br />Two natural springs, SW1 and SW2, located over previously mined areas in the Southwest Mining District <br />required semiannual monitoring during 2014. Prior to mining, SW -1 typically flowed throughout the year, while <br />SW2 flows were sporadic. In recent years flows at SW -1 have been minor, and in the case of SW -2, non- <br />existent. Flow was observed in SW -1 in April, but it was dry in September of 2014. See tables 51 and 52. <br />In April 2014, a spring and seep survey was also conducted in the northern mining district to identify potential <br />discharges to Fish Creek. No new or significant springs were identified in 2014. The northern mining district is <br />located within the Twentymile Park Syncline. The predominant lithologic unit nearest the surface and occupying <br />most of the basin is the Lewis Shale, which can be upwards of 700 feet thick. The lack of significant bedding <br />planes, faulting, or fracture zones in this area may account for the lack of springs in the central portion of this <br />basin. The few seeps observed in the basin may be the result from surface weathering of the Lewis Shale, which <br />may allow some accumulation of water beneath overburden. This may result in a short period of seepage <br />immediately following spring runoff. <br />13 <br />