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West Elk Mine 2014 Annual Hydrology Report 35 3.6 Surface Water and Groundwater Monitoring Methodology The surface water monitoring protocols include recording stream flow (gpm or cfs) and field water quality (pH, EC, and temperature), and collecting water quality samples for independent laboratory analysis. Continuous flow data are measured and collected using Parshall flumes and Global Water pressure transducers or data adapted from published USGS gaging station flows. Instantaneous flow data are measured with a portable flume, a point flow meter, or using the timed volumetric method. Field water quality and lab samples are collected in a designated sampling location (Map 2), directly from a non- aerated flowing section of the stream with minimum turbidity. Field measurements are taken with an Oakton water quality multi -meter that has been calibrated with standard buffer solutions. All sampling equipment is rinsed with distilled water and sample water prior to testing and/or sample collection. Water samples are collected in pre -fixed sample bottles provided by the certified laboratory. Sample bottles are sealed, labeled, placed on ice, and shipped to the lab in coolers for analysis according to standardized EPA protocols. The independent analytical laboratory used in WY 2014 for all of the surface, groundwater, and mine water quality analyses was ACZ Laboratories, Inc. in Steamboat Springs, CO. The spring and seep monitoring program follows the same protocols for recording field water quality parameters (pH, EC, and temperature) and collecting samples for laboratory analysis, as described for the surface water monitoring program above. However, the flow measurement methodology for springs and seeps involves digging out the flow channel to facilitate positioning of a calibrated plastic bucket with 0.25 gallon gradations, or a calibrated measuring cup with fluid ounce gradations. Flow is measured using the timed volumetric method. Flow rate is determined by recording the time required to fill a container of known volume. This procedure is repeated several times and an average flow rate is calculated and recorded. If flow is sufficiently high, a point flow meter or portable flume is used. The groundwater monitoring program protocols include recording water level measurements and field water quality parameters (pH, EC, and temperature), and collecting laboratory samples for analysis from designated wells. The static water level in the well is measured to the nearest 0.01 -foot, using an electronic well sounder. The static water level is always recorded as the distance below the top of the inside well casing (btoc), unless otherwise specified. Water samples are collected from the groundwater monitoring wells with a point source bailer. A point source bailer is lowered to a selected depth in the well (usually the center of the screened interval) in order to collect an undisturbed sample from that zone. The monitored wells are not purged prior to sampling because of their very slow recharge rates. Field water quality parameters are recorded and water samples are collected and sent to the certified laboratory for analysis, as described above. The underdrain monitoring program protocols include measuring and recording flow and field water quality (pH, EC, and temperature), and collecting laboratory samples for analysis. Flow rates are measured using the timed volumetric method described above. The protocols for recording field water quality and processing the underdrain samples for laboratory analysis are the same as described above for spring and seep water monitoring. The temperature monitoring program protocols include monthly visits to the data logger monitoring stations to verify that the loggers are functioning properly, to download the June 2015 HydroGeo, Inc.