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• SECTION 2.05.6(3)(b)(v) <br />HYDROLOGIC RECLAMATION PLAN <br />1. Introduction <br />The hydrologic reclamation plan is presented in two parts. The first part focuses on specific <br />practices which are conducted to minimize the impact of mining on the hydrologic balance within <br />and adjacent to the leasehold. The second part addresses those impacts that may occur <br />regardless of these practices. The emphasis of the second part is on the monitoring of the extent <br />and magnitude of mining impacts. Where possible, reference has been made to those sections <br />which contain details regarding certain practices. <br />2. Practices Employed to Minimize the Impacts of Mining on the Hydrologic System <br />Ground Water Quality. The mining practices that involve replacement of spoil material into mine <br />pits are detailed in Section 2.05.4(2)(c), Backfilling and Grading. Topsoil and overburden handling <br />plans are detailed in Section 2.05.4(2)(d), Topsoil (Redistribution). Based on extensive analysis <br />• performed on lithologic and ground water data (see Section 2.04.6, Geology Description and <br />Section 2.05.6(3), Protection of the Hydrologic Balance), it was found that some acid or toxic <br />materials are present in the New Horizon 2 mining area . An extensive analysis of the spoil water <br />quality and quantity was done for the bond release of New Horizon #1 areas in the year 2000. <br />Much of this analysis has been incorporated into Section 2.05.6(3). Based on years of well data <br />and spoil spring data, it was shown that although pyrite oxidation would slightly increase the Total <br />Dissolved Solids (TDS) of the water emanating from the spoil, the levels of increased TDS and pH <br />were low enough that when mixed with Tuttle Draw and the San Miguel River, the increases were <br />negligible. It was found that the increases were expected for a considerably long period of time, <br />probably from 500 to 1500 years. After this amount of time, the pyrite will be fully oxidized and the <br />ground water quality will be back to background levels, which is still very high in TDS. Because of <br />the findings on negligible impacts to water quality, no special handling of materials is anticipated <br />for mining operations conducted. The practices of dilution of any unsuitable overburden and burial <br />have worked to date and have not produced any negative impacts more than those predicted in <br />Section 2.05.6(3). Selective handling would only be used if some unforseen overburden zone is <br />much worse than any encountered to date. In this case, it would be buried deeper in the backfill <br />spoil than what would occur in the normal overburden mixing. <br />Each exploration hole, other drill or borehole, well, or other exposed underground opening except <br />. those used solely for surface blasting will be plugged or sealed to prevent acid or toxic drainage <br />(Revised Amy zoos) 2.05.6(3)(b)(v)-3 <br />