2016-01-13_INSPECTION - M1985112

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PERMIT #: M-1985-112 INSPECTOR’S INITIALS: PSH INSPECTION DATE: January 13, 2016 Page 3 of 10 The Operator is currently mitigating impacts to other wells surrounding the mine site by recharging groundwater from the mine site into the irrigation ditch along the western boundary. The recharging effect does not appear to have increased the groundwater elevations in Mr. Francis’ wells. The Division believes sufficient evidence exists to support the Francis complaint that the current dewatering activity at the Loloff Mine is affecting the groundwater well(s) located at 351 East 8th Street, Greeley, CO 80632. This is a problem related to Rule 3.1.6 of the Mineral Rules and Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for the Extraction of Construction Materials and CRS 34‐32.5‐116(4)(h) of the Colorado Land Reclamation Act for the Extraction of Construction Materials. The Division met with Mr. Francis on his property prior to inspecting the Loloff Mine site. Channel and culvert The river bow (channel) and culvert were observed by the Division. Silt accumulations were observed on both sides of the land bridge. The condition of the culvert pipe could not be evaluated due to the high water level and amount of silt covering the culvert. The silt accumulation appeared to be preventing the flow of water through the channel. Well #1 – 26555A – Stock The Division observed the wellhead for Well #1, Permit # 26555A, and GPS surveyed the location. The well was installed in October 1, 1996 to a depth of 44 feet below grade with a static water level of 7 feet below grade based on Division of Water Resources (DWR) records. The well was installed two feet into bedrock. The Division measured the depth to water at 22.64 feet and the depth to top of the pump at 35.50 feet below top of casing. No data has been collected or reported by the Operator for Well #1, so recent groundwater elevations are not available for the well. The change in water elevation from 7 feet to 22.64 feet below grade is greater than the required 2 feet elevation change required to implement the approved mitigation plan. Well #2 – 30562‐F – Irrigation The Division observed the wellhead and pump house for Well #2, Permit # 30562‐F, and GPS surveyed the location. The well is permitted to irrigate the 8 acre parcel located in the eastern portion of the Francis property. The well was installed in March 18, 1986 to a depth of 38.5 feet below grade with a static water level of 5 feet below grade based on DWR records. The well was completed to bedrock depth. The Division was unable to measure the water level or the depth of the well due to the lack to accessibility. No data has been collected or reported by the Operator for Well #2, so recent groundwater elevations are not available for the well. Well #3 – 135883 – Domestic The Division observed the wellhead for Well #3, Permit # 135883, and GPS surveyed the location. The first beneficial use of the well was June 20, 1963. The well is the water supply for the shop/garage building and the original residence located north of the shop/garage according to Mr. Francis. The main residence on the property is on City of Greeley water. Based on DWR records, the well is 32 feet deep with a pumping rate of 40 gallons per minute and is approved for domestic use at 2 acre feet annually. The Division was not able to measure the depth to water or total depth of the well. The water meter probe was stopped at 17.75 feet below the top of casing. The Division estimates this was the top of the pump for the well. No water was identified with the probe. The latest monitoring data for the well, reported by the Operator on April 1, 2015, indicated the depth to water was 20 feet and 9 inches. No data has been collected or reported by the