2016-02-25_PERMIT FILE - C1982056 (3)

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Saturated Backfill Ground water occurs under unconfined conditions in the backfilled areas of adjacent surface mines. The backfill ranges in thiclaiess from 0 to 160 feet, and consists of unconsolidated, mixed overburden material varying in size from tine -grained particles to boulders. The spoil material has been regraded and a large portion has been fully released from bond liability. Ground water has accumulated in the reclaimed backfill from infiltration of rainfall and snowmelt. The hydrologic characteristics of the backfill material have been examined in a separate report prepared for CYCC and submitted to the CDRMS (formerly the CMLRD) in January, 1986. A copy of the report is included as Exhibit 35, Backfill Hydrologic Evaluation. The water quality characteristics of the backfilled areas of the adjacent surface mines are represented by analyses of discharge from these materials near Sediment Pond F of CYCC's Eckman Park operation. This data shows a fairly consistent water quality characterized by TDS concentrations of about 4,000 mg/l and a strong calcium - magnesium -sulfate dominance (Figure 4-g, Ground Water Quality Data). Known Uses of Ground Water As described in the 1983 PAP, ground water in the Twentymile Park Basin is not suitable for most domestic uses. All existing registered wells in the permit and adjacent areas are owned by TC, and utilized for washdown, dust control and other mine -related purposes. Based on accepted water quality standards, use of ground water in the general area is restricted to livestock watering, irrigation, and limited domestic use. A review of Colorado State Engineers records indicates several adjudicated wells within the general vicinity of the Permit Area. Wells falling within the Permit Area are listed on revised Table 9, Summary of Ground Water Rights, and located on revised Map 15; Alluvial Valley Floors and Water Rights. The location and completion information for these wells was reviewed to assess whether or not there is the potential for adverse impacts to these wells as a result of planned mining and related operations. TCC also conducted an inventory of Trout Creek sandstone wells in the area, including field locating the wells and measurement and recording of baseline water levels. Several wells in the vicinity of the Permit Area are completed within the colluvium of Trout Creek and Middle Creek, upstream from any mine discharge or affected bedrock discharge effects. Two wells (Robert George and Rausler). located in the Foidel Creek drainage in Sections 22 and 27, TSN, R86W, are completed in the Upper %�7111iams Fort: Formation, probably in the Holderness member above the Twentymiie Sandstone. Five :.-ells (John Adams l & 2, Terry Green, Energy Fuels Corp., and New Energy No. 6), which appear to be completed in the Trout Creek sandstone. are indicated in the State Engineer's records. The Trout Creek sandstone potentiometric levels may be lowered if significant mine inflows from this unit are realized as described in the Probable Hydrologic Consequences section of the permit application. Two of these "Trout Creek sandstone wells, Loth recorded as being located in Section 13 of TSN, R86W could not be located in the field by TCC and are assumed abandoned, not in use or the locations recorded in the State's files are incorrect. The other three wells, one of which is owned by TC, have been located and baseline water levels were recorded on June 25, 1986 for two of the wells as follows: WE LL QTR/QTR SECTION TD F�NSITIP RANGE `NATER LEVEL (FT. BELOVk% TOP OF CASING) qJ =---_ - - - -- Ftner2v Fuels NESE (t? 86WV - - Z1 T Well i.eif� k t�e.r v i4�1(j'�h,/ �� t�Tnt?��1Pac'rred 51.i ;i61h/--- (3Well TJO, TC e:_tFr�cei-1 :irtr, ihr-- l=lvfD, tt - x!12d mate -load extensions. The wells which are Eol-aited :,dithil: or acijacent to the Frea ovc-dying t1iis area are presented lin E- i:'bit 6B, Summwy of Ground Vfater Rights.