2016-05-28_REPORT - C1981038 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Table 6 contains a listing of all actively monitored points, with descriptions of their locations and a reference to the Monitoring Point Figure that contains this year's monitoring data. Ponds were sampled for water quality when discharging or inflows/outflows were occurring. Ponds in the permit area are typically spring -fed or seep -fed and exhibit diffuse non -concentrated areas of inflow. Often the pond outlets present the only point of concentrated flow at which flow measurements and field parameters can be obtained. Where possible, quality measurements are obtained at the pond inlet. Stagnant water in ponds is not sampled since water quality results would show the effects of evaporation and stock use and could not be used to evaluate potential mine affects. This report includes data collected specifically to meet requirements of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS). At the request of the DRMS, minimum, maximum and average baseline data are now presented on each monitoring point listing as well as minimum, maximum and average values for the operational period of the monitoring point and baseline periods where applicable. The baseline values are taken from all recorded sampling events until affected by the mining operation, with operational values reflecting the period following the baseline period. OVEM Groundwater Monitoring Wells: Groundwater monitoring wells B01, B02, and B04 through B08 are near the East Mine facilities (see Map No. 8-1). Well B01 was destroyed by a dozer doing maintenance work during 2002 so it is no longer monitored. Well B02 was destroyed by a dozer doing reclamation work during 2008 so it is no longer monitored. Well B03 is blocked and can no longer be monitored for field parameters or water quality. It was removed from the sampling regime by TR -34. Well B04 was destroyed by construction activities late in 2012. Well B04 was removed from the monitoring schedule by TR -55. Wells B05, B06 and B08 are monitored semi-annually for water levels to assess slope stability in and around the East mine facilities. Borehole B-7, also referred to as Node 22, is located below sedimentation pond #4 and is periodically monitored for water quality to ascertain potential groundwater contamination attributable to the East Mine facilities area. Patterns typically associated with these wells in the past were again evident during the 2015 monitoring year. Wells B05, B06 and B08 remained dry throughout the year. Water level in B07 was lower than normal range so there was only enough water to obtain one quality sample. OVWM Groundwater Monitoring Wells: One piezometer (OVWM) was installed in the fill at the Orchard Valley West Mine. This well was destroyed during mine reclamation so it is no longer monitored. North Fork Alluvium Groundwater Monitoring Wells: Three (3) wells, MW -1, MW -2 and MW -3 (see Map No. 8-3) are completed in the North Fork of the Gunnison alluvium. During the year the wells were monitored quarterly for water levels and showed typical seasonal fluctuations within previously established ranges. MW -1 and MW -3 were monitored quarterly for quality during the year, if water was available, to monitor potential groundwater effects stemming from the coal stockpile and load out facilities in the North Fork Valley. Well MW -3 is southwest of the coal stockpile area in a location that should see the full impact of any potential groundwater degradation. The 2015 data continues to show that the stockpile and load -out are not degrading the water in the alluvium. East Roatcap Creek Colluvium Groundwater Monitoring Wells: Shallow groundwater monitoring wells, SM -5, SM -6, SM -7, SM -10 and SM -11 (see Map No. 4-1) are in the East Roatcap Creek drainage. The wells were monitored for water quality parameters, water levels, and field parameters to detect impacts associated with mining in the west pod. All of the wells were monitored semi- annually for water levels, field parameters and water quality. SM -7 is within the projected angle -of -draw of mine workings. Water levels from the five Roatcap Creek colluvial wells continued to show typical seasonal variability with water levels elevated in the spring and lower at the end of the year. No anomalies or impacts on water levels were observed in 2015 at these wells. The monitoring technician only monitored these wells one time during the year. 2