2018-01-31_REPORT - C1981018 (2)

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5 2.2.1 Ground Water Monitoring Data Groundwater monitoring data consists of water levels measurements. Tabulation of the data is included in Appendix C. Hydrographs for the 16 stations (monitor holes) from which water level data were collected are included in Appendix D. 2.2.1.1 Alluvial Water Level Data Water level data is still collected from the one remaining original alluvial aquifer monitoring hole (Qal-5). Kenney Reservoir inundated five other alluvial monitoring holes. A hydrograph of the water level data for Qal-5 is contained in Appendix E. The location of Qal-5 is shown on Plate 1 in the pocket of this report. The Qal-5 hydrograph shows a significant increase in the alluvial water level of the White River since the second half of 1985. This rise was due to the filling of Kenney Reservoir. Since that time, fluctuations reflect the seasonal rise and fall of the White River as it enters Kenney Reservoir. 2.2.1.2 Alluvial Water Quality Data The water quality data for Qal-5 is contained in Appendix E. The statistical summary of the data is also contained in Appendix E. The fifth annual hydrology report noted that the general increase in the average TDS that started when Kenney Reservoir was filled was beginning to slow down. There has been a generally decreasing trend since 1992. Based on the data collected during the past water year, the TDS value was 2160 mg/l. This compares to values for the previous two reporting period of 2460 mg/l and 2580 mg/l indicating that the TDS level has stabilized. A graph showing the magnesium, chloride and TDS levels for Qal-5 is also included in Appendix E. The water quality of the White River is considerably better than that in the alluvium indicating that permeability in the alluvium is restricted resulting in a relatively low degree of communication between the river water and the water in the alluvium. The existence of Kenney Reservoir decreases the groundwater gradient that may inhibit the natural tendency for the alluvium to flush itself of the higher dissolved solids content. The potential effects, therefore, were projected that the dissolved solids of the White River alluvium in the vicinity of Scullion Gulch would increase initially as prior unsaturated zones become saturated. TDS would then gradually decrease with time to near or slightly above baseline conditions as these zones are slowly flushed of their salts. 2.2.1.3 Bedrock Water Level Data Hydrographs for the sixteen (16) bedrock monitoring holes are contained in Appendix D. The locations of the holes are shown on Plate 1 in the pocket of this report. As noted in the original Deserado Mine permit application, the three zones being monitored (upper sandstone facies, siltstone and coal facies, and the lower sandstone) identify three different stratigraphic zones which lack the characteristics of an aquifer. The strata are too tight with little yield as demonstrated by pumping tests. The “upper sandstone facies” holes are designated by a name ending in “U”.