2021-09-03_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (8)

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RULE 2 PERMITS As part of the investigations begun in 2004, WMC also identified ten springs and seeps, seven of which had been previously identified by JBR Environmental Consultants (JBR) in 1998. Tetra Tech (dba; Maxim Technologies) and Cedar Creek Associates also identified seeps and springs within the general area along Collom Gulch, Little Collom Gulch, Jubb Creek (mainstem and both forks), Straight Gulch, upper Wilson Creek, and areas in between. A total of 46 seeps and springs were observed during the inventory, of which 33 fell within the Collom, Little Collom, or Jubb Creek drainages that may be affected by the mining. Those spring and seep monitoring locations applicable to the Collom permit expansion area are summarized in Table 2.04.7-47, and monitoring results are summarized in Table 2.04.7-49. Spring and seep monitoring locations are depicted on Map l OB. Surface Water Quality — Several surface water quality investigations have been performed in the general area, in conjunction with the water quantity measurements discussed above. The water quality aspects of these investigations are discussed in the following paragraphs. The USGS collected water quality data at several area stream gages as early as 1947. Data from those gages are summarized in Table 2.04.7-45. The USGS discontinued water quality monitoring at the last of these stations in 1992. Engineering Science (ES) measured parameters in area streams and springs from 1978 through 1982 (ES, 1982). The report concluded that Taylor, Good Spring, and Wilson Creeks all have variable water quality that depends on season. Background levels of metals indicate acute and chronic toxicity to aquatic life in all drainages. It further concluded that levels of metals in surface water may affect agricultural uses, and that high metal and sulfates may preclude the use of surface water for potable water supplies. CDM investigated surface water quality over a 12 -month span from August 1984 through July 1985. Surface water monitoring locations were established in Good Spring Creek, Wilson Creek, and Taylor Creek as part of these studies. Colowyo monitored baseline surface water quality in stream water, springs, and seeps at selected locations from September 1996 to September 1997 (Jubb Creek and forks only), December 2004 through May 2006 and March of 2012 through April of 2015. Monitoring was performed in Jubb Creek, Collom Gulch, Little Collom Gulch, Straight Gulch, and nearby areas during this period. Findings of those studies are discussed in the detailed information below. Surface water monitoring locations applicable to the Collom permit expansion area are summarized in Table 2.04.7-46, and monitoring results are summarized in Table 2.04.7-48. Spring and seep monitoring locations applicable to the Collom permit expansion area are summarized in Table 2.04.7-47, and monitoring results are summarized in Table 2.04.7-49. Surface water monitoring locations, including springs and seeps, are depicted on Map l OB. Surface Water Use — Surface water is used extensively in the broader stream valleys of the area. Surface water consumption is predominantly associated with irrigation of agricultural lands. Surface water withdrawals in Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt Counties totaled 690.50 million gallons per day (mgd) in 2000 (USGS 2004). About 97 percent of the surface water withdrawal volume (668.66 mgd) was used for irrigation. The irrigated acreage totaled 117,560 acres. Public water supply (1.2 percent) and thermoelectric power generation (2.0 percent) account for the remaining surface water withdrawals. In Moffat County alone, irrigation of 36,370 acres claimed 92.8 percent of the 207.42 mgd total surface water withdrawal, while public supply and power generation claimed 1.8 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively. All of the major streams are over -appropriated, and therefore, many of the surface water rights are inactive (CDM, 1985b). Large storage reservoirs are often constructed to capture spring runoff and facilitate irrigation of fields in the summer months when natural flows are diminished. Collom — Rule 2, Page 30 Revision Date: 4/7/17 Revision No.: RN -07