2022-08-25_PERMIT FILE - C1981012 (19)

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The existing surface water rights in the permit area and adjacent areas were compiled from records of the Colorado Division of Water Resources, and are summarized in Table IOC. The primary sources of diversion are the Las Animas River, South Fork Las Animas River, North Fork Las Animas River, and various seepage locations. Irrigation is the primary use of surface water diversions in the areas adjacent to the permit area. Other uses include domestic, industrial, stock, municipal, and fisheries. WFC has conducted further surface water baseline and operational monitoring. Baseline studies include establishing flumes in Apache and Santistevan Canyons. Quality and flow measurements were taken during 1984 and 1985 in these canyons as well as the Middle Fork or the Purgatoire River. Monthly flow and water quality data is currently being collected in Wet, Lopez, and Cherry Canyons and the Purgatoire River. WFC also evaluated springs and seeps in and adjacent to the permit area. Exhibit 10, Annual Hydrologic Monitoring Report, contains all surface water data taken since WFC acquired the Golden Eagle Mine. Spring and Seep Survey In response to Stipulation 7, a preliminary spring /seep survey of the New Elk and Golden Eagle permit and adjacent areas was conducted using aerial photographs. Twenty -two potential sites were identified, as shown on Map 8, Regional Hydrology. Known springs and seeps previously identified by the USGS were first examined for characteristic features which were then applied to the area of interest. Primary selection criteria included anomalous green vegetation and the presence of deciduous trees along drainage bottoms. Features used for selection of individual sites are summarized in Table 11, Preliminary Spring /Seep Locations. Stock pond and windmill locations are also plotted on Map 8, Regional Hydrology. In response to Stipulation 8, WFC completed field verification and sampling of springs or seeps on May 9 and 10, 1984. The area investigated was slightly larger than one mile surrounding the New Elk and Golden Eagle permit boundaries. Twenty springs or seeps were identified. Nine of these fall within one mile of the permit boundaries and were monitored as per permit requirements throughout the 1984 growing season. Parameters measured included pH, flow, conductivity, and temperature. The results of this inventory are presented in Table 12, Results of Field Spring and Seep Inventory. The locations are shown on Map 8, Regional Hydrology. For the purposes of this discussion no distinction is made between springs or seeps. It appears however, most of the water encountered was a result of seepage. All of the water, with the exception of No. 14 in Apache Canyon and springs in Santistevan Canyon, come from seepage from coal or the interfaces between coal and shale or sandstone. No. 14 in Apache Canyon is a developed spring, while Santistevan Canyon springs PR -02 2.04 -25a (Revised 8/20/10)