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Whirlwind Mine Groundwater Characterization Report <br /> • Potential impact of mining on ambient groundwater quantity and quality. <br /> • The fate of the water that seeps into the mine workings and subsequently drains out. <br /> • The equilibrium state of water in the mine during mining and post-mining conditions <br /> (before and after the bulkhead(s) are constructed); i.e., the water balance. <br /> • The potential development of post-mining surface springs of poor water quality as a <br /> result of mine water flooding and bulkhead installation(s); and the potential for bulkhead <br /> failure or fracture seepage around the bulkhead to mine workings. <br /> • The potential for ore pad leachate contamination of groundwater and surface water <br /> sources. <br /> • The development and implementation of a baseline water quality program for <br /> groundwater and surface water in the mine vicinity. <br /> • The development of a monitoring plan of water sources and a mitigation plan should the <br /> monitoring show impacts to water quality. <br /> The initial scope of hydrologic investigations as proposed by WWL in 2008 was based on EFR's <br /> response to the DRMS's Additional Adequacy Review(Feb. 7, 2008) of the mine permit(M- <br /> 2007-044). The review specifically highlighted data needs related to mine hydrology. The AAR <br /> response letter indicated that EFR would further define the hydrologic regime at the Whirlwind <br /> Mine site over the life of and during the closure of the mine. Work activities may include dye <br /> tracer tests to determine the fate of standing water in the Whirlwind Decline and the Packrat <br /> Mine, measurement of groundwater levels, and groundwater mapping and modeling. In addition, <br /> the document refers to specific activities and locations that are to be incorporated into the <br /> hydrological assessment including the following: <br /> 1. Mine Water Treatment& Discharge <br /> 2. Whirlwind Decline <br /> 3. Packrat Mine <br /> 4. DP Spring <br /> Western Water& Land, Inc. 3 <br />