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Whirlwind Mine Groundwater Characterization Report <br /> Based on the information complied for the Burro Canyon hydrostratigraphic unit, the following <br /> conclusions are made: <br /> • The Burro Canyon aquifer is considered an unconfined aquifer that has a saturated <br /> thickness ranging from 0 to 10 ft; minor groundwater may occur in thin zones above the <br /> basal aquifer zone. <br /> • The aquifer may include saturated rock within and immediately below the contact with <br /> the Brushy Basin Member. <br /> • The aquifer is not continuous on Dolores Point above the Whirlwind Mine area. <br /> • The thin, discontinuous aquifer is not viewed as a substantial water supply aquifer in the <br /> project area; however, it may serve as domestic or livestock supply source locally. <br /> • The lack of continuity and substantial saturated thickness may be due to poor recharge <br /> capabilities (permeability) and discharge of recharged water by way of springs and <br /> evapotranspiration on the rims of Dolores Point. In addition, the prevalent number of <br /> improperly abandoned uranium exploration holes on Dolores Point may have contributed <br /> to downward vertical seepage from the Burro Canyon into underlying units. <br /> • Noted discharge from the Burro Canyon occurs by springs; those in the study area <br /> include DP Springs and Willow Springs. <br /> • The water chemistry of interpreted Burro Canyon sources is consistently unique and of <br /> the calcium-bicarbonate type. The Burro Canyon water chemistry is distinctly different <br /> from Brushy Basin source water chemistry. <br /> 6.2.2 Brushy Basin <br /> Brushy Basin groundwater has been associated with sandstone units within the predominate <br /> sequences of mudstone in this member. Testing at Umetco's borehole BM00-1 involved isolated <br /> packer intervals that purposely straddled sandstone units and adjoining mudstone units. <br /> Western Water S Land, Inc. 37 <br />