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Whirlwind Mine Groundwater Characterization Report <br /> 8.2 Fate of Water in Mine Workings <br /> Groundwater that seeps into the mine workings occurs primarily from exposed sections of the <br /> Brushy Basin aquifer, seepage from intercepting exploration drill holes, and possibly some <br /> contributions from the Salt Wash Top Rim sandstone. Note that fracture flow contributions to <br /> mine water are also probable and may originate from overlying aquifers or the within the mine <br /> workings in the Salt Wash. <br /> As mentioned, EFR intends to seal the major sources of seepage entering the Packrat Mine <br /> workings including the 10 Straight vent shaft and exploration drill holes. This action will reduce <br /> the amount of groundwater entering the mine workings. It is not anticipated that the Brushy <br /> Basin will be exposed during other mining activities. Groundwater seepage from the Salt Wash <br /> is expected to be minimal. <br /> Historically, mine water drainage has discharged to the surface in the past from a number of <br /> mines and all but the Rajah 49 Mine have ceased this discharge. At the Rajah 49 Mine, water <br /> pools at and may drain from the portal at a minimal flow rate, usually less than one gpm. This <br /> water infiltrates within a few feet of the portal. <br /> No mine water is expected to exit the mine under free drainage conditions. If water is <br /> intentionally removed from the mines, it will be treated and discharged under a state discharge <br /> permit. <br /> 8.3 Water Balance <br /> The expected mine life of the Whirlwind Mine is 10 years. An equilibrium state of groundwater in <br /> the Whirlwind Mine may not be attained within this short period of time. This is partially because <br /> the volume of workings will expand with time. It is also because groundwater behavioral <br /> reactions to some stresses is slow to attain equilibrium. Other stresses such as climatic <br /> changes will also affect surface and groundwater hydrology. <br /> During mining operations, it is anticipated groundwater inflow into the mine workings will occur <br /> primarily by minor seepage rates from the Salt Wash —where adequate saturation is present. <br /> The inflow will result in a depression in head (drawdown) that expands radially outward from the <br /> Western Water& Land, Inc. 56 <br />