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Whirlwind Mine Groundwater Characterization Report <br /> • Post-mining hydrology <br /> As described in Section 8.4, post-mining development of springs is not expected in <br /> upgradient water sources as there will be no confined conditions that will develop in the <br /> mine workings. The mine workings will be limited to the Top Rim sandstone which is an <br /> aquiclude, and if the unit yields groundwater to the workings, this water will be used <br /> underground in accordance with the existing water right. Groundwater contained by the <br /> bulkhead in the Whirlwind Decline will not attain a head greater than the existing lower <br /> Brushy Basin seepage point in the decline. This groundwater is expected to infiltrate into <br /> the Brushy Basin and return to a natural flow path. No springs are expected to develop <br /> under this scenario. <br /> • Potential ore pad leachate mitigation <br /> As described above in Section 8.5, the ore-pad design addresses the concern of <br /> leachate contamination. In addition, Monitoring Well W-1, which is completed in the <br /> Brushy Basin has been monitored annually since 2008. Baseline water quality indicates <br /> exceedance of state groundwater standards for arsenic and uranium. <br /> • Water quality monitoring program <br /> As reported in Section 8.6, the baseline water quality program continues to be <br /> implemented with data reported to DRMS annually. <br /> • Water quality mitigation <br /> As described in Section 8.7 EFR's current monitoring plan will continue through active <br /> mining operations. Should conditions change indicating a negative effect on water <br /> resources, EFR will investigate the cause and design plans to mitigate the situation. <br /> i <br /> Western Water& Land, Inc. 64 <br />