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:. <br />Mr. Terrell Johnson - 3 - October 4, 1985 <br />The bedrock wells located downgradient from the mine show some signs of <br />influence from tMe mine. Slightly elevated total dissolved solids and sulfate <br />levels could be attributed to recharge from the spoils. This phenomenon was <br />predicted by the operator. At present, the water quality of the bedrock <br />aquifer is better than was predicted in the application. It is possible that <br />the salt plume has not totally reached the monitoring sites or, the bedrock <br />aquifer is being influenced all or in part by other water sources such as <br />faults, surface water/alluvial recharge, etc. <br />The data from samples collected by MLRD on July 29 and 30, 1985 generally <br />matched the analysis supplied by the operator for previous years. The major <br />discrepancy noted was with well data. The fact that the operator has not been <br />bailing wells prior to sampling means stagnant water has been sampled. This <br />raises questions as to the reliability of CYCC's groundwater data and should <br />be corrected. <br />There appears to be room for modification to the Mine ~3 monitoring plan. It <br />appears that several chemical parameters could be eliminated from the <br />monitoring as well as several monitoring points. Some bedrock and alluvial <br />wells appear to be isolated from the affected area. Our field observations <br />also indicate that groundwater movement in the mine area is not what is <br />depicted by the piezometric contour map (4a) in the application. This is <br />probably due to the fact that the map was drafted during the time when the <br />Middle Creek pit was open which was causing local dewatering. The first step <br />to reassessing the monitoring plan would be to redraft the piezometric map now <br />that the pits have been backfilled and the spoils are moving closer to <br />equilibrium. After the actual groundwater movement direction is determined, <br />the monitoring plan can be modified as needed. <br />If a change in the monitoring plan is desired by CYCC, I would suggest a <br />preliminary meeting to discuss mutual ideas. In the meantime, feel free to <br />contact me if you have any comments or questions concerning this letter. <br />Sincerely, <br />/ ~~ <br />~ 5 L ~L/ ~ ~, <br />Robert G. Liddle <br />Senior Reclamation Specialist <br />RGL/cj <br />Enclosure(s) <br />cc; Dan Mathews <br />Randy Price <br />3903E <br />