Laserfiche WebLink
D. A. eerzy - 8 - August 29, 1996 <br />ground water sources as approved by the Division and <br />mineralogical and chemical analyses of aquifer, <br />overburden, and spoil that are adequate to reflect <br />changes in ground water quantity and quality resulting <br />from those activities." BRL agrees that it is required <br />to monitor the upper perched water bearing zone. <br />BRL has nine wells used for monitoring the upper <br />perched water bearing zone. Additionally, HRL monitors <br />all springs potentially associated with the upper <br />perched water bearing zone ("other ground water <br />sources"). These monitoring wells and other points are <br />sufficient, both in number and in location, to <br />effectively monitor the effects, due to mining, of both <br />the quality and quantity of the ground water. <br />Additional monitoring wells are not necessary and will <br />not be proposed at this time. 1t is BRL's determination <br />that none of the perched water bearing zones are an <br />aquifer. Furthermore, Page 2.04-24 states that, as <br />observed by BRL and experienced by others within the <br />region, "The Mesaverde Formation does not contain <br />extensive aquifers. Typically, the formation is dry or <br />the rock units are of such low permeability they yield <br />insufficient water for sustained use." These perched <br />water bearing zones do not exhibit characteristics of <br />"a zone, stratum or group of strata acting as a <br />hydraulic unit that can store and transmit water in <br />sufficient quantities for beneficial use". BRL states, <br />(page 2.04-37) that the perennial streams, springs, and <br />ponds in the permit and adjacent area are of beneficial <br />use to wildlife. There was no indication during the <br />hydrologic investigation that either of the perched <br />water bearing zones feed the surface springs, ponds or <br />perennial streams. Page 2.04-29 states that the near <br />surface colluvial material is the primary source for <br />these springs. This is evidence in part by the <br />quantity fluctuation in the springs' flow and there <br />association with the annual spring anowmelt. However, <br />quality data from springs 1, 7, 14, and 15 might <br />indicate that flow or a portion of their flow is in <br />contact with some other source or stratum. This could <br />indicate potential for water impacts on the surface <br />however, BRL has also agreed to provide alternate <br />sources of water in accordance with Rule <br />2.05.6(3)(iii), in case the lower perched water bearing <br />zone transmits water to any of the springs on the <br />surface and the mining operation disrupts the surface <br />water flow. <br />x) DtdG - Please propose a downyrariient D-seam monitoring <br />well for baseline and operational monitoring. <br />