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~- <br />No surface water quality data are available since surface flow occurs <br />only in response to significant rainfall or snowmelt. <br />(b.) Groundwater quantity as it pertains to pit inflow (water flowing into <br />and out of the mining area) is determined using the observed inflow <br />rate in the underground mine from perched water bodies known to exist <br />in the vicinity of the project area and from data obtained during the <br />development drilling program. A complete analysis of this expressed <br />concern will be submitted during the week of September 17. <br />(This response will also address the concern stated in item number 4 in the <br />August 8, letter.) <br />Referring to Figure E-1, information describing the stratigraphic cross section <br />and profiles of the backfilled pit are depicted. <br />5. Referring to Exhibit I, two soil mapping units occur within the permit area. <br />The lower mapping unit is a complex comprised almost entirely of the Neville and <br />Paradox series. The upper mapping unit is a complex comprised mainly of an <br />unnamed, bouldery, clay loam. These soils are taxonominally identical except <br />for slight differences in texture. These soils have been studied, and specific <br />descriptions of the soils, including soil depth, can be found in Exhibhit I. <br />Analysis of the surface solid chemistry is presently in progress. The results <br />of the laboratory analysis will be submitted during the week of September 17. <br />The physical and chemical parameters to be included in the analysis are: <br />texture; PH; electric conductivity; organic matter; calcium; magnesium; <br />potassium; sodium; boron; molybdenum; selenium; manganese, copper; zinc; and <br />iron. <br />No permanent impoundments will be created during the mine life. <br />7. (This response will also address the questions and concerns raised during <br />the August 27 meeting and listed as item 2 in the attached summary.) <br />Referring to Figure D.5-11, runoff diversion ditches will be constructed uphill <br />from the open pit and waste dump. The diversion ditches have been designed in <br />accordance with the procedures outlined by the SCS in Engineering Field Manual <br />for Conservation Practices, 1969, and will carry the runoff caused by a ten-year <br />precipitation event. The assumptions used for the purposes of determining <br />channel .flow are summarized in response number 1, above. <br />During mining operations, the diverted runoff water will not comingle with pit <br />wall inflow. All diverted runoff will be returned to the undisturbed arroyos <br />adjacent to the open pit. <br />-4- <br />