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<br />EMPIRE PIT <br />n <br />U' <br />Exhibit G <br />4later <br />The operation of the Empire Pit affects the ground water system of the Clear <br />Creek alluvial aquifer in the following manner. <br />As the Phase I area is mined, groundwater is continuously removed through <br />gravity flow ditch systems. The water is discharged to the wastewater lagoons, <br />presently located on the Phase II area. The lagoons have no discharge sys- <br />tem. The water is detained fora period sufficient to allow sedimentation <br />of heavier particles, then allowed to return to the groundwater system through <br />percolation and infiltration. Some water is lost to evaporation, but, the <br />largest percentage is recovered by the Clear Creek aquifer. <br />Throughout the entire mining operation, both the mined areas and the ad- <br />jacent operational areas on the affected land will be maintained to ensure <br />collection and positive control of storm water runoff, washing operation <br />waste water, and groundwater. Roadway ditches, and grading of operational <br />areas should allow positive control of runoff wastewater. <br />Estimated water requirements for the project are as follows: <br />Mt•nin9 <br />Wash operation - 125 gpm <br />Miscellaneous uses - none <br />Reclamation - none <br />Source of the required water is surface water from Clear Creek taken under <br />rights held by the ]andowner. No water rights are held by the operator. <br />The supply is relatively constant and more than sufficient for oroject <br />needs. <br />The operator has obtained an NPDES permit for the operation of the waste- <br />water lagoon system. Permit number is CO-0001384. <br />No material injury to water rights is anticipated by the continued operation <br />of the Empire Pit. <br />