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• considering the magnitudes of TSS determined for sites at the New Horizon 2 mining area (10 to <br />100 mg/I), the laboratory analyses were well within reason. <br />Discharge probably had some influence (relationship) on TDS concentration, but the regression <br />analyses for all sites during both seasons indicated that the relationship was inconsistent and still <br />inconclusive. Finally, there appeared to be no relationship between TSS and TDS. TSS values <br />have only occasionally exceeded 500 mg/I at any monitored site, likely resulting in very few <br />instances where the suspended solids in the flow influence TDS by adsorbing ions and reducing <br />the dissolved chemical load. <br />SURFACE WATER SUITABILITY <br />This section discusses the suitability, present use and potential use ofsurface water monitored at <br />stream sites at the New Horizon 2 mining area. The suitability ofsurface water is discussed by <br />comparing historical water quality data for each site with the most stringent state or federal <br />standards established for: 1) drinking water; 2) agricultural water; and 3) livestock drinking water. <br />Also, surface water is discussed in relation to receiving stream standards applicable to the San <br />• Miguel River as adopted by the Colorado Department of Health (CDOH, 1983 revised, 1986). <br />Surface water use, both present and potential, is described in relation to each water standard <br />category. <br />Surface water at all stream sites, except SW-N104, SW-N105, and SW-N108, was found to be <br />unsuitable for drinking water because of sulfate and manganese excedences. Lead and iron <br />standards were exceeded atfourofthe sites, while pH and nitrogen-ammonia (NH,) were exceeded <br />at three and one stream monitoring site, respectively. Interestingly, the three sites located on the <br />West Lateral irrigation ditch all fell within the drinking water standards. Historically and presently, <br />irrigation water delivered by the West Lateral has been and currently is used by local residents as <br />a source of drinking water. Sulfate and manganese are commonly exceeded at all other stream <br />sites established in tributaries of and along both Calamity and Tuttle Draws. <br />With regard to the agricultural standards, only manganese was exceeded at all surface water <br />monitoring sites, with the exception ofthe West Lateral irrigation ditch sites (SW-N 104, SW-N105, <br />SW-N106). Five sites have had exceedences of the pH standard and two sites have had <br />. exceedences of boron. <br />(Revised 6/28/01) 2.04.7-34 <br />