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State Reg. <br />Trace element concentations are below detection limits in many • <br />samples. These waters are marginally suitable for domestic use, and are i <br />adequate for livestock watering. <br />Most ground water in the general area will present a medium to high <br />salinity hazard for crops according to the U.S. Department of Agricul- <br />ture Classification for Irrigation Water (USDA, 1969). occasional high- <br />sodium-hazard ground water may be encountered locally. With the <br />exception of a single high boron value (0.819 mg/1) in well GW-S2W-4WC, <br />the concentrations for all other constituents are below the standards set <br />forth for agricultural use in Table 7-4. High boron values may cause <br />damage to boron sensitive plants; however boron tolerant plants such as <br />alfalfa reach maximum growth with l to 2 mg/1 of boron (U.S.D.A., <br />1969). Low well yields; steep hillsides, and poor water quality throughout <br />the region limit developing aquifers for agricultural use. <br />Baseline ground water quality at the Energy Fuels No. I Mine similarly <br />indicates limited potential use. It is described as saline, alkaline, moder- • <br />ately hard, and dominantly asodium-bicarbonate water type. Other <br />major ions commonly found in this ground water include calcium, magne- <br />sium, and sulfate. Chemical analyses for these waters are not included <br />as part of this application, but may be examined by referring to the <br />Energy Fuels No. I Mine Permit Application (1979). <br />It can be concluded that ground water quantity and quality in the general <br />and adjaent area is variable and, to a certain degree, unpredictable as a <br />source for beneficial use. This assessment provides the basis for the next <br />section dealing with site specific ground water•in the mine plan area. <br />8. SITE SPECIFIC <br />2.04.7(Ixb) In order to meet existing state and federal surface coal mining regula- <br />tions regarding ground water hydrology, Seneca Coals, Ltd. has drilled <br />and tested numerous observation wells to monitor the quantity and <br />quality of ground waters in the permit and adjacent areas. The following <br />discussion of the monitoring program serves to provide information <br />7-12 Revised S/27/81 <br />