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CHIMNEY ROCK MINE <br />.Y!.J"b•.F:6:5".k"„'R:R:R:6?'.~~:udw:E:k:N.'(.'~uR/R:?:#.:R'di'6M:AM1kDSb".a::RSSf,:^.NH.:.C'k.`N5A"..'/„^A`.:RwtwiR.`CiM%'.:YQti:M^EY': LR22::::.k:'.`l%:%..:kvk.:QY:~JiU~n!"v:."1.T)..V9.'M''M4iGL` `:R:1:9).:5."wiki::.^.iE~ 5.:::y:.n. ). <br />A hydrologic monitoring program was implemented at the Chimney Rock Mine located 20 miles southwest <br />of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, in October 1980. This program currently consists of three surface stations and <br />eight groundwater wells. The results of monitoring activities Cor the period of March, 1990, are summarized <br />in the following paragraphs with summary data sheets attached. <br />SURFACE WATER MONITORING <br />Surface water monitoring was conducted at three locations on Stollsteimer Creek (S-1, S-2 and S-3). Flow <br />conditions were extremely low for this season of the year. Flow measured at the three stations ranged from <br />one to two cfs. No crest evens were recorded at the three stations. <br />Water quality samples were collected at each of the three surface stations during the March sampling. <br />The water is classified as a mixed calcium-magnesium/sulfate-bicarbonate water with relatively low <br />concentrations of metals and mineralization. Due to the low flow conditions, water quality resembled that of <br />a winter or fall sampling. No oil and grease was found in any of the sur[ace water samples. <br />A spring and seep survey was conducted on March 17, 1990, in the area of the mine pits and surface <br />l disturbance area. No springs were observed. <br />I A quarterly pond inspection was conducted on March 17, 1989. No erosional or structural problems were <br />observed. Department of Health NPDES sampling and reporting was conducted over the quarter with copies <br />' of the reports sent to CMLRD. <br />Alluvial groundwater was monitored at wells A-1, W-1, W-5 and W-7. The deeper Fruitland Formation <br />was monitored at wells W-6, W-9 and W-10. The reclaimed area was monitored at well W-16. <br />Water levels monitored in the four alluvial wells exhibited a slight increase over the levels measured in <br />December, 1989. This corresponds with the slight increase in surface flow of Stollsteimer Creek. Results of <br />water samples collected at wells A-1, W-5 and W-7 indicate similar characteristics as surface water. Well A-1 <br />had a much higher degree of ionization over the other two wells. Well A-1 also had much higher metal <br />concentrations of iron, manganese and aluminum with elevated conductivity and TDS. Well A-1 exhibited a <br />more sodium/sulfate type water. This change in water quality may be Crom the mining activity and seepage <br />Crom the reclaimed pit located up-gradient of the well. <br />I The deeper Fruitland Formation was monitored at stations W-6, W-9 and W-10. Water level of the three <br />wells increased slightly over the quarter. Water quality samples were collected at stations W-9 and W-]0 <br />during the March, 1990, sampling. The water was consistent with previous samplings being a mixed sodium- <br />calcium/sulfate-bicarbonate type with relatively low concentrations of metal. <br />Well W-16 in the reclaimed area exhibited a slight decrease in water level over the monitoring period. <br />Water quality can be classified as sodium bicarbonate-sulfatewith ahigher degree of ionization over the other <br />' deep wells sampled. Concentrations o[ iron, nitrate and ammonia were also elevated. Trace metals <br />concentrations were low. <br />