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~ ~ III IIIIIIIIIIIII III <br />STATE OF COLORADO <br />DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY <br />Department of NaWral Resources <br />1313 Sherman St., Room 215 <br />Denver, Colorado 80203 <br />Phone: 1303) 866-3567 <br />FA%: (303) 832 8106 <br />Date : June l3, 2001 <br />~~ <br />DIVISION OF <br />MINERALS <br />GEOLOGY <br />RECLAMATION <br />MINING•SAF ETY <br />To : Carl Mount, DMG Pi° o.ve"' <br />Governor <br />~S CreF E. \Valcher <br />From :Tom Schreiner 7F/ Execmwe Direcln. <br />Michael B. Lons <br />Division DireUOr <br />RE : S & H Mine -Regular 112 Application, File No. M-2000-158 <br />Possible Hydrologic Impacts to Western Mutual Ditch <br />I have reviewed the potential for mining related impacts such as pit dewatering to adversely <br />affect the water flowing in the Western Mutual Ditch. It is my determination that there should be <br />no adverse hydrologic impact to the flows in the ditch based on the proposed mine and <br />dewatering plans. It is my understanding that the Western Mutual Ditch is unlined and therefore <br />may experience seepage loss in the reach bordering the eastern permit boundary. The Western <br />Mutual Ditch Company should be able to quantify the average rate of seepage loss for the ditch if <br />they have not already done so. According to the Pre-Mining Map (Exhibit C) and [he Mining <br />Plan Map (Exhibit C-1), the Western Mutual Ditch is located along an upland terrace and ranges <br />from 10 to 20 feet in elevation higher than the lower terrace areas to be excavated. The applicant <br />has indicated that the groundwater table is located approximately 7 feet below the surface. <br />Therefore, the Western Mutual Ditch is estimated to be 17 to 37 feet above the groundwater table <br />in the adjacent affected area. It is inconceivable that the proposed dewatering operations will <br />depress the level of water flowing in the ditch or increase the rate of seepage from the ditch into <br />the alluvial aquifer. Further, matters such as these should ultimately be considered by the Office <br />of [he State Engineer [o determine if there has been an injury to water rights for the shareholders <br />of the Western Mutual Ditch Company. <br />