PERMFILE73169

• Permit No: C1981013A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 7/3/2003
• Section_Exhibit Name: Section 2.05 Operation and Reclamation Plan
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

Surface water resources have been quantified through
monitoring studies. The results of the::e studies indicate that *~
s
side-canyons of the Purgatoire are intermittent or ephemeral
streams. These canyons flow in response to significant storm
events. Flows in these canyons have been shown to be limited
and a minimal resource. Since this resource is limited,
secondary or retreat mining, even in the worst case, would not
significantly impact the surface water regime in and adjacent
to the permit boundary. Water use in the Purgatoire R:Lver has
been over-appropriated. However, contributions of side--canyons
are so minimal, (Exhibit 10, Annual Hydrologic Monitoring
Report), impact to downstream users would not be detectable.
A thick veneer of alluvium surrounds the North Fork of
the Purgatoire River. There is sub-irrigation, flood
irrigation, and historic agricultural practices along the
Purgatoire downstream of the. mine. The Purgatoire Valley
essential hydrologic function will be preserved, through
limitation of mining; to 50°s. extraction. Surface water and •q
groundwater .resources are_insignificant in side-canyons of the
Purgatoire Va11ey.J As such, the surface water and groundwater
resources in these canyons do not supply the Purgatoire Valley
with significant recharge capacity. In fact, water supplied to
the Purgatoire-from mine water pumpage will more than mitigate
for any water lost from the side-canyons. Impacts of mining on
the hydrologic balance should not be significant in the short
term or long term.
WFC completed a water user survey during May, 1984, and
July, 1988. This survey was completed in response to
Stipulation 7, Golden Eagle. This survey included identifying
all wells and windmills within one male of the New Elk and
Golden Eagle permit boundaries. In this stipulation response,
WFC provided the location of windmills, water quality data,
water levels, possible sources of water, and potential
hydrologic impacts. In summary, the only significant water use ..
2.05-47 (uevised 04/27/9x)