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A hydrologic monitoring program was implemented at the Chimney Rock Mine located 20 miles <br />southwest of Pagosa Springs, Colorado in October 1980. This program currently consists of three surface <br />stations and eight ground water wells. The results of monitoring activities for the period of January through <br />September 1988 are summarized in the following paragraphs with summary data sheets attached. <br />Surface Water MonitorinL~ <br />Surface water monitoring was conducted a[ three locations on Stollsteimer Creek (S-1, S-2 and S-3}. <br />Flows conditions over the quarter ranged from summer low Oow to high [low caused by intense <br />thundershowers. On August 18 and 28, precipitation at the site was measured at 2.5 and 1.25 inches, <br />respectively. The event on August 18 exceeded the calculated 10 year-24 hour storm event. Flow <br />measurements collected a[ the three surface stations during the quarterl}' sampling on September 21, 1985 <br />ranged from 1.8 to 2.2 cfs which is a low Oow condition for Stollsteimer Creek. <br />Water quality samples were collected at each of the three surface stations during the September <br />sampling. The water is classified as a calcium/sulfate-bicarbonate water with relatively low concentrations <br />of metals and mineralization. The lower flow conditions have shifted the major ion balance back to a <br />sulfate/biprbonate water over the more sulfate type water observed in lv4arch 1988. Results were similar <br />over the three stations. The mine has continued to be inactive with the only surface disturbance being the <br />reconstruction of the Stollsteimer channel below the haul road crossing. Even with some minor disturbance <br />in the creek, TSS concentrations are higher above the activity (68 mgll) than below (35 and 28 mg(l). <br />A quarterly pond inspection was conducted in September. No erosional or structural problcnts were <br />observed. Recent heavy rains have resulted in an increase in sediment deposited in the ponds. <br />Ground Water Monitorin <br />Alluvial ground water was monitored at wells A-1, W-1, W-5 and W-7. The deeper Fruitland <br />Formation was monitored at wells W-6, W-9 and W-10. The reclaimed area was monitored at well W-]6. <br />Water levels monitored in [he four alluvial wells exhibited a general decrease over the levels <br />measured in June. This corresponds with the decrease in surface Oow of Stollsteimer Creek- Results of <br />water samples collected in September at wells A-1, W-5, and W-7 indicate similar characteristics as surface <br />water. <br />Well A-1 had a much higher degree of ionization over the other two wells. Well A-1 also had much <br />higher metal concentrations of iron, manganese, and aluminum with elevated wnductit~ty and TDS. Well <br />A-1 exhibited asodium/sulfate type water rather than acalcium/bicarbonate type. This change in water <br />quality may be from the mining activity and seepage from the reclaimed pit located up-gradient of the well. <br />The deeper Fruitland Formation was monitored at stations W-6, W-9 and W-10. Water levels <br />bf the three wells decreased over the quaver. Water quality samples were collected at stations W-9 and <br />W-10 in September. The water was consistent with previous samplings being asodium-calcium bicarbonate <br />type with somewhat high concentrations of metals. <br />Well W-16 in the reclaimed area exhibited a slight decrease in water level over the monitoring <br />period. Water quality can be classified as sodium/bicarbonate-sulfate with a higher degree of ionization over <br />the other deep wells sampled. Concentrations of iron, nitrate and ammonia were also elevated. Trace metal <br />concentrations were low. <br />