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Ron Thompson Page 2 06/17/02 solids (TDS) at the downstream site (PRS-3) were 200 mg/I, 5% higher than the upstream site, PRS-2. 2001 Resort -Ground Water Quantity and Quality Data collected during 2001 continues to support the previous observation that overburden ground water levels are recovering. Well Zone Distance from mined area 1998 1999 2000 2001 NM-20 Ovbn 6000 ft 350 ft 349 ft 349 ft 351 ft NM-21 Coal 4000 ft NM-22 Ovbn 10,000 ft SF-2 Ovbn 3000 ft 755 ft 740 ft 739 ft 701 ft 419 ft 414 ft 407 ft 401 ft 677 ft 675 ft 656 ft 641 ft Although the rate of recovery is slow, data clearly indicates an increasing water level trend. Localize conditions near NM-20 may be the cause of the slow recovery of this well. Flooding of the workings is now positively confirmed by a rising water level in the GEM-2 well location at the former 3rd North intake fan site. Initial analysis done by the Division estimated that a measurable water level would likely result at the GEM-2 and GEM-3 sites in May 2000. Previous flooding estimates and further review of same after analysis of the 1999 AHR data resulted in a revised estimate predicting complete flooding of the workings, north of Highway 12, in December 2001. 2001 monitoring data confirm the accuracy of the revised estimates. Water level in GEM-2 ended the 2000 water year at 578 feet. Water level in GEM-2 ended 2001 at 545 feet, a 33-foot rise in this opening to the mine workings. GEM-3 was measured at 609 feet in February 2001 and 589 feet in May 2001; a 16-foot rise over three months, or 3.3 feet per month. 2001 water level data for GEM-2 and GEM-3 data indicate the mine workings north of Highway 12 are now completely flooded. The current monthly rate of flooding is approximately 2.75 feet per month. GEM-1, the old Jeffrey intake fan site near the mine portal, will be the last site to show flooding, although a small amount of flooding has occurred at this site due to it's location in the mains. The site was measured as generally dry in 2001, with no ability to collect a water sample due to limited water available on the mine floor. GEM-3 was noted as dry during 2001 but will likely begin to return water level values in 2002. Bedrock well water quality sampling requirements is no longer required due to the large distances from the mined area. Previous sampling had indicated an improvement in salinity due to gradient reversal caused by mining drawdown. As the mine workings flood, the natural groundwater gradient to the north-northeast will be re-established. Water quality will be monitored in the mine workings through the GEM series of wells on an annual basis. Alluvial water quality remains slightly more saline than the surface water which recharges the alluvium, but is within an acceptable range for all known and current uses. Quality changes due to mining are not apparent. Average alluvial water levels are at all-time lows, due to the current persistent drought conditions.