1985-06-14_REVISION - C1981012 (2)

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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES David H. Getches, Execulrve Dueclor MINED LAND RECLAMATION DI\ DAVID C. SMELTON, Director Richard D. Lamm Governor June 14, 1985 Mr. Oave Stout Wyoming Fuel Company 12055 W. Second Place P.O. Box 15596 Lakewood, CO 80215 RE: Monitoring Reduction at the New Elk and Golden Eagle Mines - Adequacy of Technical Revision to Permit File Nos. C-0122-83 and C-013-81 Dear Mr. Stout: I have reviewed the data and format of Wyoming Fuel's Annual Hydrologic Report. The format facilitates review of the data both for the division and for the operator. The section preceding the presentation of the data where sampling sites are described was most helpful. Also, the reduction of data by the consultant and subsequent narrative of the effects of mining on the • hydrologic regime were well presented. The latter is considered a most important part of the annual Hydrologic Report in that the operator is able to evaluate the effects of mining and possibly redesign aspects of mining if significant effects are note. I have also reviewed your request for a technical revision to reduce the monitoring requirements of the aforementioned mines. My comments follow: PRS-l, 2; and 3; PRS-2 needs to continue as a monitoring station due to the distance from PRS-1 and due to the fact that the North Fork of the Pergatoire enters the surface water system upstream of this point. Without this station, there would be no reference point with which to evaluate any changes at PRS-3. deletion of full-suite an alvsis parameters The parameters that Wyoming Fuel Company proposes to reduce from the analysis list have not, to present, shown any problem. However, the reasoning behind their inclusion by the Division is that the long-term mining operation may cause some change in water quality, not previously detected. The continued analysis on a yearly basis of these parameters allows a safeguard for detecting changes not previously predicted. The Division proposes that the full list of parameters remain to be analyzed at certain sites on an annual basis. For ease in designating this suite it will hence forward by described as the long list. The shortened parameter • list originally proposed by Wyoming Fuel will be designated the short list. Field measurements will include water level or flow, pH, conductivity and temperature. Turbidity has been removed from all requirements. 423 Centennial Building, 1313 Sherman Street Denver, Colorado 80203 Tet. (303) 866-3567