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fluctuations are probably the result of recharging and dewatering a perched aquifer <br />within the formation. <br />Although aquifer tests were not performed on the overburden at the site, aquifer <br />characteristics have been extrapolated from Colorado Yampa Coal, located about 15 <br />miles southeast. Data obtained from these tests indicate that transmissivity values <br />for the overburden could range from 3 to 20 gallons per day per foot (0.4 to 2.7 ft' <br />per day), while storativity may vary from 1 x 10"Z to 1 x 10-' as local conditions <br />change. <br />Water quality analyses generally indicate that this is a magnesium -calcium <br />bicarbonate water with elevated levels of iron, manganese, and TDS. The high <br />iron, TDS and manganese values preclude use of this water as a drinking supply. <br />Williams Fork water is suitable for stock watering and irrigation of salt tolerant <br />plants. <br />Hubberson Gulch Alluvium <br />The alluvium in Hubberson Gulch occurs in the lower reaches of the gulch in and <br />adjacent to the permit area. Depth to water data indicates that the aquifer may vary <br />from semi-confined to water table conditions. The amount of head, if any, is <br />generally less than 5 feet. Water quality analyses of two alluvial wells indicate that <br />these calcium-bicarbonate type waters do not meet U.S EPA drinking standards. <br />Manganese, sulfate, TDS, and chromium are found to be in excess of standards. <br />These waters do meet stock watering criteria, and may be used for irrigation <br />dependent upon crop and soil characteristics. <br />Springs and Seeps <br />An initial spring survey in July, 1979, located 49 springs and seeps in and near the <br />permit area. Two additional springs were identified during the 1997 baseline <br />studies for the II-W South Extension Area. The majority of the springs and seeps <br />occur in valley bottoms. The recharge to these valley bottom springs may be from <br />a discontinuous alluvial aquifer, from colluvial slumps, or from perched aquifers <br />draining to stream sediments. Several springs issue from the Williams Fork <br />Fotmation, while two others issue from the overlying Twenty Mite Sandstone. <br />Some of the springs are used to fill stock ponds in the area, while the majority <br />either contribute flow to the creeks or provide recharge to downgradient alluvium. <br />Olson Spring, which has an adjudicated domestic water right associated with it, <br />issues from the Dry Creek Alluvium about 20 feet from Dry Creek. This spring is <br />located about 9,000 feet downstream from mining. <br />Seneca [I-W Findings Document 37 June l2, 2006 <br />Permit Renewal No. 5 <br />