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<br />-45- <br />in lower Trout Creek are used both for flood irrigation and domestic <br />use. The maximum predicted total dissolved solids concentrations are <br />well below a threshold concentration of 1000 mg/1. The threshold <br />concentration for domestic water use is less distinct. The EPA has <br />suggested a criterion of 250 mg/1 for chlorides and sulfates in domestic <br />water supplies (Quality Criteria for Water, U.S. epq, 1976). The water <br />in lower Trout Creek would be expected to have bicarbonate and sulfate as <br />the dominant anions. Sulfates in the 1000 to 1500 mg/1 frequently have <br />laxative effects, but concentrations as low as 200 to 500 mg/1 may effect <br />some individuals. Total dissolved solids concentrations as high as 696 <br />mg/1 were projected to result from the long-term effects of mining. <br />However, these total concentrations would be considerably less than the <br />total. Water in the range predicted would still be considered "good" in <br />terms of palatability. Affected surface waters in lower Trout Creek <br />would remain suitable for both flood irrigation and domestic use. <br />The projections for the Yampa River near hoyden (Table 4) show effects <br />similar to those identified in the other drainages. However, the Yampa <br />River is the major drainage in the area and is less effected by mining <br />operations than the other drainages considered. Affected water quality <br />in the Yampa River would remain suitable for both flood irrigation and <br />domestic use. <br />To verify the applicant's statement of probable hydrologic consequences, <br />to identify adverse effects to the hydrologic system and to ensure that <br />the operations are conducted to minimize disturbance to the prevailing <br />hydrologic balance, the following stipulation is necessary: <br />Stipulation No. 5 <br />THE APPLICANT SHALL SUBMIT AN ANNUAL HYDROLOGIC MONITORING REPORT <br />FOR THE FOIDEL CREEK MINE. THE MONITORING REPORT SHALL INCLUDE A <br />SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS OF DATA COLLECTED DURING THE YEAR, INCLUDING: <br />1) WATER USED IN THE MINING OPERATION, 2) MINE WATER DISCHARGES TO <br />RECEIVING STREAMS (QUANTITY AND QUALITY), 3) MINE WATER INFLOWS <br />(ANNUAL MINE INFLOW STUDY), 4) STREAM FLOWS AND QUALITY, 5) IMPACTS <br />TU THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF ALLUVIAL AND BEDROCK AQUIFERS, AND <br />6) IMPACTS TO SPRING FLOWS AND QUALITY. THE MONITORING REPORT <br />SHOULD INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF MITIGATIVE MEASURES TAKEN TO <br />MINIMIZE DISTURBANCE TO THE PREVAILING HYDROLOGIC BALANCE. THE <br />MONITURING REPORT SHALL BE ADEQUATE TO PLAN FOR MODIFICATION OF <br />SURFACE OR UNDERGROUND MINING ACTIVITIES, IF NECESSARY, TO MINIMIZE <br />DISTURBANCE TO THE PREVAILING HYDROLOGIC BALANCE. <br />Cumulative Hydrologic Assessment - Summary and Findings <br />A cumulative hydrologic assessment of all anticipated mining on the <br />hydrologic balance in the general area of the Foidel Creek Mine has been <br />made by the Division. This assessment has considered the short-term and <br />the long-term effects of mining to the surface water and ground water <br />hydrologic systems. The surface water assessment was made using results <br />from a U.S. Geological Survey water quality model. <br />