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deposits overlie the Raton Formation in the low-lying areas. The Raton Formation dips approximately two degrees east-northeast. The permit area contains one sleep, normal fault trending east-northeast with vertical displacement of 25 feet. The rock strata in the region can contain groundwater, but are not a significant source of water in the area of the mine. Typically bedrock groundwater is perched and usable sources are unreliable for most uses. Igneous intrusions can cause impermeable boundaries which act as barriers to groundwater migration. The Purgatoire River is the main surface water drainage in the region. Its headwaters originate west of the mine in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Eventually, the Purgatoire flows into the Arkansas River near Las Animas, Colorado, approximately 120 miles northeast of the mine. The Purgatoire River and its alluvium aquifer is a significant source of water in the mine area. Portions of Apache Canyon, Santistevan Canyon, Wet Canyon, and Ciruela Canyon are found within the Golden Eagle permit area. With the exception of Wet Canyon, which is perennial, these drainages are intermittent. The climate of the region is characterized as semi-arid. The prevailing winds come from the southwest and the average precipitation is 16.9 inches. The length of the growing season ranges from 90-110 days in the area. Vegetation communities are diverse, ranging from low grassland communities in the valleys to pinyon/juniper/oak brush and coniferous forest in the higher elevations. Soils in the area can be shallow or non-existent on the steep, south facing slopes, but are well-drained loans in the valleys bottom along the Purgatoire River. Section II -Revisions to the Permit Permit Kevisions since Kenewal No. 2 (June 1994) Revision Number Description Date Approved none Technical Revisions since Renewal No. 2 (June 1994) Revision Number Description Date Approved TR-36 Culvert and Ditch Design July 1994 -4-