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V. Geolo y -Rules 2.04.5 and 2.04.6(1) <br />The geology sections of the permit application, found in Section 2.04.6 of <br />Volume I and Appendix D, Volume III, have been reviewed by the Division for <br />compliance. <br />The data provided in Appendix D, Section 1 (mass spectrometry analysis) of the <br />application indicate that the overburden and interburden contain some chemical <br />constituents at suspect (abnormally high) levels. The parameters of <br />particular concern consist of lead,, cadmium, molybdenum, zinc, copper, nickel, <br />manganese, boron and sodium. <br />The disturbance of these overburden materials could impact the quality of the <br />ground water and surface water as a result of leaching of the overburden <br />materials in the pit and in the excess spoil pile. High concentrations of <br />lead, molybdenum and sodium have been observed in a spoils spring. The <br />significance of the potential for degradation of the quality of the water will <br />be discussed in a later section of this document (Section IX). <br />Another potential impact is related to the suitability of the overburden <br />material as a plant growth medium. Topsoil depths range from 6 inches to <br />20 inches and rooting depths could exceed these thicknesses. High levels of <br />soluble salts are suggested by high values of electrical conductivity (see <br />Appendix D, page 2 of Accu-Lab Data and see page 2 of Report No. 73-89194, in <br />Volume III). High sodium levels as well as high SAR's indicate sodic <br />conditions. Sodium in the soil tends to break down soil structure, <br />particularly in soils of predominantly clay texture. The result of this <br />breakdown is a decrease in water holding capacity and a decrease in water <br />availability for plant growth. <br />Based on growth observed at the mine, however, the sodic nature of the <br />material is not a significant problem. There are areas of the excess spoil <br />pile which have several years growth of vegetation on them. <br />The operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. <br />VI. Hydrologic Balance - Rules 2.04.5, 2.04.7, 2.05.3(4), ?.05.6(3), and 4.05 <br />Surface 4later <br />The surface water quantity and quality portions of the permit application can <br />he found in Section 2.04.7 (Volume I), Appendix I (Volume IV), Appendix L <br />(Volume V) and Appendix S (Volume VIII). Surface water quality data for the <br />smaller drainages are given in Exhihit AA and CC of the volume entitled <br />Exhibit II. The HPDES permit and baseline monitoring plan are compiled in <br />Appendix K (Volume IV ). The monitoring plan is found in Section ?.05.6(3). <br />Surface water impacts may occur in the Hayden Gulch watershed as a consequence <br />of backfilled spoils springs and in the Dry Creek watershed as a result of <br />leaching from the loadout facility. This is discussed in greater detail in <br />Section IX of this document. <br />-8- <br />