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Flows on Sage Creek range from intermittent to perennial, depending on location and precipitation patterns. At the Seneca II-W monitoring sites, Sage Creek can be classified as perennial during years at or above average precipitation, and intermittent in years below average. The numerous small drainages which are tributary to Dry Creek are ephemeral in nature. Hubberson Gulch, downstream of [he mine site to its confluence with Dry Creek, is intermittent. Dry Creek, like Sage Creek, can be classified as perennial most years, and intermittent during years with below average precipitation. Both Sage Creek and Dry Creek are confluent with the Yampa River near Hayden, Colorado. Water in Hubberson Gulch is a MgCa-SO, type. Surface water total dissolved solids (TDS) averages 820 mg/l. The water is hard, and is characterized as slightly alkaline (average pH 8.10). It is suitable for livestock watering and irrigation of salt tolerant crops grown in well drained soils. Water quality in Sage Creek is a CaMg-HCO3 type. Samples from baseline monitoring points indicate the water is slightly alkaline with a pH ranging between 7.0 and 8.0. The water has a TDS level of less than 500 mg/1, but is characterized as very hard. It is suitable for livestock and irrigation, however, Flow is generally inadequate for irrigation. Dry Creek water quality is categorized as brackish, since TDS averages greater than 1000 mg/1 (1048 mg/I) near the confluence with Hubberson Gulch. Water quality degrades further downstream. With an average pH of 8.3, the water is slightly alkaline. Hardness averages 796 mg/l, and is considered very hard. Climate The average annual precipitation at the mine site is approximately 16 inches. The precipitation is consistent throughout the year with no significant dry periods. The mean annual temperature is 42°F. The average maximum and minimum temperatures are 66°F and 17°F respectively. Regionally, wind directions run east-west following the Yampa River Valley. More localized wind patterns trend along the side valleys. Land Use The current and historic land use of the area in which the operation is located is grazing land for livestock and habitat for wildlife. Regional land use patterns are oriented in three relatively distinct bands. Irrigated cropland is closely associated with the floodplain of the Yampa River. To the south, non-irrigated crops are grown on the sloping upland surfaces. The area nearest the mining operation is mostly hilly and mountainous terrain and used primarily as rangeland for livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. Soils Seneca 11-W Findings Document 7 June I5, 2001 Permi[ Renewal No~ 3