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Monitoring of metals at stream locations downstream of mining on Grassy and <br />Cow Camp Creeks suggest that lead, zinc, selenium, copper and cadmium <br />occasionally exceed stream standards at the Seneca II Mine. However, the <br />frequency and duration of these exceedences do not preclude beneficial uses, <br />primarily agriculture, water supply, recreation and aquatic habitat, for which <br />the water is used downstream. <br />Increased Total Dissolved Solids Loading <br />An increase in salinity, as represented by TDS concentrations, is the major <br />impact caused by the mining of Seneca II Mine. The disturbance of sedimentary <br />rocks during the mining and reclamation process exposes more surface area for <br />the solution of minerals and increases the amount of solute available for <br />transport to surface streams. <br />An increase in TDS concentration of approximately 1000 mg/1 between upstream <br />and downstream stations on Grassy Creek has been observed at Seneca II Mine. <br />An effect of this magnitude has been apparent throughout the monitoring <br />period, 1981 to 1985. This upstream to downstream increase is attributable to <br />mining. <br />An increase in TDS from 600 mg/1 prior to mining in the Cow Camp Creek <br />Drainage to 1900 mg/1 has been observed in monitoring data collected in the <br />Fish Creek basin. The operator has suggested stabilization of the TDS <br />concentration will occur at this level in Cow Camp and Bond Creeks based on <br />conditions observed in the Grassy Creek drainage during the course of mining. <br />However, this prediction is based upon the quality of water which discharges <br />from the Wadge Impoundment, a structure which may be left after mining is <br />completed. It is thought that water which discharges from tfiis large <br />impoundment will be of significantly better quality than direct discharge from <br />the spoil aquifer. <br />A stabilization at this level has been suggested by the operator as the extent <br />of increase to be expected in Fish Creek, based on conditions observed Grassy <br />Creek during the course of continued mining operations. <br />A prediction of TDS loading which could be expected to occur in both the Fish <br />Creek and Grassy Creek basins during the months of June through September has <br />been developed by the operator and included in the statement of probable <br />hydrologic consequences. Mean monthly flow and maximum observed TDS <br />concentrations from monitoring of spoils aquifer wells were used in the <br />analysis. Predicted TDS concentrations for downstream locations on both Fish <br />and Grassy Creeks were calculated using the mass-balance approach. <br />Results of the analysis indicate that a maximum TDS of 2341 mg/1 would occur <br />during September at a location below the mine on Grassy Creek. A <br />corresponding flow of 0.84 cfs would result. <br />Results of the analysis on Fish Creek predict a cumulative effect from the Cow <br />Camp and Bond Creek drainages to result in an instream TDS concentration of <br />607 mg/1 in Fish Creek below the mine during the month of July. This <br />conclusion was based on assumed discharge of 0.2 cfs with a TDS concentration <br />_pl _ <br />