GENERAL49221 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The lenticular and interbedded sandstones associated with the coal bearing zones generally develop localized discontinuous aquifers. Movement of ground water within these sandstones from the recharge to the discharge area usually occurs within a short distance. Limited regional movement of ground water occurs when there is intercommunication between the sandstones. The recharge, discharge and movement of ground water within the alluvial aquifers are controlled by; 1) the gradient of the rock channel into which the alluvium has been deposited; 2) the width of the alluvial deposit; 3) the thickness of the alluvial body; 4) the permeability of the alluvial deposit; 5) the recharge or discharge of underlying rock strata; and 6) the f1 ow characteristics of the associated stream. The alluvial ground water aquifers are closely related to their associated streams. The alluvial aquifers receive a majority of their recharge from the streams and may sustain flows in the streams through their discharge. Recharge to bedrock aquifers occurs primarily in the spring and early summer when snow melt and surface water runoff is abundant, and when transpiration by vegetation and evaporation is not high. Recharge is limited by the permeability of rock strata and the limited recharge area exposed to surface water (most sandstones are cliff formers). Overlying clayey and silty soils, and shale and siltstone rock strata also limit vertical recharge of underlying sandstone and coal aquifers. Ground water samples analyzed by Peabody Coal Company to determine water quality indicate a high degree of variability. Water in the Wolf Creek coal seam varies from a calcium sulfate type updip to a sodium bicarbonate type down dip. The water can be used for livestock watering and wildlife, but is too high in most cases in total dissolved solids (TDS) to be used for crop irrigation. The principal seam being mined, the Wadge coal, varies from a sodium sulfate type water to a calcium carbonate type. Water from the Wadge coal is used for the watering of livestock and wildlife. The Wadge overburden contained very limited amounts of water. Water quality tests showed it to be a magnesium-calcium bicarbonate type with use suitable for stock watering and wildlife. This water can also be used for irrigation of salt tolerant plants. Alluvial waters of Hubberson Gulch were also tested and found to be of a calcium bicarbonate type suitable for livestock watering and wi]dlife. The water in certain areas can also be used for irrigation. The Seneca II-W Mine area has numerous springs and seeps. Many appear to be issuing from stream sediments (alluvium) as a result of dewatering perched aquifers. There is a domestic water right for a spring issuing from Dry Creek alluvium downstream of mining, 1630E - 29 -