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<br />;r. <br />DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY <br />Uepartmenl ni Natural Resources <br />1 l l S Sherman $1., Room ? I S <br />Dcnvcr, Gilnradn x020:5 <br />Phunc. !lOl~xb6-1567 <br />rnx: rsu;~ x.l ~ xnx, <br />STATE OF COLLIIIIIIIIII <br />DATE: March 30, 1998 <br />TO: Dave Berry <br />FROM: Harry Posey <br />RE: West Elk Geochemical Assessment: Observations and Interpretations <br />~~ <br />DEPARTMENT OF <br />NATURAL <br />RESOURCES <br />Rw Romer <br />Governor <br />lan~, c> 5. Lndiheazi <br />E~~~ W me Dueaor <br />nnchazl B. Lo¢q <br />Dieiaon Uireanr <br />This report provides a simple model to explain the data surrounding the West Elk situation. <br />Unequivocally, Dr. Mayo's interpretation is not the only plausible explanation of the data, nor is <br />it the simplest. The current report's interpretations, if regarded, deserve at least some mass- <br />balance calculations as a check on their adequacy, but overall the report provides a reasonable <br />hypothesis which seems consistent with all the information. <br />To accept or dismiss Dr. Mayo's interpretations outright would require further sampling along <br />with clarification of some of the data we have already. Frankly, I do not think this is necessary. <br />Despite some of the shortcomings, West Elk and Dr. Mayo have developed an incredible data <br />set, and we have enough information already to make awell-supported interpretation. Although <br />I did not set out to do so, the alternative model supports the Division's interpretations that the <br />fault and sump waters are the source of the Edwazds Portal seep water. This interpretation seems <br />to incorporate more of the data, has multiple avenues of support, and is compatible with the <br />probable hydrologic consequences predictions. It is simpler because it requires only mixing of <br />the fault waters with meteoric water to explain the variations in chemical compositions between <br />the fault and seep waters. <br />This is a summary document only. If you wish, I can develop a background presentation on <br />isotope geochemistry and the mixing model that will help explain it further, but the repoR should <br />be readable to Dr. Mayo and others in its present form. If you would like to discuss any of the <br />work with me, or if you have edits, please let me know. I would look forward to a discussion of <br />the isotope data with the group, if you think that would help. <br />cc: Mike Boulay Jim Burnell <br />Susan IvlcCannon Jim Pendleton <br />m:\m in\hhp\westelk2.doc <br />