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• Water from the Moores Canyon springs may recharge into <br />either or both of the lower Raton sands or the Vermejo Formation <br />as it flows down the drainage. In the latter case the water will <br />increase in. total dissolved solids while flowing through the <br />carboniferous units and siltstones. <br />The only springs with any potential to be affected by the <br />mining operation are those in Section 36. The coal beds in the <br />Vermejo Formation dip at a rate of less than one degree to the <br />west in the vicinity of the Helen Mine Project. It is likely <br />that water is transmitted along these coal beds and in sandstones <br />or siltstones above and below the beds. The iron coloration ob- <br />served in the Section 36 springs appears to originate from the <br />overlying coal stratum. <br />It is doubtful, however, that any further water quatity <br />changes will occur in the springs due to mining activities. As <br />• discussed previously, coal mining has been practiced in this <br />vicinity since the late 1800's. Current water quality is estimated <br />to reflect a majority of the mining impacts which might have <br />already occurred. <br />L_J <br />FISHER, HARDEN & FISHER <br />132 <br />