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LORENCITO CANYON MINE <br />SURFACE WATER TECHNICAL REPORT <br />SECTION 1 -INTRODUCTION <br />In accordance with Rule 2.04.7 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Lands Reclamation <br />Board, data has been gathered at the Lorencito Canyon mine site to determine surface water flow <br />rates, and surface water quality. The purpose of these baseline studies is to provide a basis for <br />the assessment of proposed mining related impacts. The site-specific studies will describe both <br />the quality and quantity of existing surface water resources for the permit area and the surrounding <br />region. The description of the existing environment includes the following: surface water <br />monitoring program; drainage basin characteristics; stream classification; channel morphology; <br />sediment yield; existing surface water resources; regional and site specific flow data and water <br />quality; peak flows and runoff; and surface water use. <br />SECTION 2 -METHODOLOGY <br />Determination of Watersheds, Spring and Seep Surveys, Location of <br />Surface Water <br />• For the Lorencito Canyon Mine site area, watersheds were determined for each of the major <br />named drainages within the permit azea. Each of these divides between the watershed areas were <br />delineated, and areas planimetered to determine the total watershed area. In addition, the length <br />of each of the drainages was also determined, along with the channel slope within the permit area. <br />Springs and seeps were first surveyed in January 1996 and subsequently confirmed in an aerial and <br />ground surveys during March, 1996. The first ground reconnaissance was performed by <br />transecting the property along the major drainages while examining for evidence of springs and <br />seeps. All springs and other water bodies noted during aerial reconnaissance were confirmed by <br />ground survey prior to transferral to the hydrology baseline map. A total of 11 springs were <br />located. The location of these springs is depicted in Map 2.04.7-1. <br />For each of the spring locations flow and field parameters were determined. The flow values <br />were determined by piping or channeling all the flow from the spring to a central point and then <br />diverting this flow into a container of a known volume. The time for filling the container was <br />noted and this flow measurement translated to gallons per minute (gpm). Field parameters were <br />determined as discussed below in Water Quality. <br />Surface waters including ponds were also surveyed quarterly in 1996. Ground surveys were <br />conducted in January in coordination with the spring and seep survey, and aerial reconnaissance <br />was performed in March. All aerial data was confumed on the ground prior to the transfer of this <br />data to the hydrology map. A total of 18 ponds were located onsite. Ponds were monitored by <br />placing a staff gauge in each pond. Depth to the water surface from the top of each staff gauge <br />• was measured quarterly. Locations of all ponds are depicted on Map 2.04.7-1. <br />sw.475\December 4, 1996 <br />