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TAB 18 <br />HYDROLOGIC RECLAMATION PLAN <br />U <br />• <br />The hydrologic reclamation plan is presented in two parts. The first part focuses on specific <br />practices which are conducted to minimize the impact of mining on the hydrologic balance within and <br />adjacent to the leasehold. The second part addresses those impacts that may occur regardless of <br />these practices. The emphasis of the second part is on the monitoring of the extent and magnitude <br />of mining impacts. Where possible, reference has been made to those chapters which contain <br />details regarding certain practices. <br />Ground Water Quality. Based on extensive analysis performed on lithologic and ground water data <br />(see Tab 6, Geology and Tab 17, Probable Hydrologic Consequences), it was found that no acid or <br />toxic materials are present in significant amounts in the Nucla Mine mining area and that replaced <br />spoil will only have a minimal short term impact on ground water quality. Because of these findings, <br />no special handling of materials is anticipated for mining operations conducted in either area, with <br />the exception of the SW pit located at the Nucla Mine. <br />Ground Water Quantity. The backfilling and grading of spoil materials was accomplished by dozers <br />and scrapers (see Tab 20, Backfilling and Grading). Procedures outlined in Tab 20 insure the <br />eventual resaturation of the disturbed areas (pits) by creating greater porosities and hydraulic <br />conductivities due to increased void volumes. In addition to backfilling methods, topsoiling and <br />reclamation plans outlined in Tabs 21 (Minesoil Reconstruction) and 22 (Revegetation Plan) enhance <br />the potential for establishing reclaimed areas that exhibit similar infiltration rates and recharge <br />capacities to premining conditions. Reseeding and mulching of redistributed topsoil augment <br />moisture retention and infiltration rates of the reclaimed areas. Mechanical manipulation of the <br />regraded spoil and topsoil (chisel plowing, disking and ripping) turther aid the percolation of soil <br />moisture downward toward the water table. <br />,rfa ~ Wat -r Q ~alitr. Design criteria for each sediment pond is outlined in Tab 13, Facilities. Each <br />of the sediment ponds is designed to prevent additional contribution of sediment to stream flow <br />outside the permit area and incorporates detention times sufficient to ensure that all applicable <br />effluent standards will be met. All ponds are currently planned to be removed and reclaimed <br />following the completion of reclamation. <br />18-1 <br />