PERMFILE109617 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

EXHIBIT 2 • GEOPHYSICAL SOIL MOISTURE MEASUREMENTS A geophysical soil moisture measurement study has been conducted in accordance with Rule 2.06.8 of this application. Data have been col- lected to document soil moisture conditions which exist within the "unconsolidated stream-laid deposits holding streams" shown on Map 1, Twentymile Park Hydrology, and Map 4, Energy Mine No. 3 Ground Water Hydrology. Specifically, the data were collected to document, if pos- sible, the presence of capillary water extending from the water table upward into the root zone. The study was conducted in late summer (October, 1980), at a time of year when the water table and capillary fringe should be at their lowest levels. Thus, if capillary water was found within the root zone at the time of measurement, the root zone • could be determined to have a perennial water supply. The soil moisture data were collected by taking measurements in seven neutron probe access tubes with a nuclear soil moisture gauge. The procedure consisted of drilling a two-inch auger hole through the topsoil and the alluvium to the water table; setting a two-inch diameter alluminum irrigation pipe in the hole, allowing the access tube to settle for at least 24 hours; and logging the access tube from the bottom up at six-inch intervals with the nuclear soil moisture gauge. A lithologic description of each auger hole was obtained during drilling. The seven neutron probe access tubes are located at sites shown on Map 4, Energy Mine No. 3 Ground Water Hydrology, in the intermittent and perennial streams draining the permit area. These locations are: 1) Foidel 113, on the west bank of the lower reach of Foidel Creek; 2) Middle 111, on the east bank of Middle Creek adjacent to Pit 3B South; 3) Middle 112, on the west bank of Middle Creek above the confluence with • Foidel Creek; 4) Middle 113, on the east bank of Middle Creek adjacent