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that exhibit a sufficient degree of neutralization potential. Analyses performed using lithologic <br />quality information and ground water monitoring data have shown that replaced spoil material will <br />have only a minimal, short term impact on ground water quality (see Probable Hydrologic <br />Consequences at the end of this section). However, WFC has developed plans for sampling <br />overburden during mining to identify the quantity and quality of deleterious material (see Section <br />2.04.6, Geology). <br />Naturally occurring waters in the surrounding undisturbed ground water system exhibit a high <br />degree of mineralization (see Section 2.04.7, Hydrology Description). Well yields are low. Most <br />recharge to the local undisturbed ground water system is from both the Lower Second Park and the <br />West Lateral irrigation ditches and associated laterals via seepage. This localized, artificial source <br />of ground water recharge will augment slower, natural recharge contributions during the spoil <br />resaturation process. As spoil resaturation progresses, the quality of ground water in the spoil will <br />likely approach the water quality of surrounding geologic units. <br />Mixing and the overall high degree of neutralization potential of the spoil material will minimize <br />changesingroundwaterquality. See following discussion on Probable Hydrologic Consequences. <br />Based on physical and chemical analyses performed on core samples taken from the lithologic <br />units to be affected by mining (see Section 2.04.6, Geology Description), a classification system <br />• has been developed for these units with regard to handling during operation and reclamation <br />activities. A handling plan for those material classes identified by sampling as being potentially <br />deleterious to revegetation or the ground water quality in either mining area has been developed <br />and is presented in Section 2.05.4(2)(d), Topsoil (Redistribution). <br />It is not anticipated that WFC will transfer ownership and use of any wells completed within New <br />Horizon 2 mining areas. Bore holes, shafts, wells, and auger holes will be cased and/or sealed to <br />prevent possible ground water degradation from mixing of waters of different quality within the bore <br />holes and acid or toxic surface runoff entering the bore holes. A specific plan for sealing of bore <br />holes, exploration holes, auger holes, wells, and shafts is presented in Section 2.05.6(3)(b)(v), <br />Hydrologic Reclamation Plan. <br />Ground Water Quantity <br />Typical backfilling methods largely involve the use of dozers and trucks (see Section 2.05.4(2)(c), <br />Backfilling and Grading). Replaced spoil materials exhibit greater porosities and hydraulic <br />conductivities because of increased void values, regardless of how the spoil material is replaced <br />in the pits. Spoil replacement (backfilling) using methods outlined in Section 2.05.4(2)(c), <br />Backfilling and Grading, will ensure the eventual resaturation of the disturbed areas (pits), <br />. (REVISED 6/01) 2.05.6(3) - 3 <br />