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<br />It should also be pointed out that the Cache La Poudre River in this area is recognized as a <br />"gaining reach" of the river. The River is being recharged in this reach from return flows coming <br />from irrigated agriculture. These return flows will partially help mitigate draw-down from de- <br />watering operations because of the quantity and volume of water that is flowing to the River. <br />The wells that are located in this azea are generally associated with agricultural uses and as such <br />would see the majority of the return flows in times when they are needed. Because the site and <br />surrounding areas are located in the shallow alluvial sands and gravel of the Poudre River with a <br />very high transmissivity, the return flows from irrigation in the azeas should occur primarily <br />during the irrigation season. <br />As shown by Exhibit G-1 there are some wells to the east and west of the property which could <br />potentially be impacted by the de-watering operations. The well to the west of the site is up <br />gradient from the property which should reduce the impact of the mining operation on the well. <br />If the water levels are dropping in adjacent wells such that well owners may be injured, the <br />operator will begin to implement one or more of the following measures. <br />a. Construct recharge ponds at strategic locations within the permit boundary to <br />begin aquifer rechazge. <br />b. Modify existing wells to operate under lower groundwater conditions. This <br />would include re-drilling existing wells to deeper depths or lowering the pumps. <br />All work would be done at the operator's expense with the exception of replacing <br />equipment that was non-functional prior to mining. <br />c. If existing wells cannot be repaired, then the operation will drill a new well for the <br />owner to replace the damaged well. The new well will have to produce water of <br />The same quantity and quality. <br />If a well has not been put to beneficial use prior to mining, the operator will have no <br />responsibility to provide mitigation. <br />Flows within the Whitney Ditch will also need to be monitored as the affect of de-watering <br />operations on the flow in the Ditch. If flows in the ditch aze diminished specifically due to de- <br />watering operations, augmentation water in the form of Whitney Ditch share above the amount <br />necessary to augment losses associated with the mining operations will be made available in <br />proportion to the amount and timing of depletions to the Ditch. <br />Discharge Permit <br />A Discharge Permit will be applied for with the Colorado Health Department. This permit will <br />be obtained before mining operations begin. <br />G-4 <br />