Laserfiche WebLink
Section 780.18(b) Continued. <br />On completion of mining and in conjunction with reclamation operations, any exploration <br />boreholes or water supply or monitoring wells which remain open and will not be utilized in <br />conjunction with the planned postmining land use, will be plugged, sealed, and associated <br />disturbance areas reclaimed. The following outlines the closure procedures that will be <br />implemented: <br />1) Given that some of the existing boreholes were drilled by the USGS, BLM, and <br />other entities, a field reconnaissance and inventory of existing boreholes will be <br />completed to determine well location; identification (if marked or otherwise <br />identified); ownership; and type, size, and condition of casing <br />2) Inventory information will be referenced to and cross-checked with available <br />exploration records and borehole mapping to establish correlation's, and this <br />information will be reviewed with potentially responsible parties to establish <br />responsibilities and requirements for borehole closure <br />3) Given the approved postmining land uses of rangeland for livestock grazing and <br />wildlife habitat, retention and use of certain wells as water supply wells may be <br />beneficial relative to increasing grazing capacity and distributing grazing use over <br />a greater area. Presently, most intensive grazing use is in and adjacent to minor <br />tributary water sources. Remaining wells will be reviewed and screened for <br />possible beneficial use relative to location (upland areas away from other water <br />sources preferred); depth to water; size, type, and condition of casing (minimum <br />4-inch I.D.); inflow rate; and water quality. <br />Wells identified as having reasonable potential for beneficial use using these <br />screening criteria will be identified and discussed with the BLM. The BLM, as the <br />surface management agency will make the final determination of which wefts, if <br />any, will be retained for beneficial use. Kerr will coordinate with the BLM to <br />facilitate transfer of any wells to be retained, however, the BLM or surface lessee <br />will be responsible for any subsequent well testing, repair, or rehabilitation; <br />obtaining necessary water rights; and installation, operation, and maintenance of <br />any pumps or other equipment necessary to provide for consistent water supply <br />flows. <br />MR-37 780-88a Revised -September 2002 <br />