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2.04.7 (1) (a) (i) (ii) <br />A large number of the springs dry up in late summer. This <br />is evidence of either a small amount of recharge to the <br />aquifer or a rather limited aquifer system. If there was <br />a large amount of recharge and a sufficient flow through <br />the aquifer system assuming aquifer continuity, then <br />there should be a large number of springs along the north <br />facing hillside flanking the *IOrth Fork of the Gunnison <br />River. 'T.his is not the case. There is also no apparent <br />concentration of springs issuing from the north facing <br />walls of the Dry Fork of Minnesota Creek, a stream that <br />cuts across the dip of the beds. These factors suggest <br />local recharge and discharge. <br />There are few springs (10 in all) issuing from below the <br />F seam. Almost all of these springs occur in either <br />Sylvester Gulch or Gribble Gulch located about a mile <br />• west of the town of Somerset. ?•7hether this water <br />originated further south on the block and flows through an <br />aquifer system beneath the F seam, or is local recharge <br />water, is unknown. Refer to Drawing 2.04.7(2)(a)-1 for <br />locations of these springs. Table 2.04.7(1)(a)(ii)-13 <br />summarize spring yields for the period October, 1978 to <br />October, 1980. <br />The alluvium acts as a more important aquifer though it is <br />extremely limited. P.echarge to the alluvium is via runoff <br />from the drainage basin. A study of the wells drilled in <br />Sylvester Gulch shows that the alluvium is the primary aquifer <br />in the area, and that waters are maintained within this aquifer <br />by underlying shale and other impermeable strata. <br />DTO domestic, irrigation, stock, commercial, or industrial wells <br />are presently located in the lease block so there is little <br />. use for any of the groundwater at present. mhe groundwater <br />system relevant to mining activities on the Bear ?'ine permit <br />REVISED t9ay 15, 1981 5-10 <br />