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2.04.7(2) SIIRFACE WATER INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................... ................................................................................ Due to the extremely grid nature of the area, which gets less ,than 10 inches of precipitation per year, surface flows in the entire area are rare and usually occur only in response to summer thunderstorms. There are no perennial streams in the vicinity of the reclaimed area. The Big Salt wash upstream from the reclaimed area is perennial but dries up south of the reclaimed area due to diversions upstream into Ruby Lee Reservoir, Echo Lake and Ruby Lee Ditch. See Exhibit 1. The water quality is poor due to high concentrations of natural salts. In fact, the Big Salt Wash has been under study to find ways to lessen its impact to the users of Colorado River water far downstream. Analysis performed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation show that the southern portions of the Big Salt Wash have approximately 7700 ppm dissolved solids. Water quality analysis is enclosed. The Biq Salt Wash below the reclaimed area runs through land that is irrigated from the Grand • itch which has diverted water from the Colorado River. The land is owned by a number of ranchers. No water from the Big Salt Wash is being used for irrigation in this area due to the high salinity. Water quantity measurements made by the USGS in Sig Salt Wash at the town of Fruita over the four year period from 1974 to 1977 show: mean flow - 61.8 cfs maximum instantaneous flow - 1730.0 cfs minimum instantaneous flow - 5.3 cfs See attached sheet of water flow data. The runoff from the mine reclaimed acea is collected in a sediment pond. Although the pond has not discharged in many / years, there is a possibility that, during a large rainfall event, it could discharge. Any discharges from the sediment pond go south in a minor drainage called Dry Gulch to the Biq Salt Wash. After entering the Big Salt Wash, the water will enter the Colorado River. • 7/~-/~z ~~.~