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f. PHC statement: Inflows to the Somerset Mine are estimated at 235 gpm, TDS 2280 to <br />3176. <br />I am assuming this refers to the old Somerset Mine, not the Sanborn Creek Mine, so is not <br />applicable at this phase of mining. Inflows to the Sanbom Creek Mine, however, are roughly <br />50% of that predicted total with TDS of inflow water in the predicted range. <br />g. PHC statement : Discharges to Sanborn Creek will be as high as 425 gpm, with TDS <br />content of 2940. <br />Permitted discharge from the mine was increased to ?000 gpm by Technical Revision 34. The <br />discharge volume peaked at ?000 gpm for approximately three months in 1999, but has since <br />returned to the range predicted in the PHC. TDS of the discharge has been around 3000 mg/1, <br />just as predicted. <br />h. PHC statement: There is little or no potential for significant groundwater degradation, <br />but some potential for TDS impact to groundwater if workings flood and groundwater is <br />discharged. <br />This statement in the permit application refers to eventual filling of the mines after closure. <br />Based on data from the mine discharge in 1999, the indications are that there would be some <br />impact from elevated TDS. I question whether that impact would be to groundwater, however. <br />If the mines eventually fill, the more likely scenario would be that the "overflow" would <br />discharge from the sealed portals rather than entering the very tight rock of the remaining in situ <br />formations. <br />2. Additional Comments <br />a. Unlike last year, the analyses from surface water sites S-1 and S-2 were virtually identical <br />this water year. No explanation required. <br />b. There was nothing unusual noted regazding flow or hydrochemistry of springs. <br />c. On the tables for groundwater, there is a column for "flow." We presume that refers to depth <br />to water. <br />d. In last year's AHR review a request was made that monitoring proceed at site S-2 regardless <br />of flow at S-1. I[ appears that this wasn't addressed in the 1999 sampling. <br />e. The Division requests that Oxbow Mining amend the water monitoring plan to include those <br />analytes for which receiving stream standards exist for the North Fork of the Gunnison River. <br />These should be part of the regular monitoring program and monitored during the month of <br />August, when flows are low and irrigation withdrawals are still active. Both upstream and <br />downstream North Fork samples should include these analytes along with active discharge <br />points. <br />