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major ion changes are more apparent during the low-flow period. <br />The increase in TDS could be caused to some extent by <br />evapotransporative effects, but this would not account for the <br />major ion changes. These changes are more likely attributable to <br />discharges of waters having higher sodium and sulfate <br />concentrations than the Fish Creek water. One source of such <br />discharge is the spoil runoff and springs associated with Mine 2. <br />However, the very low flows associated with the Mine 2 disturbed <br />areas indicates minimal influence from this source. The primary <br />source of such water at this time is the underground mine discharge <br />point located near Mine 2. <br />Since 1987, with the exception of a short period during 1990, the <br />salt content of Trout Creek below Middle Creek has been <br />consistently higher than above Middle Creek. Typically, there is <br />approximately 100 to 200 umhos/cm increase in field conductivity <br />over this reach. the downstream increase was apparent during the <br />1993 spring runoff period. The Trout Creek salt content increased <br />during the spring runoff is probably due to the effects of Middle <br />Creek flows that have a higher conductivity than Trout Creek flows <br />primarily as a result of Foidel Creek flows into Middle Creek just <br />upgradient of the Trout Creek confluence. Foidel Creek salt loads <br />during the Spring runoff are primarily due to the impact of surface <br />mine discharges. However, the Trout Creek salt content increase <br />has not caused material damage,nor is there any increase in trace <br />metal levels. <br />• <br /> <br />