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The water samples collected show that the quality of the water is <br />• generally the same as for previous years. The storm events in <br />August did generate runoff with extremely high levels of total <br />suspended solids. It is important to emphasize that the surface <br />water system at the mines controlled the runoff from the storms. <br />The runoff was entirely contained within the sediment pond at <br />McClave. The pond was dry prior to the storms and half full of <br />water afterward. The pond could have retained over twice the volume <br />of these storms before a discharge would have been necessary. <br />Groundwater <br />Table 5 shows the results of groundwater sampling during 1991; as <br />well as a comparison to the baseline year 1986. Like last year, the <br />static water level of well GW-4 has steadily fallen and is now near <br />record depth for the period that the wells have been monitored. <br />Conversely, well GW-1 has stabilized and the water level may be <br />getting shallower. Results of quality sampling are consistent with <br />the results from previous years. <br />PROBABLE RYDROLOGIC CONSEQUENCES <br />The mines will have negligible effect upon the hydrologic regime of <br />East Salt Creek. The area disturbed is small, sedimentation and <br />surface water systems have functioned well for over ten years. Even <br />those events that have exceeded the design criteria required by CMLR <br />have not been a problem for the system to handle. The effect that <br />• the mine has on the groundwater hydrology of East Salt Creek has <br />been decreased further since water is now being imported to the mine <br />and no further dewatering will take place until water in 001 North <br />Section backs up to the seals and is drained to the water sump. <br />This water will then be used in the mining process. <br />If there are questions or if I can be of further assistance please <br />contact me. <br />Sincerely, <br />~. ~~~~ <br />John M. Walters <br />Manager of Mine Services <br /> <br />Page - 4 <br />