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Surface Water Monitoring <«..::::~.::xex:::::nxuwa~a^,axzra+xw.~.r.~:a~:;x~arrt-.u:<:,;,.mars:,.:.~!e~x.~~,xae..~m:':s:: ~:a:»;:c:;.:r,::n.r.,m~c:;x:.r::~k:.~^.e::c.: a:r:>a:'r.:<s:::rasxsr,Mx:anx~au:~xG¢:ttFexada During 1990, quarterly surface water quality and flow analyses were conducted at each of the three stations located on Stollsteimer Creek. These samplings were conducted during March, June, September and December. Methods During visits to each station, flow measurements were made using aTeledyne-Gurley Model 622 current meter. Measurements were made by stretching a 100 foot tape across a surveyed cross-section of the creek and utilizing the USGSslx-tenths depth method. Crest gauges, which were established at each station during 1986, were also serviced during each visit to the site. During samplings for water quality, measurements for temperature, pH and conductivity were made utilizing an Orion Research Model 399A portable pH meter and Hack Model 16300 portable conductivity meter. Prior to field sampling, meters were calibrated with known standards. All other parameters were collected in precharged bottles and submitted to Chemtech laboratory in Salt Lake City for analyses. Methods of analysis were consistent with EPA standard testing procedures. Results Results of all surface water measurements made during 1985 through 1990 are contained in Appendix 1. A summary of major chemical parameters and Ilow is presented in Table 1. Flow data collected at the surface stations on Stollsteimer Creek during 1990 varied from 1.15 cfs a[ station S-1 in March to a high of 4.28 cfs at station S-3 in September. Flow was not measured during the December sampling due to ice conditions. No crest events were recorded at any of the three stations during 1990. As indicated from the Oow records, 1990 was a dry year. Recorded Oows over the six year period ranged from a low of 0 cfs at Station S-1 in September, 1989, to a high of 195 cfs at station S-1 in March, 1985. Maximum recorded flow was approximately 300 cfs during April, 1986, which was estimated at the mine haul road culvert crossing. In terms of average flow, 1985 was the highest and 1989 was the lowest. Spreadsheets and graphs of flow recorded at each station are presented in Appendix I. Generally, the peak tlow occurs during March to May with low flow during July to October. Surface water chemistry was observed to be stable over the six year monitoring period (Table 1 and Appendix 1). The water may be classified as a mixed calcium/magnesium-sulfate bicarbonate type water. The degree of ionization varied with season, being highest during low Oow and lowest during high ^ow. The ratio of calcium to magnesium was generally consistent over the seasons; however, there is a shift in the ratio of sulfate to bicarbonate, with bicarbonate being more prevalent during high flow conditions. These ionic conditions also influenced the conductivity and TDS as exhibited in the graphs in Appendix I. Analysis of trace metals indicates low concentrations. Aluminum and iron were detected in all samplings, higher values being reported during high flow events (Appendix I). Manganese and zinc were also sampled and found in only trace amounts. ' Mining and reclamation operations at the Chimney Rock Mine appear to have little or no effect on the quantity or quality of area surface waters. This may be due to the mines inactive status during 1985 through ' 1989. Backfill and grading activities occurred in the Revision 1 Pit and Surface facilities during 1990; however, sediment control ponds established on the disturbed areas eliminated runoff of surface waters from the mine site. Copies of pond inspection reports completed quarterly (or each pond are contained in Appendix 3. All NPDES forms were filed with the Department of Health during quarterly reporting periods. CMLRD also ' received copies of these reports. During 1990, no discharges were reported from any of the ponds.