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Comparison of Actual Data versus the PHC Ground Water Inflow into the Mine The 1998 mine inflow study section of the AHR consisted of a figure (map) and a short paragraph of text. The study was conducted in December of 1998 and reports the results of inflows inaccessible areas of the mine. According to information on the figure, less than 1.2 gallons per minute of inflow was observed during the survey. Verbal communication (J. Shoemaker, TCC) revealed that many of the inflow points were frozen due to the cold conditions underground, limiting the measurement or estimation of mine inflows. Text indicates that water level data recorded from the surface were used to estimate the inflow into the sealed area of the west mine district. Text also reports that water quality has not changed significantly. The inflow study as reported in the 1998 AHR is of no use for comparison of past, current, or future mine inflows and/or estimates. Conducting the survey during a period when flows are likely to be affected by freezing temperatures yields no meaningful data of significance. Based on the data reported, the conclusion is that the mine had basically no inflow during 1998. Furthermore, the water quality in the west mine district has significantly changed from past mine water quality, to the point of preventing discharge during the second half of 1998. In addition, the large inflow in 6Right was not apparently not visited or sampled during the survey. Given the proposed plan to load streams to levels neaz material damage suspect levels for multiple parameters, it is extremely important that the Division review monitoring data which can be used to verify the accuracy of mine inflows for both quality and quantity. The Division will anticipate future reports to include at a minimum: ^ A detailed map of the entire mined area, both active and sealed areas, indicating points of inflow and azeal extent of any sumps or flooded areas. ^ Text that discusses and compares observed inflows to those estimated in the permit under the heading Future Mine Inflows. ^ All calculations used to determine inflow for those areas not accessible. ^ Data collection during a period in which freezing temperatures will not preclude measurement of inflow. Dewaterine and Potentiometric Drawdown in Bedrock Units (also Effects of Ground Water Quality of Unit Systems) Wadee overburden wells Wadge overburden well 006-82-74C water levels continue to climb indicating recovery of the Wadge overburden unit in the area of the mine portal. TDS in this well has generally declined which could possibly be explained by a flow direction change in the water that is recharging this well. Previous flow direction (N W) caused by mining in the Southwest Mine District (SWIvID) would cause water from the surface mine spoil aquifer to recharge this well. With the SWMD now flooded and mining in the Eastern Mining District (EMD) acting as a dewatering well, flow direction has likely changed to northeast, causing recharge to this well from water moving from an undisturbed area of the Wadge overburden unit.