REP09616 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

2001 Hydrologic Report 1.2 MONITORING PROGRAM Monitoring programs have been conducted since February 1984 to assess the effects ofpast, present, and future mining operations on surface and groundwater quality and quantity. These programs provide information for the operators of the facilities as well as to regulatory agencies such as the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology (CDMG) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). CDMG programs are designed to monitor past and present, and to anticipate future, effects of mining activities on the hydrologic regime of the area. One aspect ofthe CDPHE program addresses water quality as required by the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. These stations are shown on Map S, Regional Hydrology in the Permit Document and quarterly NPDES reports have been submitted to both CDPHE and CDMG as they were prepared. The CDMG monitoring program at the New Elk Mine consists of surface water sites, ponds and alluvial wells, as presented in Table 1.2-1, Hydrology Monitoring Requirements and Table 1.2-2, Water Quality Parameter Sample Suites. In addition, special monitoring programs were continued during the year. These include piezometers in the Refuse Disposal Area which monitor slope stability and water levels monitored in the sealed New Elk Mine underground workings. This program was modified during 1999 to monitor only those stations of interest. Monitoring of springs and seeps in the area of the New Elk Mine was also conducted. The following are descriptions of the current sampling stations, their locations, and their purpose. Surface Water (streams and rivers) PRS-1: A grab sample and flow station located on the Middle Fork of the Purgatoire River above the surface facilities of the New Elk Mine. This station was selected to assess stream quality and flow above significant mining activities. Data collected during this year at this station are presented in Table A-1. Data (annual minimum, maximum, mean) from 1984 to date are presented in Table A-2. PRS-4: A grab sample and flow station located on the Purgatoire River below the New Elk Mine surface facilities. This station was established in 1992 to assess potential effects of mining on stream quality. Data collected at this station during this year is presented in Table A-3. Data (annual minimum, maximum, mean) from 1992 to date are presented in Table A-4. 626-Annual Hydrolic Monitoring (Apr.9.02).doc April 17, 2002