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• <br />Bedrock <br />GROUND WATER MOMTORING <br />Two monitored wells (008-77-58 and 008 79~i; see Figure 2) are completed in the Wadge Overburden <br />(which includes the Wadge Coal). <br />Water levels -Levels in the wells have been measured since 1979 (Figures 4 and 5). Water levels in Well <br />008-79fi rose abruptly in 1980 with a slight increase during the period 1983 through 1986, followed by a <br />slight decrease during the period 1987 through 1993. The abrupt rise in 1980 is probably due to water level <br />recovery in the Wadge Coal and overburden following cessation of mining in the vicinity of this well in 1979 <br />or 1980. The trends from 1983 on appear to follow the general climatic trends illustrated by the flow data <br />presented as Figures 15, 16, 18, and 19. <br />The data illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 generally indicates that the water level in the Wadge overburden <br />varies seasonally. Water levels in the spring are typically higher than in the fall. Seasonal fluctuations in <br />both wells vary by as much as ]0 feet, although the seasonal fluctuation in Well 008-79-6 appears to have <br />diminished somewhat in the time period following 1986. Water level fluctuations in the nearby alluvial well <br />008-AV-2 show a similar pattern, suggesting that the seasonal fluctuation and general Vend since 1986 are <br />• the result of related trends and fluctuations in Foidel Creek and the alluvium. Water level fluctuations <br />observed during 1995 were consistent with previously established patterns at both wells. <br />Explanations for the water level tuctuations and trends in Well 008-77-58 are not readily apparent. The <br />water levels dropped abruptly between 1979 and 1980. The reason for the decline may be related to <br />dewatering operations occurring during the aborted underground mining attempt at Mine No. 3 (May 79 to <br />June 1980). Water level recoveries, however, are not nearly as abrupt although a relatively steady upward <br />trend is evident. Within this long term pattern, the water level fluctuations at this well generally follow the <br />longer term climatic trend, with slight increases for the wetter period 1982 through 1986 followed by a slight <br />decrease for the dryer period 1987 through 1992. These climatic patterns are reflected in the flow data <br />presented as Figures 15, 16, 18, and 19. The typical seasonal fluctuation expected, with higher water levels <br />in the spring and relatively lower levels in the fall, is apparent in both wells 008-77-58 and 008-79~i. <br />Water Quality -Water quality data for the Wadge Overburden wells is presented on Tables 6, 6a, 7, and <br />7a. Plots of period of record total dissolved solids (TDS) for both wells are presented as Figures 6 and 7. <br />Water quality constituent concentrations for the majority of parameters monitored during 1995 were within <br />the established ranges historically associated with each site. Exceptions for well008-77-58 include increased <br />lab conductivity values; a new maximum calcium concentration recorded in May; and a new maximum total <br />alkalinity value recorded in September. A corresponding new maximum alkalinity value was also recorded <br />• at well 008-79~ in September <br />-2- <br />