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I • <br />I • <br />ft (Crowfoot et al, 1996). The annual runoff in the Purgatoire is dominated by snowmelt, with <br />peak flows occurring in May and June. Summer and fall thunderstorms generally produce <br />smaller peaks of short duration. <br />L2 MONITORING PROGRAM <br />Monitoring programs have been conducted since February ] 984 to assess the effects of past, <br />present, and future mining operations on surface and groundwater quality and quantity. These <br />programs provide information for the operators of the facilities as well as to regulatory <br />agencies such as the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology (CDMG) and the Colorado <br />Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). CDMG programs are designed to <br />monitor past and present, and to anticipate future, effects of mining activities on the <br />hydrologic regime of the area. One aspect of the CDPHE program addresses water quality as <br />required by the National Pollution Dischazge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. <br />These stations aze shown on Map 8, Regional Hydrology in the Permit Document and <br />quarterly NPDES reports have been submitted to both CDPHE and CDMG as they were <br />prepared. <br />The CDMG monitoring program at the New Elk mine consists of surface water sites, ponds, <br />and alluvial ells, as presented in Table 1.2-1 Hydrology Monitoring Requirements and Table <br />1.2-2, Water Quality Pazameter Sample Suites. In addition, special monitoring programs <br />were continued during the year. These include piezometers in the Refuse Disposal Area <br />which monitor slope stability, and water levels monitored in the sealed New Elk mine <br />underground workings. This program was modified during 1999 to monitor only those <br />stations of interest. Monitoring of springs and seeps in the area of the New Elk mine was also <br />conducted. <br />The following are descriptions of the current sampling stations, their locations, and their <br />purpose. <br />Surface Water (streams and rivers) <br /> <br />PRS-1: A grab sample and flow station located on the Middle Fork of the Purgatoire <br />River above the surface facilities of the New Elk mine. This station was selected to assess <br />stream quality and flow above significant mining activities. Data collected during this year at <br />this Station are presented in Appendix A Water Quality Data 2002. <br />PRS-4: A grab sample and flow station located on the Purgatoire River below the New <br />Elk mine surface facilities. This station was established in 1992 to assess potential effects of <br />mining on stream quality. Data collected at this station during this year is presented in <br />Appendix A Water Quality Data 2002. <br />4 <br />