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3.0 HYDROLOGIC CONSEQUENCES <br />Hydrologic consequences of mining and reclamation activities aze considered from two primary perspectives: <br />effects on water quantity and effects on water quality. These effects are addressed through flow and water <br />quality measurements of springs and seeps, streams and rivers, ponds and direct discharges, and depths to <br />water level and water quality of alluvial wells, and bedrock wells. However, water quantity and quality are not <br />independent functions of each other. Surface water and groundwater quantities and water uses aze components <br />of the hydrologic balance of the region. Natural water quality varies as a function of flows, type (groundwater <br />or surface water), and location. Dischazge of underground mine water and runoff or discharge from mine <br />surface activities modify natural water quality. Analysis ofpotential impacts associated with mining and refuse <br />disposal have been completed and aze contained in the mine permit document. This report focuses on <br />describing the water quality and quantity within the permit and adjacent azeas. All data collected is presented <br />in the Appendices of this report. <br />3.1 WATER QUANTITY <br />Water levels for alluvial wells (PAW- series) were within historic ranges for water levels at individual sites <br />(Appendix A). The depth to water was less in the spring and greater in the fall, responding directly to the level <br />of water in the river. Water levels were higher in May due to spring runoff.flow levels in the river. <br />Baseline monitoring of six bedrock wells at Golden Eagle was completed in 1995. Well development occurred <br />in June 1995. Table 3.1-1 contains well completion and water elevation data for these deep wells. Water <br />levels were lower in the overburden well SF-2. SF-2 is located near the fault system which was encountered <br />during mining. Inflow into the mine as a result of encountering this system maybe the cause of water level <br />decreases. To the north, the coal well located at NM-21 rose significantly in 2001 but dropped back to <br />consistent levels of previous monitoring. Overburden wells NM-20 and NM-22 decreased in 2005. <br />Overburden decreases may be a result of drought conditions over the past few years. <br />292-34 Golden Eagle Mine Rpt (5.10.06).doc 3-1 <br />