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1.0 Hydrologic Monitoring Activities The hydrologic monitoring programs at the Mt. Gunnison site was initiated in 1974 with the completion of several groundwater observation wells. The monitoring program has expanded considerably since that time. In 1984 the hydrology monitoring program was revised, with the approval of the Division, to 1 more efficiently monitor possible effects fran mining and provide data for future permitting. Due to economics, a poor coal market, and a much lower level of production, West Elk Coal Company (WECC) has recently submitted a revision to 1 the monitoring plan to more closely key hydrology [mnitoring to areas being mined and to reduce baseline monitoring in azeas that won't be mined for several years. Also, due to the extensive amount of baseline data previously collected it is also being proposed to reduce the frequency of monitoring for appropriate 1 locations. Water yeaz 1986 hydrology monitoring was done as per the 1984 J revised plan and will continue into the 1987 water year until the revision is approved by the Division. The current plan includes the fo]J.owing: 1. Continuous flow monitoring at seven stream gaging stations plus continuous flora monitoring at the outlet from Beaver Reservoir. 2. Continuous flow monitoring in cooperation with U.S.G.S. at the reconstructed Minnesota Creek Gaging Station site. ] 3. Quarterly water quality sampling at three surface water quality monitoring stations: The North Fork Gunnison River above Sylvester Gulch and the North Fork Gunnison River ~. below the mine, and the Sylvester Gulch flume site. 4. Monthly measurement of pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, 1 turbidity, a~ wnductivity at the six stream gaging 1 stations in the Minnesota Creek Basin and at Sylvester Gulch. J 5. Quarterly measurement of discharge and semi-annual water quality sampling on five springs issuing from or below the F-seam opal. 6. Quarterly measurement of flora from six springs issuing from or below the F-seam coal. I 7. .Monthly measurement of flow on five springs in the north half of the Dry Fork Minnesota Creek Basin. ' 8. Monthly water level measurement for thirty one wells. 9. Quarterly field water quality measurement for three wells ' located within the facilities area or North Fork Alluvium, as well as four wells in the lower refuse pile area. 10. Semiannual water quality measurement at five wells completed in the "F" seam and three Barren Member wells. ll. Measurement of all mine water discharges, and mapping of inflow locations. (1)