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The effects on the side canyon drainages should be similar to the Purgatoire alluvium. Based on general <br />• geologic mapping, the alluvial area of each canyon was multiplied by the permeability. The water lost to <br />seepage in Apache Canyon has been estimated at 0.3 gpm. This represents less than one percent of the <br />calculated runoff for this canyon system. <br />The Purgatoire River monitoring sites, PRS-1 and PRS-4, had flow throughout the yeaz similar to those <br />encountered in previous years. <br />The water supply system and the sewage treatment plant (N)r033) were out of service for the entire yeaz. <br />No discharge from any of the ponds at the property was recorded in 2005, due to limited operational <br />activities and average climate conditions. Pond 8 operated as a "pass through" facility thoughout 2005. <br />The outlet to pond 7 was maintained in the closed position. The operational plan calls for a preliminary <br />water sample to be collected and tested for settleable solids prior to initiating any dischazge from the <br />pond. <br />Water levels for alluvial wells (PAW -series) were within historic ranges for water levels at individual <br />sites. <br />3.1.3 Groundwater <br />• As might be anticipated from no noticeable impact from dewatering activities conducted in the 1980's, <br />there has been no noticeable impact on groundwater hydrology from the gradual flooding of the New Elk <br />Mine. The apparent low vertical Iransmissivity and integrity of the surrounding rocks might inhibit any <br />effect of free water on the rechazge of the overburden. The depths to which recovery might be taking <br />place are probably too far removed from the ground surface to manifest any impacts at the surface (seeps <br />and springs) at this time. <br />3.1.4 Piezometers <br />Refuse Disposal Area piezometer readings are included in this report ('t'able B-10). TH-201, on the first <br />bench, and TH-202 and TH-203 on the second and third benches had minimal water throughout the yeaz. <br />Embankment stability, the primary purpose of the piezometers, is discussed within the quarterly waste <br />pile certifications. <br />3.2 WATER QUALIT'1' <br />3.2.1 Springs and Seeps <br />The 2005 spring and seep survey occurred in August. There is no evidence that mining activities have <br />affected the water quality of springs or seeps, nor are such changes anticipated. Additional discussion of <br />springs and seeps is contained in Appendix C. <br />n <br />U <br />15 <br />