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<br />Ron Thompson <br />Page 3 <br />01/l7/01 <br /> <br />near Ciruela Canyon were also dry. Spring #18 in Parras Canyon jumped to 20 gpm from about <br />3 gpm in 1998. Spring #20 in Santistevan Canyon also showed a large increase to 63 gpm from <br />a previous year reading of 15 gpm. Wet Canyon springs were flowing at approximately 3-10 <br />gpm. Springs #26 and #27 remain at normal levels at about 1.0 gpm. pH and conductivity <br />readings indicate water quality is suitable for livestock and wildlife use. No impacts to springs <br />due to mining are apparent. However, given the apparent drawdown to the overburden and <br />coal seam, there is the potential that spring flows have been reduced or re-located, especially to <br />the north of the mined area. As the water levels recover in the bedrock aquifers, flows in some <br />springs may increase. Most springs are related to isolated perched aquifers in the overburden <br />or shallow rider coals seams that have not been impacted by mining. The primary reason for <br />changes in spring flow are climatic changes, specifically precipitation variation. Dewatering of <br />gas wells may also affect spring flows in the area. Additionally, dewatering flows in the <br />headwaters of normally ephemeral drainages may mask accurate readings of springs. <br />Summary <br />Monitoring frequency compliance was excellent during 1999. Surface water quantity and quality <br />changes are small to non-existent. Surface water impacts are not expected. Ground water <br />quantity impacts appear possible and continued monitoring through the bond liability period <br />should assist in positive identification of mining impacts. Ground water quality impacts are not <br />apparent and initial field parameters taken from the mine workings indicate impacts to ground <br />water quality are unlikely, as mine water appears to be of similar quality as the baseline ground <br />water quality. Actual water samples of the flooded mine workings are scheduled when mine <br />flooding allows the retrieval of a water sample. <br />This concludes the Divisions review of the 1999 Annual Hydrology Report for the Golden Eagle <br />mine. Thank you for your diligence in completing the approved monitoring program. <br />Si rely, <br />Ke t Gorham <br />Environmental Protection Specialist <br />cc: Dan Hernandez, DMG <br />Jerry Koblitz, Greystone <br />