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1 LJ 1 1 1 L~ 1 INTRODUCTION :x:<~,,:a::::^:~::'sr~s~r;.••~~:q~os:~~ac::x::~::;:,.,,,..r~oa.. ~:~::.: ~:.r~~ a~caxz;•~.;::.+aa':rar.:a,'s~:.'~e:zau:rasa:~a':::::::~.zawmos~c~a:,oa-~: ~x: r~.:'at;rxx's:;:a;:,.:s;ewa;,:c:::'a's::a~a'cxa:.:~a:r,~;:.v In October 1980, Chimney Rock Coal (now Kaiser Ventures, Inc.) began a hydrologic sampling program. The program involves sampling the various chemical and physical constituents at numerous surface and groundwater stations. The mine site is located approximately 20 miles southwest of Pagosa Springs, Colorado on Highway 151. The mine facilities are situated adjacent to Stollsteimer Creek which is a perennial stream draining the area. Stollsteimer Creek flows to the southwest into the Piedra River which is a tributary of the San Juan and Colorado Rivers, respectively. The objectives of this program are designed to gather information on both surface and groundwater regimes and to assess the potential impacts of mining and reclamation activities on the existing hydrologic balance. To this end, samplings have been conducted to assess surface water flow and groundwater movement. Water chemistry has also been analyzed at both surface and groundwater stations. Mining activities were suspended at the site during 1985 and the mine was in temporary cessation between 1985 to 1990. In 1990, Kaiser began final reclamation of the surface facilities area and Revision 1 pit area. This activity was completed during 1991, at which time all facilities associated with mining (except sediment control structures) were removed and all disturbed lands were reclaimed. Sampling locations which have been utilized during the program are described below: S-1 Surface water station located on Stollsteimer Creek 1/4 mile above the mine facilities. The station was selected to assess baseline conditions of stream quality and flow above mining facilities. S-2 Surface water station located on Stollsteimer Creek below the surface facilities and mining activities conducted on the Barren Ridge Area and above the inlet of the sedimentation ponds which control site runoff from the Revision Area No.1. The station was selected to assess effects of surface operations on stream quality and flow. S-3 Surface water station located on Stollsteimer Creek one mile below all mining activities. The station was selected to assess the overall effects of mining on stream quality and flow. DC-1 Deep Creek surface water station located on Deep Creek at Highway 151. The station was selected to assess overall effects of mining in Revision Area No. 2 located in the Deep Creek drainage. 1 ./ ,® 1997.05J/J/OI -1698(8: 17em)