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<br />Ron Thompson <br />Page 3 <br />January 16, 1998 <br /> <br />Alluvial water levels, as indicated in wells PAW-5 upstream of the mine and PAW-6 downstream <br />of the mine continue to show normal variation due to seasonal influences and no impact to alluvial <br />water levels can be identified at this time. <br />Alluvial water quality remains slightly more saline than the surface water which recharges the <br />alluvium, but is within an acceptable range for all known and current uses. Quality changes due to <br />mining are not apparent. <br />Spring and Seep Survey <br />The spring and seep survey was conducted in August in accordance with the approved plan. Spring <br /># 1 in Cherry Canyon was observed with the highest flow recorded since 1988 at 3 gpm. Spring #2- <br />7 in Alamosito Canyon remains at approximately .5 gpm. Springs # 15, # 16, and # 17 in and near <br />Ciruela Canyon were dry or had very small flows. Spring #18 in Parras Canyon remains at about 1 <br />gpm. Spring #20 in Santistevan Canyon was flowing at 5 gpm. Wet Canyon springs were masked <br />by the presence of surface water flows and could not be measured. Springs #26 and #27 remain at <br />about I gpm. Conductivity readings indicate water quality is suitable for livestock and wildlife use. <br />No impacts to springs due to mining aze apparent. However, given the apparent drawdown to the <br />overburden and coal seam, there is the potential that spring flows have been reduced or re-located, <br />especially to the north of the mined area. Spring 20 is noted as spotted at three locations in <br />Santistevan Canyon. It is not clear whether this is due to the transient nature of the spring or <br />improper spotting of this spring. <br />Summary <br />Monitoring frequency compliance was excellent during 1997. The water monitoring plan has been <br />modified to better meet the needs of the operator and the Division (TR-44). Surface water quantity <br />and quality changes are small to non-existent, and with a low probability of point source pond <br />discharge, surface water impacts are not expected. Ground water quantity impacts appear possible <br />and continued monitoring through the bond liability period should assist in positive identification of <br />mining impacts. Quality impacts aze not apparent and water quality from the mine workings <br />indicates impacts to ground water quality are unlikely as mine water does not show degradation to a <br />significant degree. <br />Sincerely, <br />Kent Gorhallm <br />Environmental Protection Specialist <br />cc: Dan Hernandez, DMG <br />Jerry Koblitz, Greystone <br />