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• (USGS). Prior to the 1989 Water Year, the USGS also collected and analyzed water quality samples from the <br />two sites. Since the 1989 Water Year, Cyprus has collected water quality samples from these two sites for <br />subsequent analysis by ACZ laboratories. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to "1996" in this report to <br />refer to the 1996 Water Year. <br />GROUND WATER MONITORING <br />Bedrock <br />Two monitored wells (008-77-58 and 008 79-6; see Figure 2) are completed in the Wadge Overburden (which <br />includes the Wadge Coal). <br />Water Levels -Levels in the wells have been measured since 1979 (Figures 4 and 5). Water levels in Well 008- <br />77-58 showed a sharp decline from March 1979 to February 1980. A generally increasing trend is noted since <br />with recently recorded water levels approaching the initial levels documented at this site. Water levels in Well <br />008-79-6 rose abruptly in 1980 and continued to show an increasing trend during the period 1981 through mid- <br />1986, followed by a slight decreasing trend during the period 1987 through 1993. Water levels since 1993 are <br />• again shown to be increasing. The abrupt rise in 1980 is probably due to water level recovery in the Wadge <br />Coal and overburden following cessation of mining in the vicinity of this well in 1979 or 1980. The trends from <br />1983 on appear to follow the general climatic trends illustrated by the flow data presented as Figures 15 and l7. <br />The data illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 generally indicates that the water level in the Wadge overburden varies <br />seasonally. Recorded water levels in the spring are typically higher than in the fall. Seasonal fluctuations in <br />both wells typically vary by as much as 6 feet, although the seasonal fluctuation in Well 008-79-6 appears to <br />have diminished somewhat in the time period following 1986. Water level fluctuations in the nearby alluvial <br />well 008-AV-2 show a similar pattern, suggesting that the seasonal fluctuation and general trend since 1986 are <br />the result oC related trends and fluctuations in Foidel Creek and the alluviwn. Water level fluctuations observed <br />during 1996 were consistent with previously established patterns at both wells. <br />Explanations for the water level fluctuations and trends in Well 008-77-58 are not readily apparent. The water <br />levels dropped abruptly between 1979 and 1980. The reason for the decline may be related to dewatering <br />operations occurring during the aborted underground mining attempt at Mine No. 3 (May 79 to June 1980). <br />Water level recoveries, however, are not nearly as abmpt although a relatively steady upward trend is evident. <br />Within this long term pattern, the water level fluctuations at this well generally follow the longer term climatic <br />trend, with slight increases noted for the wetter period 1982 dvough 1986 followed by a slight decrease for the <br />dryer period 1987 through 1992. Water levels from 1992 though 1996 are again noted to be increasing. The <br />• associated climatic patterns are again reflected in the flow data presented as Figures I S and 17. A relatively dry <br />-2- <br />