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<br />' Appendix E. The location of Qal-5 is shown on Plate 1 in the pocket of this report. The Qal-5 <br />' hydrograph shows a significant increase in the alluvial water level of the White River since the <br />second half of 1985. This rise was due to the filling of Kenney Reservoir. Since that time, <br />fluctuations reflect the seasonal rise and fall of the reservoir level. <br />2.2.1.2 Alluvial Water Quality Data The water quality data for Qal-5 is contained in Appendix <br />' E. The statistical summary of the data is also contained in Appendix E. The average depth to <br />water was 0.22 feet greater than during the prior water year. The fifth annual hydrology report <br />noted that the general increase in the average TDS that started when Kenney Reservoir was <br />' filled was beginning to slow down. There has been a generally decreasing trend since 1992. <br />Based on the data collected during the past water year, the TDS value is 2410 mg/I. This <br />' compares to an average during the previous reporting period of 3170 mg/I. A graph showing <br />the magnesium, chloride and TDS levels for Qal-5 is also included in Appendix E. <br />' The water quality of the White River is considerably better than that in the alluvium indicating <br />that permeability in the alluvium is restricted resulting in a relatively low degree of <br />' communication between the river water and the water in the alluvium. The existence of Kenney <br />Reservoir decreases the groundwater gradient that may inhibit the natural tendency for the <br />alluvium to flush itself of the higher dissolved solids content. The potential effects, therefore, <br />' were projected that the dissolved solids of the White River alluvium in the vicinity of Scullion <br />Gulch would increase initially as prior unsaturated zones become saturated. TDS would then <br />' gradually decrease with time to near or slightly above baseline conditions as these zones are <br />slowly flushed of their salts. There was a 24% decrease in the TDS during this water year <br />compared to the previous year (2410 mg/I vs. 3170 mg/I). <br />' 2.2.1.3 Bedrock Water Level Data Hydrographs for the 16 bedrock monitoring holes are <br />' contained in Appendix D. The locations of the holes are shown on Plate 1 in the pocket of <br />this report. As noted in the original Deserado Mine permit application, the three zones being <br />monitored (upper sandstone facies, siltstone and coal facies, and the lower sandstone) <br />' identify three different stratigraphic zones which lack the characteristics of typical aquifers. <br />The strata are tight as demonstrated by pumping tests. <br />The "upper sandstone facies" holes are designated by a name ending in "U". <br />' All upper facies holes experienced a drop in depth to water from 2.5 to 5.9 feet (except <br />previously dry holes) due to drier climatic conditions than prior years. 32-7U dropped 23.0 <br />' feet and is now dry due to mine development within 240 feet in the B seam. <br /> <br />' s <br />