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• SAMPLING METHODS To ensure sampling consistency, Jim Hendricks of Oakridge Energy, Inc. has collected all water samples at the Carbon Junction Mine. All water samples have been tested at the CDS Laboratory in Durango, Colorado. Grab samples for the wells were taken by lowering the sample bottle into the wells with a rope attached to a piece of PVC pipe. When the sample bottle reached the water it was filled and retrieved. Appropriately sized and labeled bottles for ground water sampling were obtained from the CDS Laboratory prior to sampling. Depth to water was measured by a depth meter that was lowered down the well on a spool. The meter indicated it had reached the water by a beep (generated by an electric current), and the measurement was taken. Meters were also used to determine pH, temperature, and electrical conductivity from the grab samples. Grab samples were collected from the springs as close to the visible source of water as possible in an azea of undisturbed flow. Appropriately sized and labeled bottles For surface water sampling were obtained from the CDS Laboratory prior to sampling. Flow measurements were derived for the springs by visually estimating the amount of water flowing from the springs in gallons per minute. • RESULTS -SPRINGS FOR 1997 WATER YEAR Two springs were sampled during the 1997 water year. The springs sampled were Spring 3 (REA SPG #3) and Spring 4 (CJ-LO-SPG #4). Both springs originate below the mine and permit area. Spring 3 (REA SPG #3) is approximately 1,000 feet south of the permit area in REA Canyon. Spring 4 (CJ-LO-SPG #4) is approximately 200 feet west of the permit area in Carbon Junction Canyon. Summaries of the data collected for the 1997 water year for the springs are found in Tables 1 and 2. During the first three quarters of the 1997 water year, neither spring flowed. Lower flow in the 1997 water year may be attributed to low snow pack in the vicinity of Cazbon Junction Canyon and the recharge area of the springs. This is not uncommon in the historic sampling record. During the fourth quarter of the 1997 water year, Spring 3 (REA SPG #3) had observed flow, while Spring 4 (CJ-LO-SPG #4) remained dry. The only recorded pH was slightly lower for Spring 3 (REA SPG #3) than in the previous two water years. Temperature for the one recorded flow at Spring 3 (REA SPG #3) was within the range of values observed during prior water years. Electrical conductivity (EC) was significantly lower in the one sample from Spring 3 (REA SPG #3) during the last quarter of the water year. The level of total dissolved solids found in Spring 3 (REA SPG #3) dischazge was within the limits observed in prior water years. Total suspended solids levels in this discharge was higher than in prior . observations. -3-