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Based on perennial vegetation, which is an indicator of long term precipitation, the <br />"normal" precipitation for the WRNM site is 11-14 inches/year. Precipitation for <br />1991 was apparently lower than normal for approximately the fourth year in a <br />row, based on conver::ations with local sources. However, 1992 precipitation was <br />within normal range. 'the distribution of precipitation is important for reclamation, <br />with over an inch/month through the 1992 growing season. See Figure 6-1 for <br />illustration of historical data. <br />For stream flow analysis, the water year (October-September) is the reporting unit <br />for precipitation. Water year precipitation for 1991 IOct. 90 -Sept. 91) was <br />9.74" and 13.08" for 'I 992. <br />In conclusion, after approximately four years of below average precipitation, 1992 <br />• was within the normal range for this location. Vegetative growth for 1992 should <br />have been greater than previous years as a result of increased precipitation. <br />Stream flow response to precipitation may be delayed or require several years for <br />detection of trends. <br />6.1.5 Monitoring Wells <br />Dedicated monitoring wells were constructed in 1990-91 to monitor four water <br />bearing zones, Dissolution Surface, B-Groove, A-Groove and Perched aquifers, see <br />Figure 2-1 for location. Immediately down-gradient, monitoring wells were <br />established six months prior to mining (April, 1990) to collect baseline water <br />quality and level data.. Up-gradient wells and additional remote, down-gradient <br />monitoring wells were drilled/recompleted during the summer and fall of 1990. An <br />. additional monitoring vvell was completed in 1991, utilizing the recompleted IRI-5 <br />46 <br />