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<br />Ron Thompson <br />Page 3 <br />January 16, 1998 <br /> <br />Alluvial water quality remains slightly more saline than [he surface water, which recharges the alluvium, <br />but is within an acceptable range for all known and current uses. Quality changes due to mining are not <br />apparent. <br />Bedrock ground water quality has stabilized in well NM-20 at approximately 370 mg/I, after being much <br />higher in [he previous years. This could be due to original skewed values due to completion or could be <br />from movement of aquifer waters toward the mine workings (gradient reversal) and subsequent "Flushing" <br />of the well. Well NM ? I was not sampled in 1996 (out of service) and only one historical sample exists, <br />indicating a TDS of approximately 1020 mg/I. NM-22 was sampled three times during 1996 and TDS has <br />stabilized at approximately 530 mg/I. If drawdown is occurring as suspected, gradient reversal would <br />cause water to move toward the mine to the south. Thus, water samples from these wells are likely <br />indicative of formation water to the north of the completed wells, not degraded As the mine floods, the <br />ground water gradient will likely stabilize and re-establish ground water movement to [he north-northeast. <br />Degraded water from the mine workings could then migrate from the vicinity of the mined area to these <br />completed wells. <br />Water quality in well SF-2 completed in the overburden southeast of the mined area appears highly saline <br />and results of sampling are suspect. The last sample indicates sodium and chloride values far in excess of <br />what would be expected. Continued monitoring is necessary to determine the reasons for these suspect <br />results. No conclusions on quality can be made at this time for this well. <br />Spring and See~Survey <br />The spring and seep survey was conducted approximately one month late, in September rather than in <br />August. Spring Flows have been variable over the historic monitoring period and are generally small, <br />having only a localized importance to wildlife or livestock. There is no evidence at this time that mining <br />activities have reduced or impacted the springs in the area. 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 Santistevan <br />Canyon. It is not clear whether this is due to the transient nature of the spring or improper spotting of this <br />spring. <br />um a <br />Monitoring frequency compliance was poor due to mine cessation, personnel, and management problems. <br />The water monitoring plan has been modified to better meet the needs of the operator and the Division <br />(TR-44). Surface water quantity and quality changes are small to no existent and due to on{y the <br />possibility of limited discharge, surface water impacts are not expected. Ground water quantity impacts <br />appear greater than what is predicted in the PHC. Quality impacts are suspect or not likely, due to current <br />ground water movement. <br />Based on review of the 1996 Annual Hydrology Report for the Golden Eagle Ivtine, the Division has the <br />Following questions. <br />nVl I. What measures has Basin Resources initiated to improve on the completion of the water <br />pV1~ monitoring program in accordance with the approved plan? <br />