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A comparison of the water quality parameters in East Salt Creek shows no significant water <br />quality changes between samples taken above and below the mine. The inherent poor quality of <br />surface water in the area is the result of site specific environmental factors not from any impact <br />caused by the mines. <br />Water samples collected show that the quality of the water is generally the same as for <br />previous years. Storm events large enough to cause runoff in all creeks cause high levels of total <br />suspended solids and other flow dependent parameters. These events can also cause increased <br />concentrations of soluble parameters that have been flushed from the normally dry creek beds <br />above the mines. The Division's review of the 1992 annual hydrologic report revealed that <br />Manganese concentrations were high both above and below the operations. The 1996 water year <br />Manganese concentrations were significantly lower than previous years and are shown below. <br />LOCATION East Salt Creek McClane Creek Munger <br />Above Below Above Below `` <br />SW-1 SW-8 SW-5 SW-2 SW-3 ~d_ <br />4THQ'95 0.530 0.439 DRY DRY Y ~,,,~~c~~ <br />1 ST Q'96 0.012 0.004 DRY DRY N/A # ~,F~,J' ~ ~ <br />2ND Q'96 0.064 0.041 DRY DRY DRY ry~'~ ~ <br />3RD Q'96 0.105 0.050 DRY DRY DRY pr j~° <br />Groundwater <br />• Table 5 shows the results of groundwater sampling during 1996. The average static water <br />level for the baseline years of 1981 and 1986 is also shown. Results of quality sampling are '` <br />consistent with the results from previous years. GW-4 in close proximity to a hay field that is <br />irrigated during dry periods and in danger of being eroded with an oxbow, has been replace with <br />GW-3. GW-3 is located adjacent to the road south of GW~ and should be outside of the <br />influence of the irrigation of the hay field. Refer to Figure 4.2-2 of the McClane Canyon Permit. <br />DMG has approved this substitution. <br />PROBHBLE HYDROLOGIC CONSEQDENCES <br />The mines will have negligible effect upon the hydrologic regime of East Salt Creek. The area <br />disturbed is small, sedimentation and surface water systems have functioned well for over ten <br />years. Most storm events that have exceeded the design criteria requved by DMG have not been <br />a problem for the system to handle. The effect that the mine has on the groundwater hydrology of <br />East Salt Creek has been decreased further since water is now being imported to the mine and no <br />further dewatering will take place until water in 001 North Section backs up to the seals and is <br />drained to the water sump or water is intersected east of the current workings. <br />If there are questions or if I can be of further assistance please contact me. <br />Sincerely, <br />.,1~~~ <br />• ohn M. Walters <br />Manager Of Mine Services <br />AHFt - 96 Page - 4 1 - 16 - 97 <br />