Laserfiche WebLink
• the Elk Creek access road. The water that passed through this culvert must pass through a silt <br />fence before it is discharge into Elk Creek. The sample point was the point where the water <br />cascades off the U-shaped concrete foundation. Results of the analysis are included in section <br />3.5.1. The sample was in compliance with the limitation stated above. No other samples <br />were obtained during regulaz site inspections of SAE sampling points and spot checks during <br />storm events. <br />Surface water monitoring points U-1 (Unnamed Drainage) and C-1 (Coal Gulch) aze <br />designed to verrfy that the underground mine does not have an adverse effect on the quality of <br />run-off in the Unnamed Drainage or Coal Gulch which are both ephemeral streams. <br />Monitoring results are expected to be similar to the baseline data. <br />U-1 was monitored monthly, with no flow recorded in any month. C-1 was monitored <br />monthly with flow recorded in April and May. The quarterly full suite of surface water <br />parameters aze scheduled for March, June, September, and December. U-1 and C-1 were dry <br />during these months so no full suite was analyzed. <br />Surface water monitoring points NF-1 (North Fork upstream) and NF-2 (North Fork <br />downstream) are designed to sample the flow in the North Fork of the Gunnison River above <br />and below the Sanborn Creek Mine disturbed area. Monitoring results are expected to be <br />similar to the baseline data, and no significant difference in quality is expected between the <br />upstream and downstream monitoring points. <br />• NF-1 and NF-2 were monitored quarterly, in March, June, September, December. <br />The quarterly full suite of surface water parameters was analyzed for each monitoring event. <br />Results of the analysis are included in section 3.8.1 and 3.9.1. <br />Colorado School of Mines was contracted to conduct an aquatic impairment study for <br />the Sanborn Creek Mine requested by the Colorado Department of Health. The purpose of <br />the study was to investigate possible impacts of the mine discharge on the aquatic habitats and <br />organisms of the North Fork of the Gunnison River. <br />On January 30, 1995 the Colorado School of Mines, Division of Environmental <br />Science and Engineering issued the final report "Aquatic Impairment Study of the Sanborn <br />Creek Mine Discharge, Somerset, Colorado." A copy of the report was submitted in the 1995 <br />Annual Hydrologic Report. The conclusions of the study aze that the Sanborn Creek Mine <br />has a minimal effect on stream macroinvertebrates in general, that the discharge has little, if <br />any, effect on the overall food base for fish, and that the use of the river for fishing has not <br />been impaired. Somerset Mining Company agreed, and Oxbow Carbon Minerals, Inc. agrees <br />with the conclusions of the report. <br />Further, as a result of the report, additional "WET" testing following the report, and a <br />record of compliance during routing testing, the CDPS discharge permit was ammended. <br />Monitoring frequency has been reduced, and the "WET" test is now required for fathead <br />minnows only. <br />Spring monitoring points SP-1 through SP-11 are designed to monitor the springs and <br />correlate the data with the prior monitoring data presented on pages 2.04-29vii through 2.04- <br />• 29xvu of the permit document. One year prior to retreat mining under Springs 1 through 6, <br />