Laserfiche WebLink
J. E. STOVER & ASSOCIATES <br />2768 COMPASS DRIVE, SUITE 101 <br />GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO 81506 <br />PHONE: (970) 245-4101, FAX 242-7908 <br />MINE ENGINEERING <br />MINE RECLAMATION <br />June 10, 2003 <br />Dan T. Mathews <br />Division of Minerals and Geology <br />101 South 3rd, Suite 301 <br />Grand Junction, CO 81501 <br />Re: Snowcap Coal Company, Inc. <br />2001 and 2002 Annual Hydrology Reports <br />Permit No. C-81-041 <br />Dear Mr. Mathews: <br />C1VIL ENGINEERING <br />CONST. MANAGEMENT <br />RECEIVED <br />JUN 13 2003 <br />Division of Minerals and Geology <br />The DMG's letter dated May 22, 2003 questioned the apparent increase in TDS and <br />the relationship between TDS and conductivity for the UTL Wells. During our <br />evaluation of the analysis for 2002 compared to previous years we have found the <br />following: <br />1. The field conductivity reading for UTL 2 Well was comparable to <br />previous years. The conductivity reading for UTL 4 Well was <br />somewhat higher than previous years, but not remarkably so. <br />2. Due to drought conditions in 2002, the water level in both wells were <br />the lowest they have been since monitoring was initiated. It was <br />extremely difficult to get water out of UTL 4 well without disturbing <br />the bottom of the well. We believe this might have some effect on the <br />water quality. <br />3. I spoke with Kristi Brells, CT&E, and asked if they would go back and <br />check the raw data on the analysis of UTL 2 and UTL 4 Wells. I <br />thought it possible that they had the TDS results for the samples <br />switched. Upon reviewing the raw data, Kristi said the data didn't <br />readily show any errors in reporting, but it was possible the samples or <br />sample data were switched at the bench. She agreed that with the <br />field conductivity reading I had received and the TDS results from the <br />lab that an error was more than likely. <br />We will be sending in water samples for these wells for the annual full suite analysis <br />in August 2003. We will review the results as soon as they are received. If any <br />