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51,740 ac ft (Crowfoot et al, 1996). The annual runoff in the Purgatoire is dominated by • snowmelt, with peak flows occurring in May and June. Summer and fall thunderstorms generally produce smaller peaks of short duration. 1.2 MONITORING PROGRAM Monitoring programs have been conducted since February 1984 to assess the effects of past, present, and future mining operations on surface and groundwater quality and quantity. These programs provide information for the operators of the facilities as well as to regulatory agencies such as the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DBMS) and the Colorado Department of Public Heaith and Enviromnent (CDPHE). DBMS programs are designed to monitor past and present, and to anticipate future, effects of mining activities on the hydrologic regime of the azea. One aspect of the CDPHE program addresses water quality as required by the National Pollution Dischazge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. These stations aze shown on Map 8, Regional Hydrology in the Permit Document and quarterly NPDES reports have been submitted to both CDPHE and DBMS as they were prepazed. The DBMS monitoring program at the New Elk mine consists of surface water sites, ponds, and alluvial wells, as presented in Table 1.2-1 Hydrology Monitoring Requirements and Table 1.2-2, Water Quality Parameter Sample Suites. In addition, special monitoring programs were continued during the year. These include piezometers in the Refuse Disposal • Area which monitor slope stability, and water levels monitored in the sealed New Elk mine underground workings. This program was modified during 1999 to monitor only those stations of interest and in 2004 to reduce the frequency of sampling events due to limited scope of operations at the coal processing facility. Monitoring of springs and seeps in the azea of the New Elk mine was also conducted. The following aze descriptions of the current sampling stations, their locations, and their purpose. Surface Water (streams and rivers) PRS-1: A grab sample and flow station located on the Middle Fork of the Purgatoire River above the surface facilities of the New Elk mine. This stafion was selected to assess stream quality and flow above significant mining activities. Data collected during this year at this Station are presented in Appendix A Water Quality Data 2006. PRS-4: A grab sample and flow station located on the Purgatoire River below the New Elk mine surface facilities. This station was established in 1992 to assess potential effects of mining on stream quality. Data collected at this station during this yeaz is presented in Appendix A Water Quality Data 2006.