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__' . Memo - AHR CRCC - 2 - February 27, 1986 Ground Water Ten wells are monitored in or near the permit area. Four of these wells are alluvial completions (A-1, W-5, and W-7 which is a domestic water supply well); three are Fruitland Formation completions (W-6, W-9 and W-10); an one is a spoils completion (W-16). Two wells ( W-17, W-18) are Fruitland Formation and/or Pictured Cliffs Sandstone completions. These two wells, which are located in Deep Creek Canyon, are not required to be monitored by the current permit. The AHR indicates that We11 W-1 is an alluvial completion upgradient from the mine. Field investigations by Division personnel indicate that this well may actually be completed in the Pictured Cliffs Sandstone, or in a competent sandstone stringer within the Fruitland Formation. In either case, completion data for this well is unreliable. The wells of most interest are the alluvial wells located in the Martinez Meadow (A-1 and W-5); the domestic alluvial completion (W-7); and the spoils completion (W-16). Well A-1 exhibits the normal seasonal fluctuations of water levels expected in an alluvial aquifer. Water quality is not sampled at this site. Well W-5 also exhibits normal seasonal variations in water levels. The quality of the alluvial water closely mirrors that of Stollsteimer Creek at surface water Station S-2. The above information indicates that the alluvial and surface water systems are closely related. Well W-7, located above the mine in the Stollsteimer Alluvium, is useful for comparative purposes. This well was not monitored in 1985. No abnormal fluctuations in quantity or quality are observable at Wells W-1, W-6, W-9, or W-10. We11 W-16, is a spoils completion well in the reclaimed area of the east pit near Highway 151 (not at the Barren Ridge Reclamation Area as stated in the report). This well is of interest as it monitors the development of the spoils aquifer in the backfilled East Pit. The water sampled is poor quality, but better then expected. The water type is sodium bicarbonate, and exhibits slightly elevated levels of magnesium, sulfate, manganese, and iron. The elevated iron is probably due to the steel casing used. The water level of the spoils aquifer has been rising over time. In December, 1983, depth to water was approximately -103 feet. In December, 1984 depth to water was about -94 feet. The water level during 1985, however, only fluctuated +4 feet. This is probably due to the configuration of the original pit. It is suspected that the water level will be fairly stable for the next year or two, before slowly rising again.