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• control runoff from reclaimed areas east of Middle Creek. Pond M3S (Site 76) is subject to the effluent <br />limitations detailed in NPDES Permit No. CO-0027154. <br />Sites 24 and 76 (See Tables 14, 14A, 14B, IS , 15A, and l5B) discharged primarily in response to <br />spring runoff during the 1997 Water Year. Discharges occurred in conformance with the established <br />NPDES effluent limitations. Figures 26 and 27 provide graphical representations of the field <br />conductivity values measured for these sites during the 1997 Water Year. All values were within the <br />expected range of readings previously experienced. <br />CONCLUSIONS <br />No significant hydrology impacts attributable to activities or developments at Mine No. 3 are observed <br />to have occurred during the 1997 Water Year. Spoil spring discharges remained negligible and, <br />therefore, did not constitute a significant portion of discharge from the Mine No. 3 area with any <br />potential to impact off--site areas. The previously discussed trends of elevating field conductivity <br />measurements and TDS concentrations in the surface water sites and closely associated alluvial wells <br />are likely attributable to activities occurring upstream from Mine No. 3. These trends appear to be <br />leveling off in a narrowing range of values. No degradation of water quality or diminution of water <br />quantity is evident in comparing surface water sites above and below Mine No. 3. Discharges from <br />ponds M3N and M3S occurred in conformance with applicable NPDES permit limitations and therefore <br />did not constimte significant impacts to Middle Creek during the 1997 Water Year. Water levels and <br />chemical equilibrium in the spoil and overburden wells are not indicative of problematic impacts and <br />continue, with few insignificant exceptions, to vary within established normal ranges. <br />• <br />• <br />6 <br />