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2004 AHR McClane & Munger Canyon Mines Pa e 5 <br />Groundwater <br />Table 5 shows the results of groundwater sampling during 2004. The average static <br />water level for the baseline years of 1981 and 1986 is also shown. Results of quality <br />sampling are consistent with the results from previous years. Water depths were lower <br />than baseline values. GW-4 in close proximity to a hay field that is irrigated during dry <br />periods and in danger of being eroded with an oxbow has been replaced with GW-3. <br />GW-3 is located adjacent to the road south of GW-4 and should be outside of the <br />influence of the irrigation of the hay field. Refer to Figure 4.2-2 of the McClane Canyon <br />Permit. The Division of Minerals & Geology has approved this substitution. <br />Pond Discharges <br />There was one discharge from the McClane sediment pond during the year. The <br />sediment fences at McClane, Munger Canyon and Loma were maintained as <br />necessary. The Munger Canyon gob disposal area sediment pond was constructed <br />during the reporting period. <br />Discharge monitoring from the sediment ponds and mines are regulated by the <br />Colorado Discharge Permit System Numbers CO-0038342 (McClane) and CO-0040827 <br />(Munger). Copies of Quarterly Discharge Monitoring Reports have been provided, under <br />separate cover, to the DMG at the same schedule required by the CDPS Permit. They <br />are included in this report by reference. <br />McClane Creek Temporary Diversion <br />The Operator placed four wooden gabions in the McClane Creek channel during 1997 <br />to ensure the channel would remain stable. The gabions were to provide a solid place <br />in the channel bottom to limit any further erosion. Please see the discussion in Volume <br />II, Appendix M, beginning on page M-5. During December 2004, the Operator surveyed <br />the channel to determine if the gabions were functioning as designed. The survey was <br />compared to the channel profile shown on page M-6. Only three of four gabions were <br />located and they did not align very well with the data shown on page M-6. Also, the <br />elevation datum has changed from that used in the survey in 1997. The channel <br />profiles were compared as shown of Figure 5. The best fit was found by aligning the <br />upper most gabions from both surveys. There is some erosion evident below the upper <br />gabion that should be jointly inspected by the Operator and the DMG. <br />Probable Hydrologic Consequences <br />The mines will have negligible effect upon the hydrologic regime of East Salt Creek. <br />The area disturbed is small, sedimentation and surface water systems have functioned <br />well for over ten years. The inherent poor quality of surface water in the area is the <br />result of site specific environmental factors not from any impact caused by the mines. <br />Most storm events that have exceeded the design criteria required by the Division of <br />Minerals & Geology have not been a problem for the system to handle. The effect that <br />the mine has on the groundwater hydrology of East Salt Creek has not been detected. <br />