2008-01-08_REPORT - C1980007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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West Elk Mine 2006 Annual Hydrology Report 42 5.2.1 Impacts to Water Quantity and Quality Spring and seep flows in WY 2006 continued to be below normal compared to historical averages, and in many cases below the flows measured in WY2005 (HydroGeo, 2006). Springs that were flowing in WY 2005 but not in WY 2006 include Spring 11-2, Spring 15-1, and Spring G-26A. These springs apparently have been affected by the drier climatic conditions occurring in WY 2006. Spring E14-1 located at the head of Box Canyon was permanently covered by the construction of a new drill pad in the summer of 2006. This spring had been dry since 1998. Other than Spring 14-1, there is no indication that of any changes to spring or seep flows were the result of mining activities. Water quality data from WY 2006 did not indicate significant changes from baseline conditions for most of the monitored springs. However the following springs had slightly elevated TDS and\or conductivity values that were also noted in WY2004 and WY2005. Spring 27-1 had a slightly elevated conductivity of 624 µmhos/cm compared to the maximum baseline value of 437 µmhos/cm and TDS of 450 mg/1 compared to the maximum baseline value of 300 mg/1. Spring G- 7 had a slightly elevated conductivity of 475 µmhos/cm compared to the maximum baseline value of 414 µmhos/cm and TDS of 280 mg/1 compared to the maximum baseline value of 230 mg/1. !~ Spring G-24 had a slightly elevated conductivity of 902 µmhos/cm compared to the maximum baseline value of 564 µmhos/cm. Spring G-14 had a slightly elevated conductivity of 1,060 µmhos/cm compared to the maximum baseline value of 682 µmhos/cm. Spring G-22 had a slightly elevated conductivity of 1,270 µmhos/cm compared to the maximum baseline value of 640 µmhos/cm and TDS of 790 mg/1 compared to the maximum baseline value of 516 mg11. Spring G- 31 had a slightly elevated conductivity of 981 µmhos/cm compared to the maximum baseline value of 975 µmhos/cm and TDS of 620 mg/1 compared to the maximum baseline value of 505 mg/1. Spring G-25 had a slightly elevated conductivity of 1,680 µmhos/cm compared to the maximum baseline value of 1,320 µmhos/cm. Spring G-35 had a slightly elevated conductivity of 1,220 µmhos/cm compared to the maximum baseline value of 1,130 µmhos/cm. Spring G-27 had a slightly elevated conductivity of 1,950 µmhos/cm compared to the maximum baseline value of 1,800 µmhos/cm. Spring J-4 had a slightly elevated conductivity of 470 µmhos/cm compared to the maximum baseline value of 429 µmhos/cm and TDS of 310 mg/1 compared to the maximum baseline value of 300 mg/1. These increased concentrations are most likely due to low flow rates during the sampling period in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and are not believed to be related to mining operations. MCC will monitor the water quality of these springs to see if any water quality trends occur. No mining-induced impacts to water quality or flows in the monitored springs are anticipated in WY 2007. December 2007 HydroGeo, Inc.