2004-12-07_PERMIT FILE - C1984063

• Permit No: C1984063
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 12/7/2004
• Section_Exhibit Name: Rule 2.04 Environmental Resources
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Ground water quality samples were analyzed for various units
at the nearby Thompson Creek and Sunlight mines. Samples
M-1, P2-2 and PZ-3 from Thompson Creek are from the Bowie
shale member (lower? of the Mesa Verde group. Samples M-2,
M-3 and M-4 are specifically from the "upper sandstone"
unit. No significant, consistent differences in water
quality are noted in the analyses. The waters are primarily
of a Na - Ca - Mg - HC03 - S04 t>•pe (Figure 10: Groundwater
Trilinear Plot - Groundwater Qualityi. In two of three Bowie
samples, the Ca exceeds Na significantly. Total di=solved
solids range from 470 to 1,427 mg/1.
Samples from the Sunlight Mine are from the Paonia member
(upper), and are, predominantly, a Ca - Mg - HCOS - S04 type
(see Figure 97. The Ca:Na ratio is 4.5-5.0:1. No other
major differences from Bowie quality are apparent, except in
low chlorides C3 mg/1) indicating a coal seam type water.
With the exception of sample M-4 collected at the Thompson
Creek mine, all samples exceed recommended drinKing water
standards for one or more parameters. Parameters that
frequently exceed recommended levels include: sulfate,
manganese and iron. Magnesium, barium, boron and silver
exceeded limits in one sample each.
Data from one ground water quality sample is located in
Table 5: Ground Water Quality. The sample was taken from
• the Colorado River alluvium. The sourte is listed as ground
water, and due to the location Caproximately one mile west
of Rifle) is presumed to be from a shallow alluvial well.
The W. Shafto sample is a Na - HC03 - 504 type, with a Na:Ca
ratio of 2.44:1. Total dissolved solids are 760 mg/I.
The BLM spring and seep survey identified eight springs in
adjacent areas and were sampled once for specific
conductance and pH. Specific conductance of the sources
varied considerably, ranging from 359 umhos/cm to 3,240
umhos/cm. Specific conductance of the majority of the
springs was between 800 and 2,000 umhos/cm. The water was
slightl>• basic with pH generally ranging from 7.1 to 8.2.
. 45 Revised 5-87